Our Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who work in local business and community networks. They play an integral role in the fiduciary oversight of the agency as well as serving as stewards of our 10,000+ donors and volunteers.
Board Officers
Wyatt's Bio
Wyatt joined the Valley Mission Board of Directors in 2020. Wyatt has long-standing family ties to the Valley Mission and is currently the Chief of Security for Middle River Regional Jail. He is a lifelong resident of Staunton and Augusta County.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
My greatest joy as a board member has been providing direct service to the community through Mission programs such as food preparation and sorting at the thrift stores. It is a reminder of the great work and important service that our staff provide each and every day, and I am honored to be a very small part of that.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I wish the community knew more about the myriad of programs and resources the Mission provides to families and individuals. Contrary to only providing shelter, the Mission does an amazing job coordinating other community resources, providing educational and after school programming, and multitudes of other important stabilizing activities to help those in need.
Megan's full bio is coming soon!
Megan is the current Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Megan also serves as the Executive Director of Blue Ridge Court Services in Staunton.
Phil's Bio
Phil Thompson joined the Valley Mission Board in 2021. Phil has been the Director of Operations for Virginia Regional Transit since 2017 and is a lifelong resident of Nelson County Va.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
Although having served a very short time as a board member, I have been impressed at the scope of services offered to our residents, especially those for families with youngsters who have access to the VM after school program.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I wish the Shenandoah Valley knew and understood fully the positive impact the Valley Mission has been, and continues to be, for families in crisis. I would wish them to know the important role the Valley Mission serves as a safety net and springboard toward a new beginning.
Sergeant Shifflett's full bio is coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Karen's Bio
Karen Tupitza joined the Board of Directors in 2022. She lives in Nelson County with her husband Jon and dog, Maisie. She is Vice President and Wealth Management Officer for First Trust & Wealth Management, a division of First Bank & Trust. She has been a Certified Financial Planner® for over 25 years specializing in estate and retirement planning, along with philanthropic gifting.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION? Firsthand knowledge of how many supporters the Valley Mission has and the various ways they give – through monetary contributions, donations of goods and services, along with volunteer time brings me the greatest joy. What an amazing community we live in!
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? Every dollar is carefully accounted for, and every resident is cared for by an amazing coordination effort to ensure success. The Valley Mission goes much further than providing meals and a bed. By coordinating all services such as mental and physical health, employment opportunities and so many more, there is a higher likelihood of ending an individual or family’s homelessness status for good.
Judge Sherrill's Bio
Coming Soon!
Board Members
Kay's Bio
Kay King is the former Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Kay is the wife of Steve Kiracofe and the mother of Abby. Kay and her family reside in Staunton, and Kay works with the medical malpractice defense team at TimberlakeSmith.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION? One of the most joyful aspects of serving on the Board of Directors is knowing firsthand how many individuals, churches, civic organizations, and businesses support the Valley Mission through monetary and in-kind contributions, time, and talents. I am thankful for our “village” of supporters and the love that they share with the folks that we serve.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? Our staff ROCKS. It is not easy living or working in a homeless shelter. Our shelter staff is dedicated, respectful, and compassionate. Our two thrift stores, which help fund the shelter, are staffed by professional, creative, and hardworking folks.
Cathy's Bio
Cathy joined the Valley Mission Board in 2020. Cathy works as the Resource Development Specialist with Blue Ridge Legal Services and is a resident of the City of Staunton.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
The things that have given me the most joy over the years at the Valley Mission are the roll-up-your-sleeves type of activities like serving a meal, painting/cleaning a family room, or volunteering at one of the stores. It’s nice to be able to do something in the moment that has instant gratification. However, the reason I love these activities is that I get to know the people – the residents, the staff, and the volunteers. It’s inspiring to spend time with people who donate their time toward such a good cause, and with the people who choose to work with the residents in the Valley Mission, helping them feel at home during a trying time. By far, the most eye-opening and humbling experience of all has been getting to meet and know the residents. Before working with the Valley Mission, I did not know a lot about homelessness or poverty. The experience opened my eyes to the circumstances and realities many people face and challenged the stereotypes I had seen in the media about homelessness. But, you don’t have to be a board member to do any of that!
The joy that I’ve had that is exclusive to being a Board Member is probably the pleasure of knowing that the organization is run extremely well and is in great hands with Susan, Rachel, and the other admin staff. Our community is so lucky to have those folks doing the work they do, and keeping the Valley Mission strong and stable.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I want people to know that if a person needs help or a bed, the staff at the VM really do try to make it work. Because the Valley Mission houses children and families, there have to be rules in place about being under the influence and/or having some criminal records. For instance, a sex offender could not take up residence at the Valley Mission. That said, it is completely against the DNA of the mission to send someone away. Very often they are offered shelter away from the residents, or referred to another place. To my knowledge, no one has ever been turned away without some kind of help.
The Valley Mission is not just a place for people to lay their heads. It’s a place for people to stay, yes, but it also is a rehabilitation center, offering help, counseling, job coaching, resume building, etc. The goal is to help the residents build a foundation for a stable life and a permanent home. It is so much more than just a place to stay.
Not regarding the Valley Mission, but about poverty and homelessness, I wish people knew or at least thought to question their assumptions. Residents at the Valley Mission come from all backgrounds, education and income levels, and most work full or part-time while living at the mission. There is not one face to homelessness. Additionally, America is in an affordable housing crisis right now; there are not enough low-income housing options for those that need it, and families are forced to live in a place above their means. When bills start to pile up, and rent falls behind, it is extremely hard to catch up. Once an eviction happens, it’s even harder to find a place to live. Poverty and homelessness can happen to anyone and it’s our job as fellow humans on this earth to help one another without judgment.
The Valley Mission does just that – it lends a helping hand with love, compassion, and care, and I am extremely honored to be on the board.
Dr. Sauder's Bio
Kurtis joined the VM board in 2020. He has been in pediatric practice in Staunton and Augusta County for 27 years and lives with his wife, Cindy, in Augusta County. Cindy teaches at Stuarts Draft Middle School. They have three adult children and three grandchildren.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
My greatest joy while being on the board has been in seeing people who I know from other parts of my life benefiting from the services provided by the mission and in getting to know other board members and staff.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I wish people were more aware of the other services provided at the Valley Mission beyond just providing a place to stay.
Beverly's Bio
Beverly is serving her first year as a member of the Board of Directors. She has lived in Staunton for 15 years and is a Realtor with Nest Realty Shenandoah Valley.
Noelle's Bio
Noelle joined the Valley Mission Board in 2023. She and her husband moved to Staunton in 2015, and they have three small children. Noelle is a litigation attorney at TimberlakeSmith whose practice focuses on defending health care providers.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
I enjoy seeing all the different types of people and organizations that come together to support the Valley Mission and its goals.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I wish people knew about the breadth of services that the Valley Mission provides its residents. From a safe place to sleep and a warm meal to mental health services, after school programming, and assistance with housing, the Valley Mission takes a holistic approach to helping those who need its services.
Cindy's Bio
Cindy joined the Board in 2023 and has lived in our area her entire life. Cindy is currently working for the Middle River Regional Jail as Forensic Discharge Planner.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
My greatest joy since I have been on the Board has been serving with such good people and helping others in our community.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I wish that people knew how hard the staff work to make folks happy and comfortable in a very stressful situation.
Graham's Bio
Graham Butler joined the Valley Mission Board in 2023. Graham has been a trial attorney covering 22 counties and 10 cities in the western part of the Commonwealth for 15 years. Graham grew up in Memphis and the Mid-South/Delta.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
I love working with the Board and the Finance Committee. I can see the tangible things that we do every day for our local families in need. I have the greatest joy seeing people leave the Valley Mission on their way to recovering their life both financially and mentally.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I wish the Shenandoah Valley knew and understood fully the positive impact the Valley Mission has been, and continues to be, for families in crisis. I would wish them to know the important role the Valley Mission serves as a safety net and springboard toward a new beginning.
REVEREND Craft's Bio
John Craft joined the Board in 2024, and has lived most of his life in Staunton with his wife Vickie, and their daughter, Laura. John has worked for over 30 years in law enforcement, and is also the Pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Staunton.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
Being invited to membership on this Board ignites in me the joy of service and outreach. My Christian beliefs inform me that faith is most fully realized when in action. I feel called to offer myself in service to others, and to call this community to join together in providing a seat at the table to all those we are blessed to call neighbors.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
The Mission offers a place where those in life’s transitions can feel safe and cared for as they discover possibly new ways to begin again. The Mission offers people of all backgrounds a support system as they process where they are, and begin to envision where they want to be. Along that journey, the staff, volunteers, and those that support the Mission’s goals all offer a glimpse of what real community looks like, and provide resources to make the vision become reality.