Casa Esperanza Staff
The staff at Casa Esperanza is an integral part of what makes Casa Esperanza the warm and welcoming place it is. Our bilingual program staff, which includes our Family Care Team, determines each family’s need through individual assessments and information collected during initial check in. Administration includes Directors, Managers and Assistants. Facilities includes a full-time staff dedicated to keep the building and grounds clean and safe. Give Hope a Ride has its own Manager & staff who work specifically with our car program.
Chrisann Gray, Executive Director
I am honored to be the Executive Director of Casa Esperanza. My journey here began in 2011 as Director of the Give Hope a Ride program—Remember: Done with it? Donate it!—and in 2014, I was promoted to Executive Director. I bring leadership experience from American Airlines Flyway Vacations, American Home Furnishings, and indirect lending for many NM Credit Unions.
Born in Austin, Texas, I had the privilege of growing up in a military family, gaining insight into diverse cultures and family challenges. I moved to New Mexico in 1974 and earned a degree in Political Science and Social Welfare from UNM.
I have been married to my husband, Scott, for 30 years. Together, we combined our families, raising five wonderful children. Today, our greatest joy is our four granddaughters, ages 1 to 22. Snuggling with our three dogs is a close second! Love of family and community connection sustain me on this life journey.
Through commitment and leadership, our team strives every day to fulfill Casa Esperanza’s mission of providing a compassionate community of hope and healing. Join us in making a difference through donations, sponsorships, or volunteering. Together, we can bring comfort and care to those who need it most.
Breanna Adams, Bookkeeper
Breanna has been the bookkeeper for Casa Esperanza since 2021. Before then, she worked as a Development Coordinator.
She graduated with her MBA from New Mexico Highlands University with a concentration in Human Resources. Her undergraduate degree from UNM was in Journalism and Mass Communications. She has used her knowledge to help in her work for Casa Esperanza by writing family stories, newsletters, annual reports, as well as records and organizes Casa Esperanza’s financial transactions.
In her free time, Breanna enjoys traveling by cruise ship across the world and in her travel trailer to National Parks across the United States. She also loves to read and spend time with her family.
Kenney Elkomous, Development Director
Kenney comes to Casa Esperanza with nearly 20 years experience in the nonprofit sector, and a passion for healthcare access.
Prior to joining the team as Development Director, Kenney served in leadership development roles at NDI New Mexico and the Santa Fe Art Institute, and served on the Board of Directors at the nationwide nonprofit Arts Administrators of Color. Outside of his work at Casa, he’s an accomplished classical guitarist, avid bicyclist, and voracious reader.
Veronica Enriquez, Family Care Team Supervisor
Veronica Enriquez joined Casa Esperanza in 2024, bringing over 20 years of customer service experience and a strong background in supervision and management. She has a deep passion for putting others first and believes that time is our most precious resource—one that should be spent wisely on what truly matters.
For Veronica, Casa Esperanza is more than just a workplace; she sees it as a calling from God. A guest once shared with her, “Being at Casa Esperanza truly feeds your soul,” a sentiment that perfectly reflects how she feels about her work.
Mike Gallegos, Facility Coordinator
Mike is our longest tenured staff member, approaching nearly 30 years of service providing a safe and comfortable facility for our residents. He draws a connection between his late grandfather’s battle with cancer and his devotion to the mission of Casa Esperanza.
Mike is married to Emily, who he met just 6 months after moving to New Mexico from California. In his free time, he enjoys off-roading in his Bronco, hiking, and competitive trap shooting. Mike is also an artist who works in wood and metal, and has donated some of his works of art to Casa Esperanza.
Desiree McBrayer, Finance Director
Desiree has been with Casa Esperanza since 2009. She started as our Bookkeeper and worked her way up to the Finance Director. In her spare time, Desiree enjoys spending time with her children and attending NM United games.
Leslie Sullivan, Give Hope a Ride & Program Supervisor
Leslie Sullivan joined the Casa Esperanza team in 2021 as the Give Hope A Ride Coordinator. She now serves as Program Manager, where she is responsible for overseeing the Give Hope A Ride Program, managing the facilities, running the social media accounts, and coordinating work-study students from the University of New Mexico. In addition, Leslie takes on the responsibility of organizing and overseeing the volunteers and groups who dedicate their time to Casa Esperanza.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Leslie and her husband have a total of 6 children, two of whom were born while she has been with Casa Esperanza. She enjoys spending her free time with her family!
Esmeralda Vasquez, Family Care Team Member
Carolina Zavala-Barreras, Family Care Team Member
Carolina has a BA in Sociology and Spanish, with a concentration in Human Services and Social Policy, from The University of New Mexico.
She is proud to be a part of an organization dedicated to assisting individuals with diverse backgrounds, by promoting a welcoming environment and providing helpful services.
She enjoys spending time outdoors and appreciating the beauty in nature.