About
Liza Ellen Warner’s story is one of unimaginable tragedy, but it has become a powerful catalyst for change. On October 1, 2004, Liza’s life was taken in a heartbreaking act of domestic violence when her husband fatally shot her before taking his own life.
Liza was a radiant, compassionate, and talented young woman whose life touched countless people—her family, friends, clients, and community. As a successful hairstylist in upstate New York, she had a gift not only for styling hair but for making everyone feel special. With dreams of working in New York City, Liza had a bright future ahead of her.
Tragically, her life was cut short in an act of domestic violence—a story all too common for women seeking independence and safety. As Liza grew stronger in herself and her career, her husband became increasingly controlling and abusive.
Despite her courage to leave and begin anew, her husband ultimately took her life and his own on October 1, 2004, shattering the lives of those who loved her.
This devastating loss inspired her parents, Doug and Shirley Warner, to take action. Determined to honor Liza’s memory and prevent others from experiencing similar pain, they founded Liza’s Lifeline of South Carolina in 2008. Through this nonprofit, they aim to create a lasting legacy of hope, awareness, and support for domestic violence victims and their families.
Now, Liza’s Lifeline is committed to empowering individuals and communities through education, advocacy, and support services. Together, we can combat the silence surrounding domestic violence and create a safer, more compassionate world.
Since obtaining 501(c)(3) public charity status on June 16, 2008, Liza’s Lifeline has become a beacon of hope, offering resources, education, and advocacy to victims, their families, and their pets. Together, we strive to create a world where no one has to suffer in silence.
Liza’s legacy lives on through our work. In the fight against domestic violence, we have brought awareness to this issue by speaking at several schools and organizations over the years, making people aware of the signs and dangers of domestic violence. We have also financially helped hundreds of victims by assisting with deposits on a new, safe place to live; money for gas/tires so victims can leave and go back to their family support away from their abuser; replacement of locks/keys to offer security; help with utilities and food; replacement of clothing and hygiene products destroyed by abuser; and so many other things to assist victims get out of an abusive living environment.
Every life lost to domestic violence is one too many. Help us honor Liza’s memory by supporting our mission to bring awareness, provide resources, and prevent tragedy.
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Our Mission
We are committed to empowering domestic violence victims, their families through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. By fostering social change and providing vital resources, we aim to break the cycle of abuse and bring hope to those in need.
Our Vision
Together, we can shatter the silence surrounding domestic violence. Join us in building a future where every individual feels safe, valued, and supported.
Board of
Directors
Liza's Lifeline of South Carolina, Inc.
Susie Ash
President
Susie Ash has dedicated her career to supporting women and children, with a lifelong passion for breaking cycles of abuse and addressing the lasting impacts of domestic violence. A founding member of Liza’s Lifeline 17 years ago, she now proudly serves as the organization’s President. Susie holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice/Criminology from Metropolitan State College with a focus on youth advocacy, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado, where she specialized in domestic violence and policy. Outside of her advocacy work, Susie loves spending time with her two sons, enjoying the outdoors, music, and animals.
Doug & Shirley Warner
Board Director & Secretary
Doug and Shirley Warner, originally from New York, have called Charleston, SC, home since 1995. Both are retired after long careers—Doug in the office supply industry and Shirley as a legal administrative assistant. After the tragic loss of Doug’s daughter, Liza, to domestic violence in 2004, they founded Liza’s Lifeline of South Carolina, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting victims and raising awareness. Since 2009, their organization has partnered with local Victim Advocates to provide financial assistance and community education on domestic violence prevention. Doug has shared Liza’s story with schools, organizations, and as the keynote speaker at the 2009 Silent Witness Memoriam Program in Columbia, SC.
Mark Hoffman
Treasurer
Mark Hoffman is the Director of Purchasing at Clement Rivers, LLP, where he has worked for over 40 years. A longtime friend of Doug Warner, Mark became an advocate for domestic violence awareness after the 2004 murder of Liza Warner. His commitment is also personal—his stepdaughter, sister, and niece have all experienced domestic violence but were able to safely leave their situations and are thriving today.
Mark and his wife, Patti, live in West Ashley and have raised their grandson, Rylan, since his birth in 2005.
Shalon Sherrill
Therapist
Sydney Conrad
Education & Advocacy
Karen Winn
Victim Advocate, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
Alyssa Rheingold, PhD
Honorary
Advisory Committee
Cara Dombroski
Advisory Committee
Reid Strauss
Advisory Committee
Liza's Lifeline of South Carolina,
Inc.
McKinley Pollard
Advisory Committee