Gayle O. Ricks, President and CEO

Gayle O. Ricks was appointed President and CEO of Growing Home Southeast, Inc. on July 1, 2004. Prior to this appointment she was President and CEO of Growing Home, Inc. in St. Paul, MN. With over 20 years of senior management experience, Ms. Ricks has held positions with family service agencies in Norfolk, VA, Chattanooga, TN and New York City. Ms. Ricks received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee and her Masters of Science degree in Social Work from Columbia University.

Since joining Growing Home Southeast, Ms. Ricks has expanded the organization’s services and spearheaded the strategic planning process, working with the board of directors and senior staff to articulate the organization’s strategic direction.

Ms. Ricks currently serves on the Board of Directors of the SC Association of Children's Homes and Family Services. She previously served as President of the Board of Directors of the Foster Family-based Treatment Association (FFTA) and member of the Editorial Advisory Committee for Families in Society, a publication of the Alliance for Children and Families. She is a graduate of Leadership Columbia and Leadership Chattanooga.

Rose M. Lopez, COO and VP of Finance

Rose M. Lopez joined Growing Home Southeast in November 2004 as the Vice President of Finance. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Finance. In this position, Ms. Lopez coordinates the development and implementation of the annual business plan for all operations. She is responsible for execution of the business strategy, which includes assessing market dynamics and needs, market development analyzing industry trends, and developing sales strategies.

Ms. Lopez has over 10 years of management experience in child welfare services. She brings experience in working with various state child welfare systems including managed care environments and privatized systems. Prior to joining Growing Home’s management team, Ms. Lopez served as a Business/Financial Analyst for the Eastern Division of Providence Service Corporation, a national child and family service organization. Ms. Lopez also served previously as the Mid-Atlantic Director for Family Preservation Services Inc. (a subsidiary of Providence) overseeing both North Carolina and South Carolina operations. Ms. Lopez received her bachelors degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina and her masters degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.

Kelli S. Kelly, Director of Performance, Quality Improvement and Training

As Vice President of Quality Improvement and Training, Kelli is responsible for the oversight of the agency’s quality improvement program and developing all agency training. Additionally she provides supervision to clinical staff and assists in growth and development of operations, serves on numerous committees and provides expertise on home based treatment services for children and youth. Kelli is the team leader for the agency’s reaccreditations.

Ms. Kelly has over 12 years of clinical and management experience in child welfare services. Prior to joining the management team at GHSE, Ms. Kelly was serving as the Interim Executive Director of Family Resources, Inc. , a non profit agency specializing in Home-Based Services, Therapeutic Foster Care and Residential Services. Ms. Kelly began her tenure with Family Resources, Inc. as a Home-Based Services Clinician. During her 11 year tenure with Family Resources, Inc. , Ms. Kelly was promoted to various management positions within the agency to include, Home-Based Service Supervisor, Regional Home-Based Service Coordinator, Director of Program Operations and finally, Interim Executive Director. As the Interim Executive Director, Kelli helped facilitate the agency merger with Growing Home Southeast in 2005. Ms. Kelly received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina. Mrs. Kelly became a licensed social worker in July, 2006.

Sitrenia McDaniel, Director of Clinical Services

Sitrenia McDaniel was appointed as the Director of Clinical Services on November 2006.  Prior to her appointment, she served as the Midlands Regional Team Manager for Growing Home Southeast.  Mrs. McDaniel has over 10 years of experience in child welfare, six years has been in management and supervision. Prior to joining Growing Home Southeast, Mrs. McDaniel held several positions with different family service agencies in Columbia, SC.  Mrs. McDaniel received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina.  Mrs. McDaniel became a licensed social worker in June, 1995.

Kim McElroy, Director of Clinical Services

Kim McElroy joined Growing Home Southeast in May of 2009.  Mrs. McElroy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from the University of South Carolina as well as a Master of Social Work. Mrs. McElroy was licensed in 2004.  Prior to her arrival at Growing Home Southeast, she served as the Director for a private non-profit agency a total of seven years. She has experience in Therapeutic Foster Care, Medically Fragile Family Services, and Clinical Day Programs. Mrs. McElroy is recognized as a member of “Who’s Who Among Professional Colleagues” and the National Association of Social Workers.