guided by action, grounded in hope
Our Mission
The Starfish Disaster Recovery Team is driven by a singular mission: to provide effective and compassionate disaster recovery solutions. We believe in the power of individual actions to create meaningful change. Our team is dedicated to restoring hope and rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters, one step at a time.
Our Story
In the wake of Hurricane Idalia, the small county of Madison, Florida was devastated. Countless homes were destroyed. Families were trapped on their properties by downed trees. Roads were covered in debris. The county needed help- and fast.
In those early days, support poured in. As the weeks passed, the urgency faded from public view, yet the needs on the ground remained as real and pressing as ever. Our founders, who had been working tirelessly on the ground, saw a deeper problem emerge: Madison County needed more than short-term relief. It needed long-term support.
That’s why Starfish Disaster Recovery was born.
Built out of necessity, Starfish exists for the people still living in damaged homes, still navigating complicated systems, and still struggling to rebuild their lives with little to no support. We focus on the long road to recovery- helping residents not just survive a disaster, but truly recover from it.
Since our founding, we’ve provided over $1 million in free services to families across Madison County- repairing homes, removing debris, restoring hope. We prioritize vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income households, and people with disabilities.
At Starfish Disaster Recovery, we’re here for the long haul- because recovery takes time, and every person matters.
The Team Behind It All
Our leadership team is composed of experienced professionals who are passionate about disaster recovery and community resilience.
Sher Alloway
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Sher Alloway, co-founder and CEO of Starfish Disaster Recovery, calls St. Augustine, Florida home, where she shares her life with her beloved daughter, grandson Levi, and their spirited Minpin, LuLu. Despite reaching the milestone of 70 years, Sher finds retirement an unappealing concept, as her work is driven by an unwavering passion for serving families in their most vulnerable moments. With over three decades of experience volunteering with the Red Cross, she has dedicated her life to providing critical support during disasters, witnessing the profound impact of compassion firsthand. She believes that a simple hug, a shared moment of understanding, and an unwavering presence can reignite hope in those facing unimaginable loss. Sher’s journey began with Hurricane Hugo in 1989, which transformed her perspective on resilience and recovery, leading her to embrace roles from training lifesavers to rescuing animals in distress. As a co-founder of Starfish Disaster Recovery, her commitment extends beyond immediate response to fostering long-term community recovery, embodying the spirit of the Starfish parable and inspiring a movement of compassion and hope that resonates deeply within her community and beyond.
Camilo Andrade
Director of Recovery Operations & Co-Founder
Camilo is a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done Marine whose motto is “a little less conversation and a lot more action.” He knows he can’t save the world but believes he can save one person at a time, and by doing so, can change one person’s view of the world at a time.
Camilo is passionate about helping the elderly, disabled, and veterans impacted by natural disasters. He loves leading volunteers into the communities affected by a disaster and is a firm believer in leadership by example. You will never find him standing around expecting others to set the pace or step into the mud first.
He attributes the success of Starfish Disaster Recovery to the incredible volunteers and partners God places with him following a natural disaster. He greatly respects everyone who steps forward to volunteer with Starfish Disaster Recovery.
Jennifer Jagneaux
Chief Operations Officer & Co-Founder
With a profound dedication to community service and a robust spirit of resilience, Jennifer Jagneaux, our Chief Operations Officer, exemplifies the commitment to compassion that defines our organization. Raised in the rich cultural landscape of Louisiana, her journey into disaster relief was catalyzed by the impact of Hurricane Katrina on her community, instilling in her a lifelong drive to support those in distress. This formative experience propelled her to take on significant challenges as the Director of Operations for a larger organization, where she developed a strong belief in the efficacy of collective action. Together with her dedicated team, Jennifer founded our nonprofit to offer a more tailored approach to recovery, ensuring that every initiative reflects empathy and hope. Although she often operates behind the scenes, her unwavering passion inspires every effort, aligning with the ethos of the Starfish parable and guiding the path to recovery for countless families.
Debra Robinson
Chief Financial Officer
Debra Robinson is a committed advocate for individuals confronting adversity, dedicating her career to providing support during challenging moments. Her professional path commenced as an assistant at a Junior College and progressed over 13 years within the health insurance sector, where she focused on the needs of the elderly. Her enthusiasm for service deepened as she transitioned to the catastrophic insurance field, assisting hurricane survivors during significant disasters such as Katrina and Harvey, as well as contributing to recovery efforts following an oil spill in Pennsylvania. After a transformative 14 years in Mexico collaborating with missionaries, Debra returned to the United States to leverage her expertise for disaster recovery after Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. Her profound compassion for humanity fuels her steadfast dedication to effecting positive change, embodying the values of empathy and resilience central to Starfish Disaster Recovery.
Voices of Appreciation
“Starfish Disaster Recovery is more than just a team; it’s a family that shows up for the hardest of jobs. From providing medical care and offering spiritual support, to clearing properties and finding shelter for victims, we embraced every task after Hurricane Ian, Idalia, Debby, Helene, and the fires in Lāhainā, HI. There’s no limit to what we’ll do to help people rebuild their lives.”
Sarah Mann, Nurse Volunteer
“For several years I had the privilege of working with each of the founders of this great organization doing disaster relief work. I’ve never seen such drive and compassion as they have. They were always the first ones up and last to leave, giving their all to disaster victims. My line of work has taken me away from the disaster field, but there is not another organization I would recommend more highly than this one. Their intentions are pure and their actions are impactful. The world is a better place because of Starfish Disaster Recovery.”
Stacy Watts Parker, Volunteer
Non-Discriminatory Policy
Starfish Disaster Recovery upholds a strong commitment to fostering a culture of equal opportunity in both employment and volunteerism. We ensure that all individuals receive assistance and support without prejudice based on age, ancestry, disability, national or ethnic origin, race, religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or veteran status. Our inclusive policy encompasses all facets of employment and volunteer engagement, including recruitment, training, development, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and participation in social and recreational programs. We adhere to all relevant federal, state, and local laws to guarantee a fair and equitable environment for all. This dedication to inclusivity extends to all recipients of our response and relief initiatives.
Join Our Mission
Be a part of the change. Support Starfish Disaster Recovery in making a difference, one community at a time. Your involvement can help us reach more people in need.