Volunteer Coordinator
Laura Frank
The Volunteer Coordinator oversees all aspects of volunteer engagement at WNSTL. Laura is responsible for vetting volunteers, maintaining accurate contact information, and ensuring each of our programs receives the support they need by connecting them with well-matched volunteers. She collaborates closely with program managers across the organization to make sure they have the volunteer support necessary to run their programs effectively. In addition, Laura coordinates the monthly diaper deliveries as well as ride and driving support for the families WN serves. Her priority is working to ensure that every volunteer enjoys a meaningful, positive, and successful experience.
For any general questions about volunteering with WNSTL—or if you are interested in becoming a Family Partner—please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator.
Contact: [email protected]
Family Partner Coordinator
Marianne Griesedieck
The Family Partner Coordinator is responsible for recruiting new Family Partners and supporting those currently serving in the program. Marianne actively networks in the community, speaks at public events, and engages with existing volunteers to grow and strengthen our Family Partner program.
Together with Sharif, our Family Support Coordinator, Marianne conducts home visits with refugee families to assess their needs. She then carefully matches each family with the most suitable Family Partners. All newly matched partners complete required training with Amin, our Education Coordinator.
Marianne also leads our media, marketing, and web design efforts, drawing on her extensive experience in storytelling. A key goal this year is to share more family stories through various media channels to inspire and recruit additional Family Partners.
Support for Family Partners: Marianne is here to support you. If you are a Family Partner and need assistance or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to her.
Contact: [email protected]
Family Support Coordinator
Sharif Ahmadzai
The Family Support Coordinator is responsible for welcoming new families into our community and understanding their unique needs. Sharif, who is originally from Afghanistan, brings deep compassion and a personal commitment to every family he meets. He visits families in their homes, completes intake assessments, and determines whether they would benefit from being matched with a Family Partner or simply need support with a few immediate needs.
Sharif then works quickly and thoughtfully to help meet those needs. He manages all family data and currently provides Dari and Pashto interpretation for families across our programs. Sharif also oversees WNSTL’s partnerships with Home Sweet Home (furniture), Slyman Brothers (appliances), and The Bicycle Ministry (bikes), ensuring families receive essential household support.
If a family has a need, please contact Sharif.
Education Coordinator
Amin Sahel
The Education Coordinator oversees all education-related initiatives at WNSTL. Amin manages email communications for both the START program and the Family Partner program through Mailchimp. He is responsible for training new Family Partners and coordinating all ESL efforts, including matching ESL volunteers with students and maintaining educational materials for volunteers, staff, and families.
Amin provides Pashto and Dari interpretation and works closely with other immigrant support organizations across the community to ensure families receive well-rounded support. He leads adult education efforts for staff, volunteers, and families, offering thoughtful guidance and developing resources that strengthen our programs. Originally from Afghanistan, Amin has a deep understanding of the needs within the refugee community and consistently brings creative, effective solutions to support them. His wife is also a valued member of WNSTL as a chef in our Supper Club program.
If you would like to be added to an email group, have an idea related to adult education, know someone who needs an ESL tutor, or have connections to educators or speakers, please reach out to Amin.
Contact: [email protected]
CaseWorker
Delia Andrews
The Caseworker assists families with all needs involving a Social Security number or government-related social services. Delia provides support with completing forms, navigating systems, and managing processes such as Medicaid, SNAP benefits, school enrollment, doctor appointments, and other essential services.
For help with any government paperwork or social aid programs, please contact Delia.
Contact: [email protected]
Student Support Coordinator
Michelle Mote
The Student Support Coordinator oversees all student tutoring programs at WNSTL, including both the Wednesday Night Tutoring Program and the At-Home Tutoring Program. Michelle works closely with volunteers, families, and students to ensure each learner receives the academic support they need to succeed. The Wednesday Night Tutoring is 5th – 12th grade students. The At-Home Tutoring starts as young as first grade.
If you have a student who needs help with schoolwork, please contact Michelle.
Contact: [email protected]
Transportation Coordinator
Julie Wurdack
The Transportation Coordinator oversees all aspects of transportation support for WNSTL families. Julie manages car donations, coordinates driving lessons, and builds community partnerships to expand transportation resources. She works closely with families to assess needs and connect them with safe, reliable transportation options.
If your family needs a car or driving lessons, or if you have a car to donate, please contact the Transportation Coordinator.
Contact: [email protected]
Transportation Assistant
Tammy Eilers
The Transportation Assistant supports all administrative and operational aspects of WNSTL’s Transportation Program. Tammy manages data and reporting for driving lessons, car donations and purchases, taxicab and rideshare services (Uber and Lyft). Her work ensures accurate reporting for the staff, board and grant providers.
Contact: [email protected]
Supper Club Program Coordinator
Zohra Zaimi
The Supper Club Program Coordinator oversees all aspects of WNSTL’s food-based programs. Zohra manages the Supper Club events, coordinating menus, chefs, volunteers, and logistics to ensure each dinner is successful and meaningful for both guests and participating refugee cooks. She also organizes catering events and supervises dessert sales, helping our chefs share their talents with the broader community while generating supplemental income for their families.
Zohra leads the Unhoused Meals Program, coordinating volunteers and refugee chefs to provide warm, culturally diverse meals to individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition, she ensures all chefs receive proper food safety certification by managing ServSafe training and compliance.
Zohra works closely with families, chefs, and community partners to support economic empowerment and build cultural connection through food.
If you would like to host a Supper Club or order Catering for an event, please contact Zohra.
Contact: [email protected]
Marketing and Social Media
Megan White
Megan oversees all marketing, social media, and fundraising communications for WNSTL. She manages our public-facing messaging, creates content that highlights our mission, and ensures consistent visibility across all platforms. Megan also produces the weekly newsletters and manages email communication for all WNSTL supporters, keeping our community informed and engaged.
Contact: [email protected]
Supper Club Assistant
Kris Maly
The Supper Club Assistant supports all components of the Supper Club program. Kris works closely with Zohra to help coordinate Supper Club events, providing hands-on support with setup, logistics, volunteer coordination, and guest experience. She also assists with catering events and manages tasks related to dessert sales, helping ensure smooth operations and successful outcomes for both chefs and customers.
Kris plays an important role in creating a welcoming environment and helping the Supper Club program run efficiently and effectively.
Contact: [email protected]
START Assistant
Ahmad Safi
The START Assistant supports the Student Support and START programs. Ahmad assists Michelle on Wednesday nights with tutoring logistics and student support. He is also available to help with the drop-off and pick-up of donations, ensuring items get where they are needed most. In addition, Ahmad provides Pashto interpretation for families and students who need language support.
If you are a teen interested in volunteering, fundraising, or inviting us to speak at your school, reach out to Ahmad.
Contact: [email protected]
Director of Operations
Tiana Brass
The Director of Operations oversees the internal systems and processes that keep WNSTL running smoothly. Tiana manages all organizational expenses and works closely with our accountant to ensure accurate bookkeeping, financial compliance, and responsible stewardship of donor funds.
She oversees all software systems used across the organization—including Monday.com, Mailchimp, our donor database, scheduling platforms, and internal communication tools—ensuring staff have the technology and support they need to do their jobs effectively. Tiana provides ongoing staff support, handles office management, and maintains operational efficiency through strong organizational practices.
In addition, she leads the preparation and submission of grant applications and manages all required reporting for awarded grants. She also oversees donor management processes, helping maintain strong relationships with supporters and ensuring proper acknowledgment and tracking of contributions.
Tiana plays a central role in coordinating the day-to-day operations of WNSTL, allowing programs and staff to focus on serving families with excellence.
Contact: [email protected]
Executive Director
Ann Wittman
The Executive Director provides leadership and strategic direction for Welcome Neighbor STL. Ann oversees all staff and programs, ensuring that each department has the support, resources, and guidance needed to serve families effectively. She works closely with program managers, builds organizational cohesion, and ensures alignment with WNSTL’s mission and goals.
Ann also partners closely with the Board of Directors, providing updates on program impact, financial health, operations, and community needs. She assists with board planning, governance, and decision-making, helping guide the long-term vision of the organization.
Additional responsibilities include representing WNSTL in the community, building partnerships, supporting fundraising efforts, and ensuring that the organization continues to operate efficiently and compassionately.
Contact: [email protected]