Our Team

---

Julie Huneycutt has worked in the non-profit world for over 20 years. She has been the Director of Hope Coalition since 2014. In 2010, after losing her 20 year-old daughter to an opioid overdose, she and her husband founded Anna’s Hope, a fund dedicated to raising awareness about prescription drug misuse. Since then, she has been active both locally and regionally, appearing on multiple news shows, speaking at addiction conferences, civic, political, and social clubs sharing a story of hope while emphasizing the dangers of substance misuse. Julie has a BS in Psychology from NC State University, a certificate of Non-profit management from Duke University and a certificate in Fundraising Management from Indiana University. She is a graduate of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Coalition Academy and has been an appointee to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. Julie is a former president of the Hendersonville Rotary Club and serves on the board of Pavillon International.

Michelle Geiser, EdD, is a trauma specialized mental health professional who serves as the Program Director for Hope Coalition. Michelle works with children, adolescents and families to regain their personal power through education, prevention, advocacy and recovery. Michelle believes that empowered people build strong communities. She works to provide and sustain services to the community as a whole in order to build resilience. Michelle has helped to secure nearly 2 million dollars in federal funding for Henderson County to support those in need. She has supported the Henderson County Youth Council for five years acting as the lead advisor to 22 students representing all area public high schools. Michelle serves as an appointed member to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. She is a National Board-Certified Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate, a Licensed School Counselor and Certified Trauma Professional. Michelle is a graduate of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Coalition Academy. She is also a certified Nurturing Parenting Provider, Catch My Breath Provider, You Quit Two Quit provider, In-depth provider, and SBIRT certified. Michelle holds a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling, Traumatology from Liberty University. 

Jason Harris has worked in the field of addiction for over 20 years and now works for Hope Coalition as the Project Coordinator COSSAP (Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant and Substance Abuse Program). He received his CADC Certification (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) in 2014 and has since worked in MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment). Jason is experienced in working with adults as well as adolescents, and has a strong desire to serve the people of Henderson County. He also has over 10 years’ experience working as a missionary to Haiti. He now celebrates 22 years of maintaining recovery.

Ashley Polk has worked in the field of law for six years and is a native of Henderson County. She is a certificated paralegal through the South College ABA approved paralegal program, and a member of Lambda Epsilon Chi. 

Ashley seeks to empower youth and adults to prevent them from becoming justice involved. She advocates for diversion alternatives and pathways to success.

Suzanne has worked in the event management and communication world for 4 years and is a native of Henderson County. After graduating from Stetson University in 2018 with her BA in Communication and Media Studies and History, Suzanne moved back home to work and grow in her community. She is passionate about helping her community and loves to
read, listen to music and play her ukulele. 

Suzanne seeks to help change the narrative surrounding mental health and addiction so that
we can advocate for those who do not have a voice and make our community a safer space for everyone.

Sonya Smith has worked as a Certified Peer Support Specialist since 2016 and now works for Hope Coalition as a Peer Support Coordinator. She is currently pursuing her CADC Certification (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) as well as other continuing education courses. She has a long history of substance misuse and justice involvement. She now celebrates 12 years of maintaining recovery and has a deep passion for supporting others in their journey to finding their own path to recovery. She knows from her own life experience that recovery is possible but is not meant to do alone. We do recover together. 

Beth’s story is one of great loss, that of her son in 2017 to a drug deal gone awry, and her struggle to numb the pain. Battling addictions since the age of 15, in and out of recovery her entire adult life, Beth knew there had to be a better way. In 2018 she began her recovery process. 

She now vows to help others find what has been restored to her: faith, family, sanity, and recovery. She is grateful to share that recovery IS possible.

Rob originally came to Hope Coalition seeking recovery support and access to community resources. It soon became evident that Rob had a passion for biking and using cycling as an important recovery tool. Rob leads our program that gives transition-aged youth with a mental health disorder diagnosis access to bicycles and outdoor adventure. 

Rob says  ‘My intention is to give back to the community and provide support for those seeking help.’