Our Leadership
Leadership That Listens, Serves,
and Walks Alongside
Gateway of Grace is guided by leaders who bring together lived experience, professional expertise, cultural understanding, faith, and a deep commitment to the dignity and potential of every person.
Our leaders do not work at a distance. We listen to the individuals and families we serve, respond to changing needs, build trusted community partnerships, and remain present throughout the long journey from uncertainty to stability.
Together, our staff and Board of Directors provide the vision, accountability, responsible stewardship, and compassionate leadership needed to create lasting transformation.
Executive Leadership
Dr. Samira Izadi Page
Founder and Executive Director
Dennis Page
Dr. Samira Izadi Page founded Gateway of Grace in 2010, inspired by her own experience of fleeing persecution in Iran and rebuilding her life in the United States. Her journey gave her firsthand understanding of the language barriers, isolation, loss, and uncertainty families may experience when beginning again in a new country. It also shaped her conviction that lasting transformation requires more than temporary assistance. Dr. Page is an Episcopal priest and holds a Doctor of Ministry in Missional Church Studies from Perkins School of Theology at SMU.
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer
Dennis Page co-founded Gateway of Grace in 2010 and has helped build the operational foundation that allows its mission to grow and endure. As Chief Operating Officer, Dennis translates vision into effective systems. He supports organizational strategy, administration, program operations, partnerships, and the responsible stewardship of resources. Working alongside Dr. Samira Izadi Page from the organization’s beginning, Dennis has played an essential role in developing Gateway of Grace from a grassroots ministry into a comprehensive nonprofit.
Program and Operations Leadership
Our program and operations leaders bring professional skill, cultural understanding, and close knowledge of the challenges families face. Their leadership helps ensure that Gateway of Grace remains responsive, relational, effective, and grounded in the experiences and goals of the people we serve.
Kathy Shackelford
Director of Operations
Nicole Costa
Kathy Shackelford leads the day-to-day coordination that keeps Gateway of Grace’s programs, people, and partnerships moving forward. She supports program implementation, volunteer engagement, events, communications, and practical services for families. Her work strengthens the organizational systems that allow Gateway of Grace to serve families consistently and effectively.
Program Manager
Juan Yo Benitez
Nicole Costa coordinates the planning and delivery of Gateway of Grace programs, working closely with participants, staff, volunteers, and community partners. As a Latina leader, Nicole brings valuable cultural perspective and a commitment to ensuring that programs are welcoming, accessible, and responsive to the diverse families Gateway of Grace serves.
Family Resources Manager
Originally from Cuba, Juan Yo Benitez understands personally the courage, uncertainty, and adjustment involved in rebuilding life in a new country. As Family Resources Manager, Juan helps individuals and families navigate practical challenges and move toward stability. He combines lived experience with compassionate support.
Yashgin Momeni
Operational Support Manager
Originally from Iran and having experienced displacement firsthand, Yashgin Momeni brings lived understanding to the role of Operational Support Manager. Yashgin supports daily coordination that allows Gateway of Grace’s programs to operate effectively. Her leadership reflects the value Gateway of Grace places on lived experience.
Leadership Shaped by Lived Experience
Gateway of Grace believes that effective leadership must include the voices and perspectives of people who understand displacement, cultural transition, and rebuilding from personal experience. Former refugees and immigrants serve not only as participants in our programs, but also as staff members, mentors, community ambassadors, volunteers, and organizational leaders. Their insight helps Gateway of Grace design programs with families rather than merely for them.
Board of Directors
Gateway of Grace is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides fiduciary oversight, strategic guidance, accountability, and stewardship of the organization’s mission. Board members bring expertise from law, finance, human resources, ministry, business, philanthropy, and community leadership.
2026 Board of Directors
Leila Gary
Chair of the Board · Attorney
Doug Johnson
Treasurer- Audit Committee
Will Abraham
Richard D’Antoni
Officer- Audit Committee
Chris Bowers
Officer- Events Committee
David Smythe
Officer · Attorney
Jill Long
Diane LaRoe
Officer- Events Committee
Officer · Attorney
Carrie Boren Headington
Officer
Barbara Cervantes
Dr. Samira Izadi Page
Officer · Human Resources Specialist
Officer
Founder and Executive Director
Leadership Commitment
Across every level of the organization, Gateway of Grace is committed to:
- Listening to the voices, experiences, and goals of the families we serve
- Protecting the dignity, agency, and privacy of every person
- Measuring outcomes and continually strengthening programs
- Recognizing and developing the strengths of participants
- Building mutually beneficial community partnerships
- Using resources responsibly and transparently
- Remaining present throughout the long journey toward stability
Our leaders share one purpose: to create pathways through which individuals and families can recognize their strengths, access opportunity, and use their gifts to build flourishing lives and stronger communities.
- Leading with compassion, integrity, humility, and faith