Emily Lowery – Executive Director
Emily projects the calm assurance of someone who has dealt with greater adversity than today is likely to bring. She speaks reflectively about the path that brought her through a period of darkness that included homelessness to a successful career, an invitation to join The Haven Board, and now a calling to serve on its staff.
She joined our staff in January 2012. Starting in administration and making her way up to the role of Executive Director, “has been humbling”, she states. “To know where I’ve come from and where I’m at now is only through a Power greater than me.”
Email me at: [email protected]
Teresa – Assistant Director
Teresa joined our team at The Haven in early Summer of 2019 as Administrative Assistant and has worked her way to Assistant Director. With Teresa’s business background and experience she has from serving those experiencing homelessness in San Diego, she has a great heart for people.
She was part of a ministry that went to homeless camps to reach out to those who were there. She was able to provide hope among those who had lost hope. Her faith is big and her love for people shines through and possesses many other talents we hope to tap into!
Email Teresa at: [email protected]
Sasha – Case Manager
Sasha joined our staff in the Spring of 2019. A native Floridian and the daughter of Cuban immigrants, Sasha holds a B.A. in Psychology from The University of South Florida, and a Masters in Education with a specialization in Guidance and Counseling from American Military University. After receiving her B.A., she worked in the inner cities of Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg Florida with the severely and persistently mentally ill, families, battered woman, and conditionally released inmates. She completed her Master’s internship in the rural area of Ellijay Georgia, primarily working with the Guatemalan population, providing resources and empowerment classes for adolescent girls and helping parents with struggles acclimating to the United States. Now with the Haven, she will be working with clients to help them meet and obtain their goals to maximize their success and reach self sufficiency as they transition from The Haven back into the community. Sasha is passionate about helping others achieve their highest potential.
Email Sasha: [email protected]
Lynne Michael – Mental Health Specialist
Lynne Michael is proud to be a Transylvania County native. She holds close to her heart the Appalachian values of honor, dignity and respect. Lynne strives to apply these values in the work she does as a social worker. Her professional focus is working with marginalized populations.
Her goal is to help individuals and families on their journey for purpose and meaning in life no matter what their socioeconomic status or ethnicity.
Lynne received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Mars Hill University in Mars Hill NC. She later got her master’s degree from East Tennessee State university in Johnson City Tennessee.
While in her bachelor’s program she worked with individuals who suffered from traumatic brain injuries, autism, intellectual disability and cerebral palsy. Upon finishing her degreed programs Lynne has worked in Buncombe and Transylvania counties in mental health and substance abuse programs homelessness, disability law, adult education programs, domestic violence,
outreach programs. Lynne’s position with The Haven is mental health specialist.
She is honored to serve this organization in her hometown. She also volunteers her time with El Centro in Brevard teaching English to Spanish speakers. “I just love and respect all people. Everyone I have worked with has been my teacher in valuable life lessons. I am so thankful for these many gifts.”
When she isn’t working you can find her out in nature taking in the gifts of nature.
Shelter Assistants
The Haven has up to five Shelter Assistants that monitor the shelters, oversee daily activities and supplies, security, provide support and care for our guests.
We are fortunate that over 50% of our staff have lived experience of homelessness. This not only provides a perspective that others may not have, but empathy with the people we serve.
