Meet the team
Kate Houck
Executive Director
Kate Houck
Leadership is defined by the ability of an individual to influence and guide others with great purpose and accountability. When picturing just that, there is no other that comes to mind than our Executive Director Kate Houck. With a kind heart, determined mind, and focus like you wouldn’t believe, Kate seamlessly leads David’s Refuge like a Mozart conducting a masterpiece. Armed with at least one healthy smoothie and a detox tea Kate gracefully navigates the art of being an amazing mother, wife and friend to all she meets.
Rory Lawrence
Director of Guest Services
Rory Lawrence
Rory…she has a God-given blend of grace, love, passion and fire. She will inspire you with her words and her example to lead with purpose. Two things are sure to bring out the passion in her; God, her family, serving our DR community, and nametags. She has two incredibly adorable twins, Grace and Hugo. Hugo has cerebral palsy, but he also has a smile that will pull you out of a mood. Grace is a warrior like her mom. Her husband Mark; the exact balance God knew Rory would thrive with! Rory leads with grace and is ready to take on any mountain. Her poise, kindness and incredible style make anyone want to befriend her. However, the fire inside her; the side that comes out when someone crosses her healthy boundaries, or her family, well; it makes anyone want to stand WITH her, not against her.
Sarah Watson
Events Manager
Sarah Watson
Doyen of fun and celebration, Sarah creates beautiful events year after year for the David’s Refuge community – parents, families, supporters and volunteers! From simple ticket giveaways to our huge Taste of David’s Refuge fundraiser, DR’s events are as impactful as they are memorable thanks to her skill and creativity. While the magic happens with apparent ease, it belies all of the thoughtful, precise, behind-the-scenes planning she brings to everything she does. A “doer’ by nature, Sarah’s belief in DR’s mission is unwavering. With a style that’s open, calm, sunny and engaging, she builds warm and lasting relationships with staff, volunteers and vendors. A loving wife, mom, daughter, friend and colleague, Sarah simply lights all the places up!
Liz Conklin
Respite Manager
Liz Conklin
Meet our Respite Manager, Liz Conklin. A woman of warmth and wit, Liz has the ability to make people comfortable within seconds of meeting them! A proud mom, Liz is always listening attentively with love and compassion, and she can bring comfort when needed or lighten any situation with ease. Her loving and kind presence doesn’t negate the calm strength and grit within. As a disabled vet, Liz isn’t afraid of a challenge and is creative and thoughtful in her approach to find solutions. While she’s the newest member of our team, it feels like Liz has been our friend for years, moving this mission forward from the start!
Kim Hunn
Office Manager
Kim Hunn
Meet Kim Hunn, our wonderful Office Manager. Kim is one of the most genuine, kind and compassionate people you will ever meet. She brings years of experience and a true passion for service to her role. She is the “glue” that holds all of our many pieces together. We are grateful for her peaceful energy and for all the ways she provides excellent service and attention to the caregivers we serve.
Anne DiCosimo
Philanthropy Associate
Anne DiCosimo
As our Philanthropy Associate, Anne brings her passion and excitement amongst her many talents to the David’s Refuge team. She is a highly skilled member of our team who leads with warmth, empathy and friendliness. She is a true team player who is willing to jump in and help wherever she can to move our mission forward. Committed to her family and friends, she is a genuine person who fills any room with love and her beautiful smile!