Meet Our Staff
Our team
It takes two flints to make a fire.
At Teen Challenge Eastern Appalachian, we firmly rely on the statement that each transformed life has its background, namely caring people. They are not co-workers but rather role models, care givers, and relatives to the Norwood community. It is with diligence that nurses and teachers take their time to ensure that the young people are treated, transformed and are well-prepared to embrace the destiny that is in store for them.
The staff recruited in EATC attends a training session provided by Teen Challenge USA and other agencies to ensure that the adolescents are provide with a safe and effective program orientation. It is beneficial for the care of teenagers with controlling problems; thus, beside particular training, all the staff is in training during the whole year to create a warm, safe, and effective program for all students.
- Some of the trainings received by the staff are as follows:
- How to Equip Students with Bibilical Principles and Life Skills
- Teaching As tutoring learners within the educational context
- Teens and Trauma Care
- Child Abuse Negelct and Reporting
- Emergency Action Preparedness and Fire Safety
- ServSafe Food Safety
- Confidentiality
- CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions for Student Health
- Handle with Care Behavior Management
Caring for youth is a great call as it involves dealing with some of the most responsible individuals in society.
Every staff member has expertise and competence. Though they are from different origins, every one of them has only one concern in mind: service to others.
Some of our team members specialize in:
Counseling – When it comes to helping a student to be happy and healthy it is also necessary to help the student process his or her feelings and emotions especially when a student has gone through a terrible experience.
Ministry – Discipleship: through instructing students in the Word of God, to engage in praying and nurturing the religious development of the students.
Discipline – Allowing guidance and structure to help one be more disciplined and become successful in the way they learn.
Wellness – A need to help people live a healthier lifestyle through exercises, proper diet and taking good care of the body.
However, it should be understood that, in addition to calling for training, our staff has very strict requirements for character.
We are convinced that it is necessary to know something, but it is vital to love someone in return. Every word said and every action done out for the learners is born out of love for the learners and desire to see them to be the very best they can be.
To be more precise, it does not suffice for us to only teach; it is our goal to educate people.
It is not only our intention to teach our students—but rather to raise them.
Therefore, our students should get the best and this is what we provide every day.
This is not to imply that healing is an event that is confined to once and for all. It is a journey. It takes time. It takes patience.
Our team
Professional & Certified
Caring for youth is a great call as it involves dealing with some of the most responsible individuals in society.
Every staff member has expertise and competence. Though they are from different origins, every one of them has only one concern in mind: service to others.
Some of our team members specialize in:
Counseling – When it comes to helping a student to be happy and healthy it is also necessary to help the student process his or her feelings and emotions especially when a student has gone through a terrible experience.
Ministry – Discipleship: through instructing students in the Word of God, to engage in praying and nurturing the religious development of the students.
Discipline – Allowing guidance and structure to help one be more disciplined and become successful in the way they learn.
Wellness – A need to help people live a healthier lifestyle through exercises, proper diet and taking good care of the body.
However, it should be understood that, in addition to calling for training, our staff has very strict requirements for character.
We are convinced that it is necessary to know something, but it is vital to love someone in return. Every word said and every action done out for the learners is born out of love for the learners and desire to see them to be the very best they can be.
To be more precise, it does not suffice for us to only teach; it is our goal to educate people.
It is not only our intention to teach our students—but rather to raise them.
Therefore, our students should get the best and this is what we provide every day.
24/7 Premium Support
All EATC staff are trained annually by Teen Challenge USA and other agencies to make the program experience for adolescents safe, beneficial and
life changing! Training is vital for caring for teens with life controlling issues so in addition to specific degrees, staff are continually in training throughout the year to create a loving, safe and well equipped program for all studens.
Staff are trained in the following areas annually:
- How to Equip Students with Bibilical Principles and Life Skills
- Tutoring Students within the Academic Environment
- Teens and Trauma Care
- Child Abuse Negelct and Reporting
- Emergency Action Preparedness and Fire Safety
- ServSafe Food Safety
- Confidentiality
- CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions for Student Health
- Handle with Care Behavior Management
Meet our team
Teamwork makes the dream work
Executive Director
Harley, graduate and founder of EATC, is also a Teen Challenge graduate for over 25+ years and holds a BA in Pastoral Counseling from Southeastern University and has worked with Teen Challenge for 27 years with men, woman and teens of all ages to find freedom in Christ.
Program/Education Director
Lisa, co-founder with her husband Harley of EATC, holds a BA in education from Southeastern University as a licensed teacher and and has also worked with Teen Challenge for over 27 years, passionately equipping adolescents with biblical principals and life skills necessary for a life of freedom.
Residential Staff/Student Healthcare
Chelsea, also a Teen Challenge graduate for over ten years, holds an Associates degree in Science as well as certificates in Medical Assistance and Phlebotomy from Southwest Community College. She has also been an Emerging Leaders graduate, youth pastor and has a School of Ministry Certificate from the Appalachian District. She has worked with adult women and adolescents since her own life change to help them experience freedom in Christ.
Residential Staff
Brianna has a BA in Christian Ministry from Regent University and works avidly as a residential staff and biblical advisor.
Residential Student Intern
Allison, an honor graduate from EATC in 2022, is our newest student intern. Student interns have the unique opportunity to assist senior residential staff and continue to grow in their relationship with Christ as well as receive continued training in leadership and ministry skills.
Meet our Dogs
Our Special Support
Winnie is our three-year-old golden retriever. She loves to run, play, and fetch the ball. She is patient and tolerant with the students, as they give her lots of affection. Both of our dogs are important parts of the therapeutic aspect of the program. Winnie and London help the students learn to use a positive outlet for their emotions. Most importantly, the dogs help the program feel like a home to our students.
London is our 1 year old Goldendoodle. She is also Winnie's daughter. Like her mom, London loves to run and is quickly learning and growing everyday. London has already been a great comfort and source of joy for our students. She is an important part of the therapeutic aspect of the program.
Join us
Join the Teen Challenge Family
At Eastern Appalachian Teen Challenge, we are more than a program. We want to create a loving environment where your daughter can experience the love of staff as people who truly care for her like family and more importantly connect with God who adores them. We are here for you.
