Susan Harkett-Turley  Susan has been the Executive Director of the Housing Education Resource Center since 1983. At that time the organization was known as the Housing Coalition of the Capitol Region and its primary purpose was to promote and advocate for affordable housing throughout the Capitol Region. Under Susan's direction, the organization shifted its focus from advocacy to direct services which resulted in the name change, in 1985, to the Housing Education Resource Center.Susan is a graduate of Smith College.

Prior to joining HERC she was the Director of Housing for the Urban League of Greater Hartford where she designed and implemented several housing counseling programs.

During her lengthy tenure with HERC, Susan has developed, obtained funding for, implemented and overseen the operation of numerous programs. She is responsible for the administration and management of all of HERC's personnel, programs, contracts and finances.




Karin Nigol  Karin is the Assistant Director of HERC. Karin joined the organization in 1983 as a Housing Counselor with the Fair Housing/Housing Services Program that was transferred to HERC from the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG). As that program expanded, (and became the Direct Services Program), so did Karin's role with HERC. She provides counseling services in all programs, coordinates the provision of services by other staff members and is responsible for the collection and compilation of client data.A graduate of the College of St. Elizabeth, Karin also attended graduate school at Montclair State University , New Jersey and the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford.

Karin's extensive experience and expertise in the housing field has contributed to the high standards of HERC's landlord/tenant services, fair housing activities, home ownership and foreclosure prevention counseling and housing mobility programs.




Suhail Rosa  Suhail is a Housing Coordinator for the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program.  Previously she was the Housing Counselor for the North Central Mobility Program (NCMP). Suhail had been the organization's Office Assistant from 1992 - 1995 while attending Bulkeley High School. After graduating from American International College and working as a youth counselor, Suhail returned to HERC in 2005.Suhail is responsible for performing the full range of MFP services and activities including conducting Housing Assessments, completing and submitting Rental Assistance Program (RAP) applications, conducting Housing Searches for clients, recruiting landlords for program participation, ensuring unit modifications are identified and completed and performing other services needed to facilitate client relocation.

Suhail is fluent in English and Spanish and, in addition to counseling, provides translation services for the agency.





Penny Trick  Penny joined HERC in 2008 as a Foreclosure Prevention Specialist. In 2007, Penny served as a volunteer with the organization, responding to those seeking assistance through HERC’s counseling phoneline. Penny has extensive experience in housing counseling and advocacy through her work as a staff attorney at both Connecticut Legal Services and Statewide Legal Services. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of housing rights including evictions, repairs and maintenance, fair housing, security deposits, rental subsidies and, of course, foreclosures.Penny has two Bachelor’s degrees and a Master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. She also has a law degree from Western New England College School of Law.

While Penny’s primary focus is on foreclosure, her knowledge and expertise enable her to assist clients seeking help with issues and concerns on numerous topics.

Nancy Vivar-Ramos - joined HERC in November, 2010 as the organization's Program Assistant.  She is responsible for providing program and administrative support to all HERC staff and for ensuring that the organization operates efficiently and effectively.  Prior to joining HERC, Nancy worked as an Enumerator/Crew Leader Assistant with the 2010 Census.  Nancy spent several years working for Aetna in various capacities.  Nancy graduated from Park University in Parkville, Missouri with a BS in Business Management.  She is a native of Peru and is bilingual in English and Spanish.