About: Staff and Board of Directors

Renesting Staff & Board of Directors

Renesting Staff

Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden, CNP
Executive Director

Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden is an Army brat, Air Force spouse, dog mom, Swiftie, and passionate believer in the power of community. She is a Certified Nonprofit Professional and holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration. In 2025, she completed all 3 years of the Community Development Institute and is working towards her Professional Community and Economic Developer credential. She started as an intern at Renesting Project in 2017 and became the Executive Director in 2022. Emily Jo was honored as the 2025 Remarkable Woman of the Year in the Ark La Tex by Nexstar Media and as the 2025 Young Professional of the Year by the Young Professionals Initiative of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her rescue dogs, volunteering in her community, and winning card games against her husband.

You?
Program Coordinator

We’re hiring! View more information here.

You?
Warehouse Coordinator

We’re hiring! View more information here.

Noel Haacker
Founder

In October 2009, Noel answered a calling to serve the homeless in a way that uniquely matched up with her 30 years as a professional Interior Designer- she created the Renesting Project. Noel owned and operated Noel Interior Design, Inc. for more than 20 years and volunteered for 16 years as Interior Design Coordinator for the St. Jude Dream Home. During her service to Renesting, Noel was nominated for the American Society of Interior Designers’ national Design for Humanity Award. Since her retirement in July 2021, she has spent quality time with her husband of 30+ years, her 3 grown children, 4 grandchildren, and the many dear friends she made in her 11.5 years as the head and heart of Renesting Project. She now continues her dedication to Renesting as a volunteer!

2026 Board of Directors
More info coming soon!

Jason Shidiskis, Chair
Praeses, LLC
.

Marissa Diaz, Vice Chair
Digital Director – KTALnews.com / KTAL NBC 6 / KMSS FOX 33 / KSHV 45
.

Brad Lipps, Secretary
Yarbrough Interiors
.

Jonathan Norris, Treasurer
Nexstar Media Group (KTAL NBC 6)

Julie Diamond
Retired Restaurateur
.

Jessica Elvin
Nexstar Media
.

April Eskew
Lamar Advertising
.

Beth Fisher
Retired Paralegal
.

Greg Hinton
Vice President of Finance, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana
.

Charlene Morrison
Retired Educator & Administrator
.

Interested in board service? Reach out at board@renestingprojectinc.org