Join us in celebrating Hearts for the House: Soaring for a Cause, on August 14 at the Air Zoo

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Our Team

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Caring for families with heart and compassion.

At Hospital Hospitality House we’re dedicated to making others feel at home. Every day, we welcome guests with empathy, dignity, and understanding.
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Leadership Team

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Jim Paparella

Executive Director

About Jim
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Daniel Baker

General Manager

About Dan
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Cristina Suárez-Ross

Guest Services Manager

About Cristina

Staff

Gretchen Ferris

Bookkeeper

Jessica Blanchard

Guest Services Coordinator

Anna Hawkins

Guest Support Staff

Aubree Hayes

Guest Support Staff

Dennis Kreps

Guest Support Staff

George Kuttner

Guest Support Staff

Jacob Lahr

Guest Support Staff

Elliot O'Connor

Guest Support Staff

Kennie Spicuzza

Guest Support Staff

Kristopher Wilder

Guest Support Staff

Executive Committee

Bridget
VandenBussche

Chair

Nick White

Immediate Past Chair

Rebecca Strauss

Vice Chair

Ryan Horn

Treasurer

Ben Cohen

Secretary

Renu Sharma

Fund Development Chair

Directors at Large

Carie Faul

Julie Jensen

Barb Mulder

Barney Naylor

Sally Ossewaarde

Carol Patridge

Tanya Hewitt Smith

Kerri White

Joe Winters

Honorary Advisors

Kara Beer

President | Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce

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Hearts for the House

Jim Paparella

He/Him/His

James “Jim” Paparella joined Hospital Hospitality House in 2022 and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership serving vulnerable and at-risk populations. Jim’s expertise includes fundraising, community outreach, grant writing, operations management, leadership development, strategic planning, risk management, and quality improvement. Prior to Hospital Hospitality House, Jim was the Executive Director of Child and Family Charities in Lansing from 1997 to 2015, President/CEO of D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s in Grand Rapids from 2015 to 2020, and Principal of his own nonprofit consulting business. Jim began his human services career as manager of a shelter for runaway and homeless youth in Mid-Michigan and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Northwood University.

Jim is also a military veteran, having served onboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Constellation as a Navy Photographer and earned a Navy Expeditionary Medal while on duty in the Persian Gulf during Iranian hostilities in 1979. Jim lives in Plainwell with his wife Amee, who is the Pastor of Plainwell First United Methodist Church.

Daniel D. Baker

He/Him/His

Daniel Baker, a proud West Michigan native, has woven a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect his deep connection to the region. His educational journey took him through Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University, where he honed his skills and embraced the opportunities for personal and academic growth.

For seven years, Daniel dedicated his professional efforts to Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan, contributing to the organization’s mission and impact on the community. Through collaboration with Loaves and Fishes, he demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility, working towards improving the lives of those in need.

Cristina Suárez-Ross

(she/her/ella)

Cristina received her BA in Human Services from Eckerd College. She has an extensive background in serving vulnerable populations as a practitioner and leader. Previous positions include director of a homeless youth program, supervisor at a residential campus for behaviorally challenged adolescents, education specialist for at-risk children and their families, and advocate for rape victims. Cristina is a first-generation Argentine American, grew up in Kalamazoo, and is fluent in Spanish.  Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, art, and spending time with her son.