Staff Members
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Elisha Childers
Executive Director Elisha has more than 26 years of progressively responsible experience in the administration and operation of nonprofit organizations. Her roles have included client services, program management, grant writing, fundraising, advocacy, and executive leadership. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the Charles M. Snipes School of Business and Economics at Lenoir-Rhyne University. She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Child Development and Family Relations. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and is a Certified Grants Specialist through Research Associates, Inc. Elisha was recently appointed to the Birth through Third Grade Interagency Council by the NC General Assembly. She has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Henderson County and is a member of the Hendersonville Rotary Club and the WNC Early Childhood Coalition. Her proudest accomplishments are her children, JC and Lauren, ages 23 and 20. JC and his wife live in Boiling Springs, SC and her daughter Lauren is a pianist and Music Therapy student at Florida State University. Elisha remarried in May 2019 and relocated to Wilkesboro, NC with her husband. |
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Crystal Kelly
Strategic Initiatives Consultant Crystal received a Masters of Social Work from Appalachian State University and a post graduate Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Leadership from the UNC Gillings School of Public Health. She has worked in the public and nonprofit sectors in the high country for the past 17+ years as a social worker, advocate, administrator, and clinical therapist. She is a also a doula and has taught childbirth and newborn behavior classes for new parents. Crystal joined the Children's Council in 2009 and established the Teen Parenting Program with a grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Crystal has served as Executive Director of the Children's Council since 2012. Under her leadership, the Children's Council has grown in scope to serve as the resource hub for children and families in Watauga County. Crystal has a strong commitment to building protective factors and strengthening community conditions for children and families to thrive. She is a Graduate faculty member in the Social Work Department at Appalachian State University and teaches community organization and interagency collaboration classes. Crystal is an avid advocate for maternal child health programs that focus on supportive, relationship based modalities. She was recently selected as a Pritzker Fellow for the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers with a specific focus of strengthening local investments for the Prenatal to three population in Watauga County. She loves spending time with her family, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and trying new recipes.
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Amy Crumpler
Finance Manager Amy began as Finance Manager for The Children's Council of Watauga County in October 2016. Before coming to The Children's Council, she was the Business Manager for Appalachian State Athletics. Prior to that, she worked in state government as an auditor, accountant and probation officer. Amy attended UNC-Chapel Hill where she received her criminal justice degree. She also attended UNC-Greensboro where she received her accounting degree. Amy has two sons, Andrew and Thaxton. She loves spending time with her family and four dogs, preferably outside. |
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Hunter Varipapa
Early Care and Education Director; NC Pre-K Coordinator Hunter received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Special Education, Birth through Kindergarten Licensure and Masters in Child Development: Birth through Kindergarten from Appalachian State University. She has a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School. She has worked in the field of early childhood since 1998. She has been a director of a child development center, public school pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teacher, early literacy coordinator, and has taught early childhood education courses at Appalachian State University. She works with Watauga County’s early childhood educators through our Pathways To Accreditation Program. Hunter also is the NC Pre-K Coordinator for Watauga County. Hunter loves living in the mountains with her husband Christopher and sons Major & Rocco! |
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Hannah Mahala
Family Services Program Director Hannah graduated from Appalachian State University in 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in Health Promotion, and remained in Boone to pursue a career in public health at the local health department. She joined the Children's Council in 2021 with the goal of merging her passion for preventative community health with her desire to do impactful work that would empower and support local families. She loves renovating her home with her husband, playing outside with their daughter, thriller novels, and summers in the High Country. |
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Christine Thacker
Operations Manager Originally from Boone, Christine graduated from Appalachian State University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Communications and a minor in Media Studies. She has worked for numerous small businesses in the area and has several years of experience in office management and customer service. Christine is excited to apply her skills to the non profit arena and help this great organization meet their goals for the future. In her spare time she loves hiking, camping, music and spending as much time as possible outside with her husband, son and dog. |
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Sierra Snyder
Resource Specialist Sierra received her Bachelor's degree in Child Development from Appalachian State University in 2018. She graduated with a focus in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. Sierra worked as an early childhood educator in some capacity for eight years. During her time as an early childhood educator, she fell in love with positive guidance principles, responsive caregiving, and forming partnerships with families. She is passionate about the importance of early childhood and how a child's earliest years can affect the rest of their life. Sierra lives in Boone with her fiancé and their two cats. She enjoys reading, playing in the sunshine, and traveling. |
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Mathew Powell
Program Support Coordinator; Circle of Parents Facilitator Mathew moved to Boone in 2016 from Shelby, NC, where he graduated from Crest High School. He recently graduated from Caldwell Community College with an Associates and now attends Appalachian State University where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Mathew's major is Business Management, and he intends to pursue a career in management or business administration. He began working at the Children's Council in 2016 as a work study student and as a childcare assistant. Mathew currently works part-time as the Administrative Assistant. Mathew's hobbies are sports, such as basketball and soccer and watching the Dallas Cowboys play football. He also enjoys spending time with his fiancé, two dogs, his friends, and his mentee from the Western Youth Network. |
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Roberta Yates
Early Childhood Specialist Roberta Yates landed in Boone in 1989 for graduate school and fell in love with the area. She met her husband, David, and moved away for several years. They came back to the high country to enjoy a slower pace and start a family. Roberta has a son, 21, and a daughter, 17. She joins The Children Council after serving foster and adoptive families at Watauga County Department of Social Services for 20 + years. Roberta has worked with children in a variety of settings, including as a nanny, therapist, social worker, and parent. She earned her undergraduate degree in Child Development and her Masters in Counseling from Appalachian State University. Roberta is excited to be serving children and families of Watauga County in a totally new capacity. She is passionate about the importance of quality child care for everyone. Roberta loves the outdoors, sunshine, reading, and laughing. Roberta and her family live in Valle Crucis with their 2 dogs. |
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Lorrie Looper
Technical Assistance Specialist Lorrie has worked in the field of early childhood since 1982 as an early educator, program director, mentor, literacy program coordinator, and Technical Assistance and Professional Development Specialist. She obtained her bachelors degree in Birth-Kindergarten in 2006 and her masters degree in Early Childhood Education in 2012. She has served on the Board of Directors for the NC Association for the Education of Young Children and the NC Early Education Coalition. She was also appointed by the NC Legislature to serve on the NC Childcare Commission. Lorrie has a passion for improving the quality of care in early childhood programs across our state and is now serving as an Infant/Toddler TA Specialist to provide intensive technical assistance services to teachers serving children birth to two years of age. In her spare time, Lorrie enjoys spending time with her family (including 5 grandchildren), reading, photography, and traveling. |
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Kalina Hanowski
Early Care & Education Assistant Kalina currently attends Appalachian State University and is planning on completing her bachelors in May 2023. She is majoring in Birth-Kindergarten Education and Minoring in Nonprofit Organizations. Kalina is also the President of Appalachian Educators club and is a part of ACES (Appalachian Community of Education Scholars) on campus. She currently works with the Pathways program, providing support to early childhood educators, as well as helping monitor the DUAL Subsidy program. Additionally, Kalina assists with supporting the local NC Pre-K programs. In her free time, Kalina enjoys thrift shopping, hammocking, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family! |
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Kerstin Groover
DUAL Preschool Teacher Kerstin received her bachelors in Child Development at Appalachian State and has worked in the early childcare field since 2019. Kerstin has always found joy in serving families and children and building relationships with one another. She believes that children should always be seen for the capable beings that they are. She hopes to always provide a space and classroom for children to thrive as they explore, create, and follow their interests. Kerstin enjoys art, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Kerstin and her husband have found a home in this close knit community and are excited to continue to explore here! |
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Reid Pond
DUAL Preschool Assistant Reid Pond is the assistant teacher in DUAL School at The Children's Council. She finds joy in working with young children. Reid grew up in Watauga County. She attended Hardin Park Elementary School, Mountain Pathways Montessori School and graduated from Appalachian State University's ESTEP Program where she studied Early Childhood Education. She enjoys visiting with family and friends, going to church, enjoying nature, watching Netflix and taking naps. |
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Jeannie Parsons-Rhymer
Family Support Specialist Jeannie is native in Boone and loves being part of this community. She has served families in the High Country for the Children's Council over 10 years. Jeannie enjoys helping families by connecting them with resources, providing parenting education, and empowering them with new skills. She loves children and strongly believes that their wellbeing is our future. Jeannie holds degrees in Medical and General Office Administration, certification as a notary public, and certified in Triple P. Her main goal in life is to help improve all the lives of individuals she comes in contact with in a positive way. Jeannie has 2 biological sons, with 3 biological grandchildren. She remarried in 2018 and now has 6 bonus children, and 10 bonus grandchildren. She adores and loves spending time with all her family. She has many hobbies, but especially loves spending her time outdoors enjoying the mountains and her other happy place, the beach. |
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Virginia Ford
Community Alignment Specialist Virginia has been involved in the High County’s non-profit sector for nearly 20 years. She graduated from ASU with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services Psychology in 2008 but began her commitment to local community service in 2004. She has enjoyed working with several local non-profits over the years—lending to her a background in case management, crisis intervention, staff supervision, support services, leadership development, staff training, advocacy, volunteer recruitment, life skills training, administrative services, direct care and life coaching. Virginia felt drawn to the world of parenting support following the birth of her first child and was thrilled when the door finally opened for her to pursue that avenue through the Children’s Council. She loves time with her husband, two children and their dog. She enjoys traveling, the outdoors, cooking, art and music. |
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Hope Brawley
Family Connects Program Support Specialist Hope graduated from Appalachian State University in 2001 and made the High Country her home. She is married with two beautiful sons and loves supporting expectant mothers through the trials and tribulations of pregnancy. She is the co-coordinator of the Children’s Council support group, Mothers Connect. Her calling is to offer movement that sustains the body, mind and spirit. In 2011 Hope completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training at Neighborhood Yoga. She studied prenatal and postnatal yoga at the Asheville Yoga Center. She believes yoga calms the busy mind, preparing it to be free from fluctuations so that our prayers and intentions are pure and from an open heart. She also teaches dance for people with Parkinson’s. In her free time Hope likes to cook, hike, make medicine from locally harvested medicinal herbs, dance and spend time in her garden. Hope offers classes virtually through the Children’s Council during this time of social distancing. |
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Robin Triplett
Parents as Teachers Program Supervisor Robin’s educational background is in Social work and Early Childhood. She has been an educator for 23 years and has taught many types of educational classes and support groups. Her passion is working with parents and interacting with families in our community. Robin is the Supervisor for our Parents as Teachers program. She enjoys being creative and spending time with her family. |
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Renee Milligan
Family Support Programs Assistant/Children's Program Specialist Renee moved to the High Country in 2013 and graduated from Appalachian State University with an undergrad degree in Psychology. She has worked with children and parents at the Children's Council since 2016 working a variety of different programs. Renee supports families in multiple ways from helping organize children's and parenting programs to visiting families in their homes for more one-on-one support. Renee has a passion for prenatal and postnatal support as well as child development and gentle parenting practices. She is married with two little ones at home and enjoys her free time cultivating new skills, cooking, hiking, and camping in the mountains with her family. |
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Jessica Yates
Parents as Teachers Parent Educator Jessica earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Appalachian State University, and her Masters degree in Birth to Kindergarten Education from UNC Greensboro. She is native to Watauga County, and before recently joining the Children’s Council, Jessica worked as an early childhood educator in our area for over ten years. Jessica is excited to begin working with families as a Parents as Teachers Parent Educator, where she can share the knowledge that she has gained through her coursework, classroom experiences, and her own experiences as a mother. When she is not at work, Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Joshua, and her daughter, Makayla. |
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Roxana Sanchez
Bilingual Parents as Teachers Parent Educator Born and raised in Asheboro, North Carolina, Roxana found herself up the mountain and attended Appalachian State University as a first generation college student. She recently graduated with the May class of 2022 with a bachelors degree in Child Development with a concentration in Family and Child studies. With roots stretching back to El Salvador, she is a proud Central American womxn. Roxana looks forward to creating a safe and welcoming space for the latinx community here in Boone as a Parents as Teachers Bilingual Educator! She has previous experience working with Latinx and non-Latinx families during her time at the Boys & Girls Club Wren Family Center and W.A.M.Y Community Action. At the Boys & Girls Club Wren Family Center she served as a Youth Program Leader. During her time with W.A.M.Y Community Action she served as a Camp Counselor and an intern this past spring. |
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Jennifer Phillips
Incredible Years Facilitator Jennifer graduated from Appalachian State University in 2007 and just couldn’t leave the High Country. She’s a homeschooling mom of 3 and active in several volunteer positions in the community and throughout North Carolina. She’s been the parent-leader at Circle of Parents yoga for 2 years and works from home part time creating social media programs for small businesses. She’s also a persistent advocate for the arts and is on the board of a few blacksmithing-related non-profits. Jennifer spends most of her time running around with, and after, her daughters while enjoying hiking, gardening, yoga, and teaching. |
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Angela King
Incredible Years Facilitator Angela fell in love with Boone while attending Appalachian State University. She did her undergraduate and graduate work in psychology and counseling with a concentration in child development, expressive arts and play therapy. Since graduating, she has been a part of several local schools including Mountain Pathways Montessori School where she served as the Head of School and on the Board of Directors. Angela also ran her own school, Mountain Sprouts– a Montessori style preschool- for several years. Additionally, she has worked one on one in a counseling setting with ages birth to six. Angela volunteers with numerous organizations and is currently serving a three year term with the Watauga County Economic Development Commission. Angela loves spending time traveling, chasing waterfalls, kayaking, hiking, climbing, dancing and anything outdoors with her husband, Christopher, and their seven children. |
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Sophie Rudisill
Circle of Parents Facilitator Sophie received a dual degree in Psychology and Studio Art from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA in 2006 and later went on to get her Masters in Social Work, with a focus in direct practice with children and families, from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2011. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked with children, adolescents and parents for over 15 years in various roles that promote empowerment, compassion and growth. Sophie joined the Children's Council team in 2016 when she began the postpartum distress support group. She is a Perinatal Mental Health Certified clinician and has a private practice in the community where she frequently works with new parents experiencing perinatal and postpartum distress. Sophie enjoys cooking, music, dancing, travel, and playing outside in every season with her family. |
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Allison Rollans
Circle of Parents Facilitator Allison loves supporting families through pregnancy, birth and those first few years. As a parent facilitator of Pregnancy Connects she loves supporting expecting parents feel comfortable in their own experiences and sharing with other expectant parents in the safe virtual setting of Circle of Parents. Outside of her work with the Children's Council you will find her teaching childbirth classes and supporting parents as a doula, an infant feeding specialist & positive parenting practitioner. She is also a certified health coach and works with moms and children to help them understand their best nutrition, exercise & lifestyle choices. She is passionate about the importance of parents' mental health during this very changing time. Aside from in-depth training in perinatal mood disorders–such as postpartum anxiety & depression, she works with the local High Country PSI chapter to raise money and awareness for training and support. Her most accomplished element she claims is her family; happily married with 3 grown children whom she loves tremendously. She knows that a parent's transition into parenthood can be happier and healthier with support. |