Staff

Kirk Welch, Executive Director:

Originally from Talladega, Alabama, he joined the US Army and served 22.5 years before retiring in 1999. During his service with the Army, he was awarded a Bronze Star. He has lived in Virginia Beach for 27 years with his wife Sharon and 2 adult children Ramel and Shanta'. He has one grandchild Imani. Kirk has many hobbies including reading and sports, especially Pittsburgh Steelers football. Kirk as been a member of the JCOC staff since July 2000.

He is the former JCOC Assistant Director and Director of Programs. 

Email: kirkwelch@jcoc.org

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Tony Zontini, Assistant Director, Director of Development & Education

From Norfolk, Virginia, Tony received his Bachelor of Science and Masters in Education from Old Dominion University.  He is married to Margaret and has a son, John, and daughter, Amelia.  He was in the High School Hall of Fame with Norfolk Catholic High School and the ODU Hall of Fame, and is currently the Chairman for ODU’s Hall of Fame Selection Committee.  Before working with the JCOC, Tony taught and coached baseball, football, track and basketball for eleven years, then worked in the car and also insurance business. He started at the JCOC when the Director of the JCOC Oceanfront Preschool position became available in 2003.  He enjoys outdoor sports, particularly golf and physical exercise.

Email: tzontini@jcoc.org

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Addie Silverthorne, Director of Finance and Administration

Born in New York City and currently resides in Virginia Beach with her husband, David.  She has four sons: Justin, Aaron, Michael, and Derick, as well as one grandchild, Amrik, and another on the way.  She went to Okalossa-Walton Community College in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. While working at a local bank, Addie wanted for more fulfilling work where she could help others.  Addie applied for the Office Manager position and received a call three months later.  She’s been with the JCOC since July of 2007 and is now the Director of Finance and Administration.

email: asilverthorne@jcoc.org

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Ruth O'Lill, Grants Manager

Originally from a small town in upstate New York, Ruth currently resides in Norfolk.  She has two sons, Bill and Chester, and two brilliant grandsons, Fletcher and Calvin.  She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communications from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY, and is the author of two books: A Personal Guide to Hope (2003) and Songs to Sisters (1998).  She’s been with the JCOC since October of 2004.  She’s worked in the nonprofit field for most of her career and has also participated in NEST with her Norfolk church.  Her hobbies include long-distance cycling and camping and quilting.

Email: rutho@jcoc.org

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Lindsey Creef, Volunteer Coordinator

 

 

 

 

 

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Peter Galuffo, Senior Case Manager

Peter grew up in rural Fluvanna County, VA in the Fork Union area and currently resides in Portsmouth, VA with his wife Stacey, an environmental specialist for the State Health Department, and their two dogs, Banjo and Fiddle, and two cats, Oboe and Kazoo.  He was offered a case management position with the JCOC after completing an internship with Old Dominion University here in January of 2006.  He has both his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Social Studies as well as his Bachelor of Science in Human Services Counseling.  He returned to college for his second degree in his 30s.  His hobbies include hiking, hunting, camping, and canoeing.

Email: petergalluffo@jcoc.org

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Whitney Marker - Case Manager

Her father was in the Army, so Whitney has grown up all over the United States, having spent the last seven years in Virginia Beach.  She attended Roanoke College, studying sociology and Middle Eastern affairs.  She was an award-winning delegate for the Model UN in both college and high school.  She has three nephews (Drew, Charlie, and Zack), two nieces (Kadyn and Zowie), and two German Shepherds (Sophie and Howie).  She volunteered at the Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke, as well as with the Autism Society of Virginia.  She was also an assistant teacher with special needs elementary students.  Her hobbies include baking, playing with the dogs, going to the beach, road trips, and family get-togethers.

Email: whitneymarker@jcoc.org

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Dena Haygood - Thrift Store Manager

 

 

 

 

 

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Nancy Gatlin - Kitchen Supervisor

Born in New York, Nancy moved to Connecticut when she was 12 years old. She went to the University of Connecticut to receive her Bachelor of Science in Business.   She is single, living with two cats, Austin & PJ.  She has two children: Darren is a Doctor of Hematology in Maine, and her son Michael was in English & Architecture.  She is a former resident of the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, and because of her involvement, she was able to go to school to become a Certified Kitchen Manager.  She calls the staff at the JCOC her extended family.  Before working for the JCOC, she spent 24 years with the IRS.  She has worked with the JCOC for 5 years.  In her spare time, she loves to garden, oil paint, read and cook.

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Mercedez Ramirez - Receptionist

 

 

 

 

 

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Herbert Old - Thrift Store Staff

 

 

 

 

 

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Lisa Coole - Thrift Store Staff

 

 

 

 

 

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Pete Hogan - Thrift Store Staff

 

 

 

 

 

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Robert Kyzer - Thrift Store Staff

 

 

 

 

 

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Sateoun Berg - Thrift Store Staff