Led by the best.

Deby Wolford

CEO & Executive Director

Over the past two decades, I have dedicated myself to building programs that create transformational changes to those who are served. This involved creating, designing and implementing programming including emergency shelters, transitional housing, affordable tax credit housing and permanent supportive housing programs. I have had the opportunity to create dynamic teams made up of compassionate staff that provided life changing services to chronically homeless individuals and families, single mothers with children, justice involved individuals and mothers reunifying with their children. 

By joining National Healthcare and Housing Advisors and launching Encompass Housing, I am so inspired by the opportunity to continue this transformational work on a national platform. 

Betty Medina

Chief of Operations

Betty Medina is a housing executive with more than 15 years of experience in affordable housing, compliance, and nonprofit operations. As Chief Operating Officer at Encompass Housing, she provides operational leadership across the organization’s housing, healthcare, and supportive services programs, with a focus on strengthening systems, supporting teams, and improving program performance and service delivery.

Betty brings extensive experience across the affordable housing industry, including oversight of multifamily affordable housing portfolios spanning multiple states and expertise in programs such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), HOME, and HUD. Her background also includes affordable housing financing, real estate development, and property management, as well as leadership of emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing programs.

At Encompass Housing, Betty has also supported the organization’s expansion of healthcare-integrated services, including recuperative care, Enhanced Care Management (ECM), and CalAIM Housing Support Services, helping strengthen the connection between housing, healthcare, and supportive services for individuals with complex needs.

Betty holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a Minor in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton.

Jade Smith

Director of Recuperative Care & Interim Housing 

Jade Smith brings over 20 years of experience in social services and healthcare, leading with a servant’s heart and a deep commitment to compassion and collaboration. She believes in fostering a caring and supportive environment where individuals seeking care and stabilization can heal, grow, and rebuild their lives.

Before joining Encompass Housing , Jade spent a decade serving military communities—helping service members and their families access essential resources during the transition to civilian life. During that time, she also developed and led a veteran-specific mental health program, deepening her passion for mental health care and reinforcing her calling to serve others.

Throughout her career, Jade has supported diverse populations, including justice-involved individuals through partnerships with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and collaborative court systems, those navigating substance use disorders, and women and children overcoming homelessness to achieve permanent housing.

Guided by both personal and professional experiences, Jade is known for her empathy, authenticity, and unwavering respect for the dignity of every person she serves. Her person-centered approach empowers individuals to find stability and create a path forward—one step at a time.

As the Director of Recuperative Care and Interim Housing, Jade is dedicated to effective leadership and exceptional client care. She is committed to advancing program outcomes, promoting client stabilization, and supporting successful transitions into permanent housing.

When she’s not working, Jade enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends and finding peace in nature whenever she can.