Executive Director
In May of 2019 High Country Caregivers hired Jacob as Executive Director. He came to High Country Caregivers with 20 years of experience working with and leading nonprofit organizations. Jacob has a background in addictive behavior therapy and counseling. He is the past Chair of the Mitchell County Board of Social Services and Board of Commissioners. He worked for 10 years as clinical chaplain at Avery Mitchell Correctional Institution. He also worked as the Director of Philanthropy and Marketing for Compassionate Care WNC. He comes to HCC with a heart for kinship caregivers.
Finance Director
Marty has over 25 years of experience in programs and systems development. She has helped establish multiple non-profits in the High Country. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from Appalachian State University. She comes to High Country Caregivers with a heart from personal experience of being a caregiver for her mother and step-father. Outside of a significant background in accounting and finance, Marty assisted in the creation and development of the HCC Kinship Navigation Model and promotes advocacy for kinship caregivers both in North Carolina and nationwide.
Clinical Services Director
Caroline came to High Country Caregivers as a volunteer in September of 2021 supervising our children on monthly field trips and Relatives as Parents Program meetings. She graduated in 2021 with her Bachelor of Social Work degree then received her Master of Social Work degree in May of 2022, both from Appalachian State University. Caroline worked as a Kinship Navigator until July 2024 and is now completing North Carolina Licensure in Clinical Social Work providing therapy services for our kinship youth and their caregivers. Caroline cares deeply for the youth and kinship families of the High Country and enjoys serving them in any way that will make a lasting difference in their lives.
Community Engagement Manager
Jesslynn was born and raised in the High Country and graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development specializing in Family & Child Studies with a minor in Psychology. She was Vice President of Tau Sigma, a National Honor Society for Transfer Students, and performed her practicum with Western Youth Network and her internship with the Watauga Children’s Council. Through her experiences in the High Country and her upbringing, she has developed a passion to advocate for those in need. Jesslynn enjoys showing her empathy, passion, and dedication to the High Country and our kinship families.
Kinship Case Manager
Taylor Carrillo is a recent graduate of the App State masters of social work program. She and her husband moved to the area in August of 2024 and quickly got to know and rely on their community during their first-ever hurricane, Helene. Taylor grew up in Pinedale, Wyoming and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in interpersonal communication. After spending three years working as a case manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters and then as a 4-H Agent for Colorado State University, she moved to North Carolina to pursue her MSW. During grad school, Taylor completed a graduate assistantship with the App State Honors College and interned at the Jonas Hill Behavioral Health Inpatient Hospital in Lenoir. She has experience working with children and youth in multiple settings as well as adults with mild to severe mental illness. Taylor’s other passions include alpine skiing, agriculture, and animals- she grew up raising pigs and rabbits in 4-H and now has three cats named Craig, Lucy, and Ripp. Although they love the Rockies, she and her family have chosen to make a permanent home in the Blue Ridge and look forward to getting to know Avery, Yancey, and Mitchel counties even better!
Kinship Navigator
Emily Geritz is a Kinship Navigator with High Country Caregivers, where she supports kinship caregivers and families throughout Watauga, Wilkes, and Ashe counties. In her role, Emily coordinates and facilitates RAPP meetings while connecting caregivers with resources, support services, and community programs that help strengthen families and improve outcomes for children. Emily earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Appalachian State University, with minors in Psychology and Sociology. She is passionate about serving families, advocating for caregivers, and building strong community partnerships to support kinship care throughout the High Country region. Through her work, Emily is committed to empowering caregivers, fostering meaningful connections, and helping families access the resources they need to thrive.
Program Manager
Anita originally became involved with High Country Caregivers in 2021 when three of her grandchildren were placed in her care. She was able to adopt them in the fall of 2023. Anita was born and raised in Ashe county. With a background in office administration and healthcare billing, she joined our staff in 2024. She finds great pleasure in helping other caregivers and seeing her grandchildren develop a sense of belonging and community with other kinship youth. Anita develops and delivers educational resources for kinship caregivers spearheading the adult groups at monthly Relatives as Parents Program meetings. She also created a newsletter for kinship youth that encourages awareness and engagement in our youth enrichment activities. Anita is a genuine example of HCC’s commitment to empower kinship caregivers and shares that commitment by empowering other caregivers.
Office Manager
Ausha O’Quinn became a member of the HCC team in January of 2026. Her past work in both law and financial offices exposed her to the tools and skills she would need to work with the High Country Caregivers. With past management of a resort and bar, she learned how to work closely with the public and the community. How children are treated and cared for is something that has always been of utmost importance to Ausha, and she is excited to be a part of a group that advocates on their behalf in a way that matters most.
Public Relations Manager
Nathan came to High Country Caregivers in 2021 as a Kinship Navigator, during which time he and his wife acquired their son, a nephew they have now adopted. He utilizes his Bachelor’s degree in English from Appalachian State University to share all that HCC does through articles, newsletters, and social media. With a background in law enforcement, Nathan worked as a probation parole officer addressing mental health, substance abuse, education and other needs of individuals on probation. He continues a successful relationship with his Little Brother (now adult) that he mentored through volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Burke County. Nathan is another sincere example of HCC’s commitment to empower kinship caregivers.
