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 the High Country.

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), the Beaver College of Health Sciences Emerging Leader Award (2023), Town of Boone 1872 Award (2026), and was recognized by Watauga Democrat as Watauga County's Best of the Best Public Servant (2026). A North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist, Mollie is a strong advocate for centering peer voices at all levels of the organization. 

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. 

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 almost 20 years. She advocates for the right of every community member to have access to peaceful conflict resolution.

​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.

Brenda joined MRJC in 2026 and serves as the mediator for four district criminal courts in the 34th Judicial District. She creates space for every voice and helps parties work toward collaborative conflict resolution. With training in leadership, Non-Violent Communications and Narrative Focused Trauma Care, Brenda brings empathy, deep listening, and an understanding of the needs underlying conflict. She supports people in finding meaningful resolutions that promote peace and understanding.

Dan rejoined MRJC in 2026 after a brief retirement and serves the Juvenile Mediation and Sentencing Circles programs in Yancey and Madison counties. His background in military service and law enforcement brings a unique perspective to restorative justice and informs his commitment to supporting youth in his community. Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Cierra joined MRJC in 2024 as an Embedded Social Worker before moving to the Recovery on the Inside Case Manager position in 2026. Cierra was born and raised in Ashe County and attended Western Carolina University where she obtained her Bachelors in Social Work. 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. 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!

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 as our LEAD Peer Support Specialist in 2025 after successfully completing The Homeplace Shannon House men’s recovery housing program and transitioned to the Homeplace Case Manager role in 2026. Drawing from his own experience navigating the justice system as a formerly incarcerated individual, Mike is dedicated to helping others facing similar challenges. He believes in transforming his past struggles with substance use into a source of strength, inspiration, and hope for those on their recovery journey.

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A Watauga County native, Mike has committed himself to rebuilding his life and giving back to the community that supported him throughout his transformation. He is also the fourth “Full Circle” staff member at Homestead Recovery Center—someone who began as a program participant and now serves as a peer supporting others on their path to recovery.

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. A Charlotte native, Christian graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

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Christian now serves as the Embedded Peer Support Specialist on the Co-Response Team in partnership with the Boone Police Department, responding alongside law enforcement to behavioral health crises, substance use–related incidents, and urgent social needs in the community.

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Christian has found a deep passion for walking alongside others in their recovery journey — whether facilitating SMART Recovery meetings, implementing risk prevention strategies, or supporting individuals during moments of crisis. She 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.

A Watauga County native, Heather joined MRJC in 2024, bringing extensive experience from her healthcare and community support background to her role in providing stable, supportive recovery housing. She holds an Associate in Science from Caldwell Community College (2010), an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting and Medical Office Administration (2011), and earned her National Certification in Medical Assisting from the National Health Career Association (NHA) in 2014. After spending much of her career in healthcare, Heather transitioned to working directly with individuals in recovery, ensuring access to safe, structured housing that fosters long-term stability. As a formerly incarcerated person, she has found meaning and purpose in helping others navigate reentry challenges, using her own recovery journey to guide and support those rebuilding their lives. Committed to breaking cycles of instability, Heather is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Human Services at Lees-McRae University to become a Human Services Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP)

Dale joined MRJC in 2021 and currently serves as the Peer Supervisor across all HRC programs. Dale received his Master of Social Work from Wayne State University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and NC Certified Peer Support Specialist. Dale’s professional highlights also include owning and operating a sizable agricultural business from 1992 to 2019 and serving as the Mayor of West Jefferson in from 2008 to 2011. After entering recovery in Detroit, Michigan in 1985, Dale returned to the Appalachian mountains and his family in 1992 and has been a resident of Ashe country since. In 2026, Dale was recognized by the Watauga Democrat as Watauga County's Best of the Best Therapist. 

Laura is a Watauga County native and North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist who joined Homestead Recovery Center in 2026. She brings lived experience, compassion, and a strong commitment to supporting others on their recovery journeys.

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Laura began her recovery journey in 2017, seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder. After navigating setbacks along the way, she established sustained recovery in 2022. Her experiences have shaped her belief that recovery is not always linear, but lasting change is possible.

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Inspired by a community town hall advocating for recovery housing, Laura discovered her passion for peer support. Having experienced the isolation that often accompanies substance use, she is dedicated to creating welcoming, judgment-free spaces where individuals feel heard, valued, and supported. She believes no one should have to navigate recovery alone.

Laura considers it a privilege to use her lived experience to help others build meaningful, fulfilling lives in recovery. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their six children, and granddaughter. She is grateful for the life she has built and hopes to remind others that their past does not define their future.

Amanda Hoke first joined Homestead Recovery Center as a volunteer in 2025 before becoming our Office Manager in 2026. A Watauga County native and person in recovery, Amanda uses her lived experience to meet others where they are and offer hope, encouragement, and connection.

As our fifth “Full Circle” staff member, Amanda’s journey from volunteer to staff reflects the power of recovery and community support. In her role, she helps oversee daily office operations, inventory management, volunteer coordination, and administrative support while continuing to serve as a member of our Advisory Council. Amanda is also a certified SMART Recovery facilitator and is passionate about helping others find stability, purpose, and hope in their own recovery journeys.

Jeannie joined Homestead in 2026 as our Ashe LEAD Case Manager.

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.