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. 

Close-up of a smiling man with a shaved head, wearing a navy Columbia fleece, standing in front of a brick wall.

Our Staff

Travis Smith

Executive Director

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.

Close-up of woman with brown hair, wearing glasses with clear frames, smiling, standing in front of a brick wall.

Allyson Smith

Assistant Executive Director

Allyson 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.

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.

A man with a beard and mustache smiling outdoors in front of a brick wall, wearing a black T-shirt with a sunset and mountain graphic and text for the Blue Ridge Hope organization.

John Miller

Director of Community Engagement

and HOPEworks (Rutherford County)

John Miller (M.Div) joined Blue Ridge Hope in August of 2022. 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. 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. In addition, John has served in youth ministry for over 20 years, including serving at First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton since 2016.

John loves Starbucks coffee, playing guitar, superhero movies, listening to rock music, and spending time with his wife and children. 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.

Kasey Hughes

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.

A woman with long brown hair smiling, wearing a pink top and a green cardigan, standing in front of a brick wall.

Rebecca Ruppe, PMHNP

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse

Practitioner

A woman with blonde hair and blue eyes smiling in front of a brick wall, wearing a brown sweater.

Rebecca is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and other mental health concerns.

Rebecca takes a collaborative and person-centered approach to care, working alongside patients to create individualized treatment plans that align with their goals, values, and lived experiences. With an emphasis on trust, safety, and respect, she strives to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where patients feel comfortable.  She is committed to evidence-based practice while honoring the whole person—not just symptoms—supporting patients as they work toward balance, resilience, and improved well-being.

She is a Rutherford County native and is grateful to be able to serve our community with Blue Ridge Hope.

A young woman in a graduation gown with yellow cords, smiling outdoors with trees in the background.

Molly Hunter, MSW

Client Navigator

Molly Hunter, MSW, is a Client Navigator at Blue Ridge Hope and a recent graduate of Appalachian State University's Master of Social Work program. She is passionate about helping individuals and families access resources, navigate barriers to care, and connect with the support they need to thrive.

As a lifelong resident of Rutherford County, Molly has a deep appreciation for the strengths and challenges of rural communities. Her experience includes mental health services, community outreach, advocacy, and resource coordination. She is particularly passionate about supporting children, families, and individuals facing life transitions, mental health concerns, and challenges accessing community resources.

Molly is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. She believes in meeting people where they are, building on their strengths, and helping them work toward meaningful and lasting change.

Stephanie Jones, MSW

Youth Engagment & Clinical Mental

Health Therapist

Professional woman with dark brown hair wearing a dark gray blazer, white top, gold hoop earrings, and a gold necklace, smiling against a light gray background.

Stephanie is a social work professional with more than 20 years of experience working with children, youth, families, schools, and communities across Western North Carolina.  Her work is grounded in one simple belief: the youngest among us are our greatest investment in our future.  They are worth our time, our energy, and our commitment.

Relationship is the foundation of Stephanie’s work.  She believes that meaningful change happens through authentic connection, community engagement, and collaboration across the systems that surround children and families. Her experience includes K-12 education, program development, community collaboration, and partnering with parents/caregivers, youth-serving agencies, and local school districts.  

As the Hope4NC Child Specialist following Hurricane Helene, Stephanie saw firsthand that rebuilding communities must include a deliberate investment in children and youth.  If we want healthy, resilient communities for generations to come, we must prioritize the healthy development and well-being of our youngest citizens - the people who will one day build our businesses, lead our communities, care for one another, and keep Buncombe County and Western North Carolina moving forward.   

JB Bowles

Community Engagement Coordinator

(Asheville)

A man with a beard and glasses smiling outdoors, wearing a checkered shirt, a tan tie, and a cap, with green foliage in the background.

As our Director of Community Engagement, JB Bowles, or Jellybean, leads with an unwavering belief in radical dignity, and accessing wellness support and mental healthcare is a fundamental human right, free of judgment or shame. He brings a deep commitment to social equity and a proven track record of mobilizing communities. JB joined our team after spending three years fostering deep community roots and feeding neighbors with Food Connection in Asheville.  Today, he leverages that qualitative expertise to help forge lasting partnerships with other organizations. When we are all working together to dismantle the stigma involved with mental health care AND connecting our neighbors with life-saving resources, then we are all working to build a more inclusive network of care. Now that’s Radical!

Our Therapists

  • Close-up portrait of a woman with short, tousled brown hair, wearing earrings and a black top, against a dark background.

    Amy Cochran McCraw

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Practice Clinical Manager

    Read Bio
  • A woman with black hair, glasses, and a blue shirt sitting outdoors on a rock, smiling at the camera with green leaves and sunlight in the background.

    Karin White

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, Practice Operations Manager

    Read Bio
  • A smiling bald man wearing sunglasses and a blue and white striped polo shirt, standing in front of a red brick wall.

    Joey Revis

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    Read Bio
  • A smiling young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a purple top, in front of a gray background.

    Bekah Hunt Fleetwood

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

    Read Bio
  • A smiling woman with brown hair, wearing earrings and a necklace, standing in front of a brick wall, dressed in a dark blue floral top.

    Heather Banfield

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

    Read Bio
  • Close-up of a young woman's face smiling with a brick wall in the background. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and is wearing a floral dress with a gold necklace.

    Kaitlyn Canipe

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

    Read Bio
  • Close-up of a cheerful woman with curly blonde hair and glasses, smiling against a brick wall background, wearing layered gold necklaces and large hoop earrings.

    Lynette Dover

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

    Read Bio
  • A man with glasses, short dark hair, and a beard, wearing a blue polo shirt, standing outdoors in front of a brick wall.

    Michael Taub

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

    Read Bio
  • Woman with brown hair smiling, wearing a black Rolling Stones t-shirt and leopard print skirt, standing outdoors in front of a brick wall.

    Miranda Queen

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    Read Bio
  • Close-up of a smiling man with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a light blue collared shirt, standing in front of a brick wall.

    Jerry Wease

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist

    Read Bio
  • A young woman with long dark hair and light skin, smiling, standing in front of a red brick wall. She is wearing a light-colored, knitted top, gold hoop earrings, a nose ring, and a necklace with a square pendant.

    Isabelle Renn

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

    Read Bio
  • Close-up of a smiling woman with curly hair, wearing black earrings and a black and white striped top, standing against a red brick wall.

    Joann Woods

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate

    Read Bio
  • A man with brown hair and a beard, smiling, wearing a light blue shirt and a patterned tie, standing outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    Elliot Carey

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

    Read Bio
  • Woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing hoop earrings and a dark green top, smiling outdoors with trees in the background.

    Hannah Neitzey

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
    Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist

    Read Bio
  • A woman with long brown hair, wearing large tortoiseshell glasses, a septum piercing, a lip piercing, and a black polka dot blouse, standing outdoors in bright sunlight with trees and a grassy area in the background.

    Ashley Carr

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate,
    Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate

    Read Bio
  • Close-up of a woman with long, wavy brown hair and glasses, smiling in an indoor setting.

    Marcia Stanford

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate

    Read Bio
  • Headshot of a woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black blazer over a beige top, smiling in a professional setting.

    Katy Buchanan

    Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

    Read Bio

  • Berkley Joyner

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

    Read Bio

Support Team

  • A middle-aged woman with short dark hair and light skin standing in front of a red brick wall, wearing a checkered button-up shirt.

    Shay Nash Long

    Administrative Assistant - Front Desk

  • Close-up of a woman with long red hair smiling outdoors with a brick wall in the background.

    Josie Kay Mollette

    Mentor with HOPEworks

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing a black North Face jacket, standing in front of a wooden wall.

    Amber Emory

    Administrative Support & Community Resources

  • A woman with long, straight hair wearing glasses and a dark top, looking at the camera, with a gradient green background.

    April Hicks

    Administrative Assistant - Front Desk

  • Adrianna Castaneda

    Administrative Assistant - Front Desk

  • Melaila Rodriguez

    Administrative Assistant - Front Desk