Our mission is to create a world where HOPE is the foundation of all our efforts. We strive to inspire and uplift those affected by domestic violence, fostering an environment where support, self-determination, authenticity, commitment and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.
Healing: We are committed to supporting the emotional and physical healing of survivors, providing resources and care to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
Opportunity: We are committed to providing survivors with the opportunity to rebuild their lives, offering resources and support that enable them to create new paths and achieve their goals.
Partnership: We value strong partnerships with survivors, community organizations, and other stakeholders, working together to provide comprehensive support and create lasting impact in the fight against domestic violence.
Empowerment: We are dedicated to equipping survivors with the tools, resources, and support needed to rebuild their lives, regain their independence, and make informed choices for their future.
As the Chief Executive Officer of Esperanza Shelter, Jan McCray leads the organization’s strategies and operations to provide survivors of domestic violence in Santa Fe with the services they need. With over 20 years of experience in the legal and nonprofit fields, her role at Esperanza includes collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies and groups to develop and implement trauma-informed service best practices, evaluate program quality and outcomes, and build relationships with community stakeholders, volunteers, and donors. Ms. McCray holds a JD of Law and a bachelors in sociology and criminology. She is an expert in the correlation between homelessness and domestic violence as well as domestic violence strangulation. Ms. McCray is a passionate and dedicated professional who strives to raise awareness and drive positive change to end interpersonal violence, while creating a safe and empowering environment for survivors and staff.
Ronelle Shoda is vice president of client services at Esperanza Shelter, where she provides strategic oversight of all client services, including Counseling, Hope Advocacy (case management and community navigation), Court Advocacy, emergency residential shelter, and facilities operations. With more than a decade of experience in sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy, she brings deep subject matter expertise and a strong commitment to survivor-centered care. Prior to her current role at Esperanza Shelter, Ms. Shoda served as a victim advocate and later as shelter director, in another state. These roles shaped her holistic understanding of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivor needs. Guided by a passion for advocacy and excellence in service delivery, she is dedicated to ensuring that individuals and families receive the comprehensive support they need to heal, regain stability, and move forward.
Jan Stewart is vice president of donor and community relations for Esperanza Shelter, where she leads marketing and development efforts to strengthen support for survivors and foster a safer, more compassionate community. With more than 30 years of experience in senior marketing roles across the private sector and nonprofit organizations, she brings a deep commitment to community building and mission-driven leadership. Her work with Child Advocates of Harris County—both as an advertising agency account manager and as a volunteer—shaped her understanding of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the complex cycle of abuse. A graduate of Rice University, Ms. Stewart grew up in Houston but has called Santa Fe home for more than 20 years, where she is grateful for her work with United Way of Santa Fe County, Thornburg Investment Management, and other local organizations, and values the friendships and relationships she has built over the years.
The Shelter’s Board of Directors is made up of community leaders who offer expertise and experience from a wide variety of fields, which lends prestige to The Shelter and the work it does in the community.
Cheryl S. Ancell has served on the board for Esperanza Shelter since 2022 and became board president in December 2023. With nearly 40 years of experience at a large global company, she brings leadership and dedication to the cause of supporting survivors of domestic violence, a mission that is personally meaningful due to her own experiences. Originally from Colorado, Ms. Ancell is passionate about empowering and giving back to the community.
Jules Natowitz has served on the board of Esperanza since 2023, and as Vice President since December of that year. With business experiences at both large and small developing organizations, she brings a unique perspective on management, workflow, and finance. Ms. Natowitz is committed to giving back to her community, helping people to overcome personal challenges.
Caryn Fiorina has served on the board of Esperanza since May 2024. With over 30 years in State and City Government, she brings experience in information technology, finance and management to champion support for survivors of domestic violence. Ms. Fiorina has a master’s in information security and a bachelor’s in business computer systems. Give that she was born and raised in Santa Fe, this cause is especially meaningful to her in giving back to the Community she loves.
Rob Lunn has a 49-year volunteer career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an EMT-I and 38 years as a Senior National Ski Patroller where he has helped provide emergency medical care for thousands of people in need of emergent care including people with mental health issues and dealt with individuals involved in domestic violence situations. He also has over 10 years professional work experience as a Crisis Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor. This work includes working in a Substance Abuse Detox facility. Rob has a 20-year career in Public Health in State Government working in Vermont and Maryland. In Maryland and Vermont, he was the Director of HIV/ AIDS programs while also providing care to STD and Hep C affected clients. He continues his volunteer work in EMS as the Patrol Director for Sandia Peak Ski Area. Rob looks forward to his work as a Board member for Esperanza.
Dr. Jeannette Baca joined the Esperanza board in January of 2024. She is an Associate Professor in the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University and a licensed independent clinical social worker in New Mexico. Dr. Baca consults with the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, providing technical assistance and training for the Children’s Capacity Building Project. She has over 30 years of social work practice experience in New Mexico with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Dr. Baca is passionate about creating environments where trauma survivors and their children are safe, and their expertise and choices are valued and supported.
Jane Brennan has served on the board for Esperanza Shelter since December of 2023. She is a licensed mental health professional with over 25 years of experience in her field. Most of Ms. Brennan’s career has been spent in the Middle East working with expatriates and nationals — both in private practice and through The American University, Cairo, Egypt. She brings experience and dedication to the mission of Esperanza to support survivors of domestic violence and in serving her community.
Christine Castro joined the board of Esperanza Shelter in July 2024. She has more than 30 years of experience leading media, communications, public affairs and investor relations functions for publicly held global brands in the media and technology sectors. Ms. Castro has been a resident of Santa Fe for nearly a decade and is dedicated to serving the community through her work at Esperanza Shelter and other local boards.
Christine Castro joined the board of Esperanza Shelter in July 2024. She has more than 30 years of experience leading media, communications, public affairs and investor relations functions for publicly held global brands in the media and technology sectors. Ms. Castro has been a resident of Santa Fe for nearly a decade and is dedicated to serving the community through her work at Esperanza Shelter and other local boards.
Esperanza Shelter is a member of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, and the Santa Fe Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Esperanza also works closely with other local organizations to best serve our clients.
These partnerships include:
We at Esperanza Shelter Inc. acknowledge that our work is conducted on the traditional, unceded lands of the Tewa people, O’Ga P’Ogeh Owingeh (White Shell Water Place), or Santa Fe, New Mexico. Surrounding us are the landscapes of a vast number of communities including the Apache, Cochiti, Hopi, Navajo, Pueblo, and Taos, whose people continue to maintain vital connections to this place.
We recognize and honor the historical and ongoing contributions of Native American communities in New Mexico, especially the resilience and strength of Indigenous women and families who have faced and continue to face the impacts of domestic violence and systemic injustice.
In alignment with our mission to foster hope and empowerment for all survivors of domestic violence, we are committed to building a supportive and inclusive environment for Native survivors and collaborating with local tribal organizations.
We offer our respect and gratitude to the Indigenous peoples of this region as we continue to work toward a future rooted in compassion, self-determination, and healing for all.