Cynthia Smith, Executive Director

Joe Cornish

Amber Carroll

Beryl Onedera

Arlene Ramirez

Jim Smelker

Cynthia Smith, Executive Director.joined IHN in December of 2002 after 17 years of corporate and non-profit experience in the U.S. and Europe. Was the Founding and Managing Director of Venture Initiative, a firm dedicated to assisting the portfolio companies of Silicon Valley venture capital funds with business strategy, revenue development, and fundraising.  Prior to that Ms. Smith led the Business Development arm of several high-tech communications firms.  Ms. Smith additionally worked in the United Kingdom analyzing subsidiary operations for non-profit Link Romania and raising UK government funding for The Street Paper, St. Petersburg, Russia.  She is also a dedicated community volunteer for a number of local non-profits.  Graduated Stanford University.  Responsible for general, fiscal and development oversight of IHN.

Joe CornishProgram Supervisor – joined IHN in June 2004.  Mr. Cornish led Tyco’s Safety Compliance and Component Operations for 12 years.  Has chaired Northern California division of international non-profit organization since 2000. Appointed to San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board in September 2004.  Responsible for IHN shelter program oversight

Amber CarrollCase Management Supervisor – joined IHN in August 2005.  Ms. Carroll is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and brings 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector providing program coordination, supervision, and direct client services to children, youth, and adults.  Responsible for overall case management.

Beryl Onedera

Arlene RamirezHousing Supervisor – was a founding employee of IHN, joined in September 2001.  Twenty years working with housing in San Mateo County as a Housing Specialist assisting homeless and low-income populations.  Recognized by County Supervisors and Women in Government as outstanding Woman of the Year in 2002 for her extraordinary commitment and service.  Responsible for assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing.

Jim Smelker Van Driver & Program Supervisor – was a founding employee of IHN, joining in January 2001.  An Electrical Engineer, Jim retired after 40 years working as a Computer Programmer and Senior Systems Design Specialist, the later 30 years of which were served at United Airlines.  At IHN, he serves multiple roles including managing the IHN Day Center facility and transporting families.  In addition, Jim is a dedicated volunteer managing various functions at IHN Host Shelter Site, Hillsdale United Methodist Church