Mike Barres - Executive Director
DEDICATED STAFF
Program Director - Jason Henshaw
Campus Pastor - Keith McWhite
Thrift Store Manager - Norma McClure
Secretary - Betty Barres
Staff
Rick Shays
Josh Deleski
Interns
Justin Tolliver
Nick Desimone
Mitchell Jackson
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
“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
Pastored for 36 years prior to becoming Executive Director of Men's Teen Challenge of the Smokies
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 is our secretary and also does our newsletter and does many other tasks. She has been a church secretary at two different churches.
Keith is our Campus Pastor. Keith has over 17 years experience in Teen Challenge.
Rick graduated from Men's Teen Challenge of the Smokies in August 2018. After serving as an intern, he was brought on fulltime and currently serves as our Kitchen Supervisor and Graduate Program Supervisor.
Josh graduated from Cape Girardeau, MO on June 28th 2019. Wanting to give back to the community, he decided to come on and intern here at Men's TC of the Smokies. After serving as an intern, he has been brought on full time as our Curriculum Director.
Justin graduated Men’s Teen Challenge of the Smokies in September of 2019. He came on staff as an intern at the end of September.
Nick graduated from Men's Teen Challenge of the Smokies in May 2020. He is from Orlando, FL and decided to stay to intern in order to give back to the ministry, the brothers and to serve the Lord.
Mitchell graduated from Teen Challenge of Southern California in January 2019. He served at Riverside Teen Challenge for 4 months before coming to Men's Teen Challenge of the Smokies. He is currently working with Intake.
Norma is our Thrift Store Manager. She has many years experience in the this type business. Many say that it is the nicest Thrift Store they have ever been in.