Our directors
leah bush | director of organizational resilience
Leah has been involved since the early days of TC STRONG, serving on the original Steering Team, & brings a wealth of experience in leadership, program development, & community health advocacy to the table. What drives her most is a deep commitment to ensuring that youth & families have the resources & support they need to thrive.
With both personal & professional insight into the challenges local youth face, Leah is passionate about building resilient efforts that foster health, safety, and connection. She is a trusted messenger & her voice is both for & of the families in Transylvania County.
Leah approaches her work with warmth, authenticity, & joy to make sure TC STRONG is well-oiled behind the scenes to do better together with our community.
beth ford | Director of Impact & engagement
Beth co-leads TC STRONG with an innovative, tenacious, & unabashed spirit. Infused with playfulness, empathy, and connection, she is committed to building a suicide-safer North Carolina—one where people, regardless of letters behind their name or not, feel empowered to make a difference.
With a BS in Recreation Management and an (accidental) minor in Psychology from Florida State University, Beth has spent the past 20+ years working with youth & families in various roles - all centered around mental, emotional, & social well-being. Equipping + empowering our young people & the folks who care about them is an essential piece of her role.
At her core, Beth believes that everyone—whether in small or significant ways—has the power to make the world a safer, more compassionate place. We are better together.
our board of advocates
Keri Zink
Board Member
Barb Grimm
Board Member
tara rybka
Advisor to the Board
youth advocate
Advisor to the Board
Jaime dulberg
rik emaus
Founder/Board Chair
Board Member
shannon smith
chelsea stewart
Board Member
Board Member