No Child Grieves Alone

Crista lost her mother to cancer at age 11. That experience became the driving force behind her work. In 2020, she partnered with Valerie's House founder Angela Melvin to bring peer-based grief support to the Panhandle. She is dedicated to helping children in Northwest Florida know they are not alone, and she actively collaborates with business and community leaders to grow the organization's reach. Crista was recognized as Advocate of the Year at the 64th Annual Pensacola Area PACE Awards.

Jenni is a former fine arts teacher who started at Valerie's House as a board member and volunteer facilitator. She has supported those who are grieving since volunteering as a hospice respite provider right out of high school. She lost her own father to a stroke as a young adult and uses that experience to connect with the children and families she serves. Jenni holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of West Florida and previously served as a fine arts teacher in the Escambia County School District.

Anna Theriault is the Family Care Manager for Valerie’s House NWFL and has over 20 years of experience working with children and families in Pensacola in a variety of therapeutic and educational settings. Anna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor and facilitates groups both in-house, at Pace Center for Girls, and at Health and Hope Clinic. Anna also connects Valerie’s House families with other local non-profits to ensure that all of the needs of the family are met.  

Anna holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida, where she also completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education.  Anna’s passion for working with children and families began after the death of two close friends in high school. Anna made it a personal mission to provide hope and care to children and families experiencing difficulties.

Anna began work as a Family Care Counselor at Valerie’s House in January of 2024, and quickly fell in love with the mission. In her free time Anna can be found spending time with her husband, two sons, and large extended family and spending time in nature.

Ivy Salada serves as Program Operations Manager at Valerie’s House Northwest Florida, where she brings a deep commitment to supporting children and families through grief. After beginning as a volunteer in July 2022, Ivy quickly recognized her passion for the organization’s mission and transitioned into a leadership role focused on strengthening programs, operations, and community impact. She facilitates peer support groups both in-house and in community settings, including Pace Center for Girls, helping create safe, supportive spaces for youth to share and heal.

Ivy’s professional background spans education and hospitality leadership, including classroom teaching and management roles that strengthened her skills in team leadership, organization, and service excellence. Her passion for working with children and families began after the death of a close friend in high school, inspiring a personal mission to provide hope, connection, and care to those experiencing loss and life’s challenges.

Outside of Valerie’s House, Ivy enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to support her children’s sports and activities. Being a mother is at the heart of everything she does, and that perspective guides her compassionate approach to serving families. Guided by the belief that strong families build strong communities, Ivy prioritizes connection, empathy, and excellence in both her professional work and personal life.

Jada Berry serves as the Grief Support Coordinator for Valerie's House NWFL, where she is dedicated to supporting children and families navigating the complexities of grief and loss. As a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, Jada brings diverse experience working across educational settings, foster care, and private practice, equipping her with a well-rounded and compassionate approach to care.

Jada earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Texas Permian Basin and went on to receive her Master of Social Work from University of West Florida. Her academic foundation, combined with her professional experience, allows her to thoughtfully guide individuals and families through their grief journeys.

Passionate about empowering others, Jada is committed to helping children and caregivers find their voice through grief while building resilience to navigate life’s ongoing challenges. She believes in creating safe, supportive spaces where healing and growth can unfold.

Outside of her professional role, Jada enjoys spending quality time with her family and traveling to both new destinations and familiar favorite places.

Marlene Brigham serves as the Mission Liaison for Valerie’s House Northwest Florida, where she connects donors, volunteers, and the community to the heart of the organization’s mission. A Pensacola resident since the age of six and a proud mother of five, Marlene brings a strong background in hospitality management and sales, along with years of creative work in costume design and mentorship within the local dance community. She plays a vital role behind the scenes, helping ensure support groups run smoothly and serving as the primary point of contact for volunteer groups and donor engagement. Deeply passionate about family, animals, and supporting others, Marlene’s dedication to motherhood and community shines through in everything she does.