Our Staff
Community Engagement Director
Laura Frank
Laura is in a hybrid role at Welcome Neighbor, overseeing volunteer recruitment, communication and training, as well as implementing the Board’s vision for donor engagement and solicitation. Laura is responsible for vetting volunteers and maintaining accurate data, and she collaborates closely with program managers across the organization to make sure they have the volunteer support necessary to run their programs effectively. Laura oversees grant applications and reporting, as well as WNSTL’s fundraising campaigns. She also partners with local organizations to engage St. Louisans to support refugees in our community as volunteers, donors and advocates.
Contact:volunteer@wnstl.org
Family Support Coordinator
Sharif Ahmadzai
Sharif welcomes new refugee families and helps assess their needs through home visits and intake assessments. Originally from Afghanistan, he works closely with families to connect them with Family Partners or other essential support. Sharif also manages family data, provides Dari and Pashto interpretation, and coordinates partnerships that provide furniture, appliances, and bicycles to families.
If a family has a need, please contact Sharif.
Contact: sharif@wnstl.org
CaseWorker
Delia Andrews
Delia assists families with all needs involving a Social Security number or government-related social services. Delia provides support with completing forms, navigating systems, and managing processes such as Medicaid, SNAP benefits, school enrollment, doctor appointments, and other essential services.
For help with any government paperwork or social aid programs, please contact Delia.
Contact: caseworker@wnstl.org
Transportation Coordinator
Julie Wurdack
Julie oversees all aspects of transportation support for WNSTL families. Julie manages car donations, coordinates driving lessons, and builds community partnerships to expand transportation resources. She works closely with families to assess needs and connect them with safe, reliable transportation options.
If your family needs a car or driving lessons, or if you have a car to donate, please contact the Transportation Coordinator.
Contact: julie@wnstl.org
Supper Club Program Coordinator
Zohra Zaimi
Zohra oversees WNSTL's food-based programs, including Supper Club dinners, catering events, dessert sales, and the Unhoused Meals Program. She coordinates chefs, volunteers, and logistics, manages food safety certification through ServSafe, and works closely with families and community partners to create opportunities for economic empowerment and cultural connection through food.
If you would like to host a Supper Club or order Catering for an event, please contact Zohra.
Contact: zohra@wnstl.org
Director of Operations
Tiana Brass
Tiana, Director of Operations, oversees the internal systems that keep WNSTL running smoothly. She manages organizational finances, software systems, office operations, and staff support while working closely with the organization's accountant to ensure financial accuracy and compliance. Tiana also oversees donor management and helps ensure staff have the tools and support they need to serve families effectively.
Contact: tiana@wnstl.org
Family Support Coordinator
Marianne Griesedieck
Marianne recruits, trains, and supports Family Partners while growing the program through community outreach and public engagement. Working alongside our Family Support Coordinator, she helps assess the needs of refugee families and carefully matches them with the best-fit Family Partners. Marianne also working with our Marketing and Communications Coordination on WNSTL's media, marketing, and web design efforts.
Support for Family Partners: Marianne is here to support you. If you are a Family Partner and need assistance or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to her.
Contact: marianne@wnstl.org
START Coordinator
Amin Sahel
Amin leads WNSTL's education initiatives, including Family Partner training, ESL programming, and educational resources for volunteers, staff, and families. He manages email communications for START, provides Pashto and Dari interpretation, and collaborates with community organizations to support refugee families. Originally from Afghanistan, Amin brings valuable insight, creativity, and compassion to his work serving the refugee community.
If you have an idea related to adult education, know someone who needs an ESL tutor, or have connections to educators or speakers, please reach out to Amin.
Contact: amin@wnstl.org
Student Support Coordinator
Michelle Mote
Michelle oversees all student tutoring programs at WNSTL, including both the Wednesday Night Tutoring Program and the At-Home Tutoring Program. Michelle works closely with volunteers, families, and students to ensure each learner receives the academic support they need to succeed.
If you have a student who needs help with schoolwork, please contact Michelle.
Contact: literacy@wnstl.org
Marketing and Social Media
Megan White
Megan oversees all marketing, social media, and fundraising communications for WNSTL. She manages our public-facing messaging, creates content that highlights our mission, and ensures consistent visibility across all platforms. Megan also produces the weekly newsletters and manages email communication for all WNSTL supporters, keeping our community informed and engaged.
Contact: pr@wnstl.org
Student Support Assistant
Ahmad Safi
Ahmad supports the Student Support and START programs. Ahmad assists Michelle on Wednesday nights with tutoring logistics and student support. He is also available to help with the drop-off and pick-up of donations, ensuring items get where they are needed most. In addition, Ahmad provides Pashto interpretation for families and students who need language support.
If you are a teen interested in volunteering, fundraising, or inviting us to speak at your school, reach out to Ahmad.
Contact: start@wnstl.org
Executive Director
Ann Wittman
Ann leads Welcome Neighbor STL, overseeing staff and programs to ensure effective, mission-aligned service to families. She brings over a decade of experience, including eight years as a management consultant at Deloitte and two years as an IT auditor at Abbott Laboratories, shaping her strategic approach to leadership.
She partners closely with the Board on program impact, finances, and long-term vision, and works collaboratively with community organizations — including the City's Office of New Americans, Mosaic, the International Institute, and the Missouri Office of Refugee Administration — to coordinate services and avoid duplication.
Ann also represents WNSTL publicly, builds partnerships, and supports fundraising to keep the organization running efficiently and compassionately.
Contact: director@wnstl.org
Our Board
Anne Ross-Weldy
Board President
Director of Capacity Building
New Chapter Coaching
Erika Hatfield
Member Recruitment Account Executive
NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program)
Lamees Horani
Immigration Staff Attorney
St. Francis Community Service,
Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry (CLAM)
Andrew Bartelsmeyer
Senior Technical Business Analyst
RGA (Reinsurance Group of America).
Sadam Husan Afghan
Interpreter
GLOBO Language Solutions, LLC & Cyracom International Inc.
Susan Werremeyer
Immediate Past Board President
President
Carlton Werremeyer
Sue Davis
Treasurer
Retired Business Owner
suejmdavis@hotmail.com