Our Staff

Dawn Marie is the Chief Operating Officer and President of EAN. She holds a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC.  She provides the leadership and vision forEAN’s growth and focus on supporting the client organizations and individuals we serve.   In the past 25+ years of working in the Employee Assistance Program field, Dawn Marie has provided account-management services, training, consultation, assessment, referral, coaching and brief counseling services. She has experience in inpatient and outpatient substance abuse counseling as well as group, individual, and couples counseling. She has expertise in working with clients to develop leadership skills, change management, critical incident stress management, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She has been trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Racial Equity Institute and Critical Incident Stress Management and has experience in responding to workplace trauma.  Dawn Marie’s leadership at EAN also brings a strong community minded focus and she has been engaged in supporting our wider community for decades.  She has served on the boards of Building Bridges of Asheville, On Track Financial Education and Counseling WNC, and is currently on the Board of the Asheville Humane Society and is a Class A Trustee on the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Dawn has also served on the Board of Directors of the International Employee Assistance Professionals Association and the NC Chapter of EAPA.  NC EAPA has honored her with both the NC EAPA Member of the Year Award in 2005 and the John Burke President’s Achievement Award in 2018.

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Misty is the Clinical Director at EAN. She provides clinical supervision of the EAN counseling staff, along with account management services, training, consultation, assessment, referrals, and brief counseling services. Misty has experience providing individual, group, and family therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults. Misty has prior experience in the field of management and leadership, working as both a Clinical and Operational Director for several local behavioral health programs. In her clinical work, she maintains a focus on wellness, resiliency, and recovery. Misty provides support to clients addressing issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Misty has been trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Critical Incident Stress Management. She has attended training on Racism in Mental Health and participated in the Racial Equity Institute and Building Bridges. Misty holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southwestern College and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC.

Tammy is the Communications and Logistics Manager at EAN. She is responsible for aspects of accounts payable and receivable, computer-related issues, contractual agreements, petty cash, office supplies, and company reports. She provides support to clinical staff for all EAN locations.  Tammy also maintains EAN’s social media, announcements, and website updates. Tammy is a seasoned Customer Service representative with a background in several different professional industries. Tammy has prior experience working as an Office Manager, Team Leader and Administrative Assistant. Tammy holds a Bachelor’s in General Management from the University of North Carolina, in Asheville, NC.

Minnie is the Mental Health Coach Coordinator at EAN. She oversees the scheduling of new clients and offers support with resources and referrals. Minnie also provides phone triage and screening services and organizes response to Critical Incidents in the workplace. Minnie is passionate about helping individuals manage issues related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. She has prior experience working as a coordinator in a partial hospitalization program for children and adolescents and has worked as a researcher to investigate the public’s access to mental health resources. Minnie holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Sciences from University College London in the United Kingdom.

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Andrea is the Bookkeeper at EAN and is responsible for accounts payable and accounts receivable. While new to this position at EAN, she has over thirty-five years of administrative experience and has held positions in bookkeeping, auditing, office management, HR and payroll in several different professions. Andrea has a BA in General Studies/Business from Louisiana State University and is also a licensed Realtor in Florida and North Carolina.

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Amy is a Counselor at EAN as well as our Clinical Intern Supervisor, specializing in brief solution-focused counseling services, training, assessment, referrals, and internship supervision. She has prior experience as team leader and program manager for a local behavioral health agency providing individual, group, and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults across diverse community settings. Amy's clinical practice focuses on supporting clients dealing with stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression, emphasizing resilience and recovery through trauma-informed care. Amy's expertise includes certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Components for Enhancing Career Engagement and Reducing Trauma (CE-CERT), and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).

Amy holds a Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling from Western Carolina University, and is a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS)

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Lauren is one of our mental health coaches at EAN and serves as the first point of contact for clients seeking support. She conducts phone and virtual screenings to connect clients with services, resources, supports, and referrals. Lauren is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and improve their emotional well-being. She provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can openly explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism. Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and has over thirteen years of experience working in the mental health field, with expertise in both community mental health and private practice.

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Meet LuLu, EAN’s Therapy Dog in Training

LuLu is a lovable, compassionate, playful, and gentle Shih Tzu who found a second chance at life after being rescued from a shelter in Florida. LuLu’s former owner passed away and she was surrendered by the family. A Rescue organization swooped her up and brought her to the mountains where one of our counselors, Amy, adopted her two weeks before Hurricane Helene.

Initially, LuLu was intended to be a companion animal but very shortly after she settled in it became clear she was meant for something greater. LuLu came to work with Amy and immediately won the hearts of our staff and clients. LuLu greets you at the door and makes you feel at ease and welcomed. She adores everyone of all ages and offers unconditional love to those who need it the most. Whether it's a soft nuzzle, a wagging tail, or just being by someone’s side, LuLu has an incredible ability to make everyone feel loved and welcomed.

LuLu is currently undergoing the required training to be a certified Therapy Dog, and with a heart full of love and a spirit of resilience, she brings joy, comfort, and healing to those in need.

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Jenny is a counseling intern from Lenoir-Rhyne University, pursuing her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She provides short-term counseling and referrals at EAN, using a person-centered, empathetic approach to create a supportive space for self-exploration. Her interests include working with anxiety, depression, and trauma, and she is especially passionate about supporting first responders, drawing on her experience as a paramedic. She also holds a B.A. in History and Spanish and has a background in teaching, customer service, and hospitality.

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Madi is a counseling intern from Lenoir-Rhyne University, pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She provides short-term counseling and referrals at EAN, using a non-judgemental and empowering approach to help her clients rebuild self-esteem, develop healthier boundaries, and find relief from chronic stress. Her interests include working with individuals experiencing self-esteem challenges, negative self-talk, self-sabotaging patterns, and work-related stress. She is also interested in supporting individuals who are partnered with someone struggling with alcohol use, and who may be experiencing emotional strain, fear, withdrawal, or exhaustion from that relationship. Madi is passionate about helping clients create practical steps towards finding clarity, confidence, and emotional balance in their lives. 

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