Leadership Team

Executive Director

Travis Smith, MDiv. founded Blue Ridge Hope in 2014. Four years later BRH officially became a non-profit. Travis is a grief counselor who served with Hospices in western North Carolina and in Charlotte, NC for 10 years. After his time with Hospice, Travis served as Director of an adult day health facility.  

His experience in helping individuals cope with death and loss is second to none. Travis has overseen many grief groups as well as grief camps for children. Travis prides himself on his ability to work with people of all religious and faith backgrounds. His approach to coaching is client driven. 

Travis Smith

Travis earned his bachelors degree in religious studies as well as his Master's of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC. He is married to Allyson and together they have 4 children.

Travis is passionate about removing barriers to access quality health services, promoting holistic integrated care for the community, and driving the vision and mission of Blue Ridge Hope is to connect individuals with resources that will help them be successful in attaining their emotional goals, reconciling personal loss and developing health and wholeness to those who so desperately need it.

Assistant Executive Director

Allyson [Last Name] is the co-founder of Blue Ridge Hope, a nonprofit she launched alongside her husband, Travis, with a shared passion for providing compassionate mental health support to their community. Before transitioning to her full-time role at Blue Ridge Hope, Allyson spent over 15 years working in ophthalmology in Charlotte, NC—bringing with her a wealth of clinical and administrative experience.

Allyson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Gardner-Webb University, which reflects her longstanding commitment to serving others. At Blue Ridge Hope, Allyson truly is the glue that holds everything together. She wears many hats—managing communications with insurance companies, answering calls, recruiting counselors, training new staff, and ensuring that the day-to-day operations run smoothly. Her behind-the-scenes dedication and tireless support are at the heart of what makes Blue Ridge Hope thrive.

Allyson Smith

Beyond her professional life, Allyson finds joy in reading, traveling, and spending time with those she loves. She is a devoted wife, loyal friend, and proud mother to four adult children—and one beloved fur-baby. Her deep compassion, organizational skills, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable cornerstone of the Blue Ridge Hope family.

Director of Community Engagement

John Miller (M.Div) joined Blue Ridge Hope in August of 2022. He has a true passion to serve the community and to make a positive impact in the lives of everyone he meets, especially students and their families. John has served in youth ministry for over 20 years, including serving at First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton since 2016. John leads Hopeworks, our afterschool program that provides a safe and positive environment for students to build community, in addition to getting help with their homework.

John loves Starbucks coffee, playing guitar, superhero movies, listening to rock music, and spending time with his family (Mindy, Abby, Hayden, and Mackenzie).

John earned his Bachelors Degree in Religious Education (with a minor in Business Administration), as well as a Master’s of Divinity in Pastoral Care & Counseling from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC.

John Miller

Office Manager | Insurance Billing Specialist

Kasey Hughes brings a diverse professional background in office management, insurance billing, and occupational therapy, with a particular focus on working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Her hands-on experience includes supporting neurodivergent populations, where she has demonstrated a deep understanding of sensory processing needs, communication differences, and individualized care strategies. Kasey is passionate about creating inclusive, empowering environments that promote growth, independence, and dignity for every individual.

In addition to her professional work, Kasey is devoted to her family and actively gives back to her community. She volunteers with Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, where her compassionate spirit extends to caring for animals in need. Her unique blend of clinical insight, administrative expertise, and heartfelt dedication makes her a trusted and valued team member in every space she enters.

Kasey Hughes

Donor Development Consultation

Chelsey lives in Asheville, NC and brings with her a wealth of development experience. She has worked for over 17 years in the non profit sector and 16 of those years has been in development and marketing. We are excited to have Chelsey on board!

Chelsey graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wingate University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Spanish. She has been recognized for her academic excellence with awards such as Outstanding Senior in Sociology, President’s and Dean’s List honors, and memberships in Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Kappa Delta Honors Societies.

Chelsey Wilson

Clinical Team

  • Amy Cochran McCraw

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

  • Bekah Hunt Fleetwood

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

  • David Hislop

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

  • Faith Hislop

    Psychiatric Physician Assistant

  • Gardenia Rabadan

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

  • Heather Banfield

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

  • Joey Revis

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Kaitlyn Canipe

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

  • Karin White

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

  • Lynette Dover

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

  • Michael Taub

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

  • Miranda Queen

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

  • Jerry Wease

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

  • Kathy Brok

    Kathy Brok

    License Clinical Social Worker Associate

  • Katherine Mace

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Joann Woods

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

  • Stephanie Lattimore

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Support Team

  • Shay Nash Long

    Administrative Assistant - Front Desk

  • Mackenzie McAbee

    Appointments Coordinator

  • Josie Kay Mollette

    Administrative Assistant and Mentor with HOPEworks

  • Amber Emory

    Administrative Support & Community Resources

  • Berkley Joyner

    Communication Strategist

  • Sherry Barstow

    Finance Manager

  • Carol Gibbs

    Administrative Assistant - Front Desk