Built on Faith. Rooted in Love.
Mama’s House Ministries is more than a maternity home. We’re a community. One built on the belief that every woman deserves dignity, hope, and a real chance to create a beautiful life for herself and her children.
Our Mission
Mama’s House Ministries provides a safe, Christ-centered home for women facing crisis pregnancies. Through faith, love, guidance, education, and life-skills training, women are empowered to make life-affirming choices — whether parenting their child or choosing adoption — to build healthy, independent futures.
Our Vision
A world where no woman faces an unplanned pregnancy without a safe place to turn — and the support she needs to build something beautiful from where she stands.
Our Values
Faith — Everything we do flows from a deep, Christ-centered love for each woman and child.
Dignity — We meet every resident with grace, respect, and the belief that her life has immeasurable worth.
Empowerment — We don’t do things for women; we equip them to do it themselves.
Transformation — We believe in lasting change — not just temporary relief.
Community — We are better, stronger, and more hopeful together.
Virtual Tour - Anne Silverstein Campus
Our Founder’s Story
A Quiet Prompting. A Wholehearted Yes.
Mama's House Ministries was founded by Jan Lupia, a woman with a clear calling to serve. Before founding Mama's House, Jan navigated a difficult chapter of her life that included unplanned pregnancies and two abortions. Over time, her life was transformed by her faith in God, and while volunteering at a Pregnancy Center, she heard what she describes as a quiet prompting from God: "Your work with the unborn is not done."
In 2011, Jan shared her vision with Anne Silverstein and Pat McDonnell, who embraced the mission wholeheartedly from the start. They opened Mama's House in a five-bedroom home, offering housing and support for pregnant women and their babies.
Since opening its doors to residents in July 2013, women and babies have found nurturing support and a place to begin again at Mama's House. In August 2025, the ministry expanded to a larger campus capable of serving up to 36 women at a time. As the need grows, so does the love behind this mission.
“Love Lives Here.” — The heart of everything we do.
Jan Lupia, Founder
Anne Silverstein, Co-Founder
Patricia McDonnell, Board Chairwoman
Transforming Lives, One at a Time
Since 2013, Mama’s House Ministries has walked alongside hundreds of women and babies — providing safe housing, loving guidance, and practical support at one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
900+
Women and babies served since opening our doors in 2013.
36
Women we can now serve on our expanded campus.
30+
Community partners offering additional resources and support.
12–18 Months
Of housing offered — one of the most comprehensive timelines in the country.
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Patricia McDonnell is Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Mama’s House Ministries. Following her retirement in 2023, she returned to help guide the organization through a significant season of growth, restructuring, and expansion of its new campus.
With a lifelong commitment to serving vulnerable populations, Patricia has led her family foundation since 1998, focusing on supporting at-risk children across diverse communities. Her extensive experience in the nonprofit sector continues to shape the mission, vision, and strategic direction of Mama’s House.
She is passionate about fostering a Christ-centered environment where women in crisis are met with compassion, dignity, and the resources needed to rebuild their lives. Patricia is deeply grateful for the community of supporters who make this work possible.
Her vision reflects a commitment to building more than a place of refuge—creating a foundation where lives are restored, families are strengthened, and every woman is reminded she is valued and never alone.
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Anne connected with Mama’s House Founder Jan Lupia in 2005, forming a deep and immediate bond rooted in shared faith and a passion for serving women in crisis. In 2011, when Jan shared her vision to create a ministry supporting pregnant women, Anne felt called to come alongside her without hesitation. With a longstanding heart for mothers and their babies, she offered steadfast encouragement, compassion, and financial support to help bring the vision to life.
As Co-Founder of Mama’s House and now an Honorary Board Director, Anne has played a vital role in the organization’s founding and continued growth. She witnessed the rapid progress of the founding team—from securing nonprofit status to opening the first home within a year.
Anne’s commitment to the mission is exemplified through her extraordinary generosity, including a multi-million-dollar gift to help create the organization’s new campus, which is named in her honor. Her investment reflects a deep belief in providing women in crisis with a safe, supportive environment where they can rebuild their lives. She remains dedicated to ensuring that each woman who enters Mama’s House is equipped with the resources, stability, and hope needed to build a strong future for herself and her child.
Founders
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Jan Lupia Founder of Mama’s House Ministries, stepped out in faith in March 2012 with a simple but powerful vision: to create a safe, loving home for women in crisis. Just over a year later, that vision became reality when Mama’s House welcomed its first resident in July 2013. As Jan walked closely alongside the women she served, she recognized that lasting transformation required more than shelter alone. This insight led her to establish the Hope Center, an extension of the ministry offering education, counseling, and vital community support.
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Kris brings more than 20 years of professional experience in human resources, with a strong background in leadership development and organizational growth. She began her career in training with Pan American World Airways and went on to serve as a Human Resources Manager at Maritz Travel Company, where she focused on staffing and employee development.
Kris earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Riverside. She later served as Director of Human Resources at Boeing Electron Dynamic Devices, Inc., where she led initiatives in leadership training and organizational development.
Drawn to Mama’s House for its faith-based mission and commitment to education, stability, and long-term independence for mothers, Kris brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her role. As a resident of La Quinta, she values the opportunity to support women and families in her community.
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Allen Sabbag is an accomplished executive, entrepreneur, and investor with extensive experience in senior leadership, private equity, and business development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of New Hampshire and has served in CEO roles across franchising, brand licensing, and a private equity-backed high-speed internet services company. He is also the owner of a data management company and an active angel investor.
Allen and his wife have supported Mama’s House since its founding, with Allen serving on the Board of Directors for the past three years. He has helped guide the organization’s growth and expand its impact, supporting more young mothers on their path to stability.
Guided by his Christian faith, Allen is passionate about life-affirming work that strengthens families. He values Mama’s House for its holistic approach, equipping mothers with the resources and support needed to build a positive future for themselves and their children.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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John Flavio is a seasoned finance executive with more than 35 years of experience, including over 30 years as Chief Financial Officer and 15 years serving publicly traded companies. He has led successful capital raises through venture financing, debt, and public offerings, and has guided organizations through acquisitions, sales, and periods of rapid growth.
His career includes work with leading companies such as Google, Postini, Keynote Systems, Mosaix, Lucent, and Fairchild Semiconductor. He began his career at Arthur Young & Company (now Ernst & Young), building a strong foundation in accounting and financial leadership.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, John has been actively engaged in civic and charitable leadership. He has served as an officer and director for organizations including Samaritan House, the Entrepreneurs Foundation, and the Coalition of Publicly Traded Partnerships, reflecting his commitment to strengthening communities and supporting those in need.
John holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Santa Clara University and has completed executive studies at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
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Jon Harnish is an experienced attorney with a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in labor and employment law, representing some of the nation’s largest employers. Early in his career, he served as a Chief Deputy District Attorney and municipal judge, establishing a strong foundation in public service and legal leadership.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Willamette University and his law degree from the University of Colorado. Jon has been actively engaged in civic, educational, and charitable leadership, serving in roles with organizations including the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Pacific Crest Outward Bound School, Friends of the Children, and Young Life. He also served two terms on the Lake Oswego School District Board of Directors and was a member of the Bank of Oswego Board of Directors.
Jon joined the Mama’s House Board of Directors in 2022 and previously served as Acting Chairman. He continues to serve on the Executive and Governance Committees, supporting the organization’s growth and advancing its Christ-centered mission to empower women in crisis.
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Heather Partida Meaney serves as an Associate Board Member and holds a deep love for the Coachella Valley community. Her connection to Mama’s House is both personal and purposeful, as she was the organization’s very first resident. Through that experience, Heather gained a profound understanding of the life-changing impact that a safe, supportive environment can have on women and children in crisis.
Her lived experience allows her to connect authentically with residents, offering empathy, encouragement, and hope. It also fuels her ongoing passion for advocating for life and expanding awareness of the resources and opportunities Mama’s House provides for future generations.
Professionally, Heather began her full-time career in real estate in 2014 and is a licensed Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Indian Wells. With more than a decade of experience spanning customer service, marketing, management, and sales, she brings a well-rounded skill set to both her professional work and her role in supporting the mission of Mama’s House.
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Suzy has been an active and dedicated board member since February 2022, contributing her time, expertise, and leadership to support the organization’s mission. Professionally, she is a Leisure Travel Specialist, where she assists clients in planning meaningful and memorable travel experiences. In addition to her work in travel, Suzy has a strong background in accounting and bookkeeping, bringing valuable financial insight and organizational skills to the teams she serves.
Suzy is deeply involved in her local community and actively participates in several organizations, including the Renaissance Homeowners Association, the Clancy Lane Protective Board, and the Rancho Mirage Republican Women’s Association. She is also a committed member of Sacred Heart Church, where she remains engaged in her faith and service. As a full-time resident of the Coachella Valley, Suzy is passionate about strengthening her community and supporting initiatives that make a lasting, positive impact.
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Dori Anderson is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and holds an MBA from UCLA. She brings extensive experience in business strategy and design from her years as a Partner at Anderson-Gillette Interiors, where she led projects that combined creative vision with thoughtful execution and collaboration.
Her professional background reflects a strong ability to navigate complex initiatives, apply strategic insight, and deliver creative solutions—skills that directly support her work with mission-driven organizations. She is known for her attention to detail, leadership, and commitment to excellence.
An active member of Palm Desert Presbyterian Community Church, Dori has been a dedicated and hands-on supporter of Mama’s House for many years. Her involvement is rooted in a deep commitment to faith-based service and a passion for helping women in crisis find stability and hope.
As a newly appointed member of the Board of Directors, Dori brings both strategic perspective and creative insight, contributing to the organization’s continued growth and long-term vision.
Leadership Staff
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Maurae has been involved with Mama’s House Ministries since its inception, attending events, supporting its mission, and volunteering her time from the very beginning. She later served on the board for three years, including time on the Executive Committee, before stepping into her role as President. During her board service, she was instrumental in the development and build of the Anne Silverstein Campus, helping to expand the organization’s ability to serve vulnerable mothers and their babies. Her long-standing commitment to the organization gives her a deep understanding of its mission and a strong passion for its continued growth.
She continues to serve on multiple boards and is actively engaged in community initiatives, reflecting her genuine heart for helping others and creating meaningful impact. As President of Mama’s House Ministries, Maurae brings both compassion and strategic leadership to her role, guiding the organization while strengthening the community she loves.
Maurae has been married for over 20 years and is the proud mother of two sons, who are growing up in the Coachella Valley she has always called home.
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Molly Ramirez was born and raised on the coast of Maine and came to faith in Christ as an adult through a life-changing experience that reshaped her path. She went on to serve in Child Protective Services in Texas and later held a management role at a maternity home in the Dallas area, where she developed a passion for supporting women in need.
In March 2025, Molly felt called to the Coachella Valley and joined Mama’s House in October 2025 as Program Support Coordinator. She became Campus Manager in January 2026, where she is committed to fostering a supportive, Christ-centered environment for staff and residents to grow and thrive.
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Anthony is dedicated to providing management with timely, accurate financial analysis to support strategic, data-driven decision-making. He holds a Bachelor's degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and an accounting certificate from UCLA. He is strongly committed to continuous professional development and industry best practices. Recently returning to the workforce after serving as a stay-at-home father to his four-year-old daughter, Anthony brings a refreshed focus to every project. In his free time, he finds balance through music and gardening.
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Patty Spry serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Mama’s House Ministries, bringing more than a decade of leadership experience in operations, human resources, and organizational management. With a strong background in payroll administration, compliance, staff development, and HR systems, she oversees the daily operations that support the mission and growth of the organization.
Patty has led teams across multiple industries, managed complex HR functions including recruitment, training, conflict resolution, and benefits administration, and built efficient operational structures that strengthen workplace culture and performance. Known for her steady leadership and commitment to excellence, she ensures that Mama’s House remains compliant, mission-aligned, and equipped to serve mothers and children with compassion and professionalism.
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Illona Anderson, has been a valued member of the Mama’s House team since July 2022. She initially served as Volunteer Coordinator, where she played a key role in engaging and supporting the dedicated individuals who give their time to serve the ministry. In her current role as Administrative Operations Assistant, Illona helps ensure the organization runs smoothly behind the scenes, providing essential operational and administrative support.
Illona brings a diverse professional background that includes experience in municipal government, children’s ministry, and pregnancy clinic management. This unique combination equips her with both organizational expertise and a compassionate, service-oriented approach to her work.
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Emily Dickson brings over 12 years of direct service experience supporting survivors of human trafficking, as well as vulnerable youth and women, through trauma-informed, survivor-centered practices. She began her career in 2013 as a Human Trafficking Advocate and Mentor and has since remained committed to advancing comprehensive care and community awareness.
Her work has included providing supportive services to survivors and educating community partners on the prevention and awareness of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). She has been recognized for her impact with the Children’s Network Community Service Provider of the Year award in 2015 and 2017 (with the Open Door team), as well as additional recognition from State Assembly offices.
Emily currently serves as Chief Program Officer at Mama’s House, where she oversees program development and service delivery for pregnant and parenting young mothers, continuing to drive ethical, trauma-informed care and collaborative community impact.
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Patti Storie is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) at Mama’s House, where she helps individuals on their path to recovery. Her passion for addiction counseling stems from her own transformative journey to sobriety, which inspired her to help others find hope and healing.
Patti earned her certification in 2002 after completing an internship at the ABC Club in Indio. She went on to co-facilitate a successful drug and alcohol program at Village Counseling in Palm Desert. Her experience also includes providing early intervention support to elementary-aged children from families with substance abuse issues, helping them during their critical formative years.
Recognizing the profound impact of trauma on parenting, Patti has developed a deep understanding of how it affects individuals’ ability to care for themselves and their families. Beyond her professional role, she continues to mentor women, guiding them to become the best version of themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Married for 34 years, Patti is a proud mother of two daughters and a grandmother to four step-grandchildren. Her unwavering commitment to recovery, combined with her compassionate and knowledgeable approach, makes her a respected advocate for women in the field of addiction counseling.
Staff
Cynthia Butac-Arnold, Volunteer Coordinator
Jacy Gray, Case Coordinator
Misty Clayton
Clarissa Minjarez
Fidelis Ogwang
Melissa Mexia, Executive Assistant
Carolyn Bulot
Honorary Board Members–In Memory
We honor our former board members who served Mama's House with faith, love, and unwavering commitment. Though they have passed on, their work lives on in the mothers and babies we help. Their legacy is eternal.
John Anderson
Zoila Orlett
Barbara Waddell
Dan Myers
Dr. Vincent Nola
Arthur Lupia
Al Annexstad
Peter Asten
Ron Auen
Judy Billings
Carl Bryant
Pastor Crain Cunningham
Karen Heiferman
JoAnn McGrath
Lou Obradovich
Duane Roisen
Peter VanDyck
Victoria Wilson
Better Myers
Kellii Rinker
Guy Turnage
The Campus
The People Behind the Mission
Our team of dedicated professionals and volunteers brings together expertise in social work, counseling, nursing, ministry, and community advocacy. All are united by a shared calling to love and serve women in crisis.