Hope's Haven Village
Hope's Haven Village
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Our Team

Alison D. Chambers – Founder & Executive Director

I am a seasoned restaurant leader and community-minded entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience managing high-volume operations in the food service industry. Over the course of my career as a General Manager with national brands, I developed deep expertise in inventory control, staff training, customer service, and operational efficiency, earning a reputation for transforming underperforming locations into well-run, profitable businesses. Alongside my restaurant leadership, I have also served as a certified Notary Public and previously worked as an Emergency Medical Technician, experiences that taught me attention to detail, crisis management, and a strong sense of service. Most importantly, I am the founder of Hope’s Haven Village, a visionary transitional living and trauma-informed education community for veterans, survivors of abuse, and their children. Through Hope’s Haven, I am creating a safe, structured path for individuals and families to heal, gain life skills, and achieve independence. My goal across all of my work is the same: to lead with respect, kindness, and joy while building organizations that make a lasting impact.

Mary-Gail Tallent – Director of Social Events

I am a dedicated hospitality and events professional with a passion for creating

memorable experiences for children, families, and adults. With extensive background

in the food and beverage industry, I developed strong customer service and

operational skills, moving into management roles where I honed my leadership,

organization, and team-building abilities. My roots in community and church service

have shaped my approach to events and programming. I have worked in church child

care, served as a social committee member, and taught Sunday school to elementary

students — experiences that gave me a deep understanding of how to plan activities

that are safe, engaging, and meaningful for a wide range of ages. While managing my

own anxiety, I have learned strategies to handle challenges and support others

effectively. Drawing on skills my mother taught me for managing ADHD without

constant supervision, I am able to help people at Hope’s Haven develop practical

tools to navigate their own experiences with anxiety and ADHD. Today, as Director of

Social Events, I bring together my hospitality expertise and community spirit to design

and deliver fun, innovative programs. Whether orchestrating large gatherings or age-

specific activities, my goal is to lead a team that sets up amazing events and lasting

memories for children, adults, and families alike.

Cynthia Howard – Director of Social Media

I am an experienced hospitality and customer service professional who has built a

career around creating welcoming, organized, and family-friendly environments. Over

the years I have worked extensively in the food and beverage industry, honing my

skills in customer care, operational efficiency, and team coordination. My background

also includes working in child-friendly playrooms, where I developed a deep

appreciation for safe, engaging, and structured spaces for children and their families.

Alongside my hands-on service experience, I have advanced into management roles,

where I’ve supervised staff, streamlined workflows, and implemented high standards

for quality and safety. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in

leadership, communication, and problem-solving under pressure. Today, I combine

that operational know-how with a natural talent for social media. As Director of Social

Media, I leverage my knack for online engagement to build vibrant digital

communities, showcase programs, and tell the stories of the people and projects I

represent. My goal is always the same: to connect authentically with audiences and

amplify the mission of the organization.

Antonette Riley-Saxton-Director of School Intake and Registrar

My name is Antonette Riley-Saxton, and I am a proud graduate of the Technical

College of the Lowcountry. Earning my credentials from such a respected institution

was not just an achievement — it was a stepping stone that helped shape who I am

today. I am a state- certified Pharmacy Technician, and I take great pride in the work I

do each day to support health, wellness, and healing within my community. Beyond

my professional life, I am a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a natural-born leader.

Family means everything to me, and they are my constant source of strength,

motivation, and joy. I believe that leadership is not about titles — it’s about service,

humility, and compassion. That’s why I live by the principle: “I would rather serve than

be served.” I am a woman of kindness, purpose, and integrity. I strive every day to be a

light in someone else’s life, no matter how big or small the gesture. Whether it's

through a smile, a word of encouragement, or lending a helping hand, I aim to leave

every person better than I found them. To know me is to love me, not because I'm

perfect, but because I lead with my heart. I believe that love, service, and faith can

move mountains — and that our true purpose in life is to touch the lives of others in

meaningful ways. My goal is simple: to make a difference. One person, one moment,

one life at a time. If you would like to connect with me, feel free to reach out at 843-

305-2962.

Torrence O. Saxton – Headmaster & Principal

My name is Torrence O. Saxton, and I am a proud native of South Carolina with a

passionate commitment to educational excellence, community empowerment, and spiritual leadership. My journey is rooted in a steadfast belief that every child— regardless of circumstance— deserves an opportunity to rise, thrive, and leave a legacy of impact. I am a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina (Sports and Retail Management) and earned my Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership in Education from Concordia University. I currently serve as the Headmaster and Principal of Hope Haven K-12 Schools, where I champion an environment grounded in excellence, equity, and empowerment. My mission is to equip students with the precise skills they need to succeed in our ever changing society, while also creating a lasting experience for students, staff, parents, and community leaders alike. I am also the founder of Team Courage, a dynamic organization that focuses on redirecting children's negative kinetic energy into positive reinforcement and personal growth. Through mentorship, hands-on activities, and educational support, Team Courage is cultivating the leaders and change makers of tomorrow—one child at a time. In addition to my professional roles, I am an ordained minister at Campbell Chapel AME Church in Bluffton, SC. My faith serves as the cornerstone of all that I do—guiding my work in education, community engagement, and family life. I am a loving husband and a devoted father to three amazing children, who inspire me daily with their energy, questions, and resilience. My family is my greatest blessing and my constant source of strength. I am also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. For professional inquiries, I can be reached at: tos1906dadesired1@gmail.com 803-842-2185. I believe education is more than books and tests—it's about developing hearts, sharpening minds, and lifting spirits. Whether in the classroom, the community, or the church, I am committed to inspiring courage, excellence, and faith in the next generation. With God, vision, and unity, all things are possible.

Romane Emmanuel Satterfield-Executive Chef for School and Events

Romane Emmanuel Satterfield brings a rich and varied culinary background to Hope’s Haven Village. From his early work as a Meals Clerk and Deli Associate at Publix, where he prepared everything from delicacies to fried chicken and sandwiches for loyal customers, Romane developed a passion for food that bridges comfort and quality. He went on to serve with the Lowcountry Food Bank, helping to prepare and deliver meals for the Meals on Wheels program, directly supporting vulnerable residents across the region. As a temp with a staffing agency, Romane gained additional experience at venues such as The Rice Mill, Bosch, and The Yacht Club, refining his skills in high-volume, fast-paced environments. He has also worked in the deli departments at Bi-Lo and Piggly Wiggly, mastering a wide range of products and service styles. Romane’s experience spans southern comfort food, upscale platters, and carving stations, demonstrating his ability to adapt to diverse cuisines and settings. His love for food is tangible and contagious, and he brings both skill and heart to every kitchen he enters — qualities that will enrich the communal dining experience at Hope’s Haven Village.

Stefanie Dovak – Director of Intake

As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of addiction and the

journey of recovery, I understand how overwhelming and difficult it can feel to start

over. Hope’s Haven has given me a second chance, and I am committed to showing

that same compassion to every individual who walks through our doors. In my role as

Director of Intake, I will ensure that each resident is matched with the right

roommate, the right living environment, and the right counseling support—whether

through AA, NA, or other resources—so they feel guided and supported from day one. I

bring management experience that allows me to carefully hire and lead staff who

share my passion for helping others. I know firsthand what it takes to get clean and

stay clean, and I will use my personal insight to guide both my team and our residents

with empathy and strength. Hope’s Haven is not only a place where I can give back; it

is also a place that continues to help me stay on the right path in life. That is what

excites me most about this role: the opportunity to grow while helping others grow. I

am dedicating 100% of my heart, experience, and background to supporting those who

want the help—and together, we will build a community where second chances turn

into lasting success stories.

Kevin Meeks – Director of Landscaping & Maintenance

I bring over five years of customer service experience and three years in management, with a proven track record of training staff effectively and creating a positive, motivated workplace. I take pride in fostering an environment where everyone is ready to work together and contribute to a shared mission. In addition to leadership experience, I have hands-on skills in landscaping and minor maintenance, combined with a strong desire to help people in need—the very mission Hope’s Haven is built upon. My team will be ready and available 24/7/365 to ensure that the grounds and facilities remain safe, welcoming, and well-maintained all year round. • Landscaping Team – dedicated to keeping our grounds looking top rate, visually appealing, and a source of pride for residents, staff, and visitors. • Maintenance Team – quick to

respond to equipment repairs or replacements, ensuring operations are never interrupted. Together, these two teams will keep Hope’s Haven at 100% excellence year-round, for many years to come. Beyond upkeep, we are committed to teaching and empowering residents. In their first three months, residents will participate in learning how to care for their yards and maintain their home equipment—skills that will help them succeed when they transition into independent living. Safety is our top priority. We will proactively prevent rodents, insects, and snakes from disrupting our grounds. At the same time, we will engage all ages in caring for plants, trees, and homes, teaching valuable life lessons through community involvement. As Director of Landscaping & Maintenance, I am excited to lead with excellence. I will hold weekly

team meetings to address issues, plan improvements, and ensure that seasonal flowers and holiday decorations keep Hope’s Haven warm, inviting, and full of life. This role is not just a job for me—it is a career and calling. I look forward to many years of service at Hope’s Haven, ensuring the community remains safe, beautiful, and inspiring for everyone who calls it home.

Hope's Haven Village

843-452-2751

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