Meet Your Team

 

tina

 

Tina Nowak, RN - Executive Director

Tina is a native North Carolinian, and she feels blessed to work in a field which allows her to work closely with, and treat, women who so desperately need help dealing with their body image and trauma issues. Before Tapestry, Tina managed admissions at an acute inpatient facility, an experience which gave her much one on one interaction with individuals suffering from eating disorders and a myriad of other associated mental health concerns. She was able to use her knowledge, skills and abilities to help develop a residential eating disorder program that was not available for the scores of women she helped treat in the past.

 

sadie

 

Sadie Carlson, MA, MFT - Clinical Director

Sadie brings over 10 years of experience providing counseling, encouragement and leadership to children and adults in various organizations including mental health agencies, community based organizations, and corporations. She received her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. In particular the psychology of Eating Disorders, Trauma and True Self Identification is an area of focus she brings to working with women.  She believes the healing and true identification of women is connected to: how women treat their bodies, mindful living, social equality, relate to loved ones and play in nature; and she incorporates this into counseling.

 

heidi

 

Heidi Houser, MS, LPC - Co-Primary Program Therapist

Heidi Houser, LPC, synthesizes her diverse background and a variety of modalities in her work with women with eating disorders. Heidi has continued her training in expressive arts processes, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, Internal Family Systems and the Enneagram, all of which, she finds, can be useful in supporting the recovery journey. Heidi works as an advocate for the prevention and education of disordered eating as a member of T.H.E Center Task Force in Asheville, NC. You can find her musings on embodiment on her professional website: www.embodyyourself.com

 

nicole

 

Nicole L. Fahy, MA, LPC, NCC

Nicole believes the cornerstone of therapeutic success is building a trusting and therapeutic relationship with clients and using this toward the client's goals in treatment. She holds her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and earned her Master's Degree in Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico.She also trained in research methods of Eating Disorders for the University of Minnesota Eating Disorders Research Project. She uses an interactive approach to identify causes of negative beliefs and negative behaviors, and develops strategies to ensure continued recovery.

 

leslie

 

Leslie Laney Hale, RD - Nutritionist

Leslie has a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and is certified in food management and food safety (ServSafe). Leslie received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama. She completed her ADA approved dietetic internship with the State of South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control. She works with each resident to provide an individualized meal plan as well as a supportive atmosphere in which nutritional issues can be safely addressed. She enjoys getting the residents involved with hands on projects in the kitchen where they can relax and enjoy themselves while learning about health and nutrition.

 

leslie

 

Hillary Thomas, RN - On Site Registered Nurse

Bio coming soon.

 

carolyn

 

Carolyn Wood, LCAS - Family Therapist

Carolyn McCarter Wood is a native of Western North Carolina. She has both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Social Work. Licensed as a clinical addiction specialist, Carolyn seeks to help individuals and families break free from the web of confusion and pain created by compulsive and addictive behaviors. Carolyn lives with her husband of twenty-five years, her dog, and their two cats in Candler, NC. Their lovely twenty-two year old daughter lives nearby in Asheville. When not working, Carolyn enjoys hanging with friends, and tromping through the woods with her dog to find waterfalls.

 

pamela

 

Pamela Lowe-Hoyte MD - Medical Director

Bio coming soon.

 

 

 

 

juliekerr

 

Julie Kerr LCSW, NARHA - Equine Assisted Therapy

Bio coming soon...

 

ward

 

Ward Johnson MA MFCC - EMDR/DBT

Ward has been in private practice for over 30 years, and is a published author in the field of substance abuse. Before relocating to North Carolina, Ward was extensively involved in various professional and advocacy organizations in San Diego, California, His specialties include stress reduction techniques, relaxation training, and has a Jungian therapeutic approach. Ward is trained in EMDR Levels I and II to help clients cope with acute post-traumatic stress. He is additionally trained in cognitive therapy and marriage counseling.Ward is a certified Bio-Energetic Analyst, and provides Tapestry with a unique and comprehensive approach to Eating Disorder treatment.

 

ladonna

 

LaDonna Huffaker - Residential Supervisor

LaDonna has a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, 2 years experience in culinary school, is a Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and has her instructor certification with the American Red Cross. LaDonna is from Myrtle Beach, SC, and went to school at Brevard Collge. LaDonna is one of the original staff members of Tapestry beginning as a Residential Counselor the very first opening week. As our resident optimist, she works with Tapestry residents to rediscover fun in their lives. Her enthusiasm for life is infectious and her ability to empathize with the challenges of recovery make her an integral part of the support at Tapestry.

 

tammy

 

Tammy Maxey - Resident Counselor

Tammy joined the staff as a PRN Residential Counselor in April of 2010. She is working towards her Master's in Counseling with the long term goal of becoming an LPC. Her interest are in working with women and assisting them in improving their lives and their circumstances. She is marrried, has an 11 years old son, and enjoyed 10 years as a stay at home with her family. She considers herself fortunate to be able to work with the dedicated staff at Tapestry and encourage the many women in their recovery.

 

 

caitlyn

 

Caitlyn Coffey - Resident Counselor

Bio coming soon...

 

 

 

 

 

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Sarah Boyette BS - Resident Counselor

Sarah has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She is interested in women’s issues and behavioral addictions (particularly eating disorders) and her long term goal is to return to school and become a licensed counselor. She focuses on relaxation and compassion towards self and others when encouraging Tapestry residents to move forward in their recovery. In her free time she likes to paint, swim, and spend time in nature.

 

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Lauren Flynn BS - Resident Counselor

Lauren moved to Western NC 2 years ago and enjoys spending most of her free time outdoors hiking, camping, and being on the water. She has a bachelor's degree in Human Development from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. Since graduation she has worked mainly in the field of early education. Through her experience working at a weight loss camp devoted to fitness, nutrition, and outdoor adventures, she developed an interest for helping those suffering from eating disorders. Lauren is eager to share her love of the outdoors and her passion for helping others with the residents at Tapestry. She hopes that through developing a relationship with nature, the women can enjoy harmony and beauty along the road to recovery.

 

Michelle Rizzi

 

Michelle Rizzi Shelfer RD, LDN, IBCLC- Outpatient Nutritionist

Michelle has called North Carolinia home for 18years. She feels fortunate to work in a field which allows her to treat people who so desperately need help dealing with their body image and issues around food; whether it be to gain more knowledge about it, or form a better relationship with it. With 18 years experience with group fitness, she integrates “custom fit” work out routines into her nutrition education with clients, when appropriate. Her goal is to diminish her client’s disordered thoughts, beliefs and behaviors about food and exercise, by establishing appropriate eating patterns to optimize health and fitness.

 

kristen

 

Kristen Laughter - Administrative Assistant

Kristen joined Tapestry in February of 2009, rejoining the workforce after taking some time to be a stay at home mom to her two sons and daughter. Her talents in working with people in need helped her rise through the ranks in her previous work to eventually become a manager of a housing authority program which provided housing to hundreds of low-income families. She makes her home in nearby Mills River and enjoys being a part of the Tapestry staff.

 

 

kathy j

 

Kathy Jones - Yoga Instructor

Kathy received her initial Integral Hatha Yoga certification at Holy Cow Yoga and Holistic Center, Charleston, SC in conjunction with Satchidananda Ashram in Buckingham, VA. She received her Intermediate Yoga Certification in Southern India. She is also certified in Yin Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga & Prenatal Yoga. She has extensive training in Jivamukti, Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar and Anusara yoga as well as Thai Yoga Massage. Kathy taught Vinyasa and Power Yoga in Florence, SC for McLeod Health Systems for five years. Since moving to Brevard, Kathy has been teaching at Brevard Yoga. She is passionate about the wonderful benefits that a yoga practice can have and is devoted to sharing these with our clients here at Tapestry.

 

MMMC

 

Mountain Moon Media & Consulting, Inc. - Technical & Public Relations Development Consulting

Tapestry's website, information technology services, and public relations have been managed by MMMC, Inc. since June of 2009. MMMC offers a broad range of specialized services, from clinical metnal health and substance abuse support to graphic design and information systems support. MMMC is owned by Jay Joslin, who has been working in both of these fields for 14 years, and providing services in the Brevard area since 2006. More information is available here.