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.
Diana Curro
Executive Assistant
execassistant@raminc.org
Diana is a Roanoke native, graduating from William Byrd High School in 2018. She pursued higher education in Advertising and Marketing Communications at the Fashion Institute of Technology. For the last five years, Diana has spent her time in the general management field, working at multiple indoor trampoline park facilities nationwide, including Defy Roanoke. Throughout her time, she worked tirelessly to create a safe space for all in her parks of operation. This work with the community has led her heart to the non-profit sphere. Diana is empowered by her core belief in unity
and inclusion.
Candace Bell
Grants Contractor & Special Projects
developmentdirector@raminc.org
Our Grants Contractor and Special Projects coordinator is, Candace Bell. Candace 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. Tony’s Christian faith guides his passion to help others in need. A nationally published artist, Tony enjoys spending time in front of a canvas, creating acrylic paintings as well as exploring the realms of online podcasting. Born and raised in Roanoke and 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 Simmons
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!!!”
