Sharee Minor Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Hi, I'm Sharee Minor, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of From The Heart Youth Haven.
For me, this work is more than a career, it's a calling shaped by my own life experiences.
I grew up in North Philadelphia, just blocks away from the home that now serves as our haven. I witnessed firsthand how trauma, instability, violence, and neglect can alter the course of a young person's life. But I also saw the incredible impact that one caring adult, one safe place, and one second chance can have. Those experiences planted the seed for what would one day become From The Heart Youth Haven.
For more than a decade, I've opened both my home and my heart as a therapeutic foster parent, caring for teenage girls who needed stability, compassion, and someone who believed in them. During that time, I witnessed not only the resilience of young people but also the gaps that exist within our child welfare system. Too many teens age out of care without the consistent support, guidance, and sense of belonging they deserve.
My experience as a case manager for juvenile and adult probation further strengthened my passion for this work. I worked with youth and families navigating trauma, community violence, incarceration, substance use, and other significant challenges. Time and time again, I saw that behind every case file was a young person with potential who simply needed the right support, structure, and opportunity to succeed.
Those experiences inspired me to establish From The Heart Youth Haven, a place where teenagers can feel safe, supported, and empowered to build brighter futures. Our home is more than a residence; it is a community where healing begins, life skills are developed, confidence is restored, and every young person is reminded of their worth.
Today, I continue to build this organization with the same passion that inspired it from the very beginning. Supported by both my professional experience and my education in human services, I remain committed to creating a nurturing, trauma-informed environment where every teen has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive - Building Bright Futures, One Lifeline at a Time.
Marie Minor - Chief Operating Officer
Marie Minor is a dedicated leader with a proven commitment to serving youth and families in her community. As the Chief Operating Officer of From The Heart Youth Haven, Marie draws on more than a decade of experience as a therapeutic foster parent, providing safe and nurturing care to teenage girls and LGBTQ youth. Her firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by vulnerable teens guides her work in ensuring our programs remain compassionate, structured, and effective.
In addition to her work in foster care, Marie has built a strong background in education and entrepreneurship. She has served as an on-call substitute teacher, offering support to students from diverse backgrounds, and she successfully managed Cater 2 You Events, where she demonstrated organizational excellence and professionalism. Marie also played a key role in managing JumpStart Learning Center, helping create enriching educational experiences for children.
Currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a concentration in Psychology, Marie is committed to expanding her knowledge to further strengthen her impact. Her leadership at From The Heart Youth Haven focuses on operational oversight, staff support, and program management, ensuring that every teen in our care receives consistent, high-quality services.
Marie’s passion for empowering youth, combined with her entrepreneurial drive and hands-on experience, makes her an invaluable part of our leadership team. As COO, she is dedicated to advancing our mission and helping teens overcome adversity, discover their potential, and build brighter futures.
Patricia Gainey, M.S., LMFT – Director
Patricia Gainey is a compassionate leader and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience empowering teenagers and families to overcome adversity and thrive. As the Director of From The Heart Youth Haven, Patricia brings deep expertise in trauma-informed care, mental health counseling, and family therapy to foster a safe and nurturing environment where teens can heal, grow, and reach their full potential.
She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Couple and Family Therapy from Chestnut Hill College. Patricia is trained in Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT), a proven approach that helps families rebuild trust and strengthen connections. Her professional background includes extensive work providing individual, group, and family therapy to youth navigating trauma, mental health challenges, and complex family dynamics.
At From The Heart Youth Haven, Patricia’s leadership is rooted in holistic care. She oversees programs designed to meet the emotional, educational, and social needs of teens, equipping them with essential life skills and resilience. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges underserved youth face, Patricia ensures every resident receives personalized support and meaningful opportunities to build a brighter future.
As a passionate advocate for youth development, Patricia believes every teenager deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. Her vision is to inspire hope and transformation by fostering a culture of empowerment, community, and unconditional care. Under her guidance, From The Heart Youth Haven stands as a beacon of healing and possibility for the next generation.
Angela Upson - Human Resource Manager
Angela Upson brings decades of leadership experience to her role as Human Resource Manager at From The Heart Youth Haven. She has successfully managed multiple large-scale, nationally recognized retail operations in the tri-state area, where she developed expertise in team leadership, operations management, and organizational compliance.
Her background gives her a strong foundation in policies, codes of conduct, and staff development, skills that are essential to creating a safe and professional environment for both staff and residents. Angela is highly skilled at building cohesive teams, maintaining accountability, and fostering positive workplace culture.
At From The Heart Youth Haven, Angela oversees staff training, compliance, and human resources operations, ensuring that our organization runs smoothly and efficiently. Her proven leadership and decades of experience managing complex, high-volume environments make her an invaluable part of our mission to provide stability, structure, and care to the youth we serve.