Staff

Cathy Mercado

Executive Director

Cathy, an MVHP homebuyer and lifelong resident of Lowell, assumed the position of Executive Director in 2022, after having joined the staff in 2015. Cathy has extensive involvement in the community through numerous boards, including The Center for Hope and Healing, Abundant Housing MA, Acre Family Child Care, Common Ground Housing, and Fortaleza, among others. Cathy’s certified as a HUD Homebuyer Counselor, and has certificates for the Core Program at Tufts University’s Institute for Nonprofit
Practice, LEADS Executive Education Fellowship, and the Nonprofit Management from Middlesex Community College.

Cathy@mvhp.org

Jennifer Phengdara

Program Associate, Homebuyer Counselor
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

Nelly Portuhondo

Program Associate, Homebuyer Counselor
Nelly is an experienced HUD counselor, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. With a strong background in the financial industry, Nelly’s previous positions as a Loan Officer and Loan Processor have equipped her with a deep understanding of the intricate workings of the mortgage industry. Her hands-on experience in these roles has given her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals when it comes to accessing affordable housing. nelly@mvhp.org

Alejandro Monsalve

Marketing Representative

Alejandro, a high school Intern and Lowell resident, attending Greater Lowell Technical High School and enrolled in their marketing and business program works with us as our Marketing Representative through the Co-op program at GLTH. Having joined the staff in September of 2024 he has been helping us in promoting 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

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

Am Ngeth

Program Associate – Home Counselor

Am is a native of Lowell with a strong background in the non-profit community. She has over ten years of experience and is dedicated to helping community members. Her commitment to the community is evident as she has worked in various nonprofit organizations and, most recently, a former board member of The Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association. When Am is not working, she enjoys spending time at home with her family, working out, and cooking for her loved ones.