Michael Barnett
Executive Director
Michael was appointed Executive Director in November 2022 after a national search and joined the Asheville community by way of Memphis, Tennessee. He served as the Chief Operating Officer for Jewish Community Partners (JCP). Before JCP, Michael was the Chief Executive Officer of Tampa Jewish Family Services.
Michael has been a leader of nonprofit and for-profit organizations in various industries, ensuring mission fulfillment and sound financial viability. He has extensive organizational, operational, and management experience, and has successfully led capital campaigns, endowment growth, and donor cultivation and stewardship efforts. Michael earned a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from the University of Tampa.
Melissa Wolfe, LCMHC
Clinical Director
Melissa Wolfe has a BA from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC majoring in social work and an MA from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA in Counseling & Expressive therapies with a focus on Art therapy. Melissa has worked in a variety of roles in her career including case manager, adjunct professor, counselor, and director of client services. Melissa has worked with people with wide variety of co-occurring mental health conditions, interpersonal violence, and trauma. Melissa has worked with adolescents through elders, specializing in her counseling practice with LGBTQIA+ community and those with chronic illness including chronic pain, cancer and autoimmune conditions, memory loss and Alzheimer’s. In Melissa’s free time she likes to read, wordle, craft and go on walks with her family and dog Luke.
Liz Drake
Finance Manager
Liz is a native of Chicago who moved to the Asheville area in 2003. She received a BS in Resource Conservation and a JD from the University of Florida.
Ed Tucker, PhD, LCSW
Therapist
Ed earned his BA in Psychology from Emory University and his MSW and PhD degrees from Florida International University where he received the Outstanding Graduate Scholar Award. He is a seasoned practitioner with a demonstrated track record of successfully helping a diverse client population overcome challenges. He has extensive experience with trauma resolution (including PTSD), mood and personality disorders, anxiety, dissociative disorders, psychosis, and addictions. Ed is proficient in multiple therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). A knowledgeable educator with more than a decade of experience teaching and supervising graduate & undergraduate students, Ed has also been an invited presenter/trainer at numerous local, regional, and national conferences & workshops.
Lisa Cole, LCSW
Therapist
Lisa has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for almost 30 years, having received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Lisa has experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with grief and loss, chronic illness, motivation, self-esteem, confidence and more. She enjoys working with couples and strives to help them repair trust, improve communication, learn to fight fairly and strengthen understanding and emotional intimacy. She has considerable experience in and welcomes working with people of all backgrounds and beliefs. Her goal is to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. She is an open, honest and direct person. Lisa utilizes a variety of therapeutic models with a focus on strengths and believes it takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. Lisa is registered as an Independent Social Worker Telehealth Provider in SC. Her registration number is 1181, and the link is the Social Work Telehealth Registration Listing
Teresa Cox Kirkwood, LCSW
Therapist
Teresa obtained a Masters (1988) & Bachelors (1986) in Social Work at the University of Alabama. Teresa was licensed in Alabama and continues to hold licensure there (LICSW # 5862C). When Teresa moved to NC, she was licensed as a social worker here as well (LCSW# C015944). Teresa is a seasoned practitioner and has worked with all ages and populations and in many roles, including therapist, adjunct professor, care manager and mental health advocate. Teresa is fascinated with the mind and body connection and how somatic mindfulness approaches can help with anxiety, trauma and depression. Teresa is passionate about meeting clients where they are on their journey. She strives to create a warm and safe environment where clients can be vulnerable, take risks and grow. She welcomes people of all cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. She has a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Alabama. She is a registered Yoga Teacher, RYT-200 with The Yoga Alliance. She has experience with Trauma Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness Meditation. In her spare time, you can find her listening to great music, cooking a delicious meal, laughing with family and friends, gardening and spoiling her granddogs.
Heather Chamberlain, MSW, LCSWA, CADC
Senior Care Manager/Therapist
Heather is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA #P019381) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC #23139). Her commitment to serving others began in adolescence, following in her father’s footsteps as a volunteer first responder. This experience cemented her lifelong dedication to helping her community and advocating for vulnerable populations.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and gained valuable experience in community mental health and with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). During the pandemic, Heather shifted her focus to Clinical Social Work, specializing in Integrated Health. She earned her Master of Social Work from Western Carolina University and is a Building Wellness in Healthcare Environments for Tomorrow (BWHET) Scholar.
As a Senior Care Manager & Therapist at Jewish Family Services of WNC, Heather meets individuals where they are, assessing their needs, recommending appropriate services, and providing ongoing support. She works collaboratively with clients, their families, and community partners to ensure access to vital resources and care, enhancing the overall quality of life for older adults and their families.
Kristy Little, LCMHC
Therapist
Kristy holds an MS in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and a BS in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. She is a licensed LCMHC in North Carolina and LMHC in Florida, and a Board-Approved Qualified Supervisor in Florida, with plans to obtain her NC QS. Trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and certified in Reiki, Kristy blends traditional and holistic approaches in her practice.
Since 2013, she has worked in diverse clinical settings, treating individuals with challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, domestic violence, grief, eating disorders, and more. She utilizes evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, MBSR, and MBCT.
Kristy has experience with a wide range of populations, including justice-involved individuals, adolescents with SPMI, veterans, women in treatment programs, LGBTQIA+ clients, and the elderly. In her free time, she enjoys karaoke, hiking, reading, volunteering at animal shelters, and spending time with her dog, Freya.
John Caprell, LCMHC
Therapist
John is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC #8282, approved by the North Carolina Counseling and Licensure Board. John is approved by the South Carolina Licensure board for telehealth therapy only #1701. John has a B.A in psychology from Southeastern University and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. John obtained LCMHC full licensure in 2017 , though the majority of his career has been in the Mental Health Field.
John’s goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your identity and heal from past traumas. John utilizes EMDR, a very effective therapy for changing unhelpful core beliefs and resolving trauma. John draws mainly from cognitive behavior therapy and emotion focused individual therapy treating anxiety, depression and existential concerns. John is experienced in substance use challenges working from a harm reduction perspective. John has also taken advanced training pertinent to specialized counseling with LGBTQIA+ issues. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, John understands some of the unique challenges faced by those who feel marginalized.
John believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most powerful tool for healing. John’s long-term clients appreciate his warm yet direct approach, He often incorporates humor into therapy from the belief that “laughter is medicine.” Additionally licensed for telehealth in South Carolina.
George White, LCMHC
Therapist
George is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NC # 12517. George holds multiple master’s Degrees, including a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling in 2016 with over ten years of experience in the field of mental health. George is a compassionate and dedicated therapist who works with adults and older adults facing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. George has extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma, grief, and caregiver stress—particularly those navigating the complex dynamics of aging and life transitions.
George’s approach to therapy is rooted in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), combined with a strong person-centered foundation. This holistic and integrative style allows him to meet each client where they are, fostering a therapeutic environment that is empathetic, collaborative, and empowering.
George is especially attuned to the needs of older adults, offering a safe and respectful space to explore concerns, build resilience, and improve quality of life. Whether supporting someone through the aftermath of trauma or helping a client manage chronic stress or mood disorders, George emphasizes personal strengths, values, and goals to guide the therapeutic process. In his spare time, George walks his dog, works around his mountain cabin, reads and plays traditional music via violin, guitar and other instruments.
Rob Fuller, MSW, LCSW
Therapist
Rob earned is Master of Social Work in May, 2009 from the University of South Carolina. He became a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Social Worker (C007889) in July, 2009. He has practiced in many different environments from the Polk County School system to providing Intensive Outpatient Therapy for Seniors at Senior Life Solutions at St. Luke’s Hospital (now Advent Health – Polk).
Over the years Rob has created and led many groups including: anger management, social skills and facilitated a Pain Management Group based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book “Full Catastrophe Living” describing and practicing a mindfulness approach for pain relief.
Rob addresses issues of stress, anxiety, depression, communication issues, trauma, grief and more through Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Behavioral Activation, to name just a few approaches.
In his home life Rob exercises daily by walking and practicing light yoga. He enjoys reading, meditating, working in his yard and doing volunteer work
Carrie McGuire, MS
Case Manager and Faye’s Place Elder Club Program Manager
Carrie has her MS in Human Services with a specialization in Social and Community Services. She has worked in this field throughout her career. Carrie has worked for the last 5 years as the Senior Case Manager for the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry Steadfast House Transitional Housing program serving homeless civilians, families and female Veterans. Carrie lives in Asheville with her two teenaged sons and helps to support her aging parents.
Neave Higgins, MSW
Elder Club Program Facilitator
Neave holds a Master’s Degree in Social work from Smith School for Social Work and has over two decades of experience working with older adults and their families in mental health settings, home care, and hospice. She is very excited to be part of our community, supporting elders and their caregivers. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks in these mountains, laughing, and making things with clay.
Regina Duke
Faye’s Place Elder Club Program Facilitator
Regina Duke, a proud native of Western North Carolina, holds a BA in Psychology from Shaw University and an MS in Human Services from Walden University, with a primary focus on trauma related issues affecting different populations, and effective approaches to facilitating their individual needs. Regina has experience in working with at-risk youth in psychiatric team settings to provide pathways for successful integration back in to the community.
As a program coordinator for Faye’s Place, Regina’s primary aim is fostering an environment of safety, trust, support, and healthy socialization through stimulating activities and shared bonding experiences for our wonderful participants, and to have fun and enjoyment in the process. It is her utmost pleasure and honor to serve in this capacity at Jewish Family Services for such a wonderfully diverse group of people.
Rabbi Wolff Alterman
Chaplain
Rabbi Wolff Alterman grew up in upstate NY. Educated by Dominican Sisters, his bar mitzvah long held the “Most Nuns attending” state record. His journey has included teaching elementary school art, serving as a rural route mail carrier, and walking from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail. He received clinical training in chaplaincy at Johnson City Medical Center and Rutherford Hospital and has served as a chaplain at Mission Hospital, Care Partners and Jewish Family Services of WNC. He was ordained in 2013 by the Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute, a Jewish Universalist seminary based in NY. The grey in his beard was made possible through the ongoing efforts of his wonderful daughter; his blood pressure is kept in a safe range by the world’s most glorious coonhound. Rabbi Wolff has lived in Western North Carolina for a quarter century, and is the region’s only regularly kilted Rabbi. His lifelong ambition is to be named Emperor of Japan.
Rachel Miriam
Chef/Kitchen Manager
Rachel relocated to Asheville in 2016 from the greater Fort Lauderdale area. She graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University (Miami) in 2014 after deciding to leave the field of Urban and Regional Planning, where she sat stationary for the most part of five and a half years dreaming of what to cook for dinner. Rachel was recently named one of the top chefs in Asheville!
Tracy Levi
Bookkeeper
Tracy was born in Gelnhausen, Germany and raised in Miami, Florida. She attended the University of Florida graduating with a B.S. in Zoology, and earned a Masters of Engineering from the University of South Florida. She worked for 11 years as a civil engineer in both Tampa and Miami before moving to Asheville almost eight years ago. In her spare time, she enjoys anything outdoors, including hiking, biking and kayaking. She also plays keyboards in a local Tom Petty tribute band.