Staff Bios
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. His 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.
Janice Bolick, Executive Administrator
Janis has spent much of her life in the mountains of North Carolina. She was a Special Education Teacher in the Newton-Conover City School system for 29 years and retired in 2015. Janis began volunteering at Freedom Life in 2018 and has helped in the front office as well as special events and projects over the years since then.
In March of 2024 she officially joined the Freedom Life Team and now serves as the Reentry Council Administrator for McDowell, Avery, Yancey, and Mitchell Counties. In addition to reentry council activities, Janis also coordinates volunteers, prayer team, and keeps the front office running smoothly.
Janis especially enjoys how her job connects her to our clients and to the community. She is currently also booking events for our music ministry, Heart Cry. Working with Heart Cry gives her opportunities to connect our clients and our staff to churches and reentry council agencies in all four counties where we serve.
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 and Housing
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 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.
She attends East Marion Baptist Church and leads the weekly Celebrate Recovery Program. She has two children, Adam and Caycee and five grand-children. She is thankful that God has led her to Freedom Life Ministries.
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 Re-Entry 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kirston Angell, Field Ministry Program
“Angell” joined the Freedom Life team in 2026, bringing a profound depth of lived experience and academic excellence to our mission. As a graduate of the North Carolina Field Minister Program, Kirston joined the organization through the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections work release program.
As a justice-impacted individual, Kirston is deeply committed to walking alongside others navigating similar paths. By blending personal resilience with rigorous theological study, Kirston provides a unique brand of mentorship that empowers individuals to pursue transformation and purpose.
Beyond direct support, Kirston serves as a bridge for those seeking spiritual and emotional growth, proving that one’s past is a powerful foundation for a meaningful future.
Arwen March, Capacity Development Director
Arwen March is a seasoned nonprofit executive and strategist with more than twenty-five years of experience in fund development, strategic planning, program design, and volunteer management. Throughout her career, she has led and supported organizations focused on community development, behavioral health, reentry services, and systems-level collaboration.
Having grown up in poverty, Arwen brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, fueling a deep commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for individuals and families facing significant barriers. Her leadership is grounded in accountability, collaboration, and a belief that effective systems—paired with compassionate support—can create lasting change.
Originally from the mountains of Western North Carolina, Arwen earned her Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, from Western Carolina University’s College of Business and her Master of Business Administration from UNC Wilmington. She is currently a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) candidate at South College, with advanced study focused on organizational leadership, ethics, governance, and nonprofit effectiveness.
Over the course of her career, Arwen has successfully secured more than $25 million in grant funding and raised over $15 million from individual donors and fundraising initiatives, supporting sustainable program growth and long-term organizational impact.