Meet Our Team

Bio Coming Soon

Caitlin Crolley received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. During her studies, she embarked on roles working for both nonprofit and government agencies serving youth affected by violence and trauma; she considers herself fortunate for stumbling upon the field of social work during her freshman year. While completing her graduate degree, Caitlin worked at a domestic violence center and was credited with co-developing a children’s program providing therapeutic, academic, and experiential services to adolescents living in transitional housing.

Upon graduation, she relocated to Western North Carolina where she pursued a career working in community mental health and helped to serve youth and their families in outpatient and intensive in-home settings. And although Caitlin has always felt passionate about helping others, especially girls and women, it was during this time that she discovered a strong conviction to support teens and sexual violence survivors.

Caitlin then transitioned her career to working as the lead counselor for a rape crisis center where she strengthened her knowledge of trauma and the long-term effects that it has on the brain, body, and mind. She strives to empower women to use their voices and to feel heard, and believes that the validation of a traumatic sexual experience is the first step in healing.

Through her ongoing research and treatment of sexual traumas and attachment issues, Caitlin has expanded her knowledge through training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting. She also utilizes practices found in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), psychotherapy, and Yoga for Resiliency and Trauma in treating her clients. During her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, being outside hiking and rock climbing, singing, writing, snuggling with her furbabies, and spending time with her partner, friends, and family.

Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Kim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Mars Hill University. She brings over 14 years of experience working in the mental health field across a variety of populations and settings. Kim originally joined the Solstice community in 2013 as a Nurse Assistant and has sense grown to hold numerous positions including Director of Quality Improvement, where she gained a well-versed knowledge of North Carolina State Regulations relating to residential treatment.

As the Program Director, Kim is passionate about effective sustainability and how to apply it to our systems in order to meet the needs of our current population while maintaining a balance of growth, care and ongoing well-being for our staff and students. In her spare time, she enjoys adventurous travel and connecting with family and
friends.

Bri first moved to Asheville, North Carolina in 2013 after spending a year backpacking internationally. Prior to that, she graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Bri intended to stay in Asheville only temporarily but quickly fell in love with the mountains and the community she experienced at Solstice East where she has worked for over a decade. Bri got her start in this field serving as a mentor and later as a leader on the residential team, working closely with students and on the training and development of staff.

In 2021, Bri transitioned into the role of Admissions Director where she has the privilege of connecting with parents and sharing her wealth of knowledge and confidence about Solstice East with them. She feels both pride and gratitude to be a part of a program committed to providing the best possible environment for the healing and growth of both our students and their families.

In her free time, Bri is often getting as much of the outdoors as possible. She enjoys hiking, canoeing, biking, and running with her dog.

To schedule a call with Bri, please email her at bri@solsticeeast.com

To stay connected to student’s everyday life, Carol continues to lead select History classes at Solstice East. Carol comes to Solstice East after moving to Asheville a little over a year ago from Washington D.C. There she taught IB History and was an Assistant Principal at the Islamic Saudi Academy. Carol has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and a Master’s of Education Degree with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. Carol has broad experience in education, having taught ESL and IB History, served as a Dorm Parent, and worked as an Autism Paraprofessional. All of these experiences have informed her educational philosophy and strengthened her love of education. When not at school, Carol enjoys exploring the Asheville area, reading, playing with her Star Wars themed kittens, and spending time with her friends and family.

Caitlin Crolley received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. During her studies, she embarked on roles working for both nonprofit and government agencies serving youth affected by violence and trauma; she considers herself fortunate for stumbling upon the field of social work during her freshman year. While completing her graduate degree, Caitlin worked at a domestic violence center and was credited with co-developing a children’s program providing therapeutic, academic, and experiential services to adolescents living in transitional housing.

Upon graduation, she relocated to Western North Carolina where she pursued a career working in community mental health and helped to serve youth and their families in outpatient and intensive in-home settings. And although Caitlin has always felt passionate about helping others, especially girls and women, it was during this time that she discovered a strong conviction to support teens and sexual violence survivors.

Caitlin then transitioned her career to working as the lead counselor for a rape crisis center where she strengthened her knowledge of trauma and the long-term effects that it has on the brain, body, and mind. She strives to empower women to use their voices and to feel heard, and believes that the validation of a traumatic sexual experience is the first step in healing.

Through her ongoing research and treatment of sexual traumas and attachment issues, Caitlin has expanded her knowledge through training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting. She also utilizes practices found in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), psychotherapy, and Yoga for Resiliency and Trauma in treating her clients. During her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, being outside hiking and rock climbing, singing, writing, snuggling with her furbabies, and spending time with her partner, friends, and family.

Susan Elaine completed her B.A. degree in Psychology/Sociology at Emory and Henry College, Emory, Va. After several happy years as a stay-at-home parent, she completed her Masters of Education degree, with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy, at East Tennessee State University, in Johnson City, Tn. Her training, in the interaction between individuals and systems, led her to identify a therapeutic gap in the unique developmental needs of adolescent girls and young women. After completing licensure as a marriage and family therapist, she focused her training and her passion on issues particular to adolescent girls, including disordered eating, body dysmorphia, trauma, and self-harm. She worked in a service-based counseling center, a private practice, and most recently in the Dept. of Psychiatry at the Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City. She co-founded an eating disorder coalition in N.E. Tennessee, and created an eating disorder resource and provider network in her region. As a woman, daughter, sister, and mother, Susan believes in the intuitive power of the female spirit. She recognizes the power of healing, within a safe, trusting, and compassionate relationship, and deeply values the role of connectedness and mutual support. She remains committed to the valuable work of empowering girls and women within the sacred context of the healing journey.

Terry grew up in Lincoln, NE then moved to Fort Collins, CO where she graduated from Colorado State University (CSU) with a Bachelors in Sociology. Terry worked in community mental health with children and families for a few years and then ran a not-for-profit foster care agency for ten years. Terry has always been drawn to horses and began riding at a young age. She took equine equitation classes at CSU and has been taking private lessons ever since. She has always dreamed of blending her love for horses and her devotion to helping children and families, she now feels she has the perfect job as an Equine Specialist at Solstice East. Terry is certified in EAGALA and Trauma Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy; she is passionate about equine therapy and has seen first hand how horses change lives. With a background in natural horsemanship, Terry has been partnering and dancing with horses for over 20 years. Terry enjoys spending time outside hiking, running and at home on her farm with her husband, 2 children, horses, dogs, cats, chickens, goats, llamas, etc….

Bio Coming soon..

Dr. Travis is board certified in General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry with over 30 years of renowned experience. A graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Dr. Travis is a longtime representative of the North Carolina Council on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and was instrumental, as Medical Director, in launching a comprehensive, psychiatric care unit for the area’s largest medical hospital. He has presented on Personality Disorders, ADHD, Eating Disorders in Adolescents, Panic Disorders, and several other mental health topics during his tenure. In his spare time, Dr. Travis can be found enjoying time with family, playing golf or trumpet, or engaging in his local community via service work.

Julia Sanchez earned her BA in Anthropology from New College of Florida and a Master of Social Work from Florida State University. Julia is a clinically-trained, trauma-informed social worker with over a decade of macro practice experience as a nonprofit youth development and public health program administrator. She was trained in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Experiential Sculpting, Exposure Therapy, Ecotherapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Julia is also a certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor and a certified health coach.

Audrey has over a decade of counseling experience in different settings including outpatient, intensive outpatient, in-home, partial hospitalization, telehealth and residential. She has especially enjoyed working with young adults and teenagers as they navigate how to have healthy relationships and discover who they are. Audrey has a passion for working with those struggling with substance abuse and with individuals healing from trauma and complex trauma. She is dually licensed as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She relies heavily on a person-centered approach while also appropriately challenging her clients.

Prior to starting her career, Audrey spent her undergraduate years at North Carolina State University and then went on to earn her Masters in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. After practicing in Knoxville for a short time, Audrey fell in love with the mountains and decided to move to western North Carolina! In her free time, Audrey loves to get outdoors. She is an avid hiker and most weekends she is hitting the trails with her dog, Finn. Chances are, her clients will experience her joining them on a hike or on a camping trip while they are in the program! She also loves reading, photography, and traveling.

Joey, originally from the small town of Sidney, Illinois, earned his Master degree in Clinical Counseling with a certificate in Addictions Studies from the University of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Prior to coming to Solstice East, he worked in a variety of therapeutic residential settings, including a wilderness therapy program for teens and young adults. Joey also brings counseling experience from his work with adults who have struggled with alcohol and substance use disorders, as well as severe and persistent mental Illnesses. He is passionate about helping others understand and create space for their full potential. He values building community through connection with others, being outdoors, listening to live music, and traveling the world.

Bio Coming Soon

Bio Coming Soon

To stay connected to student’s everyday life, Carol continues to lead select History classes at Solstice East. Carol comes to Solstice East after moving to Asheville a little over a year ago from Washington D.C. There she taught IB History and was an Assistant Principal at the Islamic Saudi Academy. Carol has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and a Master’s of Education Degree with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. Carol has broad experience in education, having taught ESL and IB History, served as a Dorm Parent, and worked as an Autism Paraprofessional. All of these experiences have informed her educational philosophy and strengthened her love of education. When not at school, Carol enjoys exploring the Asheville area, reading, playing with her Star Wars themed kittens, and spending time with her friends and family.

Anne-Marie comes to Solstice East with experience in independent, public, and therapeutic schools in Vermont. Anne-Marie earned her teaching certification in English from the state of Vermont after completing a four-year secondary education program at the University of Vermont. Her background in wilderness therapy has been the foundation for her relational approach throughout her experience as an educator. Her passion for creating engaging, student-centered lesson plans that meet the unique needs of diverse learners has been a guiding principle for her career. She has built her practice around empowering students to find their voice and develop the skills to engage with the world around them through literature. It is this educational philosophy that drew her to working at Solstice East. She is proud to be a part of the teaching staff here and join the greater community. While not in the classroom, Anne-Marie enjoys going on hikes with her dog, Aslan, and spending time with her friends and family.

Talin grew up in North Alabama, where he taught science to students of all ages at a hands-on science center for eight years. He graduated with honors from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a B.S. in Biology, and then moved to Miami where he earned a Master of Science degree in Biology from Florida International University. After moving to North Carolina, Talin completed a teacher training program through the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Talin brings to Solstice East a passion for science and an enthusiasm for teaching through hands-on, experiential lessons. When not in the classroom, Talin enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and gardening.

Kristin is a graduate of Cedarville University in Ohio where she majored in Special Education, Reading, and Biblical Studies. During her time in Ohio, Kristin was immersed in numerous educational environments from Juvenile Detention to Public School. Prior to her transition to Timbersong Academy, Kristin taught Math and Science in both a small and large group setting. She thoroughly enjoyed her time in the classroom and learned many valuable lessons from the students she taught. Kristin also served as the IEP Writer for her former district managing over 200 students’ learning goals per year. She desires to bring her experience to the classroom in order to foster a positive learning environment for all students. In her spare time, Kristin enjoys hiking, playing trivia, and playing with her 3 pets (Olive, Lynnie, and Frankie).

Bio Coming soon..

Bio coming soon..

Bio coming soon..

Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Kim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Mars Hill University. She brings over 14 years of experience working in the mental health field across a variety of populations and settings. Kim originally joined the Solstice community in 2013 as a Nurse Assistant and has sense grown to hold numerous positions including Director of Quality Improvement, where she gained a well-versed knowledge of North Carolina State Regulations relating to residential treatment.

As the Program Director, Kim is passionate about effective sustainability and how tomapply it to our systems in order to meet the needs of our current population while maintaining a balance of growth, care and ongoing well-being for our staff and students. In her spare time, she enjoys adventurous travel and connecting with family and
friends.

Bio coming soon

Brie combines two of her passions, outdoor recreation and working with adolescents, to her role as Eno Team Supervisor. From Marietta, Georgia, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Leadership from Jacksonville State University. Brie brings years of experience working with all ages of people from five year-olds to adults, but has particularly valued her time spent mentoring high school age kids. She is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of our mentors as they guide and support our students here at Solstice East. When not working, Brie can often be found hiking, running, kayaking, or reading. She also is the proud owner of a pet gecko!

Dr. Travis is board certified in General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry with over 30 years of renowned experience. A graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Dr. Travis is a longtime representative of the North Carolina Council on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and was instrumental, as Medical Director, in launching a comprehensive, psychiatric care unit for the area’s largest medical hospital. He has presented on Personality Disorders, ADHD, Eating Disorders in Adolescents, Panic Disorders, and several other mental health topics during his tenure. In his spare time, Dr. Travis can be found enjoying time with family, playing golf or trumpet, or engaging in his local community via service work.

Kelcie is a native of Asheville and received her nursing degree locally at AB-Tech. Kelcie has been an RN for over a decade, working in geriatrics, women’s health, and adolescent treatment centers. She really enjoys working with this age group and finds it very rewarding to help adolescents healing from their trauma. When not at work, Kelcie enjoys hiking, backpacking, going to see live music, traveling, gardening, and learning about native plants and permaculture systems. She and her husband have a small urban farm with potbelly pigs, ducks, chickens, a few barn cats, and a dog, Birch.

Taylor Irwin joins the Solstice East team from Eliada Home, a residential treatment facility for adolescents. Taylor attended the University of Central Florida and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Psychology degrees in 2014. Prior to relocating to Asheville, NC, she worked for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for two years as a pediatric nurse in St. Petersburg, FL. Taylor is certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Saving (PALS) and is a Certified Pediatric Nurse. In her spare time, Taylor enjoys mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, reading, and playing with her fluffy dog, Jasper.

Morgan started her career with the Solstice programs in 2017, shortly before graduating from the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology, with a double minor in Biology and Neuroscience. She enjoys supporting and guiding young people in their healing through healthy lifestyle choices and relationships, adventure, and artistic expression, and strongly believes in the lifestyle of “being who you needed when you were younger”.

Morgan brings over 8 years of experience working closely with adolescents and young adults with varied backgrounds in family dynamics, socioeconomic background, gender, and sexual orientation to Journey Home’s leadership team. She believes strongly in incorporating healthy lifestyle choices such as emotional regulation skills and social skills and utilizes mindfulness techniques, expressive arts, and SMART goals as tools for clients to incorporate practical life skills that will empower them and enable their continued success after treatment.

She has a strong passion for music, plays the cello, and is always interested in the local musical happenings. In her spare time, Morgan teaches high school level art to foster her love for art therapy. When she’s not teaching, Morgan enjoys finding time for personal projects and side passions between her graduate school classes, spoiling her litters of foster kittens, and checking things off of her extensive bucket list.

Stacy first began her career in mental health at Solstice East as one of the first direct-care staff in 2012. She devoted 6 years to the program, working on both the residential and administrative teams and ultimately finding her passion in admissions and marketing. In recent years, Stacy has worked as the Admissions Director in a variety of settings including a young adult wilderness therapy program, transitional living program, and most recently a therapeutic boarding school. If you would like to schedule a Tour, please email her at stacy@solsticeeast.com

Bio coming soon..

Bio coming soon

Jim is excited to be working at Solstice East and brings one of his eight dogs with him to work regularly, Bella. The students love having her on campus and feel connected to her and Jim! He has a soft spot for animals of all kinds, but especially dogs. Jim has four children and eight grandchildren. Jim enjoys woodworking and metal working and comes to Solstice with a background in Manufacturing with a focus on Engineering and Operations. Before coming to Solstice, he most recently worked as a Maintenance Director at a Skilled Nursing facility. Jim said, “I love working here. Just to be a part of this organization is a privilege. The staff is dedicated to helping our residents and each other. I have not had a single time where anyone has hesitated to help.” We are so lucky to have Jim as a part of our wonderful culture.

Bio coming soon ..

Colt joined the Solstice East team in the spring of 2014. He enjoys preparing and supporting new hires for their direct care role as well as keeping emails and print jobs flowing. Colt has many years of direct care and supervisorial experience with wilderness and residential therapy, and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Recreation Administration. In his free time, Colt enjoys hiking, trail running and rock climbing with his wife and two daughters.

Originally from Atlanta, Pennie came to the North Carolina mountains in 1999 because of its creative community and beautiful landscape. Pennie obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from University of Georgia. While living in Asheville, she has worked in various jobs such as office management, accounting and marketing in real estate and manufacturing companies. Living close by to the Solstice East campus, Pennie, her husband and young son enjoy the area. In fact, her husband grew up just down the road and they were married on our campus is 2001. Outside of work, Pennie spends her time working on art projects and home design. Especially interested in sustainably built homes, she has taken courses in drafting, CAD and green building practices.