Our Staff

Heidi Hoover

Executive Director ED@hr.bridgeofhopeinc.org

Heidi Hoover began as Executive Director of Bridge of Hope Harrisonburg/Rockingham in November 2024. With a strong background in advocacy and community leadership, Heidi is excited to lead Bridge of Hope’s efforts to support unhoused single-parent families.

Heidi’s professional experience includes her role as Title IX Coordinator at Bridgewater College, where she led civil rights policy initiatives, training, and institutional change to create a safer, more equitable campus environment. Most recently she oversaw operations for a local small business, CT Assist, where she honed her collaborative teambuilding and strategic management skills. She has served as a board member for the Collins Center, and Healthy Community Health Center, as well as supporting her church’s finance and Mennonite Voluntary Service commissions. Heidi has also held positions on the Dayton Town Council and Planning Commission, focusing on inclusive policies that strengthen local communities.

A graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law, Heidi also holds an undergraduate degree from Eastern Mennonite University. Her cross-cultural experiences in Guatemala and Washington, D.C., continue to inform her deep commitment to equity and social justice.

Heidi has called the Shenandoah Valley home for almost two decades and enjoys reading, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with her spouse and their border collie mix, Daisy.

 

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Carolyn Nutter

Program Director carolyn@hr.bridgeofhopeinc.org
Carolyn Nutter comes to Bridge of Hope with 10 years of experience. Helping people navigate complex situations such as how to navigate benefits and disability at a time when there are many other factors such as a family or health crisis.  Carolyn has specialized in finding solutions and support for those in need. Coming from the UK Carolyn worked with a non-profit that supported statutory bodies such as the health services and social services. Giving people that needed it most a robust model of care and solutions that kept them independent and in their own home. Carolyn also implemented a model in local hospitals that has now been adopted nationally that helps to get people home in a timely manner.
Being passionate against poverty Carolyn also launched and ran a food program throughout the pandemic when many could not get out to stores.
Since moving to Harrisonburg Carolyn has been working with homeless individuals across a large part of Virginia.
Having settled in Harrisonburg Carolyn enjoys her family and pets, often walking the dog especially in the beautiful scenery around Harrisonburg. When time allows Carolyn likes to craft and bake.

Jeana Simmons

Administrative Assistant office@hr.bridgeofhopeinc.org

Jeana Simmons began working at Bridge of Hope in August of 2023. She and her husband, Jeff, both grew up in Rockingham County and they have enjoyed raising their three children in the valley. With two daughters in college now and a middle schooler, Jeana was ready to get more involved with community outreach. She is very excited to support Bridge of Hope in their quest to end homelessness.

Watching the community come together to help those in need is one of the things she loves most about her hometown. Jeana also loves working with children and families in her role as a preschool teacher. When she’s not making messy crafts and cooking with her students, she enjoys doing home improvement projects and snuggling with her pets.

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Kara Zimmerman

Church Engagement and Development Director kara@hr.bridgeofhopeinc.org

Kara Zimmerman joined the Bridge of Hope team in June of 2025 as Church Engagement and Development Director, where she develops partnerships with local churches to further Bridge of Hope’s mission. She holds degrees in communications and writing, with experience in public relations, recruitment, and event planning. As event coordinator at Eastern Mennonite University, she enjoyed creating visit experiences that fostered connection and belonging for students and their families. 

Kara has called the Shenandoah Valley her home since 2013. She enjoys bread baking, gardening, running, volunteering at her children’s school, and spending time with her family and friends.