Our Dynamic Leaders

Curtis Joe, Executive Director
Curtis Joe has enjoyed a career that spans more than 27 years serving youth in crisis. Curtis holds a master’s degree in leadership from Pfeiffer University and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and Non-Profit Management also from Pfeiffer University.
Under Curtis ‘dynamic leadership, Sea Haven has evolved from a small provider of out-of-home crisis care to one of South Carolina’s most respected multi-service agencies. Curtis worked to build on the organization’s foundation to create a continuum of services to prepare youth and young adults to be healthy, productive, and engaged members of the community. Today, the agency works with over 500 participants annually throughout its many programs.
Curtis is passionate about building leaders. Under his leadership career, Curtis has developed and promoted over 29 employees into leadership positions. Curtis provides leadership and direction necessary to provide effective delivery of services to families experiencing chronic homelessness. Curtis fosters an environment of teamwork and ensures that strategy is clearly defined while overseeing performance and maintaining morale.
Curtis is a proud alumnus of Leadership Charlotte Class 40. Curtis is currently the Vice President of the RLE Go Fore It! Foundation, and currently serves as the Board Chair for the National Safe Place Advisory Board.
Curtis is passionate about spending time traveling with his wife Nakia, and spending time with his new twin granddaughters.

Sarah Brown, Director of Administration
Sarah Brown began her employment at Sea Haven as a part-time Financial Manager in March 2011. In March 2012, she began full-time with the new title of Sea Haven Office Manager. During the years 2015 to 2016 she got to experience the excitement and challenges of building a new Sea Haven Campus and the grand opening where our caring and generous local community came together to help furnish the new home that is currently the Sea Haven Crisis Center and assisted in providing a beautiful new campus where staff could nurture and assist youth in crisis. In 2021, Sarah became the Director of Administration and will be celebrating her ten-year anniversary with Sea Haven. She is looking forward to many more exciting years at Sea Haven and being a part of the team that provides a safe place for our youth.

Laura von Herrmann, Director of Operations
Laura von Herrmann brings more than 15 years of experience in youth crisis support advocacy and youth services program management to Sea Haven. Her roles in crisis center administration, care team supervision, program development, and community outreach and engagement have facilitated her journey to executive leadership and her extensive background in marketing and communications further enhances her ability to advocate effectively for youth and amplify their voices.
Committed to supporting and enriching the lives of young people in crisis, Laura views communication as a vital part of creating trust and healing in these environments—making her transition to nonprofit youth services both natural and fulfilling. She has spoken throughout the Southeast on the needs of youth in crisis and previously served on the state inspection review team for licensed group home providers in the region.
Now, Laura enjoys leading the Sea Haven development team as it embarks on exciting new chapters of growth and success.

Isha Shepp, Youth Crisis Center Program Director
Isha Adams serves as the Crisis Center Program Director at Sea Haven, Inc., where her dedication to youth advocacy, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care shines through. Since joining the organization in 2019 as a Youth Care Worker, she has risen to her leadership role thanks to her compassionate approach to our youth and families and a strong commitment to service. Her background as a Guardian ad Litem for Horry County SCDSS and her academic credentials—a BA in Sociology and an MS in Human Services—equip her with the tools to lead with empathy and drive meaningful change for vulnerable youth and families.
Originally from Miami, Isha has called Myrtle Beach home since 1996, embracing its slower pace and coastal charm. Her personal life reflects the same heart she brings to her work: she adopted her daughter, Rihanna, from foster care in 2021 and recently married her longtime friend in August 2025. For Isha, Sea Haven isn’t just a workplace—it’s a mission to uplift and empower young lives during their most challenging moments.

Alethea Cade, Young Adult Services Program Director
Alethea Cade brings over 25 years of experience in human services, organizational leadership, and program development to her role as Director of Young Adult Services at Sea Haven. She has been recognized for her ability to assess operational needs, develop innovative solutions, and excel in the delivery of community-based services. Before joining Sea Haven, Alethea served as Chief Operations Officer for Growing Home Southeast, where she oversaw budgets, ensured regulatory compliance, spearheaded new program development, and strengthened community partnerships across multiple regions. Her extensive background includes direct service roles in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health, giving her a 360-degree perspective on the systems impacting youth and families. Alethea holds a Ph.D. in Christian Education and Counseling, a Master’s in Counseling/Management Leadership, and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. She is deeply committed to empowering young people, enhancing service accessibility, and building collaborative networks that create long-term, positive impact in the communities Sea Haven serves.
