Renesting Staff & Board of Directors

Renesting Staff

Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden, CNP
Executive Director

Ashley Bowen
Assistant Director

More info coming soon!

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 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!

2025 Board of Directors

Charlene Morrison, Chair
Retired Educator/Administrator, Haughton Methodist Church, Kappa Kappa Iota (Louisiana Chapter President & Second Vice President)
Charlene is a retired educator and administrator with 37 years of experience in public schools. Recruited as a volunteer, she now leads the board with purpose and heart. She enjoys gardening, traveling, and planning meaningful projects that help transform lives across Northwest Louisiana.

Beth Fisher, Vice Chair
Retired Paralegal and Fine Art Photographer, Red Hat Society (Queen), Cypress Baptist Church
Beth is a retired paralegal and artist with a heart for community. Having experienced what it’s like to start over, she connects deeply with Renesting’s mission. She is a creative soul with many hobbies and is proud to serve on the board, helping transform empty apartments into warm, welcoming homes.

Brad Lipps, Secretary
Yarbrough Interiors
Brad brings design expertise and a passion for transformation to Renesting. He finds joy in turning empty spaces into homes, and especially loves seeing clients’ reactions during a Renest. Being part of that joy is what drives his continued involvement.

Amy Hardy, Treasurer
Retired CPA, Haughton Methodist Church, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Red River Street Rod Association
Amy has served Renesting Project in many capacities over the years—from bookkeeper to volunteer to board member. She is deeply committed to the mission of helping clients transition from homelessness to hopefulness. In her free time, Amy enjoys traveling, volunteering, playing with her two Australian Shepherds, and staying active at her church.

April Eskew
Lamar Advertising
April has been with Lamar Advertising since 2012 and was introduced to Renesting by a longtime friend. As a mom of two active boys, she spends much of her time at ballparks and football fields. April’s favorite hobby is photography, and she hopes more people learn how easy it is to support Renesting by donating, volunteering, or applying for a Renest.

Cindy Aubrey
Bonvenu Bank, Shreveport Regional Arts Council Board Member
A local of Shreveport-Bossier, Cindy learned about Renesting through her professional work and quickly became an advocate for the mission. She enjoys hiking, spending time with family, and especially seeing the joy on a client’s face when a space becomes a home.

Jason Shidiskis
Praeses, LLC – Human Resources Manager
Jason was inspired to get involved with Renesting after hearing a friend speak passionately about its impact. Now a proud board member, he especially values connecting with the families Renesting serves and witnessing the real difference the organization makes in people’s lives.

Jessica Elvin
Hibu – Digital Account Manager
Jessica was introduced to Renesting through a friend and quickly found a place in its community. A mother of three, she values instilling the importance of service in her children and enjoys hiking, tennis, and volunteering. Her favorite part of board service is building connections that help the community thrive.

Johnny Norris
Nexstar Media Group (KTAL NBC 6)
[Awaiting additional details]

Jon Shellhaas
Active Duty Air Force, Co-Owner – Main Squeeze Juice Co.
Jon is dedicated to serving both his country and his community. He enjoys giving back through Renesting and values the opportunity to help create lasting impact. In his free time, you’ll find him with his family or working on projects around the house.

Justin Manuel
Praeses
A Shreveport native with a global perspective, Justin has lived in North Carolina, California, and Africa. With a professional background in tech and a passion for travel, music, and food, he brings creativity and curiosity to the board. He’s proud to support a mission that strengthens local families.

Marissa Tavantana Diaz
Digital Director – KTALnews.com / KTAL NBC 6 / KMSS FOX 33 / KSHV 45
Marissa is a decorated media professional and entrepreneur, with degrees from NYU and Harvard Business School Online. She’s a Murrow Award winner and a proud advocate for community storytelling. Through her business, Sassy and Bling, she shares her creative flair—and through Renesting, she helps families reclaim their space and dignity.

Shilpan Patel
The Noble Savage, Papa John’s Pizza
Shilpan is passionate about supporting the local community in meaningful ways. As a business owner and active community member, he values Renesting’s mission and the opportunity to give back to those in need.

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