Meet Our Team of Experts
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Eileen Mouyard
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A member of SSTC’s team since 2019, Eileen has worked within the organization to develop strategic messaging, communication, and outreach plans consistent with SSTC’s mission, vision, and values. Additionally, she coordinated a coherent and organized approach to WNC region-wide SSIC implementation that supports and expands local agencies’ capacity for building resilient, family-focused communities that measurably improve early childhood learning and health and social outcomes for children and families.
She grew up in a rural Appalachian community on the West Virginia and Maryland borders and developed an early awareness to the challenges that individuals and families can face from living in rural landscapes. Her background is compiled with work in communications, team and brand management, and writing. She believes that all people—especially children— deserve opportunities to thrive.
Her passions and curiosities outside of her professional wheelhouse include gardening, reading, cooking and baking, and exploring the mountains on hikes, bikes, and runs.
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Aiyanna Lollis
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVOCACY
Aiyanna leads communications, advocacy, and public relations for SSTC, working to influence positive change in the early childhood sector through strategic communication campaigns and advocacy initiatives.
She is responsible for developing key messaging and branding for SSTC that uplifts and propels the organization's mission to see all children, providers, and caregivers thrive. Aiyanna bolsters public engagement and education through the creation of regular press releases, social media content, newsletters, flyers, and all other media related to SSTC’s programs, and initiatives.
She leads SSTC’s advocacy work and regularly engages with policy influencers and early childhood advocates to support policy changes that positively impact the development of infants and young children. She created SSTC’s state-wide Family, Friend, and Neighbor Advocacy campaign and manages the North Carolina FFN Advocacy Website. She also creates media toolkits for community partners to share key messaging connected to SSTC’s regional and statewide advocacy goals. Currently, she serves as a member of the WNC Early Childhood Coalition Leadership Team.
Additionally, she supports SSTC’s Sesame Street in Communities partnership through brand implementation and the delivery of presentations and workshops related to SSIC resources. She believes strongly in meeting all families where they are at and helping them to access all forms of resources and support needed to ensure their children receive the best possible care. She is especially interested in increasing early childhood literacy and supporting family nutrition education.
Aiyanna was raised in the upstate of South Carolina and received her Bachelors of English at College of Charleston. Her personal interests include pilates, cooking, hiking, writing, and spending time with her fur babies: Nico, Binx, and Kittle.
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Chelsea Stewart
COMMUNITY AND FAMILY PROGRAMS MANAGER
Chelsea is passionate about connecting inclusively with the families and community partners that make up Transylvania County. Her commitment to the community's well being has enabled her to grow in her role, managing several programs designed to support children, families, and those who care for children.
Chelsea leads GetSet babies, a health initiative that supports new and expectant mothers and babies, giving them the tools and resources needed to thrive. She also manages the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care network, facilitating a comprehensive support system for unlicensed home-based child care providers. She facilitates monthly FFN meetings and ensures providers have access to early education classes, food security, and other free resources. Chelsea also manages the Unhoused Young Children program, supporting children and families who are unhoused with supplies, resources, food security, and support with housing.
Chelsea is a part of the leadership committee for GetSet Transylvania, a local collaborative that aims to understand the needs and challenges of local families and offer them relevant resources and support. She also serves as the Rootle Ambassador for Transylvania County, through a PBS initiative to help families have access to free resources and more.
Chelsea is a true local and was born and raised in Brevard, NC. Her children and husband are her world, as well as her dog Izzy. She loves to cook, hike, and swim. She helps coach her daughters softball team and loves a lazy Sunday when possible.
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Kathryn Woodward
FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES ADVISOR
As the Family Health Services Advisor, Kathryn is excited to support and enhance new and innovative pilot programs as well as existing services to ensure that community needs are being met. The role is dedicated to ensuring that all eligible families in Transylvania County have the access to support and opportunities that they need to be able to thrive and be successful. She is excited to expand upon the services that Smart Start can offer and continue to impact positive change in Transylvania County.
A Texas native, she fell in love with the Carolinas first through Clemson University, which she graduated from in 2011 earning her Bachelors in Social Work. Having worked the last thirteen years within South Carolina child welfare and the nonprofit world she is excited to continue that passion of improving outcomes for children and families here in Western North Carolina.
Her personal interests include hiking, animal rescue, trying all the local bakeries and coffee shops and volunteering in the local community. She is excited to explore Transylvania County more and all that this area and community has to offer.
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Susan Thrower
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT MANAGER
Susan is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a multifaceted background encompassing childcare, education, entrepreneurship and administration. From childhood and motherhood experiences to professional milestones, Susan’s dedication to early childhood is deeply rooted in her journey and brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to her role as Early Childhood Project Manager and to her advocacy for early childhood education.
As the Early Childhood Project Manager, Susan has developed critical family support project areas related to maternal/infant support and oversees SSTC’s Early Childhood Education and Workforce programs and Early Literacy programs. Her strategic vision and fervent commitment to these roles makes her an invaluable asset to the team.
Susan was born in Charlotte, NC and attended the College of Charleston in SC where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Education. She also completed the Teacher Licensure program at Brevard College. Susan most enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling and enjoying all that nature has to offer in beautiful Transylvania County.
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Laura Towell
FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Laura is dedicated to creating lasting and positive change for the families she serves in the community. As the Family Support Specialist, she implements the Parents as Teachers model, focusing on the importance of parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and overall family well-being. Laura extends her support through in-home visiting services, where she provides an empathetic and holistic approach to guide and empower parents, children, and families. Laura partners with families during each home visit to foster natural learning opportunities and compassionate interactions, all grounded in evidence-based research and child development principles. She facilitates growth and reflection, helping families achieve their goals and meet their needs.
Laura’s responsibilities also include facilitating monthly parent group meetings, and community events. She coordinates services with other community programs and makes recommendations for further screenings and evaluations as needed. Laura believes that the well-being of children is our future, and she strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the families she works with every day.
She grew up in Tampa, FL and fell in love with the spirit and beauty of WNC. Laura graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Child Development-Child and Family Studies, and a minor in Nonprofit Management. In her free time, Laura enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, cuddling her dalmatian, and teaching yoga & meditation.
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David Berry
FINANCE MANAGER
David has 10+ years of experience working with not-for-profit organizations in a variety of roles ranging from external auditor to finance director. He believes that structure supports creativity, and that a well-founded finance function can help 'free' an organization to fulfill its' mission. While not a parent himself, he recognizes the importance of early childhood development and excites in being part of a team focused on helping further this cause.
David was raised in Tallahassee, Florida and spent time during the summers camping and recreating in North Georgia and Western Carolina. His passions outside of work include Buddhist studies, yoga, and enjoying the outdoors with his pitbull, Penny.
Team & Leadership
Board of Directors
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Stacy has a BA in Psychology and has managed the Foster Grandparent Program at Land of Sky for 15 years. Stacy currently serves as a Board Member for the Southern Cluster for the National Association of Foster Grandparent Program Directors, has served on the planning committee for the National Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion and RSVP conference for the past two years as well, and has served as a Mentor of the Corporation for National & Community Service National Peer Mentoring Program.
In addition, Stacy serves on the Early Childhood Initiative, CARE Coalition, and Madison County Children’s Collaborative.
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Lisa Sheffield is the Adult Services Librarian at the Transylvania County Library and is serving her second term on the Smart Start Board. She wears many hats at the Library including responsibilities for programming for adults, collection development, IT support, supervision of Reference, Outreach Services, and Technical Services, and staff training.
She grew up in Albany, GA, attended Georgia Southern for a BA in History, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for her Masters in Library and Information Science. She and her husband Scott have one daughter, Emily, who attends the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, and three cats, London, Luna, and Thalia. She loves to read books of all types, be outside in our beautiful mountains, and to spend time watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball.
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Liz Dobbins-Smith is a Raleigh native but moved to the mountains of North Carolina in 2018. She resides in Brevard with her husband Joe and their energetic kids (8 year old son Elliot and 5 ½ year old daughter Eleanor) who tirelessly keep their parents running in circles!
Liz currently serves as Executive Director for the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). She loves being at the heart of NCEDA and working to strengthen North Carolina’s economic development community every day.
Liz has had great opportunities in her career working for the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Leadership North Carolina (LNC), the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Bankers Association and the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association.
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Mark Ellenberger is a lifetime resident of Transylvania County. He attended Straus Elementary, Brevard Elementary, Brevard Middle and graduated from Brevard High School in 1990. In addition, both of Mark's parents retired from careers at Transylvania County Schools.
He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he received a degree in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation, Mark returned to Transylvania County and began his role as an Adult Probation/Parole Officer. After working in that capacity for two years he then accepted an appointment as a magistrate judge in Transylvania County. He was a magistrate for ten years before moving to the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office.
For 13 years Mark served as the School Resource Officer at Brevard High School. Most recently, Mark moved to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Sheriff's Office where he currently serves as the Sergeant in that division.
His wife of 25+ years, Missy, is also a lifetime resident of Transylvania County and has worked her whole career with the Transylvania County Schools. She currently is the Director of Curriculum for grades 9-12, Director of Safe Schools and the Director of Student Services. They have two boys, Tanner and Luke. Both went on to play college football after they graduated from Brevard High School. Tanner played at Appalachian State and graduated in May 2020. Luke is currently in his 3rd year playing football at Coastal Carolina University.
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Chuck is a lifelong resident of Transylvania County. Chuck is married to his wife April and they have two beautiful daughters. He graduated from Brevard High School in 1994 and then graduated from Mars Hill College with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology with a concentrate in Criminal Justice.
Chuck started his career in law enforcement in 2002 when he swore in with the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office. Chuck has held the position of Deputy Sheriff, School Resource Officer, Sgt. in the Patrol Division and is now the Professional Standards and Training Lt.
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Kimberlee Dodson is an ordained deacon in the First United Methodist Church of Brevard, with her certification in Christian Education. She is a graduate of Furman University and Scarritt Graduate School. After working in Naples, Florida and Durham, NC, she and her husband, Marcus, moved to Brevard in 1993. Kim served as a full time educator from 1993-1998.
When her second child was born, she became a full-time mother while also continuing her work leading an adult Sunday School class, teaching, and helping with other community endeavors. In 2006, Kim returned to a part-time role in which she still serves today. She has three children, Maggie, Jeremy, and Emilee, who were all born and raised here in Brevard and are now spreading their wings in the world.