Board Members

Suzanne Grable is the Director of the New Kent Department of Social Services and has worked for NKDSS since 2015.  Prior to that, Suzanne worked for the James City County Department of Social Services and the Spotsylvania County Department of Social Services.  Suzanne’s passion for supporting children, families and adults as they work to become self-sufficient and triumph over poverty, abuse and/or neglect enables her to support BOC and its mission to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Suzanne has been a member of the Board for Bridges of Change since January 2019.  Currently, Suzanne serves as the Chairperson and is grateful for the opportunity to lead BOC’s talented Board.

Emily Hines is the Population Health Planning and Improvement Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Health/Chickahominy Health District, and has a passion for supporting health initiatives, especially for the most vulnerable populations. As of December 2022, she became a board member for the Bridges of Change and hopes to contribute to the organization via her grant writing and fundraising skills. Emily obtained her Master’s in Public Health from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2016 and has previously worked in public health as an Emergency Preparedness Grant Coordinator for two years, a Public Health Specialist for two years, and assisted with COVID-19 response and vaccination efforts. In Fall of 2021, Emily and her husband moved from rural northern Iowa to plant roots in the Greater Richmond Area. They have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the food scene, history and beautiful nature Virginia has to offer.

Karen Mortensen is the Victim Witness Director for the counties of New Kent and Charles City and an instructor at the Center for Legal Studies. Karen is the co-founder of Bridges of Change and she has a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Karen’s whole career has been directed towards serving victims of crime, especially victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Barrie Deis is retired from Bank of America after 38 years.  He worked in Information Technology and was Manager of Data Center Operations in Maryland before coming to Richmond in 1992 where he managed Mid-range Operations. He finished his career doing disaster recovery.  He has been very active in sports playing golf, officiating basketball for over 40 years and softball for 5 years.

Keith is a licensed clinical social worker and retired naval officer but also a devoted husband to my loving husband. Together, they share their home with two cherished dogs. Living in New Kent County for the last five years has not only been a personal joy, but has also deepened his connection to the community that he is dedicated to serving.

Mr. Engel is the owner and founder of Engel Haus, a hybrid workspace, and Mind Meld Psychotherapy “MMP”, which is the first outpatient mental clinic outside of state and federal funding in the county. His commitment to community well-being extends beyond his professional life. Education is a crucial aspect, and his involvement with the Master of Social Work for the University of Southern California, where he graduated with honors, reflects his passion for continuous learning.

His transition from a military officer to a local social worker provides him with a unique perspective, shaped by his experiences as a husband and dog owner. This blend of personal and professional life allows him to approach problem-solving with both discipline and empathy. In his spare time, he finds fulfillment in volunteering for non-profits and local organizations, especially those that bridge the gap for positive change in the county he calls home. Being part of such impactful organizations enables him to contribute to the well-being of the community in a meaningful way.