Our Volunteer Board

Founder and Board Chair Alison “Ellie” Mayo was born and raised in Portsmouth, NH. A talented visionary and leader, Ellie nearly singlehandedly conceived of and created Help!ComeHome! in 2007 after leaving a life-changing, special job in hospice care. Ellie created the organization after learning about the socioeconomic and health-related struggles of middle and lower-class Americans during her travels throughout the United States. A humble servant of Jesus Christ, she has devoted her life to helping the less fortunate. She is also co-owner of Ellie's Raw Juice and Oxygen Lounge in Portsmouth, NH.

Mark Shelton, Treasurer, has proven himself loyal to the HCH mission since its conception. A native of Rye Beach, NH, Mark has been a consistent leader both in the field and in the office, lending his services to nearly every outreach project since the charity was founded. Kindhearted and considerate, Mark has over 30 years of experience in holistic medicine and over 25 years of experience as a certified Image and Beauty consultant.

Lynnette Nicholas, Head Secretary, grew up in Portsmouth, NH.  After attending the University of New Mexico, Lynnette continued her education at Hesser College, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Travel and Tourism.  As the Head Secretary, Lynnette oversees the entire HCH network, documenting each new member and charity recipient. She has served as a volunteer with Help!ComeHome! in 2008 and was a key player in the charity's founding.

Another Portsmouth, NH native, our Legal Advisor, Michelle Impey, has kindly lent her legal expertise to the Help!ComeHome! team, guiding board members through the ins and outs of the incorporation and expansion process. Michelle works as an independent paralegal and was on the Developmental Disabilities Council for the State of New Hampshire (now the NH Council for Developmental Disabilities) for over 10 years. She also worked as a Guardian Ad Litum for the State of New Hampshire for over 10 years. Michelle has served on the boards on many nonprofits, including A Safe Place, an organization that serves battered women. Michelle is also a dedicated volunteer, lending her services to both outreach and administrative projects.

Coleen Egan, Assistant Secretary, has also proven loyal to the HCH mission, having served as a dedicated volunteer since the charity’s founding in 2008.  Now a full-time volunteer in her retirement, Coleen was a Head Nurse in the Oncology Department at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and worked in health care for over 25 years.  

Sarah Cooper, Executive Assistant, graduated from Princeton University, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in French while following the premed track. Now a professional operatic soprano, Sarah earned her Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at Westminster Choir College. She has served as Executive Assistant for ten years.

Renee Anderson, Advisor and Head Field Tech, attended UNH, majoring in Fine Arts. She has served as Bus Operator and Peer Trainer for the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation since 2006. In her spare time, Renee finds great enjoyment in painting, playing flute, traveling, being with family, and of course meeting those from all walks life! She has a wonderful heart toward those in need!

Andrea Arnstein-Willie, Auxiliary Board Member                                         I am blessed to be part of an amazing charity and be in the right place at the right time to help with the water project. After graduating from Portsmouth High School, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History and Literature from Marlboro College in 1999. I currently reside in Window Rock AZ, the capital of the Navajo Nation Reservation. I hope that with the success of the water project, Help!ComeHome! will establish a base of operations here where we can expand our services to help the people in this area overcome their daily struggles. Help!ComeHome! was founded to help whoever needs assistance however they need it. The Americans in this area, both Native and immigrant, will benefit from Help!ComeHome!'s mission.

We are truly grateful to have Carolyn A. Thomas serve as an auxiliary board member who offers gracious help when she is able!