Our Team

Alma Harmsen – Executive Director

Alma Harmsen (Executive Director) is a UCSB Alumni and first generation college graduate
holding a BA in Sociology with a minor in Spanish. Her professional background includes
experience in the financial industry and business administration. Growing up in a low-income
community with high levels of violence and homelessness she can relate to the struggles and
resilience of our clients. She knows firsthand the difference community organizations can make.
Her personal experiences along with her passion to help others are what led her to join PHS in
2019.

Sara Dow Hanover – Contract Manager/ Bookkeeper

Sara Dow Hanover (Financial Officer/ Contract Administrator) has been with PHS since 2018.
She has more than 14 years of experience in non-profit/government accounting. She started
working in the non-profit sector in 2010, which led her to pursue a B.S. in Accounting. She
assists the Executive Director in the strategic operation of the agency, which encompasses
oversight of financial systems and policies, including accounting systems and internal controls,
budgeting, cash flow analysis, and contract management of agencies’ contracts and individual
grant budgets.

Sylvia Rubalcaba – Case Manager/ Housing Specialist-Supervisor

Sylvia Rubalcaba (Case Manager/ Housing Specialist- Supervisor) has 22 years of experience
working with the low-income community providing advocacy and case management for food,
shelter, and basic needs. She previously worked for Community Action Commission Santa
Barbara for six years and then with Community Action Partnership San Luis Obispo for 10 years
as a family advocate. Now working with PHS as our case manager for CalWORKs clients, her
skills and experience help our clients on their road to self-sufficiency.

Maria Lopez – Case Manager-Housing Specialist II

Maria Lopez (Case Manager/Housing Specialist II) has previously worked as a property
management director for over eight years to both low-income and mid-income tenants in Los
Angeles. She served as a liaison between landlords and tenants, allowing her to balance the
viewpoint of both parties. She supervised several multi-unit family complexes where she was
involved in the tenant selection process. Maria has been a key part of the PHS team for four
years and recently added case management to her duties. Her personal approach has helped her
build and maintain strong relationships with our network of landlords, which is ever growing.
Through her years of experience in this field, she has an understanding of obstacles that
homeless individuals and families face.

Jessica Sotelo – Case Manager-Housing Specialist I

Jessica Sotelo (Case Manager/Housing Specialist I) holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology
and has a background as a behavioral health professional in the Central Coast region, showcasing
her deep connection to her hometown community. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated
expertise in assisting clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Jessica is dedicated to
making a positive impact in the lives of the families she serves.

Desiree Domingues – Housing Locator

Desiree Dominguez (Housing Locator II)’s professional background includes property
management and HOA management and in-depth knowledge of Low Income Housing Tax
Credit programs. Desiree joined PHS in 2023 and brings a unique understanding to the housing
locator role and is dedicated to housing the unhoused and helping them move through the
systems she personally navigated during her lived experience of homelessness and housing
insecurity. Her work background and personal experiences allow her to relate to both landlords
and clients in a meaningful way, which has heightened PHS’ ability to further bridge the housing
gaps across sectors. The duality in her experiences and her testimony make her well suited to
connect with landlords and clients on a deeper level.

Nohemi Vazquez – Case Aide/Administrative Assistant

Nohemi Vazquez (Case Aide/ Administrative Assistant), the daughter of immigrants, carries
with her a deep appreciation for the values of hard work, perseverance, and the opportunities that
arise from dedication. With a solid background in retail and hospitality industries, she has honed
exceptional customer service skills and developed a genuine passion for helping others. Having
spent the majority of her life on the Central Coast, Nohemi is driven by a commitment to make a
meaningful impact in her hometown and contribute positively to the community.