Teen Challenge of the Smokies Men's Center

Leadership Team

Mike Barres - Executive Director

DEDICATED STAFF

Program Director - Jason Henshaw

Campus Pastor - Keith McWhite

Thrift Store Manager - Norma McClure

Secretary - Betty Barres

Staff

Nick Desimone

Justin Tolliver

Mike Kines

Interns

Caleb Delorenzo

Kyle Adams

BOARD MEMBERS

Rick Westerman - Executive Director, Habitat Franklin/Sylva

Richard Tirrell - CPA/Owner of Richard C. Tirrell, CPA, PA, Waynesville

Forest Jones, Pastor Cullasaja Assembly

Michael Stephens, Pastor Franklin Church of God

Wesley Price, Pastor Watauga Baptist

Rob Loafman - Edward Jones Financial

Dave Odell - Retired EMT

Alise Sutton- Probation officer

Testimonials

Leadership Team

“I’ve believed in this ministry since its very beginning. And I continue to support it. I consider it a real privilege to endorse this work. Thank God for Teen Challenge!”

-Rev. Billy Graham

“In Teen Challenge, I learned REAL life skills. God erased the “street skills” I once knew and renewed my mind. I was surrounded by the love and grace of God… God has restored my family, my marriage and a once broken life!”

—Bethany Marler, TC graduate

“I sincerely appreciate your efforts to reach and rehabilitate the many young people who have, at present, no hope in life. The ministry and dedication of Teen Challenge deserve the commendation of every citizen.”

—President Ronald Reagan

Directors

Mike Barres

Jason Henshaw

Pastored for 36 years prior to becoming Executive Director of Men's Teen Challenge of the Smokies

Jason Henshaw

Jason is our Program Director and graduated from Teen Challenge in 1997 and was on staff at St. Louis TC for two years before attending University of Valley Forge. He was a youth/associate pastor from 2000-2010. From 2010-2012 he worked at Timber Ridge in Cross Junction, VA as a teacher/counselor. From 2012-2018, he was senior pastor at a church in WV.

Betty Barres

Jason Henshaw

Betty Barres

Betty is our secretary and also does our newsletter and does many other tasks. She has been a church secretary at two different churches.

Staff

Nick Desimone

Nick graduated from Men's Teen Challenge of the Smokies in May 2020. He is from Orlando, FL and wanted to serve on staff in order to give back to the ministry, the brothers and to serve the Lord.

Mike graduated Appalachian Teen Challenge in 1990. He joined the team with Men's Teen Challenge of

Mike Kines

Nick Desimone

Mike graduated Appalachian Teen Challenge in 1990. He joined the team with Men's Teen Challenge of the Smokies in August 2021. Mike and his wife Charity were married in 1995 and serve as a testimony of Jesus Christ and the success of Teen challenge in changing lives.

Interns

Caleb Delorenzo

Caleb graduated MTCOTS on June 12, 2021. He believes the Lord wanted him to stay and give back and help the guys who come after him in their recovery and their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Kyle Adams

Caleb Delorenzo

Kyle graduated MTCOTS on July 18, 2020. After working off campus while in the graduate program, the Lord directed him to come back and work on staff. He is thankful to be able to pour into the guys' lives and help those who have come after him in their recovery and their relationship with Jesus Christ.