MEET OUR STAFF

Candice Blyden-Gill, M.P.A. 

Program Director 

Candice's graduate degree course work afforded her a wealth of knowledge in servicing individuals through the public private sectors. Blyden-Gill holds a MPA in Public Policy and is pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration. 


Blyden-Gill has worked in an array of disciplines in the social service field and values the phrase helping others to help themselves. As a Program Manager DV CE, Blyden-Gill identifies barriers to independent living and makes appropriate community linkage referrals and provides advocacy for the clients to obtain and sustain community living.

Erika Febres

Director of Finance / HR

Erika Febres joined CHHOP's finance department in 2018 and was promoted to office/finance manager soon after she was hired.


With a background in finance, insurance, and community service, Febres has been a great addition to the CHHOP team. Febres takes initiative and enthusiastically fulfills her duties and goals ensuring that she is able to keep CHHOP’s finance and human resources operations running smoothly.


Febres's passion for community service is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her father was an avid advocate for new immigrants and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.


Febres's dedication and leadership skills are essential to fulfilling her role in maintaining financial structure for the organization and facilitating budgetary policy with CHHOP's CEO.

Tamika Trotman

Sr. Case Manager, DSS

Tamika Trotman is the Senior Case Manager for Jan Peek House residents. She provides case management services to homeless individuals who have been placed at the shelter by the Department of Social Services.


As a case manager Trotman provides support services, advocacy, and resources in order for clients to obtain overall independence and permanent housing.


Trotman graduated from D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York with a BS in Health Services. Trotman has more than 10 years of social services experience in multiple areas including working with at risk families, HIV/AIDS populations, and housing.

Jana Bluestein

Finance Assistant

Jana Bluestein joined CHHOP finance team in October of 2022. In 2007, she graduated from CUNY Hunter College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She has an extensive background working in social services and affordable housing.


Bluestein is passionate in her beliefs that all members of the community have the right to affordable and sustainable housing and that this is the first step in finding stability. Bluestein’s role at CHHOP allows her to bring together her desire to advocate for members of her community in need and her love to work with numbers.

Leah Lamson-Lindsey

Veterans Case Manager

Leah Lamson-Lindsey joined CHHOP in the summer of 2024 as the Veterans Case Manager. She provides case management services to veterans who are experiencing homelessness and who have been placed at the shelter by the Department of Veteran Affairs. She advocates for them and provides services for the veterans to obtain and sustain independent living.


Lamson-Lindsey graduated from the University at Albany with a BS in biology and education. Leah is also finishing up her master’s degree in biomedical sciences.


Ryan Maier

Office Assistant

Ryan Maier joined the CHHOP finance team in February of 2022.


After working in the insurance and financial services industry for years, Maier was in search of a career change.  Realizing his passion for helping people, Maier decided to pursue human resources (HR), studying SHRM Essentials of Human Resources at Baruch College and earning a professional certificate in human resources and talent management from Michigan State University.


Maier loves that his role at CHHOP allows him to incorporate skills from his days in financial services, while also developing new HR and administrative skills. He finds a great deal of fulfillment in working for an organization with such a community based mission.

Jordan Alvarez

Tierra Solida / Solid Ground

Case Manager

Jordan Alvarez is a case manager with the Tierra Solida / Solid Ground program at CHHOP. He holds a master's degree in criminal justice and is passionate about helping people build new beginnings. Alvarez approaches his work with a positive, solution-focused mindset.


Outside of CHHOP, Alvarez is part of a loving family who means the world to him. He strives to enjoy every moment he can with family and friends. Alvarez enjoys doing extracurricular activities such as playing sports, running marathons, playing chess, and driving.

Robyn Nevers

EHAP Case Manager

Robyn Nevers graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor's Degree in sociology from Mercy University. She joined CHHOP as the EHAP case manager in January of 2025. She provides case management services to domestic violence survivors transitioning out of the support program and into permanent housing. 


Nevers has three years of experience in case management. She plans to continue advocating on behalf of those whose voices need to be heard. Her favorite quote is, “No voice is too soft when that voice speaks for others,” from Janna Cachola.