WARM Team
Meet the Team
Alec Gunn, Executive Director
Alec Gunn is a native of Waynesboro who is a 1991 graduate of Waynesboro High School. He is a veteran of the United States Army who served as a combat medic. Alec returned home after 8 years in the military where he then started coaching and teaching at Fishburne Military School. While working at Fishburne Alec completed his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management at James Madison University and also acquired a teaching certification which allowed him to teach and coach in the Waynesboro Public School system for six years before returning to Fishburne Military School as the Commandant of cadets.
While at Fishburne Alec obtained his Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling with a focus in Community Chaplaincy, Alec served as the Commandant for six years at Fishburne before stepping down in 2019 to pursue counseling and chaplaincy services. Alec has worked in Waynesboro and the surrounding community as a counselor and also began his own counseling practice in the spring of 2023. Alec serves on staff at New Valley Church and is the current Executive Director of the Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry.
Alec lives with his wife Tracy and their two golden retrievers Elly and Finley. Alec enjoys working out and being outside, his passion is to see the Gospel of Jesus Christ transform his community.
Pastor Beverly Robinson, Director of Care
Pastor Beverly Robinson serves as the Director of Care for Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry (WARM), where she provides compassionate leadership, trauma-informed care, and support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. With decades of experience in ministry, pastoral care, behavioral health, recovery services, and nonprofit leadership, she is dedicated to helping people move from crisis to stability with dignity, hope, and purpose.
An ordained pastor and Honorary Doctor of Divinity, Pastor Robinson has devoted her life to serving others through Christ-centered leadership. Her career has included leadership in homeless services, residential recovery programs, chaplaincy, pastoral care, and community outreach. She is especially passionate about equipping individuals, strengthening families, mentoring leaders, and creating environments where healing and transformation can flourish.
Known for her wisdom, compassion, and practical approach to ministry, Pastor Robinson believes that every person deserves to be seen, valued, and given an opportunity to rebuild their life. Whether leading staff, teaching the Bible, counseling individuals, or partnering with community organizations, she strives to reflect God’s love through both faith and action.
Her life’s mission is simple: to love God, serve people, and help others discover hope, healing, and wholeness.
Ashley, Ruth’s WARM House Supervisor
Ashley serves as the House Supervisor at Ruth’s WARM House. Born in Charlottesville on 1990, she is a dedicated mother of three. Having once experienced homelessness herself, she brings deep empathy and personal understanding to her leadership—fostering a safe, compassionate, and empowering space where women and children can regain stability and thrive on their path toward independence.
Paula Lusk, Cold Weather Shelter Manager
Hi, my name is Paula Lusk, and I have worked for Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry, WARM, for the past five years. As someone in recovery, I have experienced the power of faith, hope, and second chances.
Today I am honored to serve as the cold weather shelter manager, where I have the opportunity to help individuals experiencing homelessness. Working for WARM has deepened my faith, strengthened my relationship with God, and affirmed my passion for helping others with compassion and purpose.
Blessed Beyond Measure
Patsy Melton, Administrative Assistant
Patsy recently relocated to the Waynesboro area following her retirement. She brings more than 30 years of professional experience in office management, human resources, marketing, and fleet management.
Patsy is passionate about staying active in the workforce and takes great pride in providing exceptional service to the WARM community. Her dedication, experience, and commitment to helping others make her a valuable member of the team.
Patsy resides in Waynesboro with her husband, Ron, and their two rescue dogs, Dash and Sissy. She has one daughter, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Outside of work, Patsy enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, exploring local parks, and visiting antique shops.