wendy knowles

A native of Pennsylvania, I have called Asheville North Carolina home since October 2014.  New to the area and looking for volunteer opportunities a friend invited me to a Sleep Tight Kids Circle of Hope (volunteer) meeting.  I was immediately inspired by this group and the wonderful things they were doing for the needy children of Western North Carolina.  I have been volunteering ever since with my background in marketing and event planning serving me well as Director of Events.  I am beyond honored to serve as acting Vice President in 2019, a year that we anticipate wonderful growth for our organization. 
My husband and I own and operate Longleaf Vineyard in Marshall, NC and have a grown daughter living in Los Angeles, CA.  We enjoy hiking, great food and [Longleaf Vineyard] wine, and visiting our daughter on the west coast as often as possible.  

kristine freeman

My parents taught me how to work hard, and not to expect others to get things done for you.  I love the empowering yet humbling feeling you get from helping others.  As a bookkeeper, acting as the treasurer for Sleep Tight Kids and several other entities is a natural fit and something I really love to do.  My husband and I have been married for 27 years, and we have two beautiful daughters (Katie 24 and Anna 18).  My most recent travel adventures include Mexico, The Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa, Peru and San Juan Islands. I have recently begun competitively shooting handguns as well as become certified as a Range Safety Officer through the NRA.

leeann johnson

I decided to become a part of Sleep Tight Kids by joining the Circle of Hope. Jill and I had known each other for years and once I realized her passion for the children in Western North Carolina and their needs, I immediately knew I wanted to be apart of the journey she was about to embark upon. 

I am the owner and operator of A local paper distributing company, which supplies point-of-sale paper and ink to restaurants and many other businesses. I enjoy spending  time with my family and supporting my husband and children in their everyday accomplishments. Whether it be academics, sports, work or what is yet-to-come, my heart is all in!

Carrie Myers

I am a native of Asheville and truly love this town. As a mother of 3, I know what gifts our children are. With a foundation of social work in the local elementary schools, I saw an overwhelming need for many children. When I met Jill and learned about Sleep Tight Kids, it spoke to my heart and I knew I had to be a part of the greater good for these children. 

Stephanie Corcoran

Volunteers

I am a mother of 2 and love my job owning The Little Gym. I have always loved STK and I'm honored to be a board member!   My staff the The Little Gym assembles the dental kits for comfort bags as well as the bags themselves.  We are excited to help because we know how Sleep Tight Kids brings hope and comfort to so many.  This organization is 100% heart and this is why I like being a part of the hope revolution.

Susie Manley

My name is Susie Manley. I’m 51 years old and have lived in Asheville for 20 years. I’m married and have 5 wonderful children. I love working with and helping children and love what Sleep tight kids is all about!!

Mary McCawley

Single mom of 11-year old twins (adopted at birth) · Native of Asheville · Litigation Assistant at Grimes Teich Anderson · 2019 Graduate of South College Asheville · A.A.S. Legal Studies, 
30+ years in manufacturing · Purchasing Administrative Assistant · Safety Manager · Quality Manager · Inventory Manager · Document Control Manager
U.S. Navy Reserves 1985-1993 · Honorable Discharge · Storekeeper E-4
St. Eugene Military Ministry · Founder/Chair 2014-2018
Autism Speaks · Advocate
BSA Scout Master · Founder Troop 4015 (Weaverville, NC)

SHANnon WILLiams

My name is Shannon Williams, I have been married for 30 years and have two beautiful daughters. I work part time at Hazel Twenty Boutique. I live in downtown Asheville and absolutely love living and playing in these gorgeous mountains.  I love to make the deliveries and be a part of the comfort bag stuffing days.  

Nancy Ronalter

When I moved to Asheville in the fall of 2018, I was looking for ways to meet people and feel connected to my new community. I grew up in the state, but moved to Asheville after living in remote Colorado for about five years. It was there that I had the most experience with kids, as I was the Manager of the Children’s Program at a dude ranch. I found out about Sleep Tight Kids and knew that I wanted to be a part of something so impactful on the children of Western North Carolina. In October of 2019, I got the chance to become the Administrative Assistant for this great organization. I am hoping to put my nonprofit knowledge to good use and have a part in the growth of Sleep Tight Kids! Outside of STK, I am in school to become an Occupational Therapist. I love to spend as much time as I can outdoors, especially hiking and playing volleyball!

Mindy Mettee

My name is Mindy Mettee. I have always loved kids and knew that my true strengths were working with kids. It is unique to be a young tennis pro and NOT be focused on only wanting to work with the “best” junior tennis players or advanced adults, the players that you could really impact their tennis path and allow them to reach their full potential. I was happy working with any level of player and found that my energy level was perfectly suited for 4-9 year olds, who often times were beginners and had such excitement to be on the court and make contact with the ball. I was often asked to teach clinics with young girls, who found me fun and relatable….we could talk about cute outfits, friends, cookie baking, etc. I have always wanted the tennis players on my court to work hard, but have fun! As I got older and particularly after having my own child, my focused drastically changed. I teach a lot less now since I have large administrative responsibilities. Therefore, it was important to me that the time I was spending with players, particularly children, was significant. I still expect my students to work hard and we still have fun, but I also really wanted to be someone positive and supportive in the lives of those kids that I worked with. I still teach a lot of great tennis players and have strong relationships with a lot of the athletes that I work with, but the way that I communicate to those players and the messages I send both on and off the court, I try to make sure are always encouraging. I want them to know that no matter what is going on in their life, I am someone that is in their corner. 
 
After learning more about sleep tight kids, it was a great opportunity for me to do more significant work that could benefit children. I am excited to be a part of such a selfless worthy organization. 
 

ELENA KOVRIGIN

I was born and raised in Russia (Western Siberia). After going through and exchange student program, I decided 
to stay in Asheville in 2004.   I've always gravitate towards helping kids and pets- those are the most vulnerable
in my opinion.  Children are the future and in my mind protecting childhood should be my, our, mission.