Sharon’s Place was created in honor and memory of Sharon Denise Haugen (1963-2004). The seed for Sharon’s Place was planted when Sharon became a resident of a group home.
The cold and impersonal environment wasn’t anything like the home Sharon and her sisters and brother grew up in. It was void of everything Sharon had been surrounded by her entire life. God used the lingering memories of that group home to call Sharon’s younger sister, Kristine, to create Sharon’s Place.
Our mission is to create a warm and welcoming environment for others like Sharon where they can discover new interests, enhance their life skills, develop their talents, receive job skills training and be an active part of the community, so they can fulfill their God-given purpose.
Our Board
Dr. William Bone
Board Member
Annette Gaar
Board Member
Kathy Haugen
Board Member / Program Advisor
Marsha Howard
Board Member
Tammy Lenamond Tharp
Board Member
Kevin Tanzillo
Founder / Treasurer / Secretary
Kristine Tanzillo
Founder / President
About the Founders
Kristine (Haugen) and Kevin Tanzillo founded Sharon’s Place in memory of Kristine’s older sister. The Haugen family was highly involved in various initiatives and organizations supporting the special needs community throughout Sharon’s lifetime.
The Tanzillos are successful business owners of a public relations agency with clients worldwide. Their role in Sharon’s Place is to oversee its operations and build a self-sustaining ministry to support adults with intellectual disabilities and special needs in Van Zandt County.
Both Kristine and Kevin have served on non-profit boards and have been active in fundraising and ministry development. Kristine also worked in children’s ministry at her church for more than 10 years.
