Our Team

Meet Jen – Our Executive Director

Jen Black was raised as a preacher’s kid and fell in love with the Lord early in life.  She knew at young age that she would serve God with her life.  Prior to beginning House of Hope, Jen worked at The Bridge, a youth center in Joplin, MO, for 10 years. Here, she fell in love with teenagers.  She also worked 6 summers at Hanging Rock Christian Camp.  Both of these experiences offered her a myriad of work experiences.  The first time Jen visited the National House of Hope campus, both her love of camp and teenagers collided.  She immediately knew this ministry was for her.

Jen grew up in a small town in Illinois and came to Joplin to attend Ozark Christian College in 1992.  Since that time she has made Joplin her home.  Jen finds it a sheer privilege to be allowed into someone’s life and hurts and walk with them through the process of healing.

Meet Hannah – Our Counselor

Hannah M. Pollard M.A., is passionate about counseling couples and individuals who are seeking to improve their personal self worth and enrich their relationships.  After completing a Bachelor of Science in therapeutic recreation from Georgia Southern University, Hannah began her career helping individuals with traumatic brain injuries reintegrate into their communities.  Wanting to continue to work with hurting individuals and their families Hannah began her degree at Psychological Studies Institute (PSI), where she graduated with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her training experience includes counseling at WinShape foster care homes, Valley Behavioral Health Hospital and, Building Intimate Marriages, Inc. Hannah has a heart to help hurting individuals

Hannah is a national Certified Counselor working towards licensure in Missiouri as a professional counselor and marriage and Family therapist . She is a member of The American Association of Marriage.

Hannah and her husband live in Joplin Mo with their four young children.