Meet Our Team
Staff
Lynn Ann Huizingh
Executive Director of Development
Lynn Ann has served our shelter guests since 2013. Over the years she has developed a deep love and passion for our guests, the volunteers who join us, and celebrated the Kingdom partnerships God has brought about as a result of this work.
Christy Smith
Executive Director of Operations
Christy started as a volunteer with Severe Weather Shelter Network in 2015 and quickly became connected to the ministry. Being homeless herself several times as a child, she felt compelled to help the homeless population in a way that mattered. She became an employee in 2017 serving in multiple roles such as the Leadership Team, Transportation Coordinator, and Management of Operations.
Karen Primus
Administrative Assistant
Karen joined the team in May 2022 as the administrative assistant. She has a heart for people and helping people who don’t really have a voice in society. She has a creative background with a BFA in Dramatic Arts and loves to use the skills she has learned to help others. She is excited to be able to assist in the process of helping people experiencing homelessness.
Board Members
Elizabeth Catalan
Board Member
Liz has been volunteering with Severe Weather Shelter Network for nearly 5 years. She also helps lead the Severe Weather Shelter Network mission within her home church, Arvada Vineyard. In addition, she leads another group outside of this mission of private volunteers that help serve the unhoused population of Aurora – they call themselves “The Breakfast Club.”
Corey Garris
Board Member
Corey Garris is the Lead Pastor of Arvada Vineyard and helps lead the Mile High Vineyard family of neighborhood churches. He joined the staff in January 2014 because he had a desire to work with a passionate team committed to building a network of churches to spiritually influence the city of Denver. Corey also sits on the Board for Severe Weather Shelter Network.
Steve Persichetti
Board Member
Steve has been involved with local homeless mitigation for over 30 years and celebrates being a part of a new chapter in life for many who are no longer enduring life on the streets. He strives to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s nudges to engage for a better tomorrow for those folks whose paths cross with his. He has met children, and even grandchildren of some of those folks who are enjoying a better life now.
Randy Weinert
Board Member
Randy has had successful careers in both the private and nonprifit sectors. In his primary career, he had the responsibility for the effectiveness of advertising for many of the world best known brands. After retiring, he became the Director of Communications for Catholic Charities and later, served as Manager of Volunteers, Community Outreach, and Development for Community Table. Both he and his wife volunteer with SWSN.
Berzette Green
Board Member
Berzette Green is a Case Manager and Housing Specialist at Mission Arvada of The Rising Church. Berzette has successfully helped house over 500 individuals who were considered chronically or literally homeless. Berzette’s professional goals are to further her education and continually increase her knowledge of available or potential resources to help those in need. In her free time, Berzette enjoys camping, fishing, and playing basketball with her family and friends.
Ben Renkoski
Board Member
Jason Overholt
Board Member
Sheryl Reicher
Board Member
Jen Bock
Board Member
Susan Mueller
Board Member
Bob Stewart
Board Member