Staff
"The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership."
Desnéige VanCleve – Founder & CEO
Meet Desnéige VanCleve, Founder and Executive Director of Grace Place Ministry, Inc. Desnéige has a background in small business marketing, a college degree in Christian Ministry from Trevecca Nazarene University, and worked as the Benevolence Coordinator for Long Hollow Baptist Church before organizing and opening Grace Place.
Now, in the daily operations of Grace Place, she strives to show the love of Christ to each woman and child by offering guidance, support, and numerous types of training to help fulfill the mission of Grace Place. Desnéige also spends a great deal of time sharing the story of Grace Place and the future vision of Grace Place out in the community whenever opportunities arise.
An active member of the community, Desnéige loves being involved with the Hendersonville Rotary Club and Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce, serving as the Board President for Leadership Sumner, and serving her church family. She was also the winner of the 2019 Women Impacting the Community Award for Non-Profits from the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce. In early 2022, Desnéige began her Master Gardener Internship and she finds great joy in serving the community in this new way.
Her hobbies include reading, learning, cooking, and fitness. Her passions include Jesus, laughter, and people. When she's not serving the families at Grace Place, you will find her with her family doing life together in what she refers to as "beautiful chaos all the time."
Lisa Jo Anderson – Executive Manager
Lisa Jo joined the staff of Grace Place in December 2021. She manages all aspects in the office that keep things running behind the scenes. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. She has been teaching elementary and middle school for the past 19 years and has made an impact on so many young lives in the community.
Lisa Jo spends down time with her husband and their two daughters. She loves cheering on her girls at their ballgames, camping and boating at Dale Hollow Lake, and spending time with her family. She is energetic and eager to serve the families of Grace Place.
Angela Sample – Program Manager
Angie joined the staff of Grace Place as Program Manager in January 2023. Prior to Grace Place she worked in child welfare and juvenile justice. Angie has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Leadership and Innovation and a desire to eventually pursue a Master’s degree. In her down time, Angie loves spending time with her husband, four children, two spoiled rotten dogs, and thirty sassy chickens. Her hobbies include gardening, canning, cooking, reading, and soap making. Angie loves to travel and is always up for a new road trip or adventure. Angie has a heart and passion for helping and empowering other women through difficult situations and transitions in their lives.
Lisa Martin – Operations Supervisor
Lisa joined the staff of Grace Place in the Spring of 2019. She shows up every day with a smile for every mother and child she greets and embarks on whatever adventure she can each day with the families at Grace Place. She supervises all house operations and makes sure that all families have transportation all week long. Lisa is known for her positive attitude and nurturing spirit. She loves serving the families at Grace Place and reflecting the love of Christ.
Helen Dean- Development Manager
"Hi, my name is Helen, and I am so excited and grateful to be joining Grace Place as the Development Manager. Prior to coming to Grace Place, I have worked in Marketing.
In my down time, I love spending time with my family and our newest addition, my grandson Inman. At home, you can always find me with a craft project in hand or a pots and pans ready to create something.
I am grateful Grace Place gives me the opportunity to live out the verse, "Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' - Matthew 22:37-39.