Our Staff
Ms. Heather Van Poucker
Executive Director
hvanpoucker@ferndalehousing.com
The Executive Director is responsible for overall agency-wide program planning and administration, including managing staff, budgets, and operations, and ensuring strong and positive internal and external relations. Heather has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and over 20 years of professional public sector experience. Prior to coming to FHC in March 2016, Heather worked as Director of Information and Policy Research for the Michigan Municipal League. In addition to managing a wide range of programs and staff, she provided financial, operational, and human resources consulting to hundreds of municipal governments across the state. She brings extensive public management expertise to FHC, but more importantly, Heather is committed to making a difference for FHC families. She strives every day to help create a warm and welcoming home environment where those we serve feel valued and proud to be part of FHC.
Office/Waiting List Coordinator
This position provides customer service, administrative, bookkeeping and general clerical support for both Public Housing and Section 8 programs. This position also has primary responsibility for processing initial applications and managing the waiting list for both programs.
Ms. Emily Tong
Public Housing Manager
The Property Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations, compliance, and administrative duties associated with our public housing program. She works closely with the Executive Director in developing and administering program policies, procedures, and operations, and coordinates maintenance operations and capital projects. Emily also handles a caseload of re-certifications and interim changes for the HCV/Section 8 program. Emily has a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan University in Land Use Planning and Environmental Analysis and a Master’s Degree from Wayne State University in Urban Planning. She has been with FHC since 2005 and has undertaken a variety of different roles in her time with the agency. She holds several professional certifications in public housing and serves as secretary for the Michigan Chapter of NAHRO, a national professional association.
Jamere Jackson
Housing Specialist (Section 8/HCV)
The Housing Specialist manages a caseload of annual recertifications and interim changes, providing ongoing case management and participant assistance. Jamere works directly with families to ensure they have the information they need to successfully continue participation in our program, and to promote overall program compliance. She serves as the family’s critical point of contact once they join our program, helping them to navigate policies and procedures that might seem overwhelming, connecting them to resources, and helping them resolve problems. Jamere began work with FHC in 2018 and has 8+ years of experience in public housing and property management.
Ms. Jennifer Mondy
Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program Manager
The Section 8 (HCV) Manager is responsible for day-to-day program operations, quality control, and compliance reporting. Jennifer also handles all new intakes, moves & ports, management/landlord relations, inspections operations, and a caseload of recertifications and interim changes. As the Section 8 subject-matter-expert, Jennifer provides technical guidance and mentoring to other staff, and works with the Executive Director in developing and administering program policies and operations. She has been with the FHC since September 2006, and she feels deeply rewarded that to be able to positively impact families through housing stability. Jennifer earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Oakland University in Political Science/International Relations and she is working toward a Master’s Degree.
Maintenance
FHC Maintenance Staff is our front line, serving our residents in their homes with a wide range of needs from carpentry and plumbing, to electrical and HVAC work.
They handle routine and emergency work order requests, they complete seasonal and preventive maintenance tasks, they undertake numerous inspections throughout the year, and they work with contractors and vendors to ensure FHC properties are well-maintained inside and out. The maintenance team is on-call 24/7, 365 days. They’ve helped residents at 3:00 am who are locked out, and they’ve taken time away from their own families on holidays when a resident’s heat goes out. They are dedicated, patient, and extremely hard working individuals who help make FHC properties safe and comfortable.
Jose Gonzalez
Lead Maintenance
As the Lead Maintenance Technician, Jose works closely with the Property Manager and various contracted professionals in coordinating a wide range of maintenance and repair activities. Jose has been with FHC over 30 years and he knows these properties inside and out!
Otis Keith
Maintenance Tech
Otis has been with FHC for over 30 years, with valuable experience in a full range of maintenance functions and vast knowledge of our properties.