Meet Our Staff

  • Emily Bussen Wain

    Executive Director

    Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Emily graduated from Rockhurst University in Kansas City and later obtained her LMSW from LSU. She was a Jesuit Volunteer at the HTC in 2004-2005, after which she returned to St. Louis with her family. Emily kept in touch with us and when plans were made to reopen the HTC after Katrina, Emily moved back to New Orleans to serve as our Assistant Director, a position she held from 2007 until 2020 when she was appointed the HTC’s Executive Director. Emily is well-known among our community of guests and volunteers and is a beloved leader amongst the HTC team.

  • Eva Sohl

    Assistant Director

    Eva has 14 years of experience working with community development and nonprofit initiatives that promote the dignified treatment of marginalized communities. Her experience working with people experiencing homelessness inspired her to pursue her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southern University in New Orleans.

    While in school, Eva interned at the Rebuild Center with the Harry Tompson Center and Depaul USA New Orleans and focused her studies on understanding the complexities of homelessness. In her role as Assistant Director, Eva oversees the daily operation of our courtyard, assessing and assisting nearly 100 individuals to receive the care they need.

  • Kip Barard

    Program Director

    Kip, a New Orleans native, joined the HTC team in August of 2013. He has worked in various social service agencies in the New Orleans area helping the unhoused and other underserved populations for 12 years including Odyssey House and ARC. Prior to this, he was a Respiratory Specialist at Charity Hospital. Kip provides case management services to vulnerable guests frequenting the Harry Tompson Center and helps them secure permanent housing.

  • Katey Lantto

    Case Manager

    Katey was our Jesuit Volunteer for the 2017-2018 year. Serving in this capacity fortified Katey’s desire to turn her natural gift for helping people into a career. After Katey graduated from Loyola Chicago with a BA in Anthropology, she began working full time as a Case Manager for HTC. She is most excited about her work having a lasting impact on our guests as she helps navigate them back into a more comfortable and sustainable lifestyle.

  • Paisleigh Kelley

    Communications Director

    Paisleigh is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and holds a Master’s degree in Communication. She’s always felt compelled to work in a service-oriented role and is thrilled that her background in education and non-profit administration led her to the Harry Tompson Center. Her favorite part about working at the HTC is interacting with the guests and articulating their stories to our supporters.

  • Dion Campbell

    CRRC Site Coordinator

    Dion Campbell is a lifelong resident of New Orleans and first learned about the HTC working as a receptionist for the Travelers Aid Society where she regularly interfaced with HTC CRRC staff and guests. Married for 28 years, mother of three, and grandmother of ten, Dion’s heart knows no bounds, which is part of what drew her to the role of Site Coordinator at the CRRC. Her goal is to change the lives of our guests for the better. Important in this mission is also maintaining a positive work environment for the CRRC staff so that everyone feels their best and can do their best in service of the guests.

  • Carla Jinks

    Center Assistant

    Once unhoused herself, Carla spent two years living on the streets of New Orleans before discovering the Rebuild Center. She was soon housed through the Rapid Rehousing for Chronically Homeless Individuals Program (RRCHI), a service provided by collaborating partner, Depaul USA. Carla’s big heart and giving nature made her a staple among the volunteers at the Rebuild Center until she began working for the HTC at our CRRC extension site as a Center Assistant.

  • Rashad Gray

    Center Assistant

    Rashad is a huge asset to the HTC. His ability to connect with and relate to guests as they arrive at the Center is unparalleled. Outside of work he is an artist, a creator, and skilled musician.

  • Ryan Grace

    Jesuit Volunteer, 2023-2024

    Ryan Grace is serving as our 2023-2024 Jesuit Volunteer. A graduate of Marquette University and a native of Ohio, Ryan is excited to spend a year in New Orleans. Initially drawn to the position due to his social nature and desire to challenge himself by getting out of his comfort zone, Ryan has settled into his role as hygiene services coordinate exceptionally well! He loves how active he is throughout the days and truly cherishes the interactions and relationships he’s had with our guests. In the future, Ryan hopes to continue working in the nonprofit sector and making a positive impact on society. In the meantime, he spends his free time with friends and family, indulge his hobbies of fishing, cooking, reading, and running. We’re delighted to have Ryan on board and are as excited as he is for his time with us!