Marisa joined the MRJC team in 2008 as a part-time mediator and she now leads the organization as Executive Director. With a Master's in Counseling (specializing in Expressive Arts Therapy) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she brings a deep well of knowledge, creativity, and practice-informed leadership to her work. In her tenure as ED, Marisa has continued to cultivate MRJC's restorative vision, guiding the development, implementation, and expansion of innovative, collaborative, and diversionary programs for both youth and adults -- programs and perspectives that have become integral to MRJC's community-based approach. Marisa's career is grounded in a longstanding commitment to restorative justice, community-building, peaceful conflict resolution, experiential learning, and living in the balance between chaos and magic.

Mollie is a person in long-term recovery, a formerly incarcerated individual, and a Watauga County native. She has dedicated her career to working at the intersection of peer-led recovery and restorative justice, beginning as Case Manager for the Recovery on the Inside (ROI) Program in 2018. She later served as Program Coordinator for Watauga LEAD and ROI (2020-2022) before stepping into her current role as Center Director of Homestead Recovery Center in 2022. Mollie began her recovery journey as someone who had to leave Watauga County to access basic recovery services. She returned to Appalachia in 2013 with a commitment to bring back the support she had experienced and expand recovery access in Watauga County. She holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Social Work from Appalachian State University and has received numerous recognitions, including the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Award for Non-Profit Business Professional (2021) and the Beaver College of Health Sciences Emerging Leader Award (2023). A North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist, Mollie is a strong advocate for centering peer voices at all levels of the organization. She is a member of MRJC’s Executive Team, a part-time adjunct instructor in Appalachian State University’s Interdisciplinary Studies Department, and a subject matter expert for North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health Injury and Violence Prevention Branch Overdose Prevention Team. She also actively participates in multiple local coalition groups to advance community-based recovery initiatives. Mollie continues to experience the gifts of recovery, living in the western end of Watauga County with her husband and their six children.

Lindsey serves as the Juvenile Programs Team Lead, as well as mediator and Sentencing Circles Coordinator in Avery and Mitchell Counties. She has been an active community member, teacher, and mentor in the High Country for over 10 years. She advocates for the right of every community member to have access to peaceful conflict resolution.

Mackenzie Laney is a dedicated advocate for restorative justice and community-driven recovery efforts. As the Community and Program Specialist at MRJC and Project Director for MRJC's ARC INSPIRE initiatives, she leads workforce reentry programs, coordinates internships and volunteers, and contributes to strategic planning, grant writing, and program expansion as part of the Executive Team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s in Social Work from Appalachian State University, where she completed her graduate internship at MRJC in 2019-2020 before transitioning into roles in juvenile and adult services. Mackenzie actively engages in local policy and advocacy, serving on the Watauga Housing Council, STABLE Workplaces planning group, Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative Events Committee, and as the Watauga Advisor for Recovery Friendly NC. She also co-facilitates the Watauga Community Justice Coalition alongside the MRJC Executive Team. Mackenzie also volunteers as a Guardian ad Litem in Wilkes County, serves a part-time adjunct instructor in Appalachian State University’s Social Work Department, and continues to strengthen her recovery allyship. 

Cierra joined MRJC in 2024 as the Embedded Social Worker at Boone PD and was born and raised in Ashe County. She attended Western Carolina University and obtained her Bachelors in Social Work in May 2024. Spending most of her research studies on incarceration and criminal justice, Cierra discovered her love and passion for working in a criminal justice social work field. She completed her internship with the Sylva Police Department and Community Care Program, leading her to want a full time career doing this work. She enjoys seeing individuals discover their worth and watching them grow on the path of recovery. Cierra enjoys helping be a voice for others and advocating for change within social justice and criminal justice systems. She is a person in recovery from mental illness and enjoys showing others that it can get better!

​Theresa serves as the Recovery Treatment Court Coordinator for Madison and Yancey Counties. She has a B.A. from Mars Hill College and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Vanessa began with MRJC in 2012 as a Juvenile & Adult mediator. She now serves as Coordinator and Case Manager for the Recovery Treatment Courts in Avery and Mitchell Counties. She has a B.A. from Mars Hill University.

​Lauren joined MRJC in 2025 and serves as the Watauga Coordinator for Judicially Managed Accountability and Recovery Court (JMARC), Sentencing Circles, and Juvenile Mediation Programs, in addition to working as a mediator. As an Ashe County native, Lauren is deeply rooted in the High Country community and brings both professional experience and personal passion to her role. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Western Carolina University and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW). Prior to joining MRJC, Lauren worked as a substance use counselor in Boone, NC, and with youth in foster care in Avery County. She is passionate about restorative justice and community-building, and is committed to strengthening local partnerships that promote recovery, dignity, accountability, and healing.

Jeffrey joined MRJC in 2025 as a mediator for four District criminal courts in the 34th Judicial District, after relocating to Wilkesboro, NC from Birmingham, AL. Jeffrey holds a B.S. in Business Management from Auburn University, a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law, and certifications in ministry and non-profit operational management. Prior to joining MRJC, Jeffrey managed law firms, lectured on debt collection practices, advocated for consumer protections, and founded Pathways Legal Aid in Alabama, offering free legal and pastoral counseling. Currently, Jeffrey volunteers with disaster response efforts. 

Pam joined MRJC in 2023 as a Peer Support Specialist for the Watauga LEAD program and was promoted to Recovery on the Inside Case Manager in 2024. In this role, she works alongside detention staff, law enforcement, attorneys, and treatment providers to develop pre-trial diversion plans and provide recovery support to individuals incarcerated at the Watauga County Detention Center. A Watauga County native, Pam brings lived experience to her work, having navigated the federal justice system herself. Since beginning her recovery journey in 2012, she has rebuilt her life as a wife, mother, landowner, and property owner and is now in the final stages of seeking a Presidential Pardon. Committed to ongoing education and professional development, Pam is currently pursuing a degree through Caldwell Community College and has received training in conflict resolution, mental health, forensic peer support, and trauma-informed care. She is also a certified Seeking Safety Curriculum facilitator, equipping her with specialized skills to support individuals impacted by trauma and substance use.

Brittany joined MRJC in 2024 as a Peer Services Coordinator before transitioning to our Avery Outreach Coordinator in 2025. Brittany is the organization’s third “Full Circle” staff member, having gone from a client to a dedicated team member. She is also a licensed phlebotomist, further expanding her ability to support individuals in recovery and overdose prevention services. Committed to meeting individuals where they are, she helps clients navigate available resources to support their recovery journey. She is passionate about using her lived experience to inspire and empower others, demonstrating that recovery is possible and that no one has to navigate it alone.

Mike joined MRJC in 2025 and serves as a Watauga LEAD Peer Support Specialist. 

Katlynd joined MRJC in 2023 as a Peer Support Specialist through an NCWorks work-based internship before being promoted to Peer Service Coordinator and LEAD Peer Support Specialist in 2024. In 2025, Katlynd transitioned to her current role as LEAD Case Manager. In this role, she provides peer support and case management within the intensive community case management program, helping individuals navigate recovery, access resources, and build stability in their lives. Katlynd also serves as a task supervisor for bachelor level interns and coordinates volunteers, ensuring meaningful engagement in recovery services. As Homestead Recovery Center’s first “Full Circle” Peer Support Specialist, she began her recovery journey as a client of the program before becoming an employee. Now, she uses her experience, strength, and hope to support others and make a lasting impact in her community.

Crystal joined MRJC in 2023 as a Peer Support Specialist and was promoted to Case Manager for the Watauga LEAD Program in 2024 and High Country LEAD Coordinator in 2025. She has found her passion in helping clients secure detoxification, treatment, and long-term housing solutions as they navigate their recovery journeys. A North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist, Crystal is also an overdose prevention and reversal trainer, providing life-saving education to the community. She will graduate from Wilkes Community College in Summer 2025 and has been accepted into Appalachian State University, where she will pursue a degree in social work in the fall. Crystal's personal experience with substance use disorder began at age 15. After the birth of her first child in 2008, she was arrested and incarcerated in the Commonwealth of Virginia Prison System—an event that became the turning point in her life. Since that arrest, she has maintained long-term recovery and wellness, using her lived experience to inspire and support others in recovery.

Christian joined our team in 2025 as a Peer Support Specialist after completing her undergraduate internship with us in our Peer Service program. Christian is a Charlotte native and graduated from Appalachian State in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Christian has found a deep passion for walking alongside others in their recovery journey, whether it be through Peer Services, facilitating SMART Recovery meetings, or implementing harm reduction strategies. Christian is dedicated to using her lived experience to be a voice and advocate for long-lasting, positive change in the community

A Wilkes County native, David joined MRJC in 2024 as a Peer Service Coordinator and is Homestead Recovery Center’s second “Full Circle” staff member, having begun his journey as a client before stepping into a staff role. He now uses his lived experience to support others navigating recovery. In his role, David oversees all Peer Services activities, including day center services, supplies, outreach, group facilitation, training, and community events. He is also a task supervisor for bachelor-level interns and facilitates SMART Recovery meetings at Homestead each week. Passionate about helping others, he is dedicated to using his experience, knowledge, and insight to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those seeking recovery and stability.

Heather Smith is a native of Watauga County. Heather received her Associate in Science from Caldwell Community College. After working most of her career in healthcare she is excited to join the team at Homestead Recovery Center. As a formerly incarcerated person she has found meaning and purpose in helping others find their potential while navigating their reentry back into the community. Heather believes her journey in her own recovery has equipped her with the knowledge and lived experience needed to support others along their recovery and navigate the many complexities faced when coming home. 

Ken began volunteering with MRJC in 2022, bringing his passion for service and community to our team.  A retired software developer, he moved to Boone from West Virginia in 2014 and has been actively engaged in volunteer work for almost two decades. Ken has dedicated his time to local jail and prison ministries and supporting individuals on their recovery journeys. In 2022, he completed Recovery Coaching Academy and is also a trained SMART Recovery facilitator, equipping him with valuable skills to guide people though evidence-based recovery processes. Ken played a critical role in launching our recovery housing project, serving as Co-Housing Coordinator from 2023-2024. In recognition of his outstanding commitment to service, Ken received the Governor's Volunteer Service Award for Watauga County in 2023.