Our Team.
Lynda Sargent
Founder & President/CEO
Lynda Sargent was born and raised in the West End neighborhoods of Rock Island. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from St. Ambrose University.
She retired from her work as an Accountant with Unity Point Health at Trinity Rock Island in 2012 to focus on shepherding the vision the Lord has given her for Heart of Hope Ministries.
She is a devoted Servant of the Lord, and the Community in which she serves. She has been given a sincere and caring heart for those in need within our community.
She eagerly looks forward to what the Lord’s divine purpose has ahead for Heart of Hope Ministries.
She is the proud mother of two daughters.
Cynthia Green
Chair, Board of Directors
Cynthia Green is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She has over 20 years of experience in private practice at South Park Psychology. She is a retired adjunct faculty with 22 years of service from Black Hawk College. Cynthia is a licensed and ordained Evangelist with 22 years of ministry service as a jail chaplain at Rock Island County, Scott County jails and East Moline Correctional Facilities. She provides mental health workshops, conferences, retreats, and presentations throughout the Quad Cities. She has served on many community non-profit boards, committees and organizations including:
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Chair of Moline’s Human Rights Commission
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United Way board member
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) board member
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President of Christian Care Board
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NAACP member of executive committee, and chair of the health committee.
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Community Caring Conference (CCC) board member
Linda Barnes, MPA
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Linda Barnes is a public servant and municipal finance leader with more than 35 years of experience in public administration and community engagement in the Quad Cities region. She retired in 2023 as Finance Director for the City of Rock Island, where she oversaw financial operations, budgeting, and long-term fiscal planning. In 2025, she was elected as Alderwoman for Ward 3 on the Rock Island City Council, continuing her commitment to transparent and responsive government. Linda holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois Springfield and has served numerous community organizations, including the United Way of the Quad Cities, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, the Rock Island County NAACP, and the Rock Island Human Rights Commission.
With decades of leadership in public finance, governance, and community engagement, Linda brings valuable insight, integrity, and a strong commitment to mission-driven service in her work with nonprofit organizations.
Sue Davison
Board Secretary, Board of Directors
A Rock Island native, Sue Davison brings decades of experience in social services and a deep passion for serving marginalized communities. She holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University and an MBA from St. Ambrose University. Most recently, she served as Director at the Safer Foundation for 18 years, where she championed reentry efforts and chaired the “QC Advocates for Offender Success” coalition. Throughout her career, Sue has collaborated with Heart of Hope and deeply values its mission and integrity. Now retired, she feels called to give back by supporting the organization in a more direct way.
Sue has also been active in community and faith-based service, including eight years with the Davenport Noon Optimist Club and 15 years as a religious education instructor. She currently resides in LeClaire, Iowa, with her husband, and is a proud mother of two. She feels honored to contribute her time and heart to Heart of Hope Ministries.
Cellia Rodriguez-Staples
Director of Operations & Outreach Coordinator
Cellia was the program director for a faith-based residential program that reached, rescued, and restored women from lifestyles of addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Cellia has served in full-time ministry for the last 4 1/2 years.
She is originally from Chicago, IL and is a graduate of the Chicago Dream Center. Growing up on the streets of Chicago, Cellia has developed a burning desire to help the lost and the hurting whatever the cost.
Troy Scott
Food Pantry Coordinator &
Project Manager
Troy worked for 29 years combined in Manufacturing and in Management in the Production Industry. In August 2022, Troy, and his family began volunteering at the weekly Heart of Hope food pantry. He took a leap of faith as he felt a calling to pursue an opportunity that would allow him to serve in the community on a full- time basis, and accepted the position of Director of Programs at Heart of Hope, seeking to be actively involved as Heart of Hope seeks to develop and implement new endeavors and further serve the community.
Troy grew up in and continues to live in the Quad City area with his wife, Heather, and one daughter. He has two adult children and one granddaughter.
Jennifer L. Andrews
Community Resource Specialist
A Chicago native and proud Rock Island resident of 14 years, Jennifer joins us through what can only be described as divine intervention. With a strong background in customer service and exceptional communication skills, she brings both professionalism and warmth to every interaction.
Jennifer’s vibrant personality, coupled with her heart for the community, makes her the perfect person to help bring our Resource Center to life as a welcoming hub for connection, support, and empowerment. Outside of her professional role, Jennifer is also a licensed cosmetologist and a gifted spoken word artist, adding a creative and soulful touch to everything she does.
Samantha Iron Shield
Administrative Assistant
Samantha was born and raised in Davenport, IA, and resided in her tribe from 2015-2020, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, located in North Dakota. She is passionate about her education, graduating from Scott Community College and earning her AA degree in Business Administration. Samantha is still actively pursuing her education, hoping to be a model to her children. She is devoted to her family and loved ones.
Samantha joined the Heart of Hope Ministries team in September of 2023 and is proud to be a part of the team. Excited about this new chapter in her life, Samantha is happy to be a part of the mission to serve and support the community.
Bob Hotle
Member, Board of Directors
Bob was born in Moline and raised in Rock Island. He is an Augustana College graduate with a BA in Sociology. He said yes to Jesus when he was 27 and has strived to live out Mark 16:15-20.
After raising a family of 5 children and entering retirement, Bob has volunteered his time for over a year delivering food and toiletry items to the elderly and disabled for the Heart of Hope Food Pantry. Bob has been a faithful member of our team, and has a caring servant heart.
He LOVES to feed people, body and soul. He says "I have to fill the tummy first... to get at the soul.” Bob also works with teen boys through the Youth Hope Outreach Ministry in Moline.
Neal Ealy
Member, Board of Directors
Neil joined the Heart of Hope Ministries Team as a volunteer in the summer of 2022. He is a retired salesman and worked with local hardware stores. Neil has been faithful in helping with the weekly preparation for the Thursday evening Food Pantry. Neil represented Heart of Hope at the United Way informational presentation at John Deere Davenport Works, and the Modern Woodmen Golf Fundraiser for us. He was a GREAT help with our first Dinner Gala Fundraiser. He started with the planning committee in the beginning and stayed with the planning up until the date of the event. He solicited sponsorships on our behalf, and Neil and his wife, donated a wonderful silent auction basket, along with filling a table with 8 other guests! We welcome Neil to our Heart of Hope Ministries our team!
Micheal Bryant
Member, Board of Directors
Michael was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He served three years in the United States Army, before moving to the Quad Cities. He served as a Deacon for 16 years at the Word Church in Rock Island, which is now located in East Moline. During that time he founded a mentoring program for youth in the west end neighborhoods of Rock Island. The program operated out of the Rock Island Academy Elementary School. During the 13 years he worked with these young people, the program grew and touched the lives of many. He also was the head coach for the Quad City Wolfpack minor league football team. Michael has served as a faithful volunteer at Heart of Hope Ministries for over two years. Michael and his wife, Tammy, reside in Rock Island.
Ellen Hogbin
Member, Board of Directors
Ellen brings nearly 38 years of experience at John Deere, where she worked extensively in Information Technology, project management, and logistics. Her career journey included roles as a programmer, analyst, supervisor, and liaison between IT and the export logistics business. Since retiring in 2015, she has enjoyed a fulfilling life of reading, traveling, and cherishing time with her two daughters and two grandchildren.
A longtime member of St. James Lutheran Church in Bettendorf since 1979, Ellen has served in many leadership capacities, including Church Treasurer, Congregational Council member, and roles on both the Finance and Friendly Visitor Committees.
Her introduction to Heart of Hope came through a divine encounter while volunteering with AARP Tax Aide at the Rock Island Senior Center, where she met Lynda Sargent. Over the years, Ellen supported the ministry through events and contributions, and now feels called to serve more deeply. With a heart for Jesus and a passion for helping others, Ellen is honored to serve on the Heart of Hope Board to help grow and expand its mission to bring healing and hope to the community.