Meet the team

Elyse Hibbs, LCSW | Senior Advisor

Elyse is a practicing LCSW with an MSW from Temple University. Coming to Philadelphia in 2009 pursuing a career in the arts (more specifically theatre), her professional trajectory would soon pivot after taking a role as an ESL coordinator for immigrants navigating Philadelphia’s resource landscape. It was here where Elyse’s inner social work spark ignited as she watched colleagues build relationships with clients utilizing an array of Social Work principles and values.

Her clinical specialties include grief & loss, addiction, LGBTQ+ community, yoga & mindfulness. In addition to program coordination and assistant director experience, Elyse also has upwards of a decade supervising BSW and MSW student candidates in clinical settings.

She believes The Grounded Match is a place where she will be able to support newer Social Workers find their personal truth. Elyse feels that service delivery runs most efficiently when the intersection between career and passion are crossed. Her hope is to use The Grounded Match as a platform to help create a space where the next generation of Social Workers find theirs.

Hannah Bast, LMSW | Senior Advisor

Hannah Bast earned her MSW from the University of Indianapolis. Her career started in a community mental health setting, working with youth and their families on behavioral health skills. She has also managed local programming for a workforce development organization focused on assisting individuals experiencing homelssness and in recovery. Her diversity of experience includes planning events, coordinating volunteers, facilitating external relationships and providing direct services. She is very passionate about improving mental health and combating poverty, she is currently employed as a school based social worker.

Social work can be a challenging field in a variety of ways. Hannah feels very blessed to have experienced mentors, who have been encouraging throughout her professional development. She is excited to be part of The Grounded Match because she is eager to help new practitioners receive the support they need to be effective and fulfilled as they start their careers.

Jerard Johnson, MSW | Lead Recruiter

Jerard, an MSW graduate from Temple University brings a unique perspective to the field of social work. Originally from New York City, he moved to Philadelphia in 2011 after serving in the United States Navy where he was deployed to Europe and the Middle East. His experience in the military has prepared him as a social worker by providing a similar understanding that in life, you learn to rely on the people around you ­- assuring that when you’re facing a barrier, someone is there to help you up.    

Jerard’s dedication and compassion allows him to provide clients with the needed resources that will empower them to improve upon their current circumstances. He is passionate about helping the community and has extensive experience helping people experiencing homelessness throughout Philadelphia.  

His hope for The Grounded Match is to guide future Social Work professionals in pursing lifelong aspirations.  

Deja Houser, LSW | Senior Advisor

Deja is a licensed social worker, who holds a BSW from Temple University and an MSW from Rutgers University. Currently under supervision for clinical licensing, Deja has varied accomplishments in psychotherapy, case management, and hospice.

Known for her patient experience efforts and complex care problem solving, Deja has emerged as a strong social worker with multiple achievements. She is currently both a medical social worker and part time therapist. Consistently working to achieve positive organization outcomes, her expertises includes biopsychosocial assessments, bereavement assessments, child/adolescent/and adult therapy, family support, and case management.