Wilkes County resident Tina B. Krause is a graduate of Guilford College with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Administrative Justice with concentrations in Psychology and Public Administration. Tina joined Hospitality House as Director of Services in August 2011 after serving as Director of Community and Program Services for United Way of Wilkes. After three years she assumed the role of Hospitality House Executive Director in July 2014 and continues to oversee existing supportive services, the implementation of new programs, Federal and State grants and management of a staff of thirty-four. 

During her United Way tenure she received the Randy Lyons Memorial Award for Excellence in Service for Wilkes County Children. Tina currently serves on the on the NC HMIS Governance Board and coordinates the Northwest NC Continuum of Care for the seven rural mountain counties serviced by Hospitality House. Previously, she served eight years as Program Coordinator and Educator for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte Camping Services. During those eight years she was a two time recipient of the YMCA Rose Award for Excellence in Service.  She has also served as a founding board member for Wilkes Circles of Care and the Watauga representative on the Agency Advisory Council for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC. 

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in Exercise Science, Todd Carter has served as Chief Development Director for Hospitality House of Northwest N.C since 2011. He works with individuals, businesses, faith communities, foundations, grant-makers and civic organizations to offer opportunities for support of the programs and services made available to clients of Hospitality House. He handles all public relations, donor relations, social media and marketing, organizes multiple fundraisers, campaigns and outreach events. Additionally, he is the student internship coordinator and leads the COVID response team.

In November 2021 Todd was elected to serve on the Boone Town Council for a term of four years. He is also on the Board of Directors for Ashe County Coalition for the Homeless (ACCH), the AppalCART Board of Directors, is the founding 2nd Vice President and past President of the Watauga Branch of the NAACP, is a founder of the High Country LGBTQ Youth Alliance and co-founder of the Watauga Back2School Festival. Previously,  he served on the Advisory Board and as a supervisor for the North Carolina Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA program, on the Community Advisory Committee for the Appalachian State University Carnegie Foundation Classification, as a mentor in the Dale Tweedy Mentoring Program at the Appalachian State Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship, a session presenter and Peer Collaborator for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, and on the Executive Planning Committees for both the Stone Soup Nonprofit Leadership Consortium and OUT in the High Country Conference. 

Jan is the Director of Finance and she handles finances and compliance with fiscal responsibility to the grant funders who we receive funding from. She highly enjoys the staff both at the office and shelter who make coming to work every day a joy. She began at the Hospitality House as a volunteer in the finance department in the Spring of 2021  and now she holds the position of Director of Finance since May of 2022. Jan attended College in San Marcos, Texas, and the Bay Area of California. She has been in finance since the late ‘60s and has always loved creating order. In her free time, she loves to read and experience the beauty of the High Country.

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Ethan is a 2015 graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology. Near the end of his senior year internship at Hospitality House he accepted a post-graduate position as NC Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA and project manager of Welcome Home Thriftique. In August 2018, at the end of his two-year VISTA term, Ethan was hired by Hospitality House as a full time Supportive Services Specialist and then promoted to Service Coordinator of our Emergency Shelter program. Most recently, in April 2022 he was promoted to his current position of Director of Grant Funding. Born in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, Ethan enjoys Boone for its hiking trails, sense of community, and SNOW!

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Originally from Kilmarnock, Virginia, Jenna joined the Hospitality House team in August 2013. With a Master of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Appalachian State, and a certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, Jenna works one on one with Hospitality House clients, providing assistance in mental health and addictions. When not at work, Jenna loves to be outside and hanging out with family. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her daughter hiking and skipping rocks on the river. “I love everything about Hospitality House! The staff and the residents are amazing. I feel truly honored to be working with everyone here. It is finding the glimmer of hope in otherwise challenging times."

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Marianne is a recent addition to the Hospitality House, joining in February 2023.  Prior to joining this amazing team, she worked in a variety of state and county agencies, always with a focus on serving the underserved.  She graduated with an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and a Master of Social Work degree from Boston College.  She looks forward to working as a therapist with Hospitality House residents to help with issues around mental health and/or substance use.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, hiking, reading, puzzling, and cheering for the Tar Heels. 

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Lexi White, deciding to leave the beach behind and head for the mountains, graduated from Appalachian State with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in May of 2022. She began working with Hospitality House as an intern during the 2022 Summer session. After completion of her internship, she was hired as the Finance Assistant to continue her work with the organization. In March 2023 Lexi began in her new role as Executive Assistant working alongside Executive Director Tina B. Krause and Chief Development Director Todd Carter on administrative operations, donor management, fundraising and outreach. Lexi states that joining the Hospitality House family was a wonderful decision, and enjoys spending her time working with the Boone community. Outside of work, you can catch Lexi riding down the slopes, watching scary movies, or playing with her cats Nacho and Pickles. 

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Matt grew up a military brat but spent six years total in N.C. and always wanted to come back. He graduated in 2019 from Brigham Young University with a double major in English and German and moved to Boone in 2020. Matt wanted to get involved in human services and found his way to Hospitality House. Prior to his role as Facilities Manager, he worked as a Shelter Associate. In his free time, he enjoys being with his wife Emily, his cats, and his goofy dog. 

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Watauga County native, David McLean, joined our staff in Fall of 2023. With our ever growing foot print he plays a vital role in the upkeep and smooth operation of our various facilities. What appealed most to David about this position was the interaction with our clients and the ability to make a difference in other people's lives. A helper at heart, David puts others - both human and animal - above himself. He loves life and most especially his daughter, the light of this life. 

Wilkes County native Jane Whittington joined our team in Fall 2023. Jane is a graduate Wilkes Community College with a degree in Business Administration. She came to Hospitality House with twenty-seven years of business and accounting experience and feels "so blessed to be part of a team that touches the lives of so many!" In her free time Jane loves going camping with her sister and spending as much time as possible out by the campfire reading or working sudoku puzzles.

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Boone native Sonya Hamby graduated from Appalachian State in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree. Prior to joining our staff, she worked for three and one-half years in a group home for intellectually and developmentally delayed adults. Since joining Hospitality House in 2005, Sonya has served in a variety of roles including Shelter Associate, Shelter Manager, Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing Coordinator and Domestic Violence Transitional and Rapid Rehousing Coordinator. Currently she serves as the Lead Emergency Housing Coordinator and the Local HMIS System Administrator. Sonya 'lives and breathes' Hospitality House and dedicates her time to helping residents continue along the path to employment, housing, goal setting, and building life skills. A beach girl at heart, Sonya loves sunshine and warm weather and loves spending time with her husband Shad and dog “O.”

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NOW HIRING!

Sarah began at the Hospitality House as a shelter associate in May of 2022. Her day-to-day is different but she mainly makes sure that everything is running smoothly and helps residents and clients with anything they may need. Sarah loves the community she found at the Hospitality House and ensures that everyone feels welcome. In May 2023 she graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy with a minor in Psychology. Additionally, Sarah was promoted to her current position and plans to get her Master of Social Work at Appalachian State University. In her free time, she loves seeing live music, reading, the flow arts, and fire spinning.

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Originally from Mount Airy, NC, Harley moved to Boone in 2013 to attend Appalachian State University. During Harley’s time at Appalachian, he fell in love with the Boone community and decided to stay in the area after graduating in 2016. Harley worked for Crossnore School and Children’s Home before joining Hospitality House in 2019. Before assuming his current role, Harley served as the Supportive Services & Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist/RISE Coordinator. Harley strives to promote equality and empowerment among individuals and to be an advocate for those in need of support. Harley is currently pursuing a Master in Social Work degree from Florinda State University. In his free time, Harley enjoys hiking, camping, rooting on Appalachian FC and being outside. 

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Jake began working at Hospitality House in April of 2022 as a Shelter Associate, soon after adding Facilities Specialist to his duties. In March 2023 he we promoted to is current position. Prior to joining our staff, he graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science. Jake typically spends his days engaging with clients, helping out wherever he can, and trying not to eat all of the chicken wings and snacks provided by the shelter. He loves seeing how much the residents, guests, staff, interns, and volunteers look out for each other. When Jake is not working he enjoys soccer, basketball, ping pong, movies, music, photography, traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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A graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec with Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Education and Master of Computer Science degrees, Graham came to Hospitality House in 2011 as our Homeless Prevention Rapid Rehousing Coordinator. Previously, she worked for eight years as a Community Support Specialist at New River Behavioral Health. In 2012 she moved into her current Service Coordinator role where she continues to manage the Rapid Rehousing Program and oversees WeCAN - Western Crisis Assistance Program, providing counseling to those who find themselves in a serious situation but who are not homeless. Additionally, Graham administers the BREMCO Operation Round Up and NRLP Good Neighbor Round Up programs, and helps people find resources that they need to maintain housing and prevent homelessness.

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Originally from Morganton, NC, Tori has loved the mountains and foothills her whole life. After graduating high school with her Associate degree in 2019, Tori came to Appalachian State University to study Public Relations with a minor in Leadership Studies. Tori began as a Public Relations intern in early 2021 and quickly fell in love with Hospitality House. After graduating with her Bachelor of Arts degree Tori was hired as a Shelter Associate and was promoted to her current position in July 2021. She is passionate about the mission of Hospitality House and considers herself lucky to work in a field where she gets to build relationships with those who use services at Hospitality House. When she’s not at Hospitality House, Tori enjoys tie-dyeing, cooking, getting tattoos, and finding new roads and areas to explore in the High Country. 

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Russell began working at Hospitality House as a Shelter Associate back in December 2021. While working here, Russell enjoys greeting and aiding his residents on a day-to-day basis. This includes providing their favorite snack, listening to them, and bringing a positive attitude into work. Similarly, to his work experience, Russell graduated in 2023 from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree. In July he was promoted to his current position. Other than work and school, Russell spends his free time working out, hanging out with friends, and of course, watching football!! GO APP STATE.

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Charlotte native and lifelong Green Bay Packers fan Jakin Rohlinger started as an intern at Hospitality House in January 2021. Following his graduation from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree and a minor in Psychology, he joined the Hospitality House staff as a Shelter Associate in May 2021. In April 2022 he was promoted to the position of Coordinated Entry and Outreach Specialist and promoted one-year later to his current position as Coordinator. Currently, Jakin is pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree at Appalachian State University. Jakin loves dedicating time to help others and in his free time, enjoys watching and playing sports. When back at home in Charlotte, he often works helping children with special needs, specifically Autism.

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Sean is a recent graduate from Appalachian State with a self-designed degree in Health Equity. Sean's passion for building healthy communities brought him to Hospitality House in September 2022 where he first served as a shelter associate before becoming the Street Outreach Specialist in August 2023. Additionally, Sean serves on the Town of Boone's Commission on Human Relations where he advocates for broader community level changes to promote equity here in Boone. Outside of work Sean loves reading, live music, collecting records, and getting outside!

Aaren Grant started at Hospitality House as a Shelter Associate in March 2022 and was promoted to their current position as Local Food Coordinator in March 2023. Aaren oversees our Garden Program, Bethel Remote Food Locker Program, Savor the Summer Feeding Program, Watauga County Farmers Market Donation Station, and Volunteer Coordination. Aaren is also a Board Member and Secretary of the Watauga Food Council, co-coordinating the Food Access and Security Group, with a focus on improving local food systems and farms in Watauga County. 

In May 2024, Aaren will graduate from Appalachian State University with a Masters of Arts in English Language and Literature. Throughout their studies, they specialized in ecocriticism and environmental justice rhetoric, examining the influence of literature on our perceptions of nature and the environment. In their free time, they enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, making new animal friends, writing, and reading!

Emily started at Hospitality House as an intern in the Fall of 2021 while she was getting her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University, graduating in May 2022. Emily really loved working in the food pantry so, after her internship, she volunteered weekly in the food pantry until getting hired in April of 2022 as Food Service Specialist. In July of 2023 she was promoted to Food Service Coordinator. Emily is in charge of planning and/or preparing all daily meal - three meals a day, seven days a week. Additionally, , her daily tasks may include making food boxes, talking to our food pantry clients, ordering and receiving food orders, accepting food donations, organizing the bodega food pantry, and overseeing student interns. She has absolutely loved working at Hospitality House and building relationships with the clients that come regularly. In her free time, she likes to read, crochet, and drive on the parkway!

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James is a graduate  of Wilkes Community College with a degree in Culinary Arts. He joined our team in December 2023 brining with him his belief that "food is a right, not a privilege"  and enjoys being able to prepare and provide unique culinary experiences for Hospitality House clients. When not a work, James spends the majority of his time cooking or baking for others - he loves food - and his other hobbies include reading, yoga, meditation, hiking, and running. 

McKenna is currently a freshman at Appalachian State University where she is pursuing a degree in Digital Marketing with an intended minor in Spanish. She started her journey at Hospitality House in October of 2023 as a Food Service Associate where she works to distribute food boxes to clientele and assist in daily meal preparation. Her favorite parts of the job are connecting with residents and watching Hospitality House's positive impact on people's lives. When she's not working in the kitchen she loves to read, try new foods, and travel! 

Kennedy graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2020, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree with a minor in Education.​ In the Summer of 2019 she was an intern in our gardens and absolutely fell in love with Hospitality House. In fact, Hospitality House was the main reason why she moved to Boone following her graduation! In January 2021, Kennedy was promoted from Shelter Associate to her current position as Data and Intake Specialist. Kennedy also works as a nanny, but in her free time she loves dancing, hiking, encouraging people, soaking up the sun, and going for long drives on the parkway -- really anything that involves admiring nature’s beauty. 

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Kailan, who was born and raised in North Carolina, has called Watauga County home since 2018. She began her work at Hospitality House in October 2022 as a shelter associate, where she is able to create authentic relationships while supporting and helping the community in any way possible. When she is not working alongside the amazing people here, she is building her homestead, raising her chickens, boarding dogs, and spending most of her time enjoying all that the Appalachian Mountains have to offer.

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Lucy Huddleston is currently a senior at Appalachian State University where they are obtaining a degree in Communication Studies. Lucy first started working with Hospitality House as a student intern in Spring 2023 and was hired as a Shelter Associate at the end of their internship. When they aren't working at Hospitality House or doing homework you can find them skateboarding on the greenway, cooking up a new dish, or hanging out with friends! 

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Gabby, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Boone to complete her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with minors in psychology and sociology. She started at the Hospitality House as an intern in January of 2023, and became part of the team as a Shelter Associate in June of 2023. Gabby enjoys coming to work everyday and experiencing something new, interacting with various clientele, and being a part of a collaborative work environment. She is passionate about the impact of the criminal legal system, victim advocacy, and the over-criminalization of homelessness and poverty. When not working, Gabby can often be found dog sitting, playing with her cat, or listening to a podcast.

Mabeki graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise & Sport Science.  He is passionate about public health and wants to contribute in efforts to improve the health and welfare of his community. Hobbies include playing my instruments, hiking, and playing basketball.

Olivia is currently a senior at Appalachian State University where she will be graduating with a degree in Political Science with minors in Nonprofit Management Studies and Women's Studies. After completing her internship in the summer of 2023, she was hired as a Shelter Associate. Her favorite parts of the job are her coworkers and making a difference. When she isn't working, Olivia enjoys playing trivia with her friends, watching musicals, and being with her cat, Calum. 

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Ben currently a  senior at Appalachian State majoring in political science with a concentration in pre-legal studies and minoring in criminal justice and communication. He started as a Shelter Associate in August of 2023. Ben's favorite part about the job is how many people he gets to interact with as well as seeing how much Hospitality House helps clients. When not working Ben is either listening to music, a podcast, or trying to take a nap.

Kira is a current sophomore at Appalachian State University pursuing her Bachelors of Social Work with a minor in Spanish. She is passionate about addressing mental health issues within underprivileged communities. Her favorite thing about the job is forming meaningful connections with the residents. Some of her hobbies consist of: baking, crocheting, and spending lots of time on the parkway!

Areeg is a senior at Appalachian State University pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree with a minor in Philosophy. She is most interested in macro social work and policy practice as it relates to racial injustice and the effects of systemic oppression of minority groups. In her free time, Areeg enjoys reading, cooking, hiking and yoga.

Zhamarea is currently a senior at Appalachian State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Once she graduates Zhamarea intends to pursue an MD in Psychiatry with a focus on treatment and rehabilitation for those who have experienced high degrees of trauma. When not in school or helping people through her job at Hospitality House Zhamarea enjoys relaxing (at the beach), traveling (to the beach), and listening to music.

Rebekah is currently a junior at Appalachian State University pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a social work minor. She is passionate about mental health issues, multicultural concerns in healthcare systems, and domestic violence refuge. Rebekah's favorite part of the job is seeing Hospitality House assist clients with getting housing; and building relationships with residents in the shelter. Some of her hobbies include: going on long walks and hiking with her dog, cooking, and spending time with friends! 

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Anna is a senior at Appalachian State University pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree. She joined the team of shelter associates in January 2024 and is very passionate about social justice and uplifting vulnerable voices and populations. She is so excited and grateful to be a part of such an awesome and influential team! In her free time, you can find her driving on the parkway, spending time with friends, and hanging out with her cat, Kitty Foo Foo! 

NOW HIRING!