Executive Team

Larry Gold – Associate Executive Director

Larry Gold has been with Covenant House for 8 years and has a wide breadth of experience both working with Covenant House youth and administering the agency’s programs. Larry currently oversees all of CHW’s programs and quality assurance initiatives. He originally joined CHW as the Workshop Manager of the Artisans Program, a vocational training program in fine woodworking. Subsequently, Larry became the Artisans Program Director and later the Director of CHW’s Workforce Readiness Education and Training Program. Most recently, as Director of Community Services, Larry was responsible for administering CHW’s non-residential programs and in laying the foundation for a new database administration/grants management/quality assurance program. Prior to joining Covenant House, Larry practiced law as both a government attorney (with HUD) and a litigation partner in a private DC law firm and ran a small business. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from George Washington University.

Laura Giunta – Director of Residential Services

Laura Giunta comes to Covenant House after 25 years working with youth and their families in Central Massachusetts. Laura began in the youth-serving field as a residential counselor in an Independent Living program. Laura has been able to develop and implement a multitude of programming for struggling children, teens and young adults, to include - Treatment Foster Care, Respite Foster Care, Shelter and Assessment Programs, Group Homes and Transitional Living Services. Laura holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, with a concentration in Family Systems Therapy, from Fitchburg State College.

Brigitte Hodges – Director of Human Resources and Administration

In February, 2006, Brigitte Hodges joined the Covenant House Washington Family as the Director of Human Resources. Her twenty-five years of seasoned management and technical experience allowed her to hit the ground running in order to lead the transformation of the Agency’s HR Division on its quest to go from good to great. She came armed with an extensive network of resources gathered from her diverse background. Brigitte’s career has extended from Electrochemical Project Engineering and Safety/Environmental Engineering to Human Resource/Human Capital Senior Level Management. Her intense studies at both Carnegie Mellon and Howard Universities provided the solid foundation for her deep seated passion to support not only the Youth we serve but also to support those who serve our Youth.

Carlette S. Mack – Director of External Affairs

Carlette Mack joined Covenant House Washington in November 2009 as the Director of External Affairs. Carlette comes with over 10 years of experience in management and a strong dedication to youth and the mission of Covenant House. Carlette began her career at Covenant House Alaska as a case manager in the Transitional Living Program for mothers and children; ultimately, becoming the Director of Program Services. In addition to her experience with Covenant House, Carlette has worked as a clinical therapist and has over six years of experience as a member of the Board of Directors and as Board President for the YWCA of Anchorage. Carlette earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, Alaska.

Michael Wanyama – Director of Finance

Michael Wanyama joined Covenant House Washington in March of 2010 as Director of Finance and is happy to be part of the organization’s effort to making a difference in the lives of struggling kids. With over 12 years of history of working in non-profit, specifically youth service organizations, he believes his experience combined with his education gives him a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics, which is beneficial when considering the big picture and making financial decisions. Michael earned his MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.