Our Team

Alma Harmsen – Executive Director

Alma Harmsen has a background in the private business sector however, her heart has always been in the social service industry. She was raised in a community that had a large homeless population and high levels of violence and poverty. She knows firsthand how important programs like PHS are to the communities they serve. Her personal experiences are what led her to pursue a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Spanish. She has been with Partners in Housing Solutions since 2019 and is thrilled to be part of its growth and success.

Sylvia Rubalcaba – Case Manager/ Housing Specialist-Supervisor

Sylvia Rubalcaba 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. She has been with PHS since 2017; as our case manager for CalWORKs clients, her skills and experience help our clients on their road to self-sufficiency.

Sara Dow Hanover – Contract Manager/ Bookkeeper

Sara Dow Hanover has been with PHS since 2018. She has more than 12 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.

Maria Lopez – Case Manager-Housing Specialist II

Maria Lopez has previously worked as a Property Management Director for over eight years for both low-income and mid-income tenants in Los Angeles County. 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 and her personal approach has led us to grow our private network of landlords since 2019. Through her years of experience in this field, she has an understanding of the obstacles that homeless individuals and families face.

Jessica Sotelo – Case Manager-Housing Specialist I

Joins PHS with five years of experience 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 and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team that strives to help those in need.

Desiree Domingues – Housing Locator

Desiree has lived on the central coast all her life and raised her family here. With deep roots in Santa Barbara County, she thrives on helping others in any way she can. Desiree started her career in retail and sales. In recent years, she has worked in Property Management and HOA Management where she became aware of the profound need for housing locally.  She joins Partners Housing Solutions to give back to the community by providing services to the unhoused.