A group of leaders committed to serving students, supporting staff, and strengthening schools.

Our Team

A former middle and high school teacher, Jeff has spent the past 12 years serving in and around schools, building relationships with students, educators, and families. His experience in the classroom and years of showing up in local schools ultimately led to the founding of NeighborsHood.

Jeff Dawsey — Founder/Director

Ed McCarthy — Board Chair

Chief Operating Officer of the Georgia Ports Authority, Ed brings more than 30 years of experience in maritime operations and executive leadership. He has also spent the past two years personally investing in students through student ministry.

Allison Schuster-Jones — Board Member

A retired Coastal Middle School principal with 30 years of service to Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, Allison brings decades of educational leadership and firsthand knowledge of the needs of students, educators, and schools.

Video Manager at Georgia Southern University, Bruce brings years of experience in communications, media, and higher education. He has also spent the past three years personally investing in students through student ministry.

Bruce Habersham — Board Member

With years of experience in retail, organization, and hands-on ministry, Heather brings a practical approach to serving people and managing operations. She leads the clothing closet at Compassion Christian Church’s Downtown Ministry Center and has spent the past two years serving in student ministry.

Heather McCarthy — Director of Operations

Vianne Jennings — Board Member

An experienced accountant, bookkeeper, and business owner, Vianne brings decades of financial and small-business experience to NeighborsHood. She has also spent the past year personally investing in students through student ministry.

A current Effingham County educator with previous experience in banking, Kim has spent the past five years serving students, children, and college-age young adults through ministry. She also played a pivotal role in helping open the door for Jeff to begin serving in public schools in 2022.

Kimberly Hunter — Secretary