Staff

Jennifer Phengdara

Director of Programs
Jennifer has a professional financial history in residential mortgage lending from local community banks and national mortgage companies, helping an extensive variety of homebuyers into their first homes. With a background in Affordable Housing, she is well-versed in program options for many types of buyers and has a passion for first-generation homeownership. When she is not working, she enjoys all things travel and is a self-proclaimed foodie.

Jennifer@mvhp.org

Nelissa Rosario

Homebuyer Counselor
Nelissa experience in financial services, with a background in tax preparation. As a bilingual counselor fluent in English and Spanish, Nelissa is passionate about making the homebuying process accessible and empowering for all clients. She is committed to guiding individuals through each step with clarity, care, and compassion. 

Nelissa@mvhp.org

Ciera Barnett

Homebuyer Counselor

A dedicated professional with a HUD certification earned in 2021, Ciera joined MVHP in 2025 and is committed to advancing the organization’s mission. Her expertise, honed through extensive participation in lending, fair housing, and down payment assistance conferences, allows her to contribute significantly to MVHP’s goals. Ciera is a Chicago native who loves traveling and visiting new hotels. Ciera is familiar with counseling clients who are relocating, navigating multiple markets, and grant writing for non profit organizations.

ciera@mvhp.org

Elizabeth Vazquez

Office Manager

Elizabeth serves as MVHP’s Office Manager and an essential part of our team. She ensures smooth operations by overseeing administrative functions, supporting our staff and usually your first point of contact. A lifelong resident of Lowell, she has a strong dedication to our community.

elizabeth@mvhp.org

Flora Barefield

Executive Assistant – Communications

Flora began her journey with MVHP as an intern in 2019 through UMass Lowell. During her internship, she excelled in writing homebuyer of the month articles, updating the organization’s presentations, and assisting senior staff with various administrative duties.

In 2024, Flora rejoined MVHP as a full-time Executive Assistant. In this role, she assists our Executive, Cathy Mercado, in daily tasks, ensures smooth daily operations within the organization, and handles communication with MVHP’s partners and associates.

flora@mvhp.org

Alejandro Monsalve

Marketing Representative

Alejandro, our part-time marketing representative and Lowell resident, attended Greater Lowell Technical High School and was enrolled in their marketing and business program. Having joined the staff in September 2024, he has been helping us promote our mission on various social media platforms, utilizing his creative vision in our day-to-day projects. His fresh perspective and youthful dynamic have proved to be invaluable assets for the organization, making him an indispensable part of our team.

alejandro@mvhp.org

Cole Garcia

Marketing Representative

Originally from New Hampshire, Cole is student at Roger Williams University and currently a summer marketing intern. He’s passionate about gaining real-world experience in marketing and exploring how storytelling and strategy can make a meaningful impact in the housing world.

cole@mvhp.org