Sharee Minor - Founder/CEO
Hi, I’m Sharee Minor, the Founder 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 saw firsthand how trauma, instability, and neglect can derail a teenager’s future. But I
Hi, I’m Sharee Minor, the Founder 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 saw firsthand how trauma, instability, and neglect can derail a teenager’s future. But I also witnessed the power of one steady lifeline, a mentor, a safe space, a second chance, to change the entire trajectory of a young person’s life. Those moments planted the seed for what would one day become From The Heart Youth Haven.
For over a decade, I’ve opened my doors and my heart as a therapeutic foster parent, caring for teenage girls in need of stability, compassion, and guidance. Alongside fostering, I worked as a case manager for juvenile and adult probation, helping youth and families who were often at a crossroads, facing cycles of incarceration, substance use, and violence. That experience deepened my belief that with the right support, young people can break free from those patterns and thrive.
At From The Heart Youth Haven, my mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that no teen feels invisible or unsupported. Through a structured and nurturing environment, we empower youth ages 14–20 to heal, develop essential life skills, explore creative outlets like art and music, and prepare for independence.
This is more than a program—it’s a promise: 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
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 fos
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.
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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.