Rita Ralston, Executive Director
Rita received a BA within the University Scholars program at the University of Virginia, with a major emphasis in American History and Religious Studies. Her post graduate studies at the University were in the areas of Accounting and Management. She has been a national consultant in medical practice management, but has worked for most of the past two decades in Finance, Operations, and Development in independent K-12 schools.
Kim received a BA in Sociology from University of Virginia with a special emphasis on family and women’s studies. She has worked as a residential counselor at Adventure Bound School and an Innkeeper at Woodstock Hall. Kim was the House Manager from 1994-2006.
Stewart is a graduate of the VCU School of Social Work, and joined the House as Evening Manager in the summer of 2010. She particularly enjoys working with both ends of the age spectrum – youngsters and the elderly. Stewart also manages the RMH Volunteer Program, and likes to find the right match between our volunteers’ interests and the many needs of the House.
Erika has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Arizona University. She furthered her education at VCU, ODU, PVCC and UVA. She has worked for 16 years in non-profit, social service and educational systems specializing in the care and treatment of at-risk youth and children with special needs.
Dwight has been with the Ronald McDonald House since August 2010. When not working, he is helping his church, Portico. Dwight also enjoys spending time with his 2 sons and wife . His hobbies include cars, music, and helping people.
Carmen is a student pursuing an advance degree.
Gwen currently works full time with the Department of Social Services Community Attention and has been there for the last 23 ½ years. She works very closely with foster parents and foster children. She has also worked several seasons with the PACEM program as intake specialist, overnight supervisor and van driver. Gwen enjoys spending time with family and especially spoiling her 2 year old granddaughter. She joined RMH staff as part time employee in 2012.
Ryan Willis, Night Manager
Ryan is a graduate of Catawba College with a BA in Mass Communications and Theatre Arts. He is an aspiring screenplay writer and film maker. He continues to stay involved in his local community by volunteering with non-profit organizations. He has volunteered as a creative writing teacher for middle schoolers, a mentor and tutor to underprivileged youth, and a volunteer builder with Habitat for Humanity.
Sara Goldsmith, Weekend Manager
Sara is our newest weekend manager at the Ronald McDonald House. She holds a BA from North Carolina State University in Spanish Language and Literature with a concentration in K-12 education. Sara is very active in the Charlottesville community. She is particularly dedicated to helping community gain access to resources that will benefit their quality of life. In addition to being a busy mom, Sara volunteers at Region 10 as an interpreter for Spanish-only speakers and as a literacy coach at Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and practicing yoga.
Adriana Nicholson, Weekend Manager
Adriana received a BA in Human Service Counseling from Old Dominion University. Prior to joining the RMHC staff, Adriana was involved in homeless advocacy and social justice issues in and around Charlottesville. She is currently the Receptionist at Albemarle Square Family Practice. Adriana enjoys gardening, cooking and any activity involving one of her 3 grandsons. She has been at RMHC since the summer of 2010.
Sherry Snyder, Weekend Manager
Sherry has been a weekend manager since March 2000. She graduated from West Virginia University with a BA in Education and English and has a Master’s of Education in Counseling from the University of Virginia. She was a guidance counselor at Albemarle High School for many years.
Janet Caudle, Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant
Janet joined the House in August of 2012. She is also the Business Manager for Crozet United Methodist Church and Kingswood Christian Preschool. Prior to joining the RMHC staff, she worked for attorneys handling real estate closings. When she’s not working, she keeps busy with activities with her 3 children and with crafts.