Led by the best.

Deby Wolford

Executive Director

Over the past two decades, I have dedicated myself to building programs that create transformational changes to those who are served. This involved creating, designing and implementing programming including emergency shelters, transitional housing, affordable tax credit housing and permanent supportive housing programs. I have had the opportunity to create dynamic teams made up of compassionate staff that provided life changing services to chronically homeless individuals and families, single mothers with children, justice involved individuals and mothers reunifying with their children. 

By joining National Healthcare and Housing Advisors and launching Encompass Housing, I am so inspired by the opportunity to continue this transformational work on a national platform. 

Betty Medina

Director of Compliance

Betty is a seasoned housing professional with over a decade and a half of experience in the affordable housing industry. She has supervised compliance for multifamily affordable housing properties across various states and has in-depth knowledge of many affordable housing program requirements, such as LIHTC, HOME, and HUD. She also brings extensive knowledge of affordable housing financing, real estate development, and property management. Her past supervisory experience also overseeing emergency, transitional, permanent supportive housing programs in the non-profit sector, makes her an invaluable addition to Encompass. She has a proven track record of delivering effective leadership and showing an aptitude for non-profit program management.

Along with being a nationally acclaimed Housing Credit Certified Professional, she holds a Master of Public Administration from Cal State University of Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a Minor in Psychology from Cal State University Fullerton.

She recognizes the importance of compliance in programs for Encompass’ ongoing growth, sustainability, and ability to continue serving the community’s most vulnerable populations.

John Simmons

Director of Recuperative Care

John Simmons serves as the Director of Recuperative Care at Encompass Housing, dedicated to providing exemplary care and support to the most vulnerable community members. John brings extensive experience in both the medical field and non-profit operations, along with an unwavering commitment to service. 

John's career in healthcare began in the US Army, where he served as a Nurse/Combat Medic, delivering critical medical care to service members in challenging environments. His military experience instilled in him a profound sense of duty, discipline, and compassion, guiding his work ever since. 

Following his honorable service, John transitioned seamlessly into various roles within the healthcare industry, from frontline patient care to administrative leadership. His comprehensive understanding of the complexities facing patients and healthcare providers complements his active involvement in non-profit organizations, where he refined his skills in program management, fundraising, and community outreach. 

In his current capacity, John oversees the operations of Encompass Housing's Recuperative Care facilities, ensuring that every patient receives the necessary support and services on their journey to recovery. He is dedicated to fostering a compassionate and efficient care environment that prioritizes the well-being of every individual. 

Driven by his commitment to excellence, John is excited to continue his professional journey at Encompass Housing. He eagerly anticipates leveraging his expertise to contribute to the organization's ongoing success and expansion as they make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve. 

Kristin Jefferson

Director of Finance

Kristin Jefferson currently serves as the Director of Finance for Encompass Housing. She is a passionate and hard-working individual, and she has spent much of her life dedicated to the nonprofit community. She graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Financial Management with a minor in Accounting, and soon began her working career. She enjoys analyzing organizational finance and operations to offer insights. She has expertise in financial management, as well as project, portfolio, and program management analysis and evaluation. She also has a nuanced understanding of the operational and financial needs and challenges of nonprofit businesses.

Kristin has gained an insurmountable amount of experience through her work in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. She started at Prudential Health Care before moving into leadership roles at the Raise Foundation and 2-1-1 Orange County. During her time with 2-1-1 Orange County she managed the Point-in-Time Count, as well as the rollout of the Coordinated Entry System. More recently, she was a Consultant at Focus Strategies, a national consulting firm focused on reducing homelessness by leveraging the power of analytics and an equity informed systems approach. Kristin looks forward to contributing her broad finance and housing experience to the Encompass team and support their work to improve individual and community health and wellness.

Kristin is passionate about creating and fostering authentic, collaborative partnerships with colleagues. She thrives when having the latitude to identify opportunities, shape solutions, and improve outcomes.  In her free time, she enjoys visiting National Parks and traveling with her family, as well as spending time walking with her beloved dog. Kristin is excited to hit the ground running and contribute to the incredible and important work Encompass is doing in the community.