Janelle Goetcheus
Medical Director
Dr. Goetcheus is a co-founder of Christ House as well as Columbia Road Health Services and Unity Health Care. Dr. Goetcheus is the recipient of numerous regional and national awards that recognize her dedication to serving the health needs of the poor in Washington, DC. In 1988, she was deemed a “Woman of Mercy” by the Sisters of Mercy, was inducted into the District of Columbia Women’s Hall of Fame in 1989, and received the 1990 Good Samaritan Award at the National Catholic Development Conference. The American Academy of Family Physicians named her “Doctor of the Year” in 1991, and she was recognized as the “Public Citizen of the Year” by the National Association of Social Workers in 1993. In 2002, she received the American Medical Association Pride in Profession Award. Most recently in 2017, Dr. Goetcheus received the Philip W. Brickner National Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have significantly strengthened service and/or advocacy that addresses the health status of people experiencing homelessness.
Allen Goetcheus
Pastor
Allen is a co-founder of Christ House and served as President from 1985-2016. He is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and serves as pastor and director of our Spiritual Life programs.
Elizabeth F. Bebber
Executive Director/CEO
Lizzie oversees all administrative operations of Christ House, including finance, development, volunteers, food and hospitality, custodial/maintenance services, and the Kairos Program. In the past, she has served as our Director of Volunteers, Director of Year Long Volunteers, and chaplain to Christ House patients. Lizzie holds a Master of Divinity degree from George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University and was ordained by Calvary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. To email Lizzie, click here.
Mary Jordan
Clinical Director
Mary has full responsibility for clinical operations of the Medical Unit. Through a variety of management and supervisory activities, Mary ensures provision of quality patient care. Mary has served on the medical staff at Christ House since November 1986, shortly after our inception. Mary is a graduate of Catholic University in Washington, DC, and is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP).
Lydia Olsen
Director of Volunteers
Lydia welcomes and coordinates roughly 250 volunteers each month including local volunteers, work groups, and Kairos members. Additionally, she manages in-kind donations and engages community partners who provide services to Christ House. Lydia also oversees our Year Long Volunteer program. In addition to recruiting, selecting, and orienting Year Long volunteers, she guides them throughout their year of service and facilitates formative spiritual and social justice opportunities. To email Lydia, click here.
Eric Bebber
Kairos Program Director
Eric coordinates permanent housing and supportive services that are offered through the Kairos Program, Christ House’s long-term housing community. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology and was ordained by Peachtree Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. To email Eric, click here.
Miri Jung
Executive Chef
Miri supervises and oversees all aspects of our full-service kitchen and dining room, including meal planning, selecting and acquiring food ingredients and supplies, and maintaining a hospitable environment for our patients, Kairos members, and staff. Miri works alongside our kitchen volunteers and incorporates donations into the weekly menu with the goal of creating nutritious meals for our patients and Kairos members. To email Miri, click here.
Chris Paukstis
Addictions Counselor
Chris teaches the New Day addictions recovery program for Christ House patients. New Day is an intensive psychoeducational class that teaches patients the impact of addictions, major illness, and other traumas on body, mind, and spirit. The class helps patients identify and utilize coping skills and resources that can help during the journey of recovery. Chris also meets with individual patients and Kairos members for addictions recovery counseling. She is a Certified Addictions Counselor. To email Chris, click here.
Bill Hepler
Case Manager
Bill works to ensure that patients obtain insurance, government entitlements, mental health support, substance abuse recovery treatment, housing placement assistance, and other supportive services designed to bring an end to their homelessness. Bill is a graduate of Virginia Tech and previously worked as an outreach worker, wherein he offered case management support to people living on the streets of DC.
Rick Thomas
Case Manager
Rick helps patients obtain insurance, government entitlements, mental health support, substance abuse recovery treatment, housing placement assistance, and other supportive services designed to bring an end to their homelessness. Rick is a graduate of Nyack College, Syracuse University, and Columbia University.
Chris Dwyer
Director of Operations
Chris coordinates all building operations at Christ House, including custodial, building maintenance and all renovation projects. Chris works alongside our maintenance coordinator and custodial staff to ensure that day-to-day building operations remain fully functional and oversees all major renovations. To email Chris, click here.
Doris Warrell
Director of of Engagement and Resource Development
Doris leads all fundraising and communications efforts to ensure the continued operations of Christ House. Her work involves grant writing, direct mail campaigns, and building relationships with our faithful donors. Doris brings extensive experience in development after years of working for numerous nonprofits tackling local, domestic, and international social issues. She originally hails from Ohio and is a graduate of Ashland University, Ohio University, and Wesley Theological Seminary. To email Doris, click here.
