Susan has always had a love for clothing starting at the age of 16 in St. Joseph, MO. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo for Fashion Merchandising. After 1 year Susan went on to attend Miss Wades Fashion Merchandising College(now Wades College) in Dallas, Texas where she received an Associate's Degree in Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design. She worked in Retail Management for years and later becoming a stay-at-home mom. After, going on a Mission Trip to the LA Dream Center in Los Angeles, CA, it was there on campus, clothing others in need was placed deeply on her heart. Susan went back 6 months later to train how to run her own free clothing boutique and in between Founded Open Arms Free Boutique and Outreach in Olathe, Kansas. Then wanting to go completely mobile, she Founded Clothed in Hope. Focusing on the underserved communities in Kansas City and the inner cities neighborhoods in St, Louis, MO Partnering with the St. Louis Dream Center. When Susan's family moved to Dallas in 2022, Clothed in Hope started rebuilding after 5-1/2 years. On September 20th 2023 Clothed in Hope became it's own 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Giving hope to those in need by providing quality clothing and building relationships is the heart of what we do.
Susan Neff
Founder and President
Susan Neff
Founder and President
Sonia Gubser
Vice President
I am Sonia Gubser, Vice President of Clothed in Hope. By day I am an elementary intervention teacher working with students behind academically in reading and math. I got involved with Clothed in Hope through Heartland Church’s First Serve Saturday at an outreach. I met and friended Susan and was excited about her vision for this ministry. I am proud to serve alongside her to provide clothing to those in need.
Katie Jones
Board Member at Large
Katie Jones is the owner of Rapha Vitality, a wellness practice dedicated to creating space for individuals to care for themselves through massage therapy, yoga, and restorative retreats. With nearly 30 years as a massage therapist, Katie has built a career centered around compassion, healing, and whole-person wellbeing. Katie’s heart for people — especially underserved communities — is what drives her service on the board. Her connection to this nonprofit began through her friendship with founder Susan, whom she met through outreach work at their church in Olathe, Kansas. The two later traveled to the Dream Center in Los Angeles, where the vision and passion behind this mission first began to grow. Katie brings strong networking skills, relationship building, and years of board leadership experience to her role, helping support growth, outreach, and meaningful connection within the community. She also serves on the Kansas City Dream Center Board and the iMoms Board in Austin, Texas. Originally from Kansas City, Katie now lives in Austin with her husband of 25 years. They have two boys, ages 21 and 16, and they love to travel and explore new places together.
Norberto Lopez
Treasurer
As Treasurer and a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for Clothed in Hope, I bring my experience as a CPA and a deep passion for helping organizations thrive with excellence, integrity, and transparency. My journey with Clothed in Hope began even before the ministry officially existed, when I first connected with CEO Susan Neff during an outreach event. In that moment, I knew this mission aligned closely with my core values, and I began supporting the work from the sidelines until I was invited to serve in a more formal role. I consider it an honor and a privilege to support a ministry committed to serving those in need with compassion and purpose. With an excellence mindset and a desire to go the extra mile, I strive to steward resources wisely and help position Clothed in Hope for long-term impact. I am grateful to serve alongside an amazing team united by a shared heart for hope, restoration, and meaningful change.
Janine Lopez
Secretary
My name is Janine Lopez. I am an accounting clerk and a Massage Therapist. It is an honor to serve on the board as secretary. I met Susan about a year ago and enjoy supporting her in ministry. Her love and passion for people is so apparent and inspiring.
Melanie Dobbyn
Board Member at Large
My name is Melanie Dobbyn. Why am I involved with Clothed in Hope? All families and communities of low income households deserve to have good quality clothes and accessories.
Gracie Perez
Director of Fundraising
My name is Gracie Perez, I’m a Mortgage Loan Officer in Dallas. Mom of three beautiful kids who love to play sports, and love to attend church. I also own an online clothing boutique, and I got involved with Clothed in Hope to help and serve my community.
Richard Dobbyn
Legal Counsel
I'm Rick Dobbyn, risk manager and investment partner in food service businesses. The charity's clear, important mission of cultivating hope and the commitment to this mission by the founder and board members inspired me to want to be a part of this impressive team and serve our communities.
Linda Roden
Board Member at Large