THE TEAM
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
When the idea came to me to start an organization providing a safe living environment for men and women in need of rebuilding their lives, I knew the key to our success would be having strong, motivated and dedicated leaders. I think we've been blessed with accomplishing the goal of assembling a team who can all bring their talents together for a common cause. Our staff is comprised of men and women from all social and ethnic backgrounds, some who's been afflicted with the disease of addiction and some who have not.
We have a blend of individuals who would normally not cross paths if it wasn't for Toni's House bringing them together. Each person is unique in their own way. Each is passionate about what it is that interest them. I have to keep giving credit to God for hearing my prayers and making my dream become a reality. After you read about each member you will understand how blessed we are to have a group of experienced, professional volunteers who all work tirelessly to make Toni's House a success. We invite you to meet our team.
Monique Ellis - Founder & Executive Director
As the bi-racial daughter of her Mexican mother, Antoinette "Toni" Espinoza, and her African American father, Barclay Gordon, and coming from an economically diverse area of Los Angeles, California in the 60's, Monique was blessed with having a unique life experience. This is an asset that helps her work with people of all backgrounds.
She received a Bachelor's degree from the UNLV School of Journalism in 1983 and later obtained a Master's in Journalism from The University of North Texas. Over the past 25 years she spent her time helping those in need through working with various organizations.
Jacklyn Rohlik - Women's House Senior Resident
Jacklyn is the model resident for the type of woman Toni's House was founded to help. She is a single mother who is currently rebuilding her relationship with her daughter. Toni's House is proud that we were able to help Jacklyn reunite with her. She came and stayed with her mother at the house this past July & August of 2012. Having her daughter back in her life has been her motivation for rebuilding her life. Toni's House is blessed to have a resident with Jacklyn's character and sense of loyalty and passion to help other women in need. Ms. Rohlik is a graduate of the Westcare Serenity program. She is employed in sales and currently taking college courses to reach her goal of becoming a substance abuse counselor for young women. She's an avid reader who enjoys relaxing while losing herself in a good story.
We couldn't ask for a more passionate, honest, and loving person. It's exciting to watch her work to accomplish all of her short and long term goals.
Cliff Butcher - Men's House Senior Resident
Mr. Butcher not only brings rich diversity to our organization with his Native American roots, but he's also our Toni's House rock. He's been with us since the beginning. He's one of our first residents and has participated in shaping the Toni's House culture. Through all of our changes, Cliff Butcher has been the steady force. We can count on Mr. Butcher to do whatever is asked of him. He's supportive of all our residents, ideas and projects.
As Cliff grows, so does our organization. Toni's House is owned by the residents who live in the Men and Women's houses. We are proud to boost Mr. Butcher's accomplishments.
He's been drug free since December 19th, 2010 and is proud he has been able to stay sober without going through an intensive rehabilitation program. Cliff has worked the 12 steps, reads his Big Book, works with his sponsor and benefits from the support of his Toni's House family. He's been able to stay clean by his own determination. It's been a challenge ,but Cliff has risen to the occasion and looks forward to continuing his quest of rebuilding his life.
Lashonda Bussie - Women's House Off-site Manager
Originally from Chicago, IL, Lashonda N. Bussie has had a life not without difficulty. She was raised in a hardworking family, many of whom had backgrounds in the church, and she believes that her family instilled in her a sense of strong moral values and work ethic. When Lashonda's mother died during her childhood, her family dynamics changed, and she was left without an influential female figure to guide her.
Despite this, she excelled in school and became the Battalion Commander of her high school's Junior R.O.T.C. program. This title earned her two full scholarships for university study, which she thought she could not pursue when she became pregnant before graduating.
LaShonda has moved and is no longer our live-in Women's House manager. She lives in a beautiful home not far from the Toni's House women. She is working full-time, attending college and reuniting with her children. LaShonda has been rebuilding her life on a solid foundation and she credits Toni's House for helping her achieve many of her goals. She has stayed connected and continues to help mentor the women.
Ashley Ellis - Director of Social Media
Ashley Ellis is a freelance writer and filmmaker with a diverse set of life experiences and a humanitarian worldview. She obtained a Master's degree from the University of Southern California in Professional Writing and holds a B.A. in Creating Writing from USC as well.
She founded and runs Emerald City Arts, a socially conscious production company focused on film, music, and the visual arts.
Ashley Ellis' E-book Haiti Sun-dried and Illuminated is now out. We are proud to have Ashley as part of our family. Her philanthropic projects are a testament to her commitment to service.
Charlotte Walsh - Treasurer and social activity coordinator
Toni's House is honored to have Mrs. Charlotte Walsh as a part of our family. She's a native Bostonian who has moved to Nevada from the State of Washington. Mrs. Walsh is a fiscal conservative and a successful retired business owner. This made her the perfect candidate for the Toni's House Treasurer position.
Her vision is for Toni's House to become financially self-sustaining, and we are close to this mission. Her input and business experience is a welcomed asset. We are committed to making Toni's House an entity for generations to come, and we believe Charlotte is the person to help us accomplish our goal.
Nina Griffin - Secretary and Bible Study Leader
Nina Griffin has been described as a daughter, sister, mother, friend, Army Lieutenant, civil servant, evangelist, advocate, exhorter, motivational speaker and radio talk show host.
At sixteen, Ms. Griffin starting working at her father's law offices, and by the time she graduated from high school, she was a full time legal office manager. In 1986, Nina won an Army ROTC Scholarship to attend the University of Southern California, where she earned a B.A. in Anthropology. During that time, she received numerous awards for public speaking and was awarded "Speaker of the Year" as well. Soon thereafter in 1989, Nina attended the U.S. Army Quartermaster Officer Basic Course in Fort Lee, VA and
was the Adjutant of her graduating class. She served her country both as enlisted and an officer for 10 years.
Nina's radio ministries were a "labor of love" to bring about deliverance and healing restoration to those in need. She's also the Founder and CEO of "Lost Sheep Consulting" and has helped hundreds of companies increase their bottom line through proven Fortune 500 retention techniques. Nina makes her home in the greater Las Vegas area and serves as the Secretary for Toni's House, where she's able to continue making a difference in many lives.
Mr.Ron Scoggins - Off-Site Men's House Manager
Mr. Scoggins originally moved to Las Vegas from Inglewood, California to attend and play football for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the early 1980's. He had a short career playing professional football and then transitioned to owning and operating a successful personal protection company. Mr. Scoggins has provided protection services for many celebrities and other high profile clients throughout his career. He and his partner currently consult and train companies on how to protect themselves.
Mr. Scoggins is a strong Christian and family man. He's a proud father of 3 children; his oldest son is currently a member of the UNLV football team, he has a teenage daughter and a younger teenage son. His family comes first this is why we feel he is a great role model. Mr. Scoggins core values is what we try to instill in our residents. We couldn't be happier that Mr. Scoggin's is on board helping support the men and women of Toni's House.