Who We Are

On June 10, 2010, Montrose Grace Place (MGP) opened its doors in what was then Grace Lutheran Church in the heart of Montrose. With a handful of volunteers and support from the local community, MGP sought to provide youth experiencing homelessness of all sexualities and genders with food, resources, and fellowship. Serving family-style meals with youth and volunteers sitting side by side, our founders wanted the space they created to feel different from other outreach programs. They wanted the youth they served to see MGP as a welcoming and LGBTQ+ affirming place that embraced who they were in every sense. When they were greeted at the door, they were being welcomed as family to a table they could call their own.

Fourteen years and many, many meals later, our name may have changed, but our mission hasn't -- only expanded. Now operating out of Kindred Montrose, Grace Place welcomes more youth and serve more meals each week than ever before. Our ever-growing community of volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters have allowed Grace Place to expand our capacity to care for our family. From providing financial support and clothes to life-changing resources and fun activities, we will always strive to give more to those that need it most.

MGP was incorporated as a separate non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 2009. Grace Place is not affiliated with any religion and does not offer religious or spiritual services.

OUR MISSION
To provide a safe, welcoming environment for vulnerable youth experiencing homelessness of all sexualities and genders, providing nourishment, healthy relationships, and hope for the future.

OUR VISION
We envision a world where youth of all sexualities and genders have a safe space to exist and a future without judgement.

Grace Place Staff

Courtney Sellers (she/her), Executive Director
A native Houstonian, Courtney started as a Direct Mentor and Treasurer with Grace Place in 2015. In 2017, she took over as Grace Place Executive Director, helping to add a second night of services, increase resources, and make Grace Place more accessible for more LGBTQ+ youth. Courtney is passionate about amplifying the voices of youth experiencing homelessness and the specific intersectional needs of Grace Place youth who are victims of racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. She loves to spend time with her daughter and their dog, exploring Houston’s many thrift shops, and making a lot of noise about public transportation in Houston.

Rebecca Fontanilla, LMSW (she/her), Program Director
Rebecca began her work with Grace Place as its first social work intern in 2017, and continued post-grad as a Lead Direct Volunteer. Rebecca believes in utilizing a community first, anti-oppressive approach in her work, and has served the Greater Houston/Harris County area in the non-profit and public sector with specialized experience in crisis intervention, trauma informed care, case management, and community engagement. She is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University and the University of Houston - Graduate College of Social Work. Her biggest loves include spending time with her wife and their dogs, themed parties, gardening, and talking about movies, television, and all things pop culture.

Chris (he/him), Youth Night Manager
Chris began his work with Grace Place as a social work intern in 2023 and became a staff member during his last semester of graduate school at University of Houston. Chris is passionate about integrating mental health care into community-based work through an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed lens. His approach centers the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ youth, prioritizing culturally responsive care, peer connection, and creating safe spaces for healing and growth. He is a proud Doodle dad who frequently watches reruns of Charmed and The Golden Girls, depending on the weather.

Kennedy (she/her), Program Developer
Kennedy started as an intern for Grace Place in 2020. She then went on to graduate with her Bachelors in Social Work within that same year and started her career journey in Social work. In 2025, Kennedy returned as our new Program Developer, creating programs like our Community Garden to help expand the services of Grace Place. Kennedy loves her dog and hanging out with family and friends. When she is not doing that she is either at a coffee shop, reading a book or crocheting.

Walton (she/they), Diversion Case Manager
Walton is originally from Austin, Texas but moved to Houston in 2023 to earn their MSW from the University of Houston. In her free time, she enjoys finding unique items at thrift stores, going to concerts, and spending time with her two cats at home.

Aaliyah (she/her), Americorp Grants and Development VISTA
Born and raised on the beautiful island of St.Croix, U.S.V.I., Aaliyah moved to the bustling city of Houston in 2016 and made it her second home. In June of 2024,through the Americorps VISTA program, Aaliyah was able to join the MGP team. She has used her voice and skills in writing, editing, and communications to further Grace Place's work efforts in advocating for youth and young adults of all sexualities and gender identities experiencing housing instability. Aaliyah enjoys spending time with family, singing, cooking and hiking.

Danielle (she/her), Peer Navigator
Danni is a young adult with lived experiences. She hopes to influence community change, which starts with oneself and the passion to spread it.

Board of Directors

Tracey Burnett-Greenup, President (she/her)
Tracey is the Chief Impact Officer for The Council on Recovery and a Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for helping others. She has a strong background in the nonprofit world, with experience as a leader, volunteer, and board member. She is also currently pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, further deepening her commitment to the field. When she is not working or giving back, you can usually find Tracey staying active—whether hiking, kayaking, or hitting the gym. She is a huge sports fan, especially of women’s soccer, and proudly holds season tickets for the Houston Dash. Tracey adores spending time with her wife, Sarah, and their dog Falco.

Tracey is deeply passionate about advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community and other underrepresented groups. She strives to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. Through her work and community involvement, Tracey is committed to fostering equity and empowerment.

Ari Rosen, Treasurer (they/them)
Ari joined the board in August of 2021 after learning more about Grace Place's mission and volunteering. Ari brings direct experience working with young people in a variety of settings and over five years of fundraising and development experience. They are passionate about ensuring that young people have the resources, support, and love they need to thrive regardless of their background. Ari enjoys exploring Houston's diverse restaurant scene with their partner, going for neighborhood walks, listening to their favorite podcasts, and hanging out with their two children.

Hannah Rodriguez, Secretary (she/her)
Hannah is a native Houstonian, and first generation high school and college graduate. Go Gators! As a nonprofit professional and community leader, Hannah is passionate about creating and nurturing programs and strategic partnerships to provide socially equitable opportunities and resources for underserved communities. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys being with her partner and plethora of pets, binging her favorite podcasts, or watching her favorite cringy reality tv shows!

Jordan J. Edwards (he/him)
Bio: Jordan J. Edwards is a Houston native deeply committed to serving the LBGTQ+ community. Since 2018, he has advocated for the community while drawing from the intersections of his identity and lived experience to help others. In his free time, Jordan enjoys being creative with his art, spending time with animals, and traveling to explore the world. He is also enrolled in a social work program with a focus on emotional intelligence and taking a person-first approach. When he is not busy serving his community, Jordan prioritizes caring for his family and idealizing how to make life easier.

Mercy Harper (she/her)
Mercy Harper joined the board of Grace Place in February of 2026 after attending Haus of Gingerbread and connecting with the organization's mission. Mercy works in strategic content development at a consulting firm and has more than 10 years of experience in writing, research, and communications. She is passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ young people as they build independent, fulfilling lives and is excited to help create opportunities for the next generation of queer leaders. Outside of work, Mercy is an indie musician who has toured internationally and enjoys watching soccer, going to shows, and spending time with her dogs and chickens.

Ashwin Mathews (he/him)
Ashwin works as an engineer in the space program and serves on the Leadership Table of +Kindred Montrose. Ashwin enjoys taking walks, cooking for friends and family, and serving his community in the small ways he can. He's excited to contribute to the Grace Place mission!

Lindsay Minton (she/her)
Lindsay is a former Houston-area public school teacher and school counselor. She now works for an education nonprofit focused on helping school districts strengthen student support systems. Her work specializes in helping schools use data, technology, and collaborative support networks to ensure no student falls through the cracks. Her personal interests include playing in a band, watching soccer and basketball, tending to her backyard chickens, and traveling.

Alonie Riggins (they/she)
Alonie is a Black queer dancer, educator, and performer whose work bridges community engagement and sports entertainment. Their passion for movement and storytelling is rooted in creating spaces where LGBTQ+ youth feel seen, supported, and empowered to express themselves fully. As a Black queer artist, they believe in using dance, mentorship, and the arts as tools for healing, connection, and representation, while continuing to give back to the communities that inspire their work. Outside of their professional work, they enjoy running, rollerblading, and dancing as ways to stay grounded, creative, and connected to themself and their community. They are excited to contribute as much as they can to Grace Place and continue building meaningful impact through their work and presence in the community.

Georgia Rodriguez (she/her)
Georgia Rodriguez is a Houston-born community organizer, plant enthusiast, and professional “yes, I probably do have too many houseplants” person. As the Texas Organizer for VoteRiders, she works to help Texans navigate voter ID laws and access the ballot box with confidence. Her advocacy journey has centered around reproductive justice, immigrant rights, youth empowerment, and civic engagement, with a passion for making systems easier to navigate for historically excluded communities.

Marcus Wade (he/him)
Marcus Wade is the Global Program Manager at HP Inc, leading the strategy and execution of refurbished PCs globally within a start up organization called Renew Solutions. His career in technology spans product marketing, strategy, and innovation. Before transitioning into technology, he worked in various sectors of the Maritime and Logistics industry from insurance, trucking and warehousing to engineering classification. Marcus has a passion on giving back, whether through work activities. He serves as the Chair for the HP Houston Pride Business Resource Group (BRG) advocating for the LGBTQ+ community at work and how can the BRG impact the Houston community by being involved in the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, establishing talent pipelines for LGBTQ+ members in STEM, and partnering with several non-profits. Marcus also serves as a liaison for HP recruiting for Rice Business. He is committed to mentoring and providing support to the next generation of leaders. Marcus enjoys exploring Houston, weightlifting, singing and spending time with family and friend

Leticia "Tish" Zamora-Dixon (she/her)
While serving in the corporate security field for 25 years, Tish has developed a keen passion for social justice to ensure a better quality of life for all marginalized people. She has served in program development, training/mentorship, and upper-level management positions where her leadership skills and passion have led organizations and projects to success. Tish is community-focused and believes in addressing most issues via collaboration, a positive attitude, and unwavering commitment. Tish will be graduating with her master’s degree in education in counseling and development from Lamar University in December and has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston. Prior to her counseling journey, Tish had served on several boards and has been an avid volunteer within the Greater Houston area for several years. In her downtime, she enjoys rescuing dogs, traveling, and watching psychological thriller documentaries with her husband. Tish is passionate about helping young people build their self-esteem and confidence through self-awareness, education, and guidance.

Interested in joining our board?
Help Grace Place create a safe space for home insecure youth of all genders and sexualities. Serve one of Houston's most marginalized and vulnerable populations through fundraising, cultivating community connections, event planning, and more, while gaining valuable professional development skills.

We're looking for a diverse group of dedicated, hard-working folks interested in marketing/communications, fundraising, networking, programming/events, outreach, finance, advocacy, and volunteer recruitment. Board seats are currently full, but we will keep your application on file.

Submit an Application

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