Our History
Mitchell-Yancey Healthy Families receives MIECHV funding to serve Mitchell and Yancey Counties
Mitchell-Yancey Healthy Families begins serving families.
Mitchell-Yancey Healthy Families goes through 1st successful accreditation
Buncombe Ridge Partnership for Children begins serving Avery County
MYHF goes through 2nd successful accreditation
MYHF secures funding from the Amy Wellness Foundation to begin serving Avery County
Program changes name to Blue Ridge Healthy Families and launches services in Avery County
Blue Ridge Healthy Families receives award from Buncombe Partnership for Children
Blue Ridge Healthy Families begins Buncombe County implementation
Blue Ridge Healthy Families began serving families in Buncombe County.
Blue Ridge Healthy Families goes through their third and most successful accreditation
Blue Ridge Healthy Families receives Duke Endowment expansion grant to add Madison County to their service footprint
Blue Ridge Healthy Families launches the first annual #thematthewproject
HISTORY OF
HEALTHY FAMILIES
As PCA America’s signature home visiting program, Healthy Families America (HFA), is the model best equipped to assist families and ensure their relational health as it embodies the four cornerstones of healthy relationships (safety, comfort, predictability, joy). Once parents experience these in a genuine way and in the context of a relationship with another, they are able to provide the same experience for their children.
Healthy Families America® (HFA) is a nationally recognized evidence-based home visiting program model designed to work with overburdened families who are at-risk for adverse childhood experiences, including child maltreatment. It is the primary home visiting model best equipped to work with families who may have histories of trauma, intimate partner violence, mental health and/or substance abuse issues. HFA services begin prenatally or right after the birth of a baby and are offered voluntarily, intensively and over the long-term (3 to 5 years after the birth of the baby).
The HFA model, developed in 1992 by Prevent Child Abuse America, is based upon 12 Critical Elements derived from more than 30 years of research to ensure programs are effective in working with families. These Critical Elements are operationalized through a series of best practice standards that provide a solid structure for quality yet offer programs the flexibility to design services specifically to meet the unique needs of families and communities. Model fidelity is illustrated through a comprehensive accreditation process. Currently there are nearly 700 affiliated HFA program sites in 40 States, DC, all five US territories: Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Northern Commonwealth of the Marianas, the American Samoa and Canada.
HFA has a strong research base which includes randomized control trials and well designed quasi-experimental research. To date, research and evaluation indicates impressive outcomes. Reviews of more than 15 evaluation studies of HFA programs in 12 states produced the following outcomes:
For more information, visit www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org.
BLUE RIDGE HEALTHY FAMILIES
We have been providing quality services to families in our area since May of 2012. In addition to our extensive services, our home visitors use evidence-based curricula with BRHF families.. Our primary curriculum is Growing Great Kids by Great Kids, Inc. as well as numerous supplemental curricula. We offer a wide range of resources on specific parenting topics and all of our staff are intensively trained in a variety of social and developmental areas (including but not limited to: Maternal Depression, Substance Abuse, Infant and Toddler Development, Car Seat Safety.
Blue Ridge Healthy Families is funded by the Department of Public Health through Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting funds, the Amy Wellness Foundation and Smart Start funding from the Buncombe County Partnership for Children.
*See more about the services we offer on the Service Providers tab.
BRHF is a true collaborative effort between many agencies in the service area. BRHF is a program of the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children. The BRHF Advisory Team is fortunate to have the expertise of many of the leaders innovating change for families in Buncombe, Mitchell, Yancey, and Avery Counties, as well as, the NC HFA MIECHV State Consultant.
OUR PARTNERS
BRHF is a true collaborative effort between many agencies in the service area. BRHF is a program of the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children. The BRHF Leadership Team is blessed to have the expertise of many of the leaders innovating change for families in Mitchell, Yancey, and Avery Counties. Mark Ownbey is the NC HFA MIECHV State Consultant.
LEADERSHIP BOARD
PATH | Blue Ridge Partnership for Children | NC MIECHV State Team
MEET THE TEAM
Our employees are the heart of Blue Ridge Healthy Families.
We would love the opportunity to know you more!
NICKEY STAMEY
Program Director, IMH-E ®
Nickey is the BRHF Program Director at the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children. She has served in that role since 2012 when the program first began implementation. Nickey has served in a variety of leadership roles including serving as the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Toe River. Nickey is endorsed by the North Carolina Infant Mental Health Association as an Infant Family Reflective Supervisor and holds her NC Certificate in Trauma and Resilience. She enjoys traveling with her husband and son and spending time with her cats.
828-682-0047
392 E Main Street
Burnsville, NC 28714
AUTUMN SNYDER
Clinical Implementation Manager
Autumn graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a double major in Human Services and Religion. She feels honored to have been with Blue Ridge Healthy Families since 2015 and started supervising in 2020. She is thankful to have her Infant Mental Health-Endorsement as she feels this adds to her work with staff and families.
“I believe that the work that is happening at BRHF truly helps families gain the tools and support they need to break generational cycles.”
Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and photography. She and her husband, Brent, have three beautiful children; Dawson, Eden and Hayden. Autumn enjoys slow days at home with them as well as busy days full of ball games.
Autumn is currently studying to receive her masters in Christian Marriage, Family, and Individual Counseling. Her faith in God is her grounding force and who she credits all her blessings to. Her service to her job, family, and ministry come from a deep desire and calling to honor God and serve Him well in all that she does.
828-385-3946
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
JENNIFER GUERRERO
AMY Region Supervisor
Jennifer is the AMY Region Supervisor. Jennifer graduated from Lees McRae College with a BAAS in Human Services in 2020. Jennifer is certified in administrating Circle of Security, Growing Great Kids curriculum, and is in the process of obtaining her Infant Mental-Health Endorsement. Jennifer has always dreamt on work with families and children.
“I have always dreamt about working for a program like Blue Ridge Healthy Families! An organization that understands every family dynamic is unique and that there is a system to support these families to build a healthy lifestyle for themselves and children!”
Jennifer grew up in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. She and her husband have a 9-year-old son. Jennifer loves to be at home with her family, watching a movie. She loves living in the area and spending time with her family and friends.
828-208-3159
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
AMBERLY BIDDIX
Data Manager
Amberly graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in University Studies with a thematic core in data management. She also graduated with a certification in Data Analytics from East Carolina State University. She has two young boys and loves to read. Amberly is excited to help families and her community in whatever way her skills best allow.
828-682-0047
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
TONYA BOONE
Family Support Specialist
Tonya Boone has been a Family Support Specialist with Blue Ridge Healthy Families since 2020. Tonya earned her Bachelors of Social Work in 2019 from Mars Hill University, after working as a server for 16 years. Over the years, Tonya has worked as a weekend shift worker with the Family Violence Coalition and has experience and training with Domestic Violence. Tonya did her Senior internship at Yancey County DSS, and afterward was hired as a CPS
worker, and later as a Foster Care worker for Yancey County Department of Social Services. In 2020 Tonya was hired by Blue Ridge Healthy Families and continues to serve families as a home visitor. Since her employment with BRHF, Tonya has had many hours of training through the Healthy Families program in areas such as facilitation of the Growing Great Kids Curriculum, breastfeeding, and infant massage, to assist her in her role as a Family Support Specialist. Tonya has earned her facilitator’s license in the parenting education curriculum Circle of Security, and has been endorsed as a Family Infant Specialist through the NC Infant Mental Health Alliance.
In her free time, Tonya enjoys being at home with her family, and pets.
“I am grateful for the different work experiences that I have had over the years that haveallowed me to work with, and serve people from all different walks of life. My goal as a home visitor is that the families I serve will graduate from our program with a better understanding of bonding and attachment between parent and child, ways of accessing community resources, and the confidence to work towards future goals”.
828-467-1173
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
MARCEE NORTON
Family Support Specialist
Marcee Norton is a Family Support Specialist with Blue Ridge Healthy Families, serving Buncombe County, Marcee has a degree in Early Childhood Education and over twenty years experience serving families and young children through various roles including Pre-K Teacher, Preschool Director, and Children’s Ministry Director.
“I strongly believe that parents are the most influential person in a child’s life and I am excited to partner with families to ensure their babies get off to a great start by helping families develop the tools they need to succeed.”
Outside of work, Marcee enjoys getting outside, hiking, exercise, and spending time with her husband and two adult kids.
828-643-0054
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
KAITLYN ORR
Madison Family Support Specialist
Kaitlyn has her Bachelors of Social Work degree from Western Carolina University. Born and raised in Madison County, Kaitlyn has deep roots in the community and a passion for making a difference. Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time with family, including her young son and beloved chihuahuas. As a cat lover, Kaitlyn also finds joy in the company of feline friends. Kaitlyn is committed to bringing empathy and enthusiasm to her work, drawing inspiration from both her personal and professional experiences.
828-206-5435
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
BROOKE LETTERMAN
Buncombe Family Support Specialist
Brooke Letterman is a Family Support Specialist for Buncombe County. She was born and raised in Western North Carolina before she moved to the coast of NC to attend and graduate from the University of North Carolina- Wilmington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Brooke became a mother at the young age of 19, in her freshman year of college. Having her son inspired her to want to serve Moms and Families during the life-changing event of bringing a child into the world. She worked as the Pregnancy Care Manager for Mitchell and Yancey Counties for six years before deciding to enter the Early Childhood Education field as a Childcare Director. Brooke worked as the Director of Little Hands Learning Center for two years, where she also received her Early Childhood Education Credentials from Haywood Community College. She has also served her community as a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician through Safe Kids NC since 2015. Brooke started with Blue Ridge Healthy Families in September of 2023 to serve families in Buncombe County.
Outside of work, Brooke is a busy mom and wife. She has been married to her husband since 2013 and they have three beautiful children, Jonah, Ezra, and Aliza. They are a very active family that spends a lot of time on the ball-field. She enjoys spending time watching her kids do all of their extracurricular activities and loves just hanging out at home with her husband, kids, and pets. Brooke is a cat-mom to two cats, Macho and Manny, as well as a dog-mom to two German Shepherds, Rowdy and Remy. Her family attends Brookstone Church and her faith in God has led her throughout her life to serve, love, and support Mamas and Families in Western NC. Her goal for all families in the Blue Ridge Healthy Families program is to be the best parents they can be and to provide them with the encouragement and resources to reach their full potential!
828-208-2243
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
SONYA LIBOW
AMY Family Support Specialist
Sonya began her journey as a Family Support Specialist in 2013 when the program was Mitchell -Yancey Healthy Families. Sonya has been fortunate enough to witness and experience the growth of Blue Ridge
Healthy Families and its expansion into three additional counties. Sonya’s passion for serving others lead her to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Gardner- Webb University. Sonya has received an abundance of training during her years as a Family Support Specialist. Sonya is certified to provide parent education from the Growing Great Kids Curriculum and is a trained facilitator in the
curriculum, Circle of Security. Sonya is also trained in child development, breastfeeding support and many other services that help her provide the best support possible to the families she serves. Sonya feels fortunate to be a part of such a beneficial program serving families in the surrounding communities.
Sonya lives in the foothills of the magnificent Blue Ridge mountains where she was born and raised. Sonya has two beloved adult daughters and some mischievous, yet endearing cats. Sonya hopes to watch many families grow and flourish as they participate and receive the invaluable support of Blue Ridge Healthy Families.
828-208-3158
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
FUN FACT 1
By the time a family graduates from the program, they will have at least...120 Instructional Hours
By the time a family graduates from the BRHF they will have at least 120 instructional hours of parenting education. That is equivalent to an associates degree in parenting! Not everyone can say that!
FUN FACT 2
Families and program participants get to do fun things like...COOKOUTS, CANNING, and CROCKPOT COOKING!
Families and program participants get to do fun things like cookouts, canning and crockpot cooking! Contact us today to get more information and to join in on the fun.
FUN FACT 3
Blue Ridge Healthy Families is an accredited chapter of the...THE HEALTHY FAMILIES ASSOCIATION NETWORK
Blue Ridge Healthy Families is an accredited chapter of the Healthy Families Association National Network. We obtained our accreditation on our first try!
FUN FACT 4
BRHF is the only community-based program in this region that...SUPPORTS FAMILIES IN THEIR HOME
BRHF is the only community based program in this region that supports families with comprehensive, intensive and tailored services in their home. Contact us today!