After 40 incredible years of dedication, hard work, and countless memories, Johnnie Nash is retiring! Thank you to everyone that joined us on Tuesday, March 12 for his celebratory cookout to honor his remarkable career!
SALEM, Va. (March 8, 2024) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed Maggie Cox as Director of Family Centered Treatment (FCT). In this role, she is responsible for growing the FCT program and its reach across Virginia through collaborative work with the different Departments of Social Services, CSA localities, and referring organizations.
Family Centered Treatment (FCT) is a well-supported in-home trauma-focused family therapy model designed to find simple, practical, and holistic solutions for families faced with disruption or dissolution of their family. This may be due to external and/or internal stressors, circumstances, or forced removal of their children from the home due to youths’ delinquent behaviors or parents’ harmful behaviors. The focus is to either strengthen and preserve children within their home or to bridge by successful reunification back into the home.
Cox brings a wealth of knowledge, having nearly 10 years of experience in the child welfare system in the public and private sectors. Cox is not a stranger to working with children and families and is excited to further her reach by expanding FCT across Virginia.
“I am so happy to be a part of HopeTree and the innovative and immersive program that FCT brings to families in need,” said Cox. “I feel strongly that collaborating with the Family Centered Treatment Foundation will bring the positive change to the families and children that we serve in a way that has not been seen across the state.”
“Maggie is an advocate of trauma informed and culturally responsive treatment for families and recognizes the importance of creating healthy communities through empowering families through relationship,” said Dr. Challen Mabry, Chief Clinical Officer at HopeTree. “Under Maggie’s leadership we are excited for her intentional cultivation of practitioners who will provide life changing services to Virginia’s families receiving FCT.”
Cox is a graduate of Liberty University, earning a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling. She has worked for Pulaski County Department of Social Services as well as most recently at Intercept Health as a Treatment Foster Care Supervisor. In addition, she has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Brandon Rose, LCSW to oversee organization’s therapeutic group home cottages and development of the daily living program.
SALEM, Va. (August 1, 2023) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed Brandon Rose as Director of Therapeutic Group Homes. In this role, Rose is responsible for working with the therapeutic group homes team to enhance the development of the daily living program within each group home cottage while ensuring that the residents’ needs are met.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Rose has more than 10 years of client centered practice and management experience in a clinical setting. Throughout his career, Rose has a proven ability to forge sustainable relationships with education professionals, community partners, and the most vulnerable populations. Prior to joining HopeTree, Rose was a Regional Clinical Program Coordinator with Intercept Health where he assisted in building and developing teams, improved on and implemented program policy, assisted with managing multiple community based programs, supported and nurtured staff, clients, and other management team members. In addition, he has experience with developing electronic health records, training crisis prevention and intervention, and as an outpatient therapist.
“I am so appreciative and humbled by this opportunity to continue doing what I love,” started Rose. “We never know why one door may close, but there is certainly always another door that opens in the right season. Here at HopeTree, we have the chance to help open that door for so many youth that may not have had that opportunity before.”
“Since joining HopeTree, Brandon has demonstrated immense leadership in his development of a collaborative, passionate, and dedicated team that serve our youth,” said Dr. Challen Mabry, Chief Clinical Officer. “He is a valuable community partner, collaborating care and going the extra mile, even in the most challenging of cases where resolution or maintaining placements have seemed impossible. Brandon is an invaluable part of the leadership at Hopetree and I am humbled to serve alongside him.”
Rose is a graduate of James Madison University, earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree, and the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Masters of Social Work. Currently, Rose is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the Virginia Board of Social Work and certified for the Board of Social Work Approved Licensure Supervisor, as a Crisis Prevention Intervention-Instructor (CPI), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Therapeutic Options TOVA.
SALEM, Va. (July 12, 2023) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, is delighted to announce its highly anticipated annual fundraising event, HopeGrows, taking place on Thursday, September 7 at The Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke. This premier event will bring together philanthropists, community leaders, and compassionate individuals who share a common goal of elevating HopeTree’s programs while making a positive impact on those they serve.
Date: Thursday, September 7
Time: VIP Reception – 5:30 PM | General Admission – 6:30 PM
Venue: Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Avenue SE, Roanoke, Virginia, 24011
Guests attending HopeGrows can look forward to an enchanting night of unforgettable experiences. The event will feature:
Master of Ceremonies Jenna Zibton: WSLS 10 news anchor Jenna Zibton will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Jenna has been pivotal for WSLS 10’s ’30 Days of Hope’ program that brings awareness to the successes and challenges of foster care and adoption. Every November since 2017, Jenna has featured children who can be adopted across Virginia, telling their stories along with those of families touched by the foster care system.
Keynote Speaker Tori Hope Petersen: Tori Hope Petersen is the bestselling author of ‘Fostered’ and a sought out national speaker, inspiring audiences to be resilient, suffer well, and change the world with what they have, right where they are, by loving the people in front of them. Tori is a leading advocate in foster care, and has been featured on Good Morning America, Essence, and many other publications sharing her story about being a former foster youth and overcoming to serve others. Tori has equipped and empowered countless churches, organizations, and people to serve the underserved. She also founded the Beloved Initiative, a nonprofit where in community people learn how to become professional lovers of people.
Live Entertainment by Flat Five Jazz: Flat Five Jazz is a modern jazz combo based out of Lynchburg, Virginia. A menagerie of backgrounds and influences create a unique, yet beautiful soundscape that is both pleasing and engaging.
Silent Auction: Bid on exclusive items and experiences generously donated by our partners and sponsors. Every contribution made through the auctions will directly benefit HopeTree’s programs.
We are grateful to our event sponsors, whose unwavering support has made HopeGrows possible. Their commitment to HopeTree’s mission and dedication to transforming lives demonstrates the power of collaboration in effecting real change.
Individuals and organizations interested in attending HopeGrows are invited to visit our website at hopetreefs.org/hopegrows for more information and ticket purchases. Limited sponsorship opportunities are also available for those who wish to contribute to the success of this significant event.
Jessie Woods to oversee organization’s compliance measures, accreditation processes, and Electronic Health Record operations.
SALEM, Va. (July 5, 2023) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed Jessie Woods as Chief Compliance Officer. In this role, she is responsible for the agency’s compliance, risk, quality, and privacy efforts to include compliance with HIPAA laws. In addition, Woods oversees HopeTree’s accreditation processes and the performance, training, and outcomes of the Electronic Health Record.
Woods brings a wealth of knowledge and nearly 20 years of experience in youth services, building strategic partnerships, and community outreach. She has served as the Chief Executive Officer for the YMCA of Pulaski County. Woods came in to her CEO role with the YMCA during the height of the pandemic closures. She expanded to area elementary schools for afterschool care in tandem with school closings due to COVID, expanding the YMCA’s licensed spots from 75 to more than 300.
Woods also spent nearly 15 years at Family Preservation Services, beginning work as a Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor at Critzer Elementary School in Pulaski and ultimately to the organization’s Director of Program Development. While there, she served as the first staff on the state team to coordinate, train, and consult for the TDT program state wide, serving more than 200 schools.
“I have a passion for serving others and organizations focused on youth, so coming to HopeTree was a natural fit,” said Woods. “My goal is to work with our staff to continue collaboration and education to ensure a safe and compliant approach to care and services across the state.”
Woods is a graduate of Virginia Tech, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Development, and Radford University with a Masters of Social Work. Currently, she serves on the First Steps of the NRV Leadership Team, and the New River Valley Community College Human Services Advisory Counsel.
Erik Robinson, Director of Business Development, to oversee organization’s strategic partnerships with referral sources and facilitation of inbound lead generation.
SALEM, Va. (April 6, 2023) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed Erik Robinson as Director of Business Development. In this role, he is responsible for growing HopeTree’s recognition and census through consistent and strategic outreach and relationship development with referring organizations and localities.
Robinson brings a wealth of knowledge and more than 20 years experience in youth services, building strategic partnerships, and community outreach. Most recently, he served as Community Liaison at Intercept Health where he was responsible for marketing education and outreach to ensure timely access to resources and increase community awareness. “We can’t say enough what Erik brings to our team,” said Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree. “His knowledge and experience in the field make it the perfect combination of talents we need to collaborate with our referral partners.”
“I am so happy to be part of an organization that cares so much for their clients as well as staff,” said Robinson. “We are very proud of the services that we provide to both youth and adults as we help them have an opportunity for a more positive future.” Robinson is a graduate of Ferrum College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in English. Currently, he serves as chair of the Tazewell County Public Schools Board, delegate for the Virginia School Boards Association, member of the Family Assessment and Planning Teams for Wythe County and Lynchburg, member of the Bland County Community Policy and Management Team, and board member for JRCC and the Southwest Vendor Fair.
Lisa Clause, Chief Advancement Officer, oversees HopeTree’s strategic planning and execution for development and marketing.
SALEM, Va. (December 6, 2022) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed Lisa Clause as Chief Advancement Officer.In this role, she will oversee HopeTree’s statewide strategic planning and execution for fundraising, development, marketing, and communications.
Clause brings a wealth of knowledge and more than 25 years experience in donor relations, fundraising campaigns, and marketing to the team. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Marketing and Philanthropy, Public Information Officer at Richfield Living where she oversaw all marketing efforts, led fundraising campaigns that exceeded goals of $1.2 million, and was critical to the development of the organization’s Roanoke campus. “We are so excited to have Lisa join our team,” said Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree. “Her experience and qualifications are top notch, but it’s her energy and leadership that sets her apart. She is a great fit to our team and she came to HopeTree at the perfect time.”
“HopeTree supports families across Virginia, and I wanted to make a difference with foster kids and the developmental disabilities ministry,” stated Clause. “The Advancement Department combines philanthropy and marketing which are my two greatest strengths. A long history of donations from the faith community and alumni who helped shape the Agency contribute to the success of our team. I am blessed to work with amazing people.”
Clause is a graduate of Virginia Tech, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management and a Masters of Business Administration from Liberty University. Currently, she serves on four non-profit boards including Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, and YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge where she successfully chaired the Annual Campaign for two years.
HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, is addressing the need for safe placements for children in foster care with the unveiling of temporary housing for displaced children. At today’s ribbon cutting and open house, guests were able to tour the building that will serve as a stopgap for those children unable to find immediate placement in a foster home. Attendees included representatives from Roanoke City Department of Social Services, Roanoke County Department of Social Service, the office of Delegate Joseph McNamara, the office of Delegate Sam Rasoul’s offices, Elevation Church, Molina Healthcare, and officials from the City of Salem.
There is a massive shortage of foster homes, kinship family placements, and staffed beds in group homes and residential treatment centers. When a child in foster care is displaced, a social worker or law enforcement personnel must stay overnight with the child. This adds to the stress of an exhausted workforce. Over a six-month period in 2021, 163 children, ranging in age 7-17 years old, in foster care were displaced for at least one night in unsuitable sleeping arrangements.
Working with the Roanoke City and Roanoke County Departments of Social Services, HopeTree is renovating Titmus Cottage, located on their Salem, Va. Campus, to house such children when there is not a foster family readily available. These efforts align with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s initiative outlined in the Foster Care Safe And Sound Task Force Work Plan that launched on April 1, 2022. In total, the cottage will have four bedrooms to accommodate up to eight children until a more permanent placement can be arranged. The average length of stay will vary depending on factors such as available homes or arrangement. Many children may only need a bed for one night, although some have waited 10 or days more to find a suitable placement.
“We are excited to partner with Roanoke County and Roanoke City DSS to utilize Titmus Cottage as a hospitable option when an appropriate placement is not possible,” said Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree. “It can be traumatic when a child is displaced, so we will continue to collaborate with DSS and other partners to ensure that those children who need a safe place to stay can find one as soon as possible.”
The need for this building is so great that HopeTree will start housing displaced children beginning today, November 10. Limited to children within Roanoke City and Roanoke County, other localities are inquiring about placement availability.
Efforts to update and stock Titmus Cottage included a number of purchases for the building to be move-in ready. These items included:
Many of these items could be obtained through the generosity of donors such as Molina Healthcare, Elevation Church, and the Titmus Foundation. “We have committed supporters helping us achieve the financial needs for the project,” explained Lisa Clause, Chief Advancement Officer of HopeTree. “By investing in the future hope of HopeTree, these groups are helping us remedy this community crisis. We thank them for making this home a reality.”
Titmus Cottage
Titmus Ribbon Cutting
Titmus Living Room
Titmus Living Room
Titmus Kitchen
Titmus Bedroom
Titmus Bedroom
Titmus Bathroom
Titmus Game Room
Titmus Game Room
Jon Morris, President & CEO, HopeTree Family Services
Lisa Clause, Chief Advancement Officer
David Martin, Director of Human and Social Services, City of Roanoke
Crissy Brake, Assistant Director, Roanoke County Social, Services
Pastor David Shearer, Elevation Church
Jessica Stragand, Senior Community Engagement Specialist, Molina Healthcare with Jon Morris, President & CEO, HopeTree Family Services
