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.

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!

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."

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. 

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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Debbie is a graduate of Florida State University, with a Bachelors of Science in Human Science. She has spent the majority of her career working in property management in some of the nation’s largest cities to include conventional as well as affordable housing.  Debbie has a strong accounting and finance background having focused on underperforming properties and fiscal restructuring. Budgets, numbers, and helping people are just a few of her passions. She enjoys giving back by volunteering and supporting a cause she can put her heart into. In her spare time, you can catch her as an intuitive painting instructor, enjoying nature, or spending time with her family. 

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 cat Nacho. 

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.”

Elizabeth graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. In March 2021 Elizabeth joined our team as a shelter associate. Every day brings different tasks for her. She admires the support system that the Hospitality House creates for our community. In Spring 2023 she graduated from the Master of Social work program at Appalachian State University and was promoted to her current poistion of Service CoordinatorHer free time is spent reading, exploring outside, and just being creative!

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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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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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Randy DeSear started working at the Hospitality House in April of 2022 as a Food Service Specialist and was promoted to his current role in July 2022. On a daily basis, he cooks breakfast and lunch, as well as, coordinates the interns and volunteers in the kitchen. He loves to be creative in the kitchen and strives to provide restaurant quality meals to our clients. His main focus is putting clients first. He has experienced homelessness, so he finds it very important to give back to our guests through meals, conversations, or rides. In his free time, he loves to spend time with family, work on his house, and go kayaking.

Emily’s title is “Food Service Specialist” but more specifically, she is in charge of running the food pantry! Her daily tasks include making food boxes, talking to our food pantry clients, organizing the bodega, and overseeing the interns in the pantry. She has absolutely loved working in the pantry and building relationships with the clients that come regularly. She started at the 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 and she just graduated in May of 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. In the Fall, she’ll also be starting her Masters in Restorative Justice through Vermont Law School! In her free time, she likes to read, crochet, and drive on the parkway!

Aaren graduated in 2021 from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a Creative Writing Concentration. They began pursuing an Master of Arts in English College Teaching in Fall of 2022. They started at Hospitality House as a Shelter Associate in March 2022 and they oversee the everyday operations of residents and ensure peace, as well as safety of those visiting the shelter. In May 2023 they were promoted to the current role as Local Food Coordinator where they manage our Remote Food Locker program, Garden Program, Watauga Foodshare Donation Station at Watauga County Farmer's Market and Summer Fun Feeding Program. Aaren admires the resiliency of both staff and residents. They deal with unpredictable events every day. They find it amazing to see people still smiling and coming together at the end of the day.

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. 

LeLa was hired as a Shelter Associate in November of 2022 and has loved the community of the Hospitality House ever since.  While at the shelter, she enjoys getting to know residents and helping them however she can.  Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree at Appalachian State University, she is excited to graduate and see where her degree takes her.  When she is not at the shelter, she enjoys hiking, spending time with her cat, and building her jewelry business.

Russell began working at the Hospitality House 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 is a senior at Appalachian State University studying Psychology and Social Work. Other than work and school, Russell spends his free time working out, hanging out with friends, and of course, watching football!! GO APP STATE.

Recently graduated from Appalachian State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, Sarah has found her time at the Hospitality House to be life changing in the best way. Though challenging at times, her fellow staff members and the community at the shelter make every second worth it. In her free time, she enjoys the beautiful views Boone has to offer, cuddling up with a good book, and enjoying time with friends. 

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.

​Ann is the mother of eight beautiful souls and has been married for 31 years. She is currently working on her Master of Arts in Family and Individual Counseling at Liberty University. Ann was born into a Naval family in Port Jefferson St., Long Island, NY and was raised in California, Greece, Japan, Virginia, and North Carolina. 

Sean began working at the Hospitality House in September 2022 where he loves getting to know the residents and working alongside a dedicated community bringing life-saving transformations to the High Country. Sean is a senior at Appalachian State University pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in social work. In his free time, Sean loves trail running, mountain biking, reading, and collecting records.

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