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. 

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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 co-founded Blue Ridge Hope along with her husband, Travis. Before she began working full-time at BRH, she worked in ophthalmology for over 15 years in Charlotte, NC.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Gardner-Webb University.

Allyson is the glue that holds Blue Ridge Hope together. From answering the phone, to communicating with insurance companies, recruiting counselors, helping train all of our staff, and so much more! Allyson does a plethora of other things behind the scenes that keeps Blue Ridge Hope up and running.

Allyson Smith

Along with being endorsed by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition she is also a Yoga Fit instructor. Beside all of her credentials she is most proud to be called a wife and mother.

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 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, listening to rock music, and spending time with his family (Mindy, Abby, Hayden, and Mackenzie).

John Miller

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.

  • Amy Cochran McCraw

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

  • Miranda Queen

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

  • Stephanie Lattimore

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

  • Lynette Dover

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

  • Bekah Hunt-Fleetwood

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associated

  • Michael Taub

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

  • David Hislop

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

  • Jerry Wease

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

  • Joann Woods

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

  • Faith Hislop

    Psychiatric Physician Assistant

  • Karin White

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Intern

Support Team

  • Shay Nash Long

    Administrative Assistant - Front Desk

  • Carol Gibbs

    Administrative Assistant - Front Desk

  • Kasey Hughes

    Billing Specialist

  • Mackenzie McAbee

    Appointments Coordinator

  • Josie Kay Mollette

    Mentor with HOPEworks (You may also find her at our front desk!)

  • Sherry Barstow

    Finance Manager

  • Berkley Joyner

    Communication Strategist

  • Lissie Cox

    Social Creative