The Housing Assistant (THA)
At THA, when mortgage industry professionals are equipped with the right tools, up-to-date training, and ongoing support, they not only grow stronger organizations but also drive meaningful impact in the communities they serve. THA is more than just a platform; it’s a trusted partner that provides mortgage industry and real estate professionals and organizations with access to education and compliance-ready resources. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your business, THA offers everything you need to thrive in today’s dynamic housing market.
About THA: Membership & Tools for Housing Pros
This work is my passion. After years of managing mortgage operations teams, I witnessed firsthand the knowledge gaps that existed when collaborating with industry practitioners, especially around the nuances of investor-specific guidance and loan lifecycle metrics. These gaps often resulted in delays, compliance errors, and missed opportunities for improved service delivery. I founded The Housing Assistant (THA) to bridge that divide by equipping professionals with clear, role-specific education and tools that empower them to perform with greater precision and confidence. When those involved in the mortgage process are properly trained, the entire system becomes stronger, and ultimately, the homebuyer benefits the most.
– Tikisha Wilson, Founder & Principal
The Goal
Our Mission
“Empowering the People Who Power Homeownership”
“Empowering the People” = Supporting the professionals behind the scenes: loan officers, processors, underwriters, closers, real estate agents, and housing practitioners.
“Who Power Homeownership” = These professionals are the engine that drives the mortgage process. Without them, homeownership would not be possible. In essence, we’re not just focused on helping homebuyers; we’re helping the professionals who make home buying possible through training, tools, and streamlined operations to serve homebuyers better.
The Outlook
Our Vision
Our Team
Meet Your Partners
Tikisha Wilson, Founder & Principal
Tikisha Wilson, AMP - Principal/Founder Tikisha Wilson is a highly accomplished professional in the mortgage, real estate, and banking sectors, with a strong focus on affordable housing, operational excellence, and housing equity. With over a decade of leadership experience, she is known for her ability to streamline mortgage operations, enhance training programs, and drive organizational efficiency. Tikisha is an Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) designee and Licensed Realtor.
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She is a graduate of the THDA Leadership Academy and was selected for the TNMBA Future Leaders Program, and received the 2024 DCHFA Impact Award for her outstanding contributions to housing finance and program innovation.
Most recently, serving as the Director of Single-Family Programs at the District of
Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), where she oversaw the agency’s
homeownership initiatives such as DC Open Doors, DC4ME, and the co-administration of the District’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP). In this role, she developed internal training systems, modernized program delivery, and spearheaded operational improvements that enhanced both compliance and
customer service. Notably, she also created and led the launch of DCHFA’s first-ever Homeownership Conference, which has since become an annual event, bringing together industry professionals and community stakeholders to promote
education, access, and innovation in homeownership.
Her career includes notable roles such as Housing Center Director at the Greater
Washington Urban League (GWUL) and Mortgage Loan Closing and Shipping
Manager for the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). In these roles, Tikisha led high-performing teams, developed internal training protocols, and introduced streamlined workflows to support compliance, quality control, and improved service delivery.
Tikisha is driven by a deep commitment to creating sustainable homeownership
pathways while optimizing mortgage operations to ensure long-term success for both agencies and the communities they serve.
Keshawn Whitaker, Business Development & Mortgage Outreach Specialist
Keshawn is a results-driven business development professional with over 10 years of experience in client relationship management, sales strategy, and outreach to the mortgage industry.
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With a career rooted in customer engagement and remote client acquisition, Keshawn has held leadership roles at Best Buy and Houzz and currently contributes to operational excellence at Southwest Airlines. At The Housing Assistant, he leads efforts to expand partnerships, increase market reach, and connect mortgage professionals with essential tools, including down payment assistance search platforms, mortgage training resources, and client success strategies. His ability to translate needs into action makes him a key force behind our mission to improve the home financing process.
Julius Whitaker, Operations & Mortgage Support Coordinator
Julius is a dedicated operations professional recognized for his leadership, process optimization, and exceptional client service in fast-paced environments.
Read More
A graduate of Lipscomb University with a background in Exercise Science and Nutrition, Julius has cultivated skills in team management, logistics, and systems improvement across multiple industries. At The Housing Assistant, he ensures seamless service delivery and operational alignment across our suite of offerings, including mortgage consulting, down payment assistance tools, and industry education. Julius’s precision and adaptability help mortgage professionals stay organized, compliant, and focused on client success.
Tikisha Wilson, AMP, Founder & Principal
Tikisha Wilson is a highly accomplished professional in the mortgage, real estate, and banking sectors, with a strong focus on affordable housing, operational excellence, and housing equity. With over a decade of leadership experience, she is known for her ability to streamline mortgage operations, enhance training programs, and drive organizational efficiency. Tikisha is an Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) designee and Licensed Realtor.
Read More
She is a graduate of the THDA Leadership Academy and was selected for the TNMBA Future Leaders Program, and received the 2024 DCHFA Impact Award for her outstanding contributions to housing finance and program innovation.
Most recently, serving as the Director of Single-Family Programs at the District of
Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), where she oversaw the agency’s
homeownership initiatives such as DC Open Doors, DC4ME, and the co-administration of the District’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP). In this role, she developed internal training systems, modernized program delivery, and spearheaded operational improvements that enhanced both compliance and
customer service. Notably, she also created and led the launch of DCHFA’s first-ever Homeownership Conference, which has since become an annual event, bringing together industry professionals and community stakeholders to promote
education, access, and innovation in homeownership.
Her career includes notable roles such as Housing Center Director at the Greater
Washington Urban League (GWUL) and Mortgage Loan Closing and Shipping
Manager for the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). In these roles, Tikisha led high-performing teams, developed internal training protocols, and introduced streamlined workflows to support compliance, quality control, and improved service delivery.
Tikisha is driven by a deep commitment to creating sustainable homeownership
pathways while optimizing mortgage operations to ensure long-term success for both agencies and the communities they serve.
Keshawn Whitaker, Business Development & Mortgage Outreach Specialist
Keshawn is a results-driven business development professional with over 10 years of experience in client relationship management, sales strategy, and outreach to the mortgage industry.
Read More
With a career rooted in customer engagement and remote client acquisition, Keshawn has held leadership roles at Best Buy and Houzz and currently contributes to operational excellence at Southwest Airlines. At The Housing Assistant, he leads efforts to expand partnerships, increase market reach, and connect mortgage professionals with essential tools, including down payment assistance search platforms, mortgage training resources, and client success strategies. His ability to translate needs into action makes him a key force behind our mission to improve the home financing process.
Julius Whitaker, Operations & Mortgage Support Coordinator
Julius is a dedicated operations professional recognized for his leadership, process optimization, and exceptional client service in fast-paced environments.
Read More
A graduate of Lipscomb University with a background in Exercise Science and Nutrition, Julius has cultivated skills in team management, logistics, and systems improvement across multiple industries. At The Housing Assistant, he ensures seamless service delivery and operational alignment across our suite of offerings, including mortgage consulting, down payment assistance tools, and industry education. Julius’s precision and adaptability help mortgage professionals stay organized, compliant, and focused on client success.