Leadership Team
Vittoria Jimerson
Executive Director
Vittoria Jimerson has worked in Logistics, Operations and Contracting for more than 20 years. Vittoria obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Capital University in Public Administration, her Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Franklin University.
She has pursued her Ph.D. in Organizational Development and is currently completing her Doctorate in Education.
Vittoria also owns Five Gems Consulting LLC, and Gems of Jackson Childcare and Education Center, the first 24-Hour Childcare Center in Jackson County, Michigan.
Vittoria has previously taught Adjunct at Baker College (Auburn Hills, MI), Northwood University (Troy, MI), and Lansing Community College (Lansing, MI).
Vittoria’s passion and purpose is focused on working with youth and women on personal development, mentoring, as well as childcare advocacy.
Jason Overmyer
Director of Outreach & Advocacy
Jason is currently focusing his efforts on philanthropy in the Albion and Jackson, Michigan communities.
Mr. Overmyer is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Turfgrass Management and is currently working the MSU Organic Farmer Certification.
Jason is very passionate about teaching life lessons through bowling and golf. He strongly believes that these two games go hand in hand when making decisions in life.
He goes on to say “If someone can call a penalty on themselves while on the golf course, they’re going to be able to hold themselves accountable in life.” Not to mention, while bowling, “Every day is a new frame and every frame is a new day!” “An opportunity to make a better effort, an opportunity to learn from mistakes.”
Bowling and golf are two games that most definitely mirror life.
Executive Leadership
Board of Directors
Candace Graham
Ms. Candace Graham has been an educator for over 15 years working in an urban public school district.
Candace earned her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and a minor in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Michigan University.
Candace furthered her education by obtaining a Masters Degree in Reading from Grand Canyon University.
She currently holds a Professional Teaching Certification for grades K-5th grade as well as a ZA Endorsement.
Candace has a passion for educating children and believes that our children are capable of reaching their fullest potential.
Aaron O. Taylor
Mr. Aaron Taylor has been working in Defense & Aerospace for over 17 years. As an Engineer within the Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center, Aaron
has supported; major DoD acquisition programs; Army Science and Technology initiatives; and the
Army’s modernization initiative.
Aaron earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology from Central Michigan University, a
Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering from Western Michigan University, and is a certified Project
Management Professional (PMP).
Aaron is a staunch supporter of Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) education for
children, and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience.
Cressie Vargo
Mrs. Vargo is a dedicated youth development professional with extensive experience in volunteer recruitment, training, and community partnership building. With a strong commitment to expanding educational access and leadership opportunities, Cressie has worked across youth‑serving systems to create programs that empower young people and strengthen families.
Her background includes significant work in family engagement, career coaching, and community development. She has supported families through Head Start programs, guided youth in career exploration and planning, and collaborated on youth and Native American initiatives Her work is grounded in relationship‑building, equity, and a deep belief in the potential of every young person.
Cressie brings a solid foundation in social services and program coordination to every role she serves. She is known for her ability to connect youth and families to critical resources, design inclusive and impactful programs, and cultivate partnerships that expand community opportunity.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University and has completed graduate‑level coursework toward a Master of Social Work at Western Michigan University. Her ongoing commitment to professional growth reflects her dedication to advancing opportunities for youth and families across the community.
Yolanda "Yogi" Thomas
Ms. Thomas is a MBA Professional with 18 years of federal service to the Department of Defense (Army). As Logistics Manager, she supports the warfighter in leading Acquisition, Technology & Logistics services and projects.
Affectionately called Yogi, she has real heart for humanity and is a standout writer, speaker, and supporter for girls and teens with low self esteem needs.
The focus to live on purpose is also a humbled desire to embrace endless opportunities to H.U.G. (help, understand, give) "everyday" people in need which she believes requires sacrifice, commitment, and partnership with others.
Her inspiration for serving in the WHO is on par with the greater vision for embracing people in underserved areas to live, build, and thrive as empowered individuals in their communities.
Chris Butler
Mr. Butler manages a local manufacturing company in Jackson, Michigan and is a graduate of Jackson Lumen Christi, Veteran, and was a member of the Bronson City Police Department as well as the Branch County Sheriff’s Department. Chris has a lovely wife and two daughters who attend Queen of the Miraculous Medal Elementary School.
Daniel Phipps
Mr. Phipps is a small business owner and works primarily with creating ADA Compliant Homes for the elderly and disabled to be able to stay in their homes. Nile Construction's goal is working to create a better quality of life for those struggling with proper access to maintain and sustain in their own homes without having to be placed in assisted living facilities. Daniel also has a passion for providing positive pathways for young people entering the Trades Industry. Daniel's philanthropic goals are not only as a board member of WHO, but the Daniel Moore Foundation in the pursuit of working and supporting young people within Metro Detroit to pursue better career opportunities and personal fulfillment.
Dr. Kimberly Mitchell
In Memorial
Dr. Kimberly J. Mitchell was an amazing human being that did all she could to help those in need. Dr. Mitchell was a Army Veteran serving 21 years as a Soldier. She then dedicated another 19 years as a DOD Civilian with both the Department of Army and the Department of the Navy before retiring in 2022. Dr. Kimberly Mitchell and her wife, Mrs. Theo Cameron-Mitchell resided in New Orleans, LA, before her passing.
We are truly grateful as an organization to have had her as a staunch supporter, motivator, mentor, and advisor that lead and guided this organization to be a beneficial part of each community we exist in.
Dr. Mitchell will truly be missed.
Krishaun Harris-Johnson
Mrs. Harris-Johnson has more than10 years with the State of Michigan with the Department of Health and Human Services. Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix and Station Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Wayne State University. Krishaun is dedicated in servicing the community in areas of mental health, geriatric, child welfare and veterans.
Josh Elkins
Josh is a supportive force for the WHO, he is in long-term recovery and provides a voice and perspective that is invaluable to the organization. Josh's expertise in roofing and construction provides knowledge and support to our efforts. Josh has accomplished being a top roofer in his field and a great peer support for those in recovery. Josh has been able to provide employment and career pathways for those re-entering the workforce during their recovery offering amazing opportunities for those needing a hand-up, not a hand-out.
Parker DeKubber
Mr. DeKubber is a young, driven entrepreneur with a current focus on growing his video marketing agency, as well as his video marketing education community, which is designed to help growing business owners in his community scale with the best practices they’ve learned over the years.
Mr. DeKubber’s ultimate focus for his agency, and for himself in general is in passing on the knowledge he has gained in his field, both for other entrepreneurs like himself in the video marketing industry, as well as other business builders, to help them grow their brand online and stand out utilizing what he believes is the best medium to reach and influence the audience a business wants to reach.
Advisory Board
The Welcome Home Organization is proud to be guided by an Advisory Board made up of leaders from every background, industry, and lived experience. Their diversity is one of our greatest strengths bringing together voices that reflect the communities we serve and the values we uphold.
Each Advisory Board Member is a Subject Matter Expert in their field, offering deep knowledge, professional insight, and real‑world experience that help shape our programs, partnerships, and long‑term vision. From youth development and education to business, public service, and community engagement, their expertise ensures our work remains relevant, responsive, and rooted in best practices.
More importantly, our Advisory Board is a community resource a team of trusted partners who believe in building opportunities, expanding access, and strengthening the future of Jackson and beyond. Their guidance helps us stay grounded, innovative, and aligned with the needs of the families and young people we serve.
We are grateful for their leadership, their commitment, and their belief in our mission. Together, we are creating a stronger, more connected community.