STAFF
Our staff is committed to ensuring that at the end of the day, those who need help in our community are able to receive it. Please feel free to reach out to any of our staff members by using the button below their contact information or by giving us a call at 828.262.1628 we are happy to help!
ADMINistration
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Jamie Rye
Executive Director
Started at HHC: July 2024
Bio: For the last 21 years, I have had the opportunity to develop, grow, consult with, and lead numerous nonprofits centered around social justice, equitable food and health access, sustainable agriculture, housing and the environment. During that time, I have acted as a visionary and founding member for Social Services for the Arab Community, Without Borders Community, The WildGoose Festival, East Central Ohio Sanctuary Network, and Trail and Table.
As a contractor, I worked as the Editor for a micro-enterprise street newspaper, Habitat for Humanity, Executive Director for an NC-based nonprofit CSA farm, and most recently as the Transitional Executive Director for an 87-year-old nonprofit that supports BIPOC farmers in West Africa and the rural South.
Background: BA in Theology and Youth Development. Certificates: HR Professional; Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion; Certified Transitional Leader; Organization Growth and Multiplication; Community. Development/Organizing; Cultural Intelligence Training
Favorite fruit: Grapes
Hobbies: Hiking, Fishing, Building, Farming
Favorite part of role: Growing the organization and developing programs that best meet our client’s needs through creative, personalized and dignified care and compassion. Sharing our mission and work with as many people as possible!
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Anita Wilson
Director of Operations
Started at HHC: January 2018
Bio: I am a native of Avery County but have lived in several different areas of the country. I now live on property that has been in my family for more than 200 years. As the Director of Operations at the Hunger and Health Coalition, I am responsible to see that HHC runs well, and that staff have the things they need to succeed – from toilet paper to mental health support!
Background: I have had a broad range of work experience in my life; selling children’s clothing, teaching classes, fudge and candy maker, business office management serving the elderly, raising children, customer service and now operations management.
Hobbies: I love to grow flowers, read, learn, and cook for people.
Favorite part of role: In my role as Director of Operations all my responsibilities culminate in serving the clients, helping to ensure that they are happy, their burdens are eased a little, and that they know how much HHC employees care for them. It’s a wonderful way to spend my work life!
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Melissa Pickett
Director of Finance
Started at HHC: May 2022
Bio: I'm originally from West Virginia and moved to the High County in 2001. Outside of working at HHC, I've been in local government for 4 years.
Background: I had 10 years in restaurant experience and owned a motel for 20 years.
Favorite fruit: Blackberry
Hobbies: Reading and crafting
Favorite part of role: I enjoy creating the budget and watching the numbers each month to see where we need to adjust to make sure that we stay on track.
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Maura McClain
MS, RDN, LDN
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Started at HHC: May 2022
Bio: I have worked in food and nutrition access for Watauga County since I was a Dietetic Intern working at Appalachia District WIC and Watauga Medical Center during my time in grad school. Concentrating in perinatal health and food insecurity, I found herself at HHC not long after graduating. I started at HHC as a grant writer while providing nutrition counseling and setting up our FIM program and now work with the management team to oversee HHC's strategic plan, grants, and developing projects.
Background: Bachelor of Science Nutrition and Foods - Dietetics; Master of Science Nutrition; Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Favorite fruit: Pomegranate
Hobbies: Baking, crafts, reading, walking
Favorite part of role: I love thinking outside of the box to form creative solutions for turning our community's hunger into health.
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TBD
Director of Development
Administrative
Support
Community
Engagement
Kayla Lasure
Outreach and Communications Specialist
Started at HHC: August 2021
Bio: Originally from a small town in central Kentucky, I moved to Boone in 2017. I worked for the local newspaper for four years where I completed my time there as editor. I was originally hired at HHC to oversee the volunteer, internship, and ongoing food drive programs. I now oversee our communication and outreach efforts.
Background: Bachelors in Journalism, minor in Public Relations from Eastern Kentucky University
Favorite fruit: Strawberries and pineapple
Hobbies: Reading, board games, enjoying the outdoors
Favorite part of role: I enjoy using my storytelling skills in order to spread information about our services, staff and our clients. With outreach, I enjoy being out in the community and networking!
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Alyssa Medina
Volunteer and Events
Coordinator
Started at HHC: October 2019
Bio: Alyssa’s love for helping others brought her up to Boone to pursue a degree in Psychology at Appalachian State University and was introduced to Hunger and Health Coalition as an intern in 2019. Through years of hard work and dedication, Alyssa has worked her way through the organization; starting as a Fresh Market Coordinator, Pharmacy Technician, Administrative Assistant and now the Volunteer and Events Coordinator.
Background: Associate’s in Applied Science, Bachelor’s in Psychology minoring in Biology, Sociology, and Social Work.
Favorite vegetable: Onion
Favorite fruit: Green grapes
Hobbies: Concert going, collecting Funko pops, watching anime, and getting tattoos.
Favorite part of role: Alyssa loves that her job allows her to be creative and innovative through event planning, A Simple Gesture, and intern and volunteer planning!
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Nick Banaco
IT Administrator
Started at HHC: July 2024
Bio: I am Florida-born and Southern-raised. I have a deep passion for technology and a strong commitment to helping my fellow team members succeed, I strive to provide them with the tools and support they need.
Background: BSBA Computer Information Systems with a Cybersecurity Concentration
Favorite fruit: Star fruit (Carambola)
Hobbies: I make art, immerse myself in literature, appreciate obscure Japanese jazz, and build models.
Favorite part of role: As an IT Administrator at a nonprofit, I take great pride in supporting individuals who make a meaningful impact in our community by ensuring that our technology operates smoothly and efficiently. My role allows me to empower others to focus on their vital work, knowing they have reliable technology at their fingertips.
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Mela Haynes
Grants and Development
Assistant
Started at HHC: October 2024
Bio: I'm a data analyst from Wilkes County I enjoy uncovering insights in complex datasets. Outside of work, I value my time with my son and love to read, whether it's novels or informative articles that inspire me.
Background: I've been working in the non-profit sector for nearly seven years, focusing on substance use and mental health recovery, harm reduction, and assisting people experiencing homelessness.
Favorite fruit: Pineapple all the way!
Fun fact: My favorite animal is a toss-up between a tardigrade or a possum.
Favorite part of role: I love the research, doing deep dives into foundations, and organizations to see who they are and what they are passionate about. Analyzing and cleaning data is a passion of mine, I enjoy telling stories about people’s experiences and backing it up with facts.
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food Access
Michael Osborne
Pantry Coordinator
Started at HHC: December 2022
Bio: : I'm from Creston, NC and went to Appalachian State University where I got a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. I started at HHC in 2022 as a Community Donation Driver and am currently the Pantry Coordinator.
Favorite fruit: Oranges
Hobbies: Concerts, playing guitar, watching movies
Favorite part of role: Dealing with a new problem every day and having the best coworkers!
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Matt Arnold
Fresh Market Coordinator
Started at HHC: December 2023
Bio: I was born just south of Atlanta but grew up here in Boone. After living in Durham for over 20 years I recently moved back to Boone. I attended Appalachian State for my Bachelor’s in Sociology and East Carolina for a Masters in Technical and Professional Communications. I am the Fresh Market Coordinator and manage the flow of bread, desserts and produce.
Background: I have worked for the National STD/AIDS hotlines and on public health research studies where I interviewed populations including Gulf Oil Spill workers and survivors of physical trauma.
Fun fact: I enjoy writing weird fiction and have self-published a novella on Amazon.
Favorite fruit: Apples and avocados!
Favorite part of role: Putting together boxes of produce for clients and interactions with clients and coworkers!
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Laura Buck
Food Recovery Coordinator
Started at HHC: March 2022
Bio: I’m originally from Kansas City but call Watauga County home. I was raised by a dietitian and love being a chef. I am on a vegetable propaganda campaign.
Background: I studied sustainable development with a concentration in community, regional, global development and a specialization in food sovereignty. I want to use the local food system to build close knit relationships.
Favorite vegetable: I love all brassicas.
Hobbies: Dance, comedy, reading, cooking
Favorite part of role: My favorite part of my role is my relationships with my volunteers and the chaos.
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Avery Pepper
Food Recovery Driver
Started at HHC: October 2024
Bio: I grew up in a small town called Roanoke Rapids, NC, and moved to Boone, NC when I graduated high school. As a food recovery driver, I drive out into the community to collect donations from partnered businesses.
Background: Associates Degree in Arts
Favorite fruit: Oranges
Hobbies: Hiking, playing guitar, puzzles
Favorite part of role: I enjoy getting to interact with so many people in our community. I have met a lot of great folks who are really passionate about helping others.
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Ian Sloan
Food Recovery Driver
Started at HHC:
Bio:
Background:
Hobbies:
Favorite part of role:
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Health Access
Makayla Caudill
Presciption Assistance Coordinator
Started at HHC: September 2022
Bio: I was born and raised in Hickory and attended Appalachian State University for a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. My role at Hunger and Health is to provide free brand-name medications and free eyeglasses to eligible clients.
Background: Bachelor of Science in Public Health. I was a Certified Nursing Assistant for five years before coming to HHC as an intern and then was hired as a staff member!
Favorite fruit: Pineapple
Favorite vegetable: Mushrooms
Favorite fruit: Phenazopyridine, it turns your urine orange!
Hobbies: Variations of Crafting, hiking, puzzles, and thrifting
Favorite part of role: My favorite part of being the Prescription Assistance Coordinator is being able to give away expensive medications to people who don't have the income or the insurance to cover it, for free. For example, I had a medication to order in 2023 that was $16,000 for a one-month supply that I was able to give away for free.
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Alyssia Medina
Pharmacy Technician
Started at HHC: August 2022
Bio: I'm from Sanford, NC, and attended Central Carolina Community College. I started to volunteer at HHC on and off in 2018 when I would visit my sister, Alyssa, and then was hired to the staff in 2022!
Background:Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene
Favorite vegetable: Corn
Favorite fruit: Watermelon
Favorite medication: Olmesartan because it smells like cake batter/ yogurt!
Hobbies: Concerts, tattoos, anime
Favorite part of role: Being able to help our clients get their medication in a timely manner without a lapse in coverage. Filling prescriptions is one of my favorite parts of the job.
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Jennifer Koenig
Pharmacy Technician
Bilingual - Spanish
Started at HHC: October 2022
Bio: I'm a bilingual (Spanish) pharmacy tech at HHC! I started as a volunteer at HHC in January of 2021 and then joined the staff in 2022!
Favorite vegetable: Roasted root vegetables
Hobbies: Hiking, reading
Favorite part of role: Helping our Spanish-speaking clients to get the help they're looking for!
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Jonathan Farrior
MS, RDN, LDN
Food is Medicine Coordinator
Started at HHC: June 2023
Bio: I’m from a small farm town in Duplin County, on the southeastern side of NC. I entered the workforce out of high school and held various labor positions before eventually pursuing nutrition and dietetics at ECU for undergraduate and ASU for graduate school. I’m currently filling the Food is Medicine Coordinator position, and much of my job entails ensuring that we have adequate inventory of food to meet client needs, as well as assessing clients for eligibility in our malnutrition program.
Background: MS, RDN, LDN
Favorite fruit: Watermelon
Hobbies: Video games, bonfires, hiking, and cooking
Favorite part of role: I get to talk with clients, learning about their life, to help them target what they feel are achievable actions toward their goals. I have clients that just make my day better, even when they’re struggling; they’ll come and give me a hug or word of encouragement, and some days that just makes it all worthwhile.
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Rachel Hopper
MS/DI Candidate
Graduate Assistant
Started at HHC: August 2024
Bio: I am from South Georgia, and I attended the University of Georgia for my undergrad. I am currently a graduate student at Appalachian State studying nutrition in pursuit of becoming a registered dietitian. At HHC, I am the graduate assistant working alongside the registered dietitians.
Background: Bachelor's degree in Dietetics
Favorite fruit: Strawberries
Hobbies: Pickleball and tennis
Favorite part of role: My favorite part of my role at HHC is learning from Maura and Jonathan!
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Client Services
Mary Bishop
Operations Assistant
Started at HHC: December 2022
Bio: I'm from Marshall, NC and I went to App State for my bachelor's degree and ended up staying in Boone after graduating. I wanted to do something in the nonprofit sector involving helping people which is how I ended up in my current role.
Background: Bachelor's in Social Work
Favorite fruit: Bananas
Hobbies: Reading, crafting, thrifting.
Favorite part of role: The best part of my role is getting to see all of my client friends and spend time with them!
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Emma Shew
Operations Assistant
Started at HHC: December 2023
Bio: I was born and raised in Boone and went to Appalachian State University. I’m an operations assistant and serve as the first point of contact for clients.
Background: I have a Bachelors in Journalism with a minor in English.
Favorite vegetable: Cabbage
Hobbies: Fishing, live music, crocheting, and playing with my cat Django.
Favorite part of role: The best part of my role is getting to see all of my client friends and spend time with them!
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Chelsea Pipes
Operations Assistant
Started at HHC: June 2023
Bio: I grew up in Lenoir, NC, but Boone is home to me. I came here to attend Appalachian State University for a degree in social work and have lived here for 8 years now.
Background: Bachelor's in Social Work
Favorite fruit: Tomato
Hobbies: Taking pictures, going to concerts, thrifting, and watching movies
Favorite part of role: My favorite part of my role at HHC is being able to interact with the clients and get to know them and their stories.
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Support Services
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Ham McClain
Part-time Paper Shredder | Head of Security| Custodial Support
Started at HHC: May 2022
Bio: Ham was adopted from Watauga Humane Society at 3 months old. Ham was homeschooled where he graduated top of his class with a variety of tricks. Ham works as security, using his beagle talents to howl at everyone who enters his mom's office when he visits on Fridays. On his down time, he also works to shred documents for the office staff.
Background: Registered Good Boy
Favorite vegetable: Sweet potato
Hobbies: Ham enjoys long sniffies, staring at you, laying in the sun, and sleeping under the covers after a hard day at work.
Favorite part of role: Getting to be with my mom!
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