Our Staff

Executive Director 

Tonya has been part of the Statesville Community for more than 20 years, and in the non-profit world for 17 years where she followed her passion for education, children, and community. She earned her Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. You may have seen her at many events in Downtown Statesville where she previously served as marketing and event coordinator. 

MSW, LCSW - Clinical Director 

Laurie has been employed at Pharos Parenting since 2006. She is involved in the Parent Aide program, Parenting Class, and Coaching to Permanence program, and offering affordable trauma-focused therapy. She has her Masters in Social Work and is a licensed clinical social worker. Her undergraduate degree is in Early Childhood Education, and she worked 14 years in the Head Start programs in Massachusetts and North Carolina.  

Communications Director 

Nate is a Charlotte native who now calls Statesville home. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and spent two years as a morning news anchor for WFMD in Frederick, MD and WPTF in Raleigh, NC. In 2023, he was moved from the newsroom to the studio and hosted the WPTF Afternoon News with Nate Saunders from 3-6 p.m. weekdays. Like many people from radio, he has transitioned into marketing.

Family Connections Director

Leslie has been employed at Pharos Parenting as a Family Connections Visit Monitor since 2019. In 2023, she was hired as our Office Administrator and recently assumed the Family Connections Director role. She brings previous office managerial experience, as well as the knowledge of running a small business with her husband. Leslie has volunteered and worked in the Statesville Community since she moved here in 2015.  

Best Beginnings Program Director

Susan holds a B.S. in Human Services from Garner Webb University. She has been employed with Pharos Parenting since 2015. From 1995 to 1997, she was employed as Pharos Parenting's Community Based Alternatives Program Manager. She has worked at Barium Springs Home for Children and Iredell-Statesville Schools. Susan received the Early Childhood Credential and is accredited in Triple P Teen and Stepping Stones. She has a passion for child development and education. 

Parent Coach

Pam is a native of West Tennessee and received a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology from Union University.  She has 11 years of experience with various preschool programs and spent 15 years as a home-educating parent. Pam has four children and has been involved as a volunteer with many of their activities through the years. She has been with Pharos Parenting since March 2017. Pam is accredited in Triple P Teen and Stepping Stones. 

Parent Coach

TJ joined the team in 2023 to teach our newest class: Building Your Parenting Toolkit: Tips & Tricks for Dads. He is heavily involved in community performing arts including theatre, film, and open mic nights. He holds a BA in Organizational Communications and was previously the Resident Services and Community Resource Coordinator for Statesville Housing Authority. TJ has a knack for connection and loves teaching dads to be their best selves.

Parent Coach

Heather has been a resident of Statesville for the past 16 years where she has loved building a home and raising two children with her husband. She taught at a local preschool for four years then transitioned to director where she remained for another ten. Her favorite part was watching children learn and grow each day!  She is so excited to be part of an organization that does so much for the community. 

Parent Coach -  se habla español

Val is a true Statesville native where she lived her whole childhood before attending East Carolina University. Throughout her life, she has enjoyed volunteering and helping those in need. Since both of her parents are Colombian, Val grew up in a Spanish speaking home! Hearing her English, you would never know it. She is proud of her Colombian heritage and loves to tell people about her culture.

Team Assistant

Eric is an experienced youth and family services professional with a background in behavioral health and community outreach. At Delaware DYFS, they served as a Youth Rehabilitation Counselor III, managed the CBT program, co-led the CBT committee, and facilitated evidence-based groups. At Pharos, Eric supports parent visitation and serves other administrative and marketing roles. Passionate about community connection, Eric enjoys engaging with people and making a positive impact.