Our Staff
The diverse group that comprises the Rise & Shine staff is united in our shared passion for educating and inspiring young people. A belief that every child deserves an equal chance to learn, to explore, and to blossom drives everything we do. Each day brings a fresh excitement that’s reflected in our scholars’ faces as they make new discoveries and experience the joy of learning.
Maurice Jones
Executive Director
I joined Rise & Shine in October of 2024 as the new Executive Director. I currently have three daughters attending the Rise & Shine Brevard site. I’ve been connected in one form or fashion to Rise & Shine since its inception in 1996. I’ve served the citizens of Brevard and Transylvania County for over two decades as a City Council member from 2011-2023. Chair of the City Public Safety Committee, Vice Chair of the City Public Works Committee, Co- Chair of the Rosenwald Advisory Committee, Chair of the Transylvania Community Relations Board, Chair of the Transylvania Juvenile Crime and Prevention council and member of the Transylvania Recreation Advisory Committee, Brevard Community Development Organization, Land of Sky Regional Council and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina/Transylvania Endowment Board. I look forward to bringing my connections and talents to Neighbors in Ministry/ Rise & Shine Freedom School. I’m excited for the future of the Brevard and Glade Creek sites.
Becca Ruth
Interim Executive Director
I joined Rise & Shine in the fall of 2023 as Development Manager. It’s been an extraordinary privilege serving Rise & Shine in its fundraising capacities and now as Interim Director. My master’s degree is in Nonprofit Management, and I have been working with nonprofits for over 15 years. When I’m not working you’ll find me enjoying the outdoors with my dogs or working on a DIY project at home. What I love most about my work with Rise & Shine is that we get to connect amazing people to an incredible mission that is making a profound impact in our community. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our scholars and empower them to change the world!
Charles (Anthony) Gardin
STEM Coordinator
Charles is a native of Brevard, he attended Brevard High School. After High School he attended Appalachian State University. After college he worked at Ecusta as a Research and Development Technician. Charles for the past 25 years worked in the Substance Abuse and Mental field.
He is the past owner of Serenity Falls Counseling where he provided DWI, Mental health and Substance Abuse counseling. Charles is currently working with a local (MAT) program in Brevard where he works as an NCCPSS.
Laura Leatherwood
Reading Specialist & Tutor Coordinator
I joined the Rise & Shine Program in the fall of 2016, after having taught Exceptional Children’s classes at Pisgah Forest Elementary School for 28 years. As a Reading Specialist, I enjoy working with the scholars and helping them increase their reading skills through the exploration of rich literature. Our small group sessions give the scholars an opportunity to share their own experiences as well as gain knowledge from the other scholars in the group. I hope that I can instill a love of reading in our children so that they can be successful in every stage in their lives. I have the great joy as well of keeping our wonderful volunteer force running like a well-oiled machine.
Raveen Wynn
Program Manager
I have been a part of the Rise & Shine family and community for many years. I have a son who attends Rise & Shine as well as myself when I was younger. I’m very excited to be able to return the same values that Rise & Shine instilled in me as a young child. I am passionate about learning the strengths of each child so that I can know how to encourage them throughout their journey.
I’m very thankful for this opportunity to advocate for the children of our community because they are the future.
Karen Darity
Glade Creek Coordinator
I am one of the newest members of the Neighbors in Ministry – Rise & Shine Program, and I am truly excited to be onboard. As a native of the Rosenwald Community, I have seen how the Rise & Shine Program promotes independence and cultivates a learning environment for all scholars to achieve, succeed and thrive.
Education is an essential tool which helps everyone be the best they can be, and I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child. No matter your position or title in life, each of us can help to enrich the lives of our scholars by volunteering our skills and talents.
Marlene Brown
Brevard Coordinator
I have been a part of the Rise & Shine family and community for many years. I have a son who attends Rise & Shine as well as myself when I was younger. I’m very excited to be able to return the same values that Rise & Shine instilled in me as a young child. I am passionate about learning the strengths of each child so that I can know how to encourage them throughout their journey. I’m very thankful for this opportunity to advocate for the children of our community because they are the future. I am one of the newest members of the Neighbors in Ministry – Rise & Shine Program, and I am truly excited to be onboard. As a native of the Rosenwald Community, I have seen how the Rise & Shine Program promotes independence and cultivates a learning environment for all scholars to achieve, succeed and thrive. Education is an essential tool which helps everyone be the best they can be, and I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child. No matter your position or title in life, each of us can help to enrich the lives of our scholars by volunteering our skills and talents. I started working for the Brevard Rise & Shine as the Site Coordinator in June 2024. I have a bachelor’s degree in social work, and in management in my husband’s business. I have worked with children for 18 years in childcare and schools, and in my home. I believe in the work to support families with their needs and children in their reading and activities, and I enjoy working with the staff and the children.
Sarahí Salazar-Espinoza
Enrichment Specialist
Hello! My name is Sarahí Salazar-Espinoza I am the enrichment specialist for rise & shine at glade creek. I’m a bilingual speaker, able to bridge that communication gap between spanish and English. I am a recent graduate from Brevard College, I’ve earned my bachelor’s in psychology and criminal justice. I have around three years of teaching experience with early childhood education. I find my time working with rise & shine very impactful not only for myself but for my scholars and their families. I’ve gained great connections and exceptional relationships with my kiddos inside/outside the classroom.
