Executive Director

Shelly has served as Executive Director of Sharing House for 12 years, guiding the organization in fulfilling its mission and vision. Through her leadership, she ensures that programs are thoughtfully designed and well-resourced to meet the needs of the community. Shelly actively shares the stories of Sharing House’s impact with congregations, civic groups, businesses, and other community partners across Transylvania County. An ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, she brings a deep background in ecumenical and interfaith ministries. A native of Western North Carolina, Shelly earned her degrees from Wofford College and Duke Divinity School and was a. She also contributes her time and expertise by serving on multiple nonprofit boards. In her free time, Shelly enjoys hiking, photographing wildflowers, and taking scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Community Impact Director

Cara leads strategic initiatives, partnerships, communications, and fundraising at Sharing House, advancing the organization’s mission to cultivate lasting solutions to poverty. She brings two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, media, and community advocacy. Cara is also an instructor with Cornell University, where she teaches professional development courses on leadership, innovation, and systems change. She serves on the executive team of Brevard-Transylvania Housing Coalition, the board of the Center for Spiritual Wisdom, and chairs the Transylvania County Long-Term Recovery Group. Cara is a passionate communicator and coalition builder with a commitment to community resilience. Outside of work, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, cold water plunges, and spending time with her rescue dogs. 

Crisis Assistance & Clothing Manager

Valinda manages crisis services at Sharing House and oversees the clothing room and shower facilities, providing dignified, immediate support to neighbors. In 2024, she launched a new Mail Drop service, creating a secure and consistent way for unhoused neighbors to receive essential correspondence—a lifeline for access to jobs, benefits, and housing. Valinda brings over a decade of nonprofit experience, having worked with the Salvation Army and Carolina Family Health Center in Wilson, NC, and previously served as a caseworker with social services. Her work is grounded in compassion, practical problem-solving, and deep respect for the dignity of every individual. Outside of work, Valinda enjoys gardening, hiking, and pottery. Her creativity and care are evident in everything she does. 

Crisis Assistance & Volunteer Director

Jackie oversees all crisis services at Sharing House, ensuring that neighbors receive compassionate, timely support during times of hardship. She leads a generous team of volunteers who welcome neighbors at the door, schedule appointments, and conduct interviews with care and respect. Jackie trains these volunteers to be effective, empathetic listeners, and fosters a spirit of hospitality in every interaction. She also manages the use of Sharing House’s crisis services database and is responsible for the equitable distribution of financial assistance. Before joining Sharing House, Jackie worked as a supervisor in the mental health field, bringing a strong background in supportive care and systems management. She brings a touch of creativity to her work and workspaces—Jackie is a talented crafter who enjoys using her artistic eye to make environments more welcoming. In her free time, she loves cooking, spending time with her family, and tuning in to The Moth Story Hour for stories that inspire and connect. 

Neighbors Market Director

Sara oversees all food operations Sharing House, ensuring that neighbors have consistent access to fresh, nutritious options rooted in dignity and choice. She brings deep experience in local food systems, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Prior to joining Sharing House, Sara served as the Nutrition Educator and Agriculture Program Assistant for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Transylvania County, where she taught food safety and healthy eating to limited-resource families. Her work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves access to wholesome food, and she finds joy in building community connections around shared meals and food justice. Sara brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to pantry operations, regularly listening to neighbors and adapting offerings to meet evolving needs. When not working, Sara enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the trails of her Pisgah Forest backyard through backpacking and outdoor adventure.

Empowerment Programs Manager

Bunny manages the Empowerment Programs at Sharing House, walking alongside adults and youth as they work toward financial independence, personal growth, and lasting stability. He also oversees the Wheels to Work program, which provides essential transportation for neighbors, enabling them to sustain employment and secure housing. Bunny brings over two decades of leadership in community-centered work to his role. His previous experience includes directing Bill’s Boiler House at Brevard College and leading youth programs at Malibu Methodist Church in California. A graduate of Brevard College with a degree in psychology, he also mentors youth at The Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club. Raised in a close-knit farming community, Bunny holds a deep appreciation for strong relationships and mutual support—values that shape his approach to building resilient communities. Outside of work, he enjoys canoeing and hiking with his partner, Rachel, and their dog, Watson, always finding renewal in the natural beauty that surrounds their home.

Volunteer Engagement & Support Manager

Jane began volunteering at Sharing House in the Neighbors' Market & Pantry in 2024 and quickly became an indispensable member of the team—especially during the Hurricane Helene crisis response, when she stepped up to support both staff and neighbors with grace and dedication. Her leadership during that intense time left a lasting impact, and her temporary role soon became a permanent one. Jane brings a background in real estate law, lending a detail-oriented, people-first approach to her work. At Sharing House, she supports daily operations, coordinates volunteers, and ensures neighbors receive thoughtful, effective services. Her steady presence and commitment to compassionate care make her a trusted team member and a calming force in busy moments. Outside of work, Jane is a music aficionado, enjoying her favorite bands at local music venues and traveling great distances for a good show. Her love of music reflects the joy and energy she brings to all she does. 

Neighbors Market Manager

Bev began volunteering with Sharing House in 2017 and officially joined the team in 2021. She now manages the daily operations of the Neighbors Market and Pantry, partnering closely with volunteers to ensure that everything—from the intake of in-kind food donations to neighbor shopping, pick-up, and online ordering—runs smoothly, efficiently, and with dignity. Bev brings a full career of nonprofit leadership to her role, including experience as a Family Services Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity in Alabama and in community education and development roles with Arbor Hospice and Homecare in Michigan. She also owned and operated a business providing online marketing and communications support to nonprofits and small businesses. Bev’s commitment to service runs deep—she has always found ways to give back in the communities where she’s lived, including one of her favorite roles: supporting her children’s school. She brings heart, humility, and a passion for connection to her role.

Special Projects Manager

Lynn serves as the instigator of joy at Sharing House, infusing warmth, creativity, and care into the Special Projects that nurture children and youth in our community. She oversees both the Back to School supply program and the Christmas Blessings initiative, ensuring that children are supported with dignity and delight during key moments of the year. Lynn coordinates dozens of volunteers, manages the year-round purchase of school supplies and toys in bulk, and serves as the primary contact for neighbors seeking seasonal program appointments. Her attention to detail and heart for service create meaningful experiences for both families and volunteers. Before joining Sharing House, Lynn worked in psychiatric nursing and brings a background rich in compassion, patience, and resilience. Originally from Michigan, she now calls Brevard home. Lynn brings abundant laughter and love to her work and is a beloved member of the team whose joyful spirit uplifts the entire Sharing House community.

Finance and Operations Director

Kristine oversees all aspects of Sharing House’s financial health and operations, ensuring that resources are managed with integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability. Her responsibilities include business management, accounting, contracts, donor data oversight, and maintaining rigorous internal financial controls. She tracks the annual budget, projects future organizational needs, allocates funds to maximize program impact, and assists the Executive Director with human resources functions. Through her leadership of the finance committee, Sharing House has earned top ratings from independent nonprofit evaluators such as Charity Navigator and GuideStar. Kristine’s attention to detail and strategic insight are essential to the organization’s continued growth. Outside of work, she is a devoted Disney World aficionado who believes in the power of fun and childlike wonder, taking annual trips with her daughter and family. She is also a certified yoga teacher and brings a calm, grounded presence to the Sharing House team, helping to cultivate a balanced and focused organizational culture.