The Almost Home Team

Huvona Watkins has such a passion for the Almost Home mission, it’s palpable. Though she started as Executive Director in November 2022, she is a long-time volunteer. Huvona believes in empowering our community to create a better future, has a passion for health equity, and is committed to efforts that advance women’s reproductive health, which are cornerstones of Almost Home values. She was the Partnership Development Coordinator at the Missouri Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Prior to that, Huvona served as the Program Director then Executive Director at Life Source Consultants, a local advocacy program for survivors of violence. As a certified Doula, she regularly provides supportive care to pregnant women and is the founder of Angels of Empowerment, a nonprofit organization that provides birthing support and mentoring to young mothers who are survivors of abuse. Huvona and her husband have four children; she and her family enjoy traveling, and Huvona is a fan of discovering the local brunch spots and the best Mexican restaurants wherever life takes her. Huvona holds a bachelor’s degree in human services at Columbia College.

Ronita joined Almost Home in 2021 as a practicum student and became a full-time employee a year later. She has an extensive background in working with at-risk youth in which she gained experience through working with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Epworth Children and Family Services and Youth in Need. Ronita is passionate about helping transitional age youth set and work towards their goals, she also enjoys building healthy relationships with this population. Ronita holds a BA in Psychology and MA in Counseling from Webster University.

Tonya joined Almost Home as Director of Development in July 2023. She has spent over thirty years in service to our community as a board member, volunteer, supporting nonprofits as a consultant, and in development roles. She comes from a long line of charitable people and her mother is her biggest philanthropic hero. Not only is Tonya passionate about helping others, but she also loves to play volleyball, travel, read, watch sci-fi, and recently picked up miniature golf. Tonya earned her BSBA from St. Louis University. Tonya and her husband of nearly thirty years have three children, Chris, Nick, and Carmen.