STAFF
Danny Hampton
Executive Director
Danny has been serving in ministry leadership positions since his college days in 1982. During his years of ministry he has served in many different ministerial arenas including youth ministry, music/worship ministry, counseling, education, family ministry, and senior pastoral ministry. Danny has had the privilege to serve in ministry fields ranging from Orlando, Florida, to Endicott, New York and many places in-between.
Educationally, Danny earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Mars Hill University and a Masters of Divinity Degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2010, Danny and his family felt called to leave his pastorate in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and move back to his extended family’s homeland here in McDowell County. Shortly after arriving in Marion, Danny became Chaplain of the Marion Minimum Security Unit and an Assistant Chaplain at the Marion Correctional Institution.
It was during his time of serving as a prison chaplain that God birthed the vision for Freedom Life Ministries. Danny has served as Chaplain and Executive Director of Freedom Life Ministries since its inception in November of 2012.
Danny’s hobbies include music, writing, sports of all kinds, golf, and hiking.
Jim Smith
Development Director
Jim has dedicated over five years to Freedom Life, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth and impact. His involvement spans a variety of crucial areas, demonstrating a well-rounded skillset and commitment to the organization’s mission. He has been instrumental in developing and implementing marketing strategies to raise awareness and expand Freedom Life’s reach. Furthermore, Jim has played a key role in the organization’s development, likely contributing to strategic planning, program design, and overall organizational effectiveness. His expertise in funding strategies has been invaluable, securing the necessary resources to support Freedom Life’s operations and initiatives. This includes experience in grant writing, a specialized skill that requires meticulous research, compelling proposal development, and adherence to strict guidelines. Finally, Jim provides oversight of the finances for all three Freedom Life counties, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and maintaining financial transparency. This multifaceted role underscores Jim’s dedication and his vital contributions to Freedom Life’s success across its service areas.
Janis Bolick
Executive Administrator
Coming soon.
Melissa Nealley
Director of Client Care
Melissa has called Western North Carolina home for most of her life. Her professional career has been to serve the citizens of McDowell by working in the county office. Melissa has also worked as a volunteer with the DSS Child Services Department for many years, where she served as both a foster parent and also as a Guardian Ad Litem. Her vast experience in Child Services has uniquely qualified Melissa to help FL clients whose children are in the DSS system.
Melissa has served as a volunteer with FLM since its inception in 2013. She has been working as a DSS Child Services Client Liaison and a Case Manager since 2014.
Melissa’s own personal journey with God through many difficult life experiences has given her a seasoned capacity to connect with and care for the clients she serves. Her hobbies include traveling, swimming, and shopping.
CHRISTINE GILMORE
Client Care & Housing Admin
Christine comes from an extensive law enforcement and homeless services background with a Master’s in Public Administration. She joined our team due to her great desire to continue serving CJI populations. As the Client Care and Housing Administrator, she supports the Client Care team, works with clients, and will be playing a vital role in the growth and implementation of future housing development.
Regina Riggs
Asst. Financial Administrator & BRCCS Director
Regina is a McDowell county native. She has an Associate’s Degree in Science from Western Piedmont. Regina has been with Freedom Life since 2016. She serves as the financial administrator for the Blue Ridge Community Care Services: a social security payee company that provides financial management for the individuals who require assistance in managing their social security or social security income payments. Regina also administrates the finances of Freedom Preasure Washing. She is married to John for 34 Years. Regina loves Freedom Life and the work it does for the community.
Melissa marlowe
SCA Program Director
Melissa Marlowe is excited to be a part of Freedom Life. She worked for 20 years with LifeWay’s Ridgecrest Conference Center as an Administrative Assistant to the Director and also supervised the summer staff and volunteer programs. She has spent the last five years exploring other career opportunities as a NC State life, health and medicare insurance agent, a tax resolution specialist with Atkins & Associates and an instructor with McDowell Technical Community College GED program. Melissa graduated in 2015 from Appalachian with a degree in Communications, Advertising and a minor in Business.
David Grant
Community Liaison
David is a dedicated community advocate currently serving as a Community Liaison and Client Care Assistant. With a diverse professional background spanning law enforcement, probation services, and the Department of Social Services, David brings a wealth of experience in public service and crisis intervention to his work.
Beyond his administrative roles, David is an impactful Life Coach and Mentor, providing guidance to individuals across all generations. His commitment to service is deeply rooted in his faith.
Milana Ward
Avery County Reentry Coordinator
Native of Avery County. Started my journey with Freedom Life in November of 2022. In March of 2018, I truly learned what it was to surrender something to the Lord, as I hit my knees in rehab (for the second time) and begged God to take my addiction from me. I was exhausted and to the very end of myself! God answered that prayer and little did I know He was working behind the scenes to get me to this point! Once he took it from me I still had a lot of work to do and I needed a lot of support. That is what I hope to do with Freedom Life, be a part of walking beside people to a better way of life. I have a heart for helping people facing some of the same challenges I faced trying to find my own recovery. In being the re-entry coordinator for Avery County I can now be a part of the solution! I look forward to whatever God sends my way!
www.freedomlifeavery.org
King Mawhinney
Foothills Coordinator
King Mawhinney joined Freedom Life Ministries in May 2023, bringing a unique blend of executive leadership and pastoral care to the team. A retired financial services executive, King transitioned into ministry in 2016, a move that culminated in his current role as the Facilitator of the Pre-release Reentry Program at Foothills Minimum Custody Unit.
King’s academic and professional credentials are extensive: he holds an MA in Social Sciences, an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Correctional Chaplaincy Certificate. As an Ordained Chaplain who has completed Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), he is uniquely equipped to mentor those within the justice system. King is deeply committed to helping individuals realize their God-given potential, ensuring their personal growth aligns with a higher purpose.
Cindy Hampton
Client Care Case Manager
Originally from South Carolina, Cindy has been part of the McDowell county community for over 10 years, which is also home to her extended family.
Cindy’s background includes family ministry and substance abuse counseling, along with over 30 years of support and service with her husband through ministry in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Indiana, New Jersey and New York. She graduated from Meredith College and has a Masters of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Cindy is thankful to be part of the Freedom Life family and feels blessed to serve with such deeply committed people who have a passionate love for God and our community.
Jason Wallace
Jail Liaison / Case Manager
Jason serves as the liaison between Freedom Life and McDowell County Jail. He helps to coordinate and facilitate pre-release programming that prepares incarcerated men and women for reintegration back into the community. From there, he also helps coordinate working as a case manager with men and women whom have been incarcerated. Jason was a client with Freedom Life and has a strong heart to work with those looking for a new beginning. Jason is a certified peer support specialist and continues to grow his education and certifications.
Jeremy CHampion
Avery Case Manager
Welcome to my journey of faith and service. Growing up in Hickory and spending summers in Avery County with my great grandmother shaped my early experiences with God. At 14, I encountered Jesus and felt His presence profoundly during a church service with my best friend by my side. My college years at App State, where I earned a B.S. in psychology, were transformative, as I went on international mission trips that deepened my faith and opened my heart to God’s love for the world. Now, as a Case manager at Freedom Life and a leader in Celebrate Recovery, I am honored to walk alongside others on their paths of healing, guided by the servant’s heart that God has given me.
www.freedomlifeavery.org
Robin Stapleton
Transportation Director
Robin serves as the Transportation Coordinator for the Freedom Life Marion office, where she manages essential logistics and operations. In addition to her coordination role, she provides vital administrative support to the finance department, overseeing receipt management and tax filings. Robin also plays a key role in data management for the facility’s outreach programs, including jail and men’s support groups.
Robin holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Development and is a certified Peer Support Specialist. Currently pursuing her CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) credential, she is deeply committed to her own professional growth and the empowerment of others. Having moved to Marion eight years ago to embark on a journey of personal and spiritual restoration, Robin now uses her lived experience and education to lead women toward a positive and purposeful future.
Shayna Turner
Client Care Case Manager
Shayna Turner is a native of Yancey County with a powerful testimony of transformation and recovery. After spending 10 years in active addiction, her life changed on December 23, 2023, when God led her into recovery. Shayna is a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist and serves as a Case Manager with Freedom Life Yancey. Through her lived experience and faith, she is passionate about helping justice-involved individuals find hope, healing, and a new path forward in the same community she once struggled in.
www.FreedomLifeYancey.org
Chris Cordero
Case Manager
Chris is a Case Manager and Certified Peer Support Specialist at Freedom Life Ministries, where he specializes in supporting individuals navigating recovery, reentry, and complex life transitions. By integrating coordinated programming with peer-led guidance, Chris provides a holistic approach to case management. He leverages his own lived experience to offer authentic empathy and practical strategies for those pursuing a fresh start. Driven by a mission of empowerment, Chris is dedicated to fostering hope and facilitating sustainable, meaningful life changes for every individual he serves.
Erin Cordero
Associate Reentry Coordinator
Erin Cordero is the Reentry Coordinator/Case Manager/Certified Peer Support Specialist for Freedom Life Ministries in Yancey County. She combines lived experience with professional insight to guide and support individuals navigating reentry and recovery. As a case manager, she works directly with clients to create actionable plans for their reintegration, while also leading support groups in Yancey Co. jail every week. Known for her compassion, dedication, and trailblazing approach, she is building pathways of hope and empowerment for people seeking a fresh start.
www.FreedomLifeYancey.org
Mandi Gouge
Finance Manager
Mandi serves as the Finance Manager at Freedom Life, where she ensures that the organization’s mission is supported by a foundation of fiscal integrity and transparency. A 2005 graduate of McDowell Technical Community College with a degree in Accounting, Mandi brings more than two decades of experience to the team, including eight years of rigorous training within a CPA firm. She views her role as one of stewardship, rooted in her favorite scripture, Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Mandi’s dedication to restoration extends deep into her personal life. She is a proud mother and step-mother to three boys and treasures her role as a grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren. A native of the region, Mandi loves exploring the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. When she isn’t at the office, she and her husband, Jason, can usually be found hiking or discovering hidden waterfalls, enjoying the peace and family time that the mountains provide.