Our Team

Shontaine Walker

Mrs. Shontaine Walker is the founder and visionary behind Walking in by Faith, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted in faith, compassion, and community restoration. A dedicated advocate for Milwaukee’s youth and families, her lived experience as a mother, mentor, and leader fuels her commitment to creating safe, healing-centered spaces where individuals can rebuild their lives with purpose and dignity.

Driven by the belief that transformation begins through relationship, Shontaine serves as a Credible Messenger—turning lived experience into leadership, pain into purpose, and faith into action. Her approach blends compassion with accountability, offering truth, hope, and guidance to those she serves.

“I’ve been where they are—but now I walk beside them. That’s the power of faith, and that’s the call of a Credible Messenger.”

Founder, CEO, President

Theresa Morgan

Theresa Morgan is a crisis intervention specialist, community leader, and wellness advocate with over two decades of experience supporting youth, individuals, and families through moments of crisis, transition, and healing. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and relationship-based engagement, with a strong belief in meeting people where they are and building trust as the foundation for change.

As the founder of Sound House Wellness, Theresa designs youth-focused, arts-centered, and community-based programs that integrate mental health support, leadership development, and creative expression. By using music, media, and the arts as engagement tools, she creates safe, affirming spaces where young people can process emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills.

Through her work in crisis intervention, youth engagement, and arts-driven wellness programming, Theresa continues to lead with compassion and purpose, developing programs that promote stability, self-expression, and long-term community well-being.

Vice President

Sharon Bell

Financial Development Specialist

I bring over 25 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, and operations, with a strong background in higher education and public service. I am passionate about supporting young adults as they navigate education, career choices, and life challenges. As a mentor, caregiver, and lifelong learner completing my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, I understand the importance of guidance, stability, and practical skills. I am committed to helping young people build confidence, make informed decisions, and create positive paths for their future.

Machella Smith

Community Engagement Specialist

I am a 4th Grade Master Teacher at Catholic East with over 25 years of experience in education. I am actively involved in my church and in supporting sorority events that promote service, education, and sisterhood. I assist with planning and coordinating events that engage families, youth, and community partners. I bring strong organizational skills and a collaborative spirit to every initiative. My involvement includes volunteer coordination and program support. I value opportunities that uplift and empower others. Through my service, I help strengthen meaningful connections within the community and church.

Jasmine Walker

Board Member

Jasmine Walker is a community advocate, entrepreneur, and servant leader with a strong passion for supporting families, women, and underserved communities. With years of experience working directly with individuals navigating life transitions, caregiving needs, and systemic barriers, Jasmine brings both compassion and practical insight to her work. She is the founder of multiple service-based businesses that focus on empowerment, stability, and access to resources, and she is deeply committed to faith-driven service and community impact. Jasmine believes in meeting people where they are, building strong support systems, and helping individuals walk forward with dignity, purpose, and hope

Grace, The Starling

Board Member

GRACE became part of the Walking in by Faith story during the 2026 Mentoring Symposium, when a starling unexpectedly made its way inside the building and repeatedly returned to the organization’s resource table. Perching near the CEO and lingering at the table as if it belonged there, the moment felt symbolic — a reminder to stay grounded in purpose and trust the path ahead.

Since that day, GRACE has been embraced as the official mascot of Walking in by Faith, representing guidance, perseverance, and the quiet affirmations that appear when individuals remain committed to their mission. The starling serves as a symbol of faith, resilience, and the belief that even small moments can carry powerful meaning.

Clinical Social Worker

Sam Brock

Samantha Brock, LCSW, is a Clinical Social Worker with Walking in by Faith, Inc., and founder of Purpose Meets Planning, LLC. With experience in harm reduction and therapeutic services for youth and young adults ages 11–24, her work focuses on empowerment, resilience, and helping individuals build confidence as they navigate life’s challenges.

Grounded in trauma-informed and person-centered care, Samantha creates supportive spaces that promote healing, emotional wellness, and personal growth. Through her clinical role with Walking in by Faith and her leadership of Purpose Meets Planning, she helps expand access to mental health services, mentorship, and skill-building supports that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Secretary

Kira Ollinger

Kira is a Specialty Billing Claims Auditor with over 20 years of experience in medical billing, auditing, accounting, and accounts payable. She brings strong expertise in credit adjustments, write-offs, financial reconciliation, and compliance reporting, along with advanced skills in data analysis and documentation. Kira holds certifications in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Paralegal Studies, and also operates her own registered tax business, supporting clients with billing, tax preparation, and financial services.

Currently, Kira serves as a Specialty Billing Analyst at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she prepares financial statements, conducts audits, and manages billing processes for healthcare services. Known for her attention to detail and collaborative mindset, she actively contributes to improving workflow efficiency and maintaining accurate, compliant financial operations.

Shiqueal Davis

Youth Engagement Specialist

Shiqueal Davis is a dedicated community mentor and credible messenger with over eight years of experience working with youth and families. Her work is rooted in lived experience, integrity, and compassion, allowing her to build authentic connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Shiqueal’s mission is to uplift and empower youth and families within her community by providing mentorship, guidance, and advocacy. She is committed to meeting young people where they are—emotionally, mentally, and socially—while helping them recognize their strengths, develop accountability, and make informed, positive decisions.

Throughout her career, Shiqueal has partnered with community organizations to create safe, supportive spaces that encourage growth, healing, and personal development. She is known for her ability to engage youth through trust, consistency, and honest communication, helping them navigate challenges and work toward sustainable, positive outcomes.

Jessie Hemmen

Board Member

Jessie works with community members that are going through hard times. She help clients develop life skills and offer motivation to help them seek employment. She enjoy assisting individuals with their personal life journeys. She believes in continuous education to be able to assist more in the community.

Jessie has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She is a certified Peer Support Specialist. Jessie is in the clinical journey of obtaining her Substance Use Counseling License, currently holds certification for Substance Abuse Counseling (SAC-IT).