HopeTree Names Staton Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer

Home > HopeTree Names Staton Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer

Trent Staton to lead growth, fundraising, and innovation efforts across Virginia.

SALEM, Va. (September 29, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed Trent Staton as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer (CSIO). In this role, Staton will oversee the organization’s comprehensive development efforts, including fundraising, marketing and communications, business development, strategic partnership development, referral networks, and grant writing. He will serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, driving strategic initiatives that strengthen HopeTree’s visibility, impact, and long-term growth.

Staton brings more than 12 years of nonprofit leadership experience to HopeTree, with expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, program expansion, and organizational growth. Most recently, he served as Director of Business Development at Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, where he led statewide partnership development, community relations, and sustainability strategies for new and existing services. Previously, he held leadership positions at Family Preservation Services of Virginia, overseeing operations across multiple Virginia regions.

Throughout his career, Staton has developed strategies that generated significant revenue growth, secured major partnerships, and advanced innovative services in child welfare, mental health, and family support. His leadership is based on a servant leadership model that values collaboration, being data-informed, and mission-driven, with a “no ego” policy that puts the needs of the community first in all things.

“My life’s calling is to help children, youth, and families experience stability and hope,” said Staton. “I was a youth who would have greatly benefited from support and services, especially from a faith-related organization, so this work is very personal for me.” Staton believes that when human service organizations and communities come together with intention and shared purpose, “together we can co-create spaces of healing that break the cycles of trauma and hardships that many experience, providing generational well-being that changes lives. HopeTree’s mission reflects that vision, and I am grateful to join in this work.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Trent Staton back to Virginia and to HopeTree Family Services as our first Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer,” Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree, stated. “Trent’s business acumen, his proven track record in nonprofit leadership, and his commitment to servant leadership will be invaluable as we advance our mission and expand our impact across Virginia. We are excited to have his vision, energy, and passion to help us create new opportunities for healing, growth, and hope for the communities we serve.”

Staton is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina and holds a Duke Nonprofit Management Certificate. He is completing his Master of Business Administration at Longwood University in October 2025 and earned a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Staton has also served as a community leader with the Children’s Alliance in Charlotte, N.C., and as an advocate for early childhood mental health and men’s mental health.

HopeTree Receives Grant to Implement Accessibility Upgrades to Abingdon Group Home

Home > HopeTree Receives Grant to Implement Accessibility Upgrades to Abingdon Group Home

SALEM, Va. (September 19, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leading provider of mental and behavioral health services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia. This funding will go toward accessibility upgrades for HopeTree’s Developmental Disability Ministry (DDM) group home located in Abingdon, VA.

“HopeTree Family Services appreciates the support from the Wellspring Foundation,” said Randi Paxton, vice president and chief operations officer at HopeTree Family Services. “The Foundation’s investment in Abingdon’s DDM program demonstrates their dedication to the region through empowering positive changes for lives for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM) provides compassionate, person-centered care for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through a network of 17 safe, supportive group homes across Virginia, the program offers a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive, achieve greater independence, and engage with their community. Through personalized care, life skills training, and community engagement, individuals are supported to reach their full potential while ensuring their dignity and well-being.

The program’s goal is to provide a safe and enriching home environment while fostering independence, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. With dedicated staff, and individualized care plans, the DDM program empowers residents to achieve their fullest potential. Each group home is licensed and monitored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

The Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia serves Virginia residents of Washington, Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties through investments in health, children & families, workforce development, education and economic development. More information on programs that the Wellspring Foundation supports can be found at wellspringva.org.

About HopeTree Family Services

HopeTree Family Services, the premier faith-related human services organization in Virginia, offers a wide range of ministries for at-risk children and youth and their families across the state. Programs include Treatment Foster Care, Therapeutic Group Homes, Developmental Disabilities Ministry, HopeTree Academy, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Family Centered Treatment. Visit www.hopetreefs.org for more information.

HopeTree Receives Coca-Cola Consolidated Grant to Support Foster Care Initiatives

Home > HopeTree Receives Coca-Cola Consolidated Grant to Support Foster Care Initiatives

SALEM, Va. (March 7, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leading provider of mental and behavioral health services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from Coca-Cola Consolidated in Roanoke, Virginia. This funding will directly support HopeTree’s Treatment Foster Care program in the Roanoke region, which provides essential services to foster children and the families who care for them.

“Our mission is to ensure that every child in our program receives the stability, support, and guidance they need to thrive,” said April Estrada, director of foster care at HopeTree Family Services. “This generous grant from Coca-Cola Consolidated will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality, family-based foster care and offer critical resources to both foster children and parents.”

HopeTree Family Services operates foster care offices in Salem, Martinsville, and the greater Richmond area, supporting foster families across Virginia. In 2022-2023, the program assisted 132 youth, working toward long-term solutions such as family reunification and adoption.

Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States, has been committed to serving communities across the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions for over 122 years. Through partnerships like this, the company continues to make a meaningful impact on local families and children in need.

About HopeTree Family Services

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Trust, Connection, & Transformation

Home > Trust, Connection, & Transformation

TBRI® in Action at HopeTree Academy

Christopher Morris, an Education Supervisor at HopeTree Academy, has spent his career building relationships with students. His recent connection with a young boy from HopeTree’s residential program underscores how personal care and intentionality can change lives. With the support of Dr. Challen Mabry, Chief Clinical Officer of HopeTree Family Services, Morris exemplifies the profound impact of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) in fostering connections and empowering youth.

A Troubled Start

The student, a 12-year-old with a history of foster care disruption, struggled with emotional regulation and social connection. After a challenging weekend, he refused to attend school. Despite efforts from clinicians, he remained withdrawn, raising concerns about his mental health and well-being.

Dr. Mabry, familiar with the boy’s positive rapport with Morris, reached out for assistance. Morris didn’t hesitate. “I walked over to the cottage, sat beside him on the sofa, and started a conversation,” Morris recalls. Their shared background—both having roots in the same community—sparked a bond. “We talked about where we grew up, and his face lit up. That connection deepened our relationship.”

What is TBRI®?

TBRI® is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. While the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, the heartbeat of TBRI® is connection.

TBRI® is designed to meet the complex needs of children who have experienced adversity, early harm, toxic stress, and/or trauma. Because of their histories, it is often difficult for these children to trust the loving adults in their lives, which often results in perplexing behaviors. TBRI® offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, teachers, or anyone who works with children, to see the “whole child” in their care and help that child reach his highest potential.

The Power of Showing Up

Instead of pressuring the boy, Morris offered understanding and support. He encouraged the child to return to school, framing it as a choice: “If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for me.” The approach worked. The next day, the boy came to school, smiling and carrying an unopened Dr Pepper, a meaningful gesture for someone with few personal possessions.

“He shared the soda with me, which meant a lot,” Morris says. “It wasn’t just a drink—it was a symbol of trust and gratitude.” Dr. Mabry highlights the importance of these small yet transformative moments. “Chris modeled connection over compliance, showing the student that he mattered. That’s what TBRI is all about—building trust and meeting kids where they are.”

Beyond Academics

Since that day, the student has thrived, attending school consistently and forming healthier relationships. Morris continues to provide individualized support, greeting students by name and prioritizing their needs. “No matter what I’m doing, it’s not as important as what a student needs at that moment,” he says.

Dr. Mabry emphasizes that creating connections doesn’t require a professional degree. “Chris’s willingness to sit with the boy, listen, and share a moment made all the difference. It’s a reminder that anyone can play a role in transforming lives.”

A Philosophy in Practice

Morris’s dedication stems from his belief in the transformative power of relationships. After over three decades in public education, he has embraced TBRI as a guiding framework. “I’ve learned that connection is key,” he says. “If students know you care, they’re more likely to respect boundaries and work through challenges.”

For Morris, this philosophy extends beyond his professional life. “The boy reminds me of my own son,” he shares. “That personal connection drives me to show up and support him, just as I would for my family.”

A Model for HopeTree

Morris’s actions serve as a powerful example for HopeTree Academy staff, who gather daily to reflect on TBRI® strategies and celebrate successes. “Chris’s involvement demonstrates the importance of modeling the behaviors we want to see,” says Dr. Mabry. “He’s not just an administrator—he’s in the trenches, making a real difference.”

Through the combined efforts of HopeTree Academy and HopeTree Family Services, students like this young boy are finding stability, connection, and a sense of hope. It’s a testament to the power of intentional relationships and the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.

Read Caring Times – Winter 2024

HopeTree Awarded Grants from Multiple Foundations

Home > HopeTree Awarded Grants from Multiple Foundations

_{Grant contributions awarded for HopeTree programs that enhance quality of life for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and expand educational programs.}

SALEM, Va. (June 18, 2024) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, is proud to announce they have won received grants from multiple foundations that will assist with various projects to enhance HopeTree programs. Beneficiary programs include the Development Disabilities Ministry (DDM) and HopeTree Academy.

A grant won through The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region will provide funding for updates designated for the Kelly Home, a Fredericksburg, Virginia-based DDM group home for adults with intellectual disabilities. Proceeds from this grant will go toward renovation projects that will enhance the quality of life for the home residents including painting and trim updates. Additionally, a grant won through the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia will fund a back-up generator for the Horne Home in Martinsville, Virginia. This project supplies a much-needed secondary power supply, to ensure residents’ comfort.

“The DDM program through HopeTree Family Services wishes to express our gratitude for the long-standing support and collaboration with The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region and The Community Foundation Serving Western Virgina,” said Kristen West, Director of HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry. “These investments in the DDM program demonstrate their continued dedication to the legacy of service for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We look forward to continuing our relationship and are deeply appreciative for these investments.”

The Kelly and Horne Homes are part of HopeTree’s Development Disabilities Ministry (DDM,) which provides residential services while encouraging independent living for adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The DDM program’s main priority is to provide a comfortable and supportive environment where individuals can make choices in their daily living for maximum quality of life, supported by staff and resources. Each group home is licensed and monitored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. HopeTree operates 17 DDM homes throughout Virginia.

The Community Foundation serves the Rappahannock River Region by managing charitable giving in Virginia for the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg. The Anne Felder Fund provides support to improve and enrich the lives of the intellectually disabled and disadvantaged population of Fredericksburg. The Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia supports non-profits in the Roanoke and Martinsville service region through various grant and donor fund programs.

HopeTree has also been awarded a grant by the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, that is designated to provide funding for expansion of HopeTree Academy’s science program through the purchase of five new microscopes.

“HopeTree Academy was sincerely honored to have been selected to receive the Kiwanis grant to purchase microscopes for our students,“ said Dr. Laurie McCracken, Director of HopeTree Academy, “Thank you for your generosity in allowing our students to be able to use the microscopes in the science lab, enabling them to learn better through hands-on experiences. Our students were thrilled to be able to visualize all kinds of tiny objects, such as cells, microorganisms, tissue structures, materials, and electronics.”

HopeTree Appoints Estrada to Director of Foster Care & Adoptions

Home > HopeTree Appoints Estrada to Director of Foster Care & Adoptions

SALEM, Va. (April 5, 2024) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed April Estrada as Director of Foster Care & Adoptions where she will be responsible for ensuring the Foster Care program operates in accordance with all licensing and best practice regulations and must ensure that all offices have consistent practices led by leaders who embody the mission and core values of HopeTree. Estrada will work with internal and external teams to improve and implement changes for HopeTree’s Foster Care program with a focus to increase efficiency and productivity.

Estrada has nearly 30 years of experience in foster care and human services, working with youth, and families in residential and community-based settings. Prior to joining HopeTree, Estrada served as the Foster Care Director at Impact Living Services where she started the foster care program. In this role she managed all operations and admissions, wrote policies and procedures, onboarded foster parents, and implemented electronic records for all the organization’s programs.

“I am so excited for April to join our team and be the next leader of our Foster Care Program,” said Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree. “She not only has tremendous passion for serving children and families, but she has a proven track record of leading and growing foster care programs and she is a trusted leader and voice in child welfare across the Commonwealth.”

Estrada admires HopeTree’s dedication to living out the mission and core values and feels that it is easily discernable to anyone in the community who interacts with the organization. “Whether it’s their services, programs, or the people, I have always had deep respect and appreciation for HopeTree,” said Estrada. She says that she is excited about being part of a culture that focuses on enhancing the lives of clients, communities and staff through servant leadership, intentional relationship building, striving for excellence, being good stewards of what we are given and being accountable to each other and others they serve. “Cultivating relationships is the most important thing any of us can do to bring health and healing to any situation. HopeTree gets that.”

Estrada holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Radford University. She has served as past president of the Virginia Association of Licensed Child Placing Agencies, along with serving as a member of Governor Youngkin’s Safe and Sound Task Force, the Floyd County Family Assessment Planning Team, and the Piedmont Region Child Fatality Review Team.

HopeTree Honored As 2023 Nonprofit of the Year

Home > HopeTree Honored As 2023 Nonprofit of the Year

SALEM, Va. (March 15, 2024) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, is proud to announce that it has been recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year by the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce. The prestigious award was presented during the Chamber’s 2023 Business Awards Breakfast, held March 15, 2024, at the Salem Civic Center.

The Nonprofit of the Year award recognizes organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to serving their community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. HopeTree Family Services was selected not just for their contributions to the City of Salem, but the positive impact on the 1,000’s of lives they have served. A nomination from a long-time HopeTree employee said “HopeTree truly cares about the people they serve as well as their staff. My opinion is that it is one of the best places to work and I am blessed to be here.”

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce,” said Jon Morris, President and CEO at HopeTree Family Services. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of the children, adults, and families we serve.”

The Annual Business Awards Breakfast is the Chamber’s most celebrated event honoring local heroes, community members, and winners for small and large business, regional business, and nonprofit organizations of the year in Salem and Roanoke County. These businesses demonstrate an interest and involvement with the general community through support of area not-for-profits, community causes, business development activities, and/or volunteering. They are in alignment with Chamber values by actively supporting the advancement of business in the community as well as active participation in the Chamber.

Johnnie Nash Retirement Cookout

Home > Johnnie Nash Retirement Cookout

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!