ADMIN TEAM
Melissa Woodson, MBA
Executive Director
executivedirector@raminc.org
Melissa is a native of King George, VA. She obtained her B.S. from Mary Washington College and her MBA from Averett University in 2006. She has found her heart and home with RAM House. Melissa’s non-profit career spans over 25 years. Prior to joining RAM, she served as executive director of the YWCA of Roanoke Valley. She has also worked for Boys’ Home, the American Red Cross, TAP, and the United Way. Melissa is happily married and enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading. She dedicates her non-profit work to the memory of her influential parents, Leroy and Bertha Weedon, who never hesitated to help a stranger in need.
Candace Bell
Development Director
developmentdirector@raminc.org
We would like to welcome a new Development Director to our #iamramfam team! Her name is Candace Bell and she brings a wealth of experience that will most assuredly help RAM House thrive in the coming years.
Candace has over 20 years of grant experience in the non-profit sector. She and her husband moved to the Roanoke area eight years ago after 20 years in the Philadelphia area where she worked as a Grantmaker and nonprofit consultant. Much of her experience is with programs serving vulnerable populations, with a special focus on youth who have dropped out of school. Since the move to Roanoke, she has worked at TAP and most recently at UVA as a grants administrator in the Provost’s office. In her free time, Candace is potter and active with the Blue Ridge Potters Guild. You can see her work at local galleries, craft fairs, and on Etsy. She is also active in the local Unitarian church, which shares her strong commitment to social justice. Candace holds a Ph.D. in education from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's in elementary education from Nazareth College.
Tony Clark
Marketing Director
marketingdirector@raminc.org
As a skilled Graphic Designer, Tony joins RAM House as the Marketing Director. With experience in social media, non-profit organizations, print design, community outreach, and employment recruiting, he brings a portfolio of talent to our team. His Christian faith guides his passion to help others in need. A nationally published artist, Tony enjoys spending time in front of a canvas, creating pop-art acrylic paintings. Born and raised in Roanoke, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs, appreciating all that the Roanoke Valley has to offer.
PROGRAM TEAM
Linda Canon
Senior Shelter Program Manager
sheltermanager@raminc.org
Linda has compassionately served at RAM House for 20 years, and has worked many roles within our programs. She came to RAM House looking for a career change after spending years in law enforcement. She has great love for our guests. For Linda, “it’s all about giving back. If you can help one person a day, then you have achieved something. Because that one thing, could be the something that would help [our guests] move forward in their lives.”
Will Spencer
Kitchen Manager
kitchenmanager@raminc.org
Bio coming soon!
Joanne
Financial Aid Case Manager
jwormley@raminc.org
Joanne joined us in 2022 and comes to us with a broad range of case management experience to continually see and meet the need for the Financial Aid side of RAM. She is such a great addition to our team and we couldn’t ask for a more qualified individual. Joanne is from Philadelphia, PA, married 18 years with 4 children, passionate about her community - growth & development, resources and mentoring. In her words, “Life experiences play a huge role in my character and how I manage cases. Knowledge & Support are keys to success, I'm here to turn it!!!”
Mitchell Spencer
Kitchen Manager
Bio coming soon!