Our Staff
Michael Hickerson, MSW RSW, Interim Executive Director
Michael, a native of New Orleans, is the first African-American leader in the organization’s almost 40-year history. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Southern University at New Orleans. Starting as a social worker with then NO/AIDS Task Force in the late 90s, Michael founded In This Together (ITT) in 2004, a non-profit community-based organization providing comprehensive supportive services to individuals and families. Michael has served as vice-chair of the Louisiana State Board of Social Workers, as an adjunct professor at Southern University’s School of Social Work, and on the board of the Katrina recovery agency Lower Nine.
Syd Goodman, Operations Director
Syd joined Project Lazarus in 2023 after working in the nonprofit world in Texas, California and Wisconsin. They have a long history in supporting and advocating for the houseless population. Their responsibilities include all financial, technology and operational support for PL programs as well compliance and reporting for our federal and state grants. Syd is an active cyclist, an animal lover and enjoys traveling the world.
Rodney Thoulion, Director of Development and Grants
Rodney joined Project Lazarus after serving for 8-1/2 years as Director of Development for CrescentCare-NO/AIDS Task Force. He is responsible for all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, as well as planning major annual events. Rodney has more than 30 years of development, public relations and sales experience. His personal journey in caring for someone with HIV/AIDS lead to his strong dedication and passion to the cause. Seeing the residents flourish and grow at Project Lazarus is his greatest joy.
Chantel Hunter, PLPC, Clinical Director
As the Clinical Director at Project Lazarus, Chantel oversees our clinical programs and supervises our clinical team of 8 Case Managers and Direct Support Professionals. She specializes in medical case management, health education, and housing case management. She brings more than 18 years of experience as a client advocate and mental health professional. Chantel is passionate about creating a holistic, motivating program at Project Lazarus that uses accountability, support, and compassion to help participants meet their goals.
Lisa “Zahara” Orwig, LMSW, Case Manager
Zahara Orwig brings more than 30 years of experience as a client advocate and mental health professional and specializes in case management and housing case management at Project Lazarus. Her duties include creating an individualized service plan for each participant, making sure participants are meeting their goals, and linking participants with services such as Permanent Supportive Housing, SNAP benefits, and wellness support. Zahara has worked in both non-profit and for-profit settings, and holds a Master’s of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is also the proud owner of Vintage Voyage, a clothing store on St. Claude Ave.
Ruby Cramer, Case Manager
Ruby specializes in medical case management at PL. She has a professional background in social justice, client advocacy, and clinical mental health. She is currently working towards completion of a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health at Loyola University, after which she will pursue licensure through the Louisiana LPC Board. Ruby’s clinical mission is to promote individual and community healing through compassion and creativity.
Hope Davis, Case Manager and Resident Care Coordinator
The Resident Care Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day activities involving all aspects of personal care of our residents, including medication management and housing case management. Ms. Hope also supervises and trains our Direct Support Personnel, works with our nutritionist to develop weekly menus, and ensures that our residential facilities are in working order.
Carol Oliver, Facilities Manager
The Facilities Manager manages and maintains Project Lazarus’s extensive infrastructure, ensuring that the historic buildings are maintained and kept in good repair. She provides basic maintenance, coordinates repairs, and, as a Master Gardener, delights in the upkeep of our beautiful grounds, gardens, ponds, and sitting areas.
Shirley Knight
Direct Support Professional
Sharon Evans
Direct Support Professional
Bernice Crump
Direct Support Professional
Ahmad Taylor
Direct Support Professional
Lashon Allen
Direct Support Professional
Jasmin French
Direct Support Professional