Team
Amanecer Counseling & Resource Center has built a strong bilingual culturally aware team.
Sister Theresa Elitz, OSF, LPCMH | Founder and Senior Therapist
Sister Theresa Elitz, our founder, has worked in Central America, North America, and the Caribbean – as a bilingual, culturally competent professional nurse and behavioral health therapist – serving diverse cultures for more than 30 years. In addition to her license in counseling, Sister Theresa is certified in hypnotherapy and spiritual direction. Over the past decade, Sister Theresa has supervised many Spanish-speaking professional mental health therapists and community leaders who serve the community in health, education, faith-based and community settings.
Kelly Paustian | Interim Executive Director
Meet Kelly Paustian, our new Interim Executive Director, Kelly is excited to bring her skills in development and over twenty years of nonprofit experience to the team. During her tenure at the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, she used her talents in communications and donor relations to increase funding and positioned the agency to efficiently and effectively interact with its donors.
When not working, Kelly likes to read and throw things in dirt to see what will grow. She sits on the Board of the Wilmington Drama League where she volunteers directing children’s plays, mentors with the youth one-act festival, and most recently got back into performing. She and her husband Nate are busy raising a small human and have two rescue cats.
Cheyenne DeShields, LCSW | Therapist
Cheyenne is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Delaware native. She received her bachelor’s in public health sciences from Xavier University of Louisiana and her master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University. Cheyenne has experience helping both children and adults overcome barriers to their educational and emotional wellness. Her areas of focus include adolescent and adult mental health, crisis prevention and treatment, as well as helping people through life transitions, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. She most recently lived in Cleveland, Ohio, where she engaged in individual and group therapy with university students from various backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. Cheyenne is excited and grateful to join the team at Amanecer, where she hopes to reconnect with her home state and help people achieve wellness, fulfillment, and personal growth.
Karen Beltran, LCSW | Therapist
Karen earned her master’s in social work from Temple University and bachelor’s in human development and family studies from Penn State University. Karen has extensive experience working in the nonprofit sector with families and people from different backgrounds. Karen has led therapeutic support groups, parenting and life-skills education. She is completing a post-graduate certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Karen is an active member of her community and was elected to her borough council.
Ana Ramirez-Irineo, LCSW | Victims of Crime Therapist
Ana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified Domestic Violence Specialist. She received her Master of Social Work from Salisbury University and her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from the University of Delaware, with two minors in Domestic Violence Prevention and Services and Women and Gender Studies.
Ana has prior experience in the victim services field as a case manager in a domestic violence shelter for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Ana’s clinical experience includes working with children, teens, families, and adults to tackle issues like anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, primary/secondary trauma, grief/loss, domestic violence, life transitions, and family conflict. She believes that healing after a destabilizing event can happen through the collaborative creation of a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship that allows for witnessing pain and restoring trust and safety within.
After moving from Georgetown, DE, Ana is excited to provide bilingual, culturally responsive services to the Hispanic/Latine community in Wilmington. Ana is a first-generation Mexican American who draws strength from her lived experiences and training to enrich her social work practice.
Abner Santiago, LPCMH | Therapist
Abner is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPCMH). He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wilmington University. He has broad experience in counseling, supervision, and nonprofit administration. Abner has specialized experience with domestic violence survivors and offenders. He is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Abner has specialized in working with young children and their families. He received extensive training as a clinician and trainer in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
Yamilette Santiago, LSW | Community Resource Coordinator
Yamilette holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Puerto Rico and is a licensed social worker. She has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, working with diverse populations and families. Yamilette has facilitated social-emotional skills groups and has provided direct support to clients by assisting with essential needs such as clothing, food, and language translation services. Her greatest fulfillment comes from empowering individuals to achieve self-sufficiency.
Carmen Green | Intake Coordinator
Carmen is currently pursuing a degree in Human Services, motivated by her passion for helping others and contributing to a team’s success. She brings valuable experience as a receptionist and scheduler, where her organizational skills and welcoming demeanor have made her a vital part of any team. As a dedicated wife and mother, Carmen is excited to learn from the talented therapists and colleagues around her, continuously growing both personally and professionally. Outside of work, you’ll often find her enjoying a good book, spending quality time with family and friends, or sneaking away on a well-earned 48-hour getaway.
Marie Redfield | Operations Manager
Marie joined Amanecer in 2016 with experience in office management, finance, fundraising, graphic and website design, marketing, human resources, and communications. She brings steadfast support and organizational skills to promote Amanecer’s work. Marie was born and raised in Wilmington and has worked and volunteered with nonprofits for 28 years.
Galo Rodriguez, BA, Finance | Finance Manager
Born and raised in Ecuador, Galo is bilingual and skilled in finance, case management, insurance, and billing. An affable family man, he brings a strong sense of compassion blended with a solid work ethic. Galo’s dedication, combined with humility and humor, help our clients and his colleagues every day.
