Executive Director
Jamie Atkinson grew up in Spartanburg, SC. She attended Brevard College and received her bachelor's degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in secondary education. She was a student athlete in college and says that being a student athlete was one of the most valuable experiences she has ever had. She obtained a masters degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida, and believes that working in nonprofits is where she is meant to be. She began working at the Club in November of 2018, after a five year career in higher education. Since working at the Club, Jamie says that it has changed her life. "These kids push me everyday to be the best version of myself. From our tiniest kindergarteners to our longest attending high schoolers, these kids are the reason I wake up and love coming to work every day."
In her free time she loves to cook and spend time with her family and her loyal pups, Lola & Frankie. Her favorite quote is, "Whether you think you can or you cannot, you are exactly right." This philosophy follows her everywhere in life and she believes that a positive mindset is contagious.
Email: jatkinson@bgctransylvania.org
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
LeeAnn McKinney has lived in Brevard for most of her life moving from California at the age of 10. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Elementary education and loves working with our kids! She enjoys exploring the beautiful mountains and cool weather of Western North Carolina and Transylvania County with her two amazing children and husband.
Email: lmckinney@bgctransylvania.org
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
AnaBelle Eidson grew up in South Florida and moved to Brevard after she received her Bachelor’s Degree in English with a concentration in Professional Writing from Pensacola Christian College. She came to Brevard to work at a camp for youth and adults, but after a year there, she transitioned to the classroom as a fifth and sixth grade teacher. While teaching, she was able to see up close the value of coming alongside her students, not only to teach them academically, but also to help shape their view of learning, the world, and themselves through intentional conversations and actions. She hopes to continue to serve young people at the Club by providing academic and relational support to its members.
Email: aeidson@bgctransylvania.org
ASSISTANT OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Jessica Ramirez grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and moved to North Carolina in 2003. She joined the Club in 2016 as a Program Specialist and worked primarily with our Kindergarten groups. Very early on during her time with the Club, she noticed we lacked an intentional art program for our members, and desired to develop one. She started working hard at making changes towards creating an art program that aligned with our mission, and in 2021 took on the role as Art Director!
Jessica has expressed that, “It's amazing that I get to come to work and do what I love doing, while serving the children who need us most! Serving our members here is truly my passion. I have for sure found my calling!”
Email: jramirez@bgctransylvania.org
Senior Director of Operations & Teen Services
Devon Holmes grew up in Conyers, Ga, 20 minutes east of Atlanta. He landed in Brevard on a football scholarship to Brevard College. Majoring in Political Science & Education (with a minor in Business & Organizational Leadership), he received his Bachelor's Degree in 2014. He began working at the Club during the second semester of his senior year as a Program Specialist after football ended. Devon quickly found his niche in the gym, leading Triple Play and encouraging our kids to get active. He has also worked at Brevard High School and currently works for Family Preservation Services, as a Vocational Counselor on an Assertive Community Treatment Team. He enjoys spending time with family & friends, shopping, and traveling. He has a passion for coaching flag football and empowering our youth to reach their fullest potential.
Email: dholmes@bgctransylvania.org
TEEN Curriculum DIRECTOR
Jon Hendricks is a native of Brevard, NC. He graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Planning from Western Carolina University in 2019. Jon began working at the Club in 2016 during the summers when he would come home from college, and quickly found his passion. He returned in 2020 as a Program Specialist after obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree. In his free time, Jon enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and managing his investment portfolio. Jon has a passion for supporting the youth in his community, and encouraging the next generation.
His favorite quote is “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”
Email: jhendricks@bgctransylvania.org
art DIRECTOR
Brooklyn Owen grew up in Brevard, NC, and pursued her passion for art at Western Carolina University. She started with the Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club in 2016 and has taken on many different roles within the organization. Brooklyn has a deep commitment to creating a fun and supportive environment for the youth in our community by focusing on helping kids explore their creativity, build confidence, and enjoy the freedom of being a kid. Outside of work, Brooklyn enjoys cooking, painting, spending time with loved ones, and exploring the outdoors with her dog Sutton.
Email: bowen@bgctransylvania.org
Education DIRECTOR
Jessica Chatfield moved to Asheville, North Carolina in the Summer of 2023 solely because she loved the area so much. Before Asheville, she lived in Tampa, Florida where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary English Education from the University of South Florida. Following graduation, she taught 8th grade English/Language Arts and nannied/babysat for families. She loves forming relationships with her students and supporting them in their goals. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading, spending time with her family and friends, and snuggling with her two cats Emmy and Chia.
Email: jchatfield@bgctransylvania.org
health & Wellness Director
Tyler Miranda grew up in Valley City, Ohio, about 45 minutes outside of Cleveland, OH. He came to Brevard, NC to attend Brevard College and race for the cycling team there. During his undergraduate studies he dual majored in Mathematics and Exercise Science. He is currently in his final semester of graduate school in Health and Human Performance. Along with his graduate course work, Tyler has been able to work as the Assistant Cycling coach for the team at Brevard College for the past two years. After volunteering to lead a bike clinic at the club over spring break with a few students from the BC cycling team, Tyler decided to work as a part-time staff over the summer and complete his internship by leading a summer bike program for kids in grades 3-5. After the summer Tyler was brought on as our Health and Wellness Director. Tyler says, "the opportunity to help these kids find the healthiest version of themselves is invaluable in my continued development professionally and personally."
Email: tmiranda@bgctransylvania.org
FACILITY DIRECTOR
A resident of Brevard since 2013, Glenn Boyer and his lovely wife Jan moved from Michigan where Glenn worked in the printing industry for over 25 years. Prior to joining the Club family, Glenn served in facilities at Brevard College. In addition to keeping our facility, grounds and equipment in tip-top shape, Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, riding his motorcycle and golfing some more. If he isn't at the Club enjoying his work with so many wonderful people, you can definitely find him on a golf course.
Email: gboyer@bgctransylvania.org
Grant Writer & Outcomes manager
Caitlyn Murray is a native of Brevard, NC. She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Appalachian State University in 2018 and completed her Master's Degree in Social Work through East Tennessee State University. Caitlyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and eating good food! She is passionate about serving others and feels her strengths lie in encouraging others and engaging in meaningful personal interactions with individuals and families. She began at the Club as a Program Specialist shortly after returning to Brevard with her undergraduate degree in May 2018 and feels honored to be making an impact in the lives of young people. She is thrilled for the opportunity to continue to build relationships with members, support their academic success, and give back to a community for which she cares deeply.
Email: cmurray@bgctransylvania.org
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Director
Karen Phillips grew up in Southwest Georgia in the town of Albany. For years her family longed for a home in the mountains of Western North Carolina. They eventually found that home in the friendly town of Brevard and moved here permanently in June of 2017. Karen received her Bachelor’s of Science in Special Education and Early Childhood and then her Master’s in Instructional Technology from Georgia Southern University. Her many career hats she has worn include classroom teacher, media specialist, computer/technology specialist, and grant writer. Her focal point in the workplace has always been helping children discover their unique path of happiness and success. She joined our team here at the Club in March of 2019. She is thrilled to be involved with an organization so devoted to helping local children reach their full potential. In her down time Karen enjoys hitting a local trail, cycling a hillside, or fishing a waterway with her husband Paul and their three boys AND ending the day in front of a fire with a family dog or cat on her lap.
Email: kphillips@bgctransylvania.org
ASSISTANT Resource Development Director
Caitlin Coffey has been living in Brevard since 2007 and previously worked at The Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club 2011-2014 before stepping away to focus on family. Caitlin is thrilled to be back at the Club and assisting with Resource Development. Caitlin has spent most of the past 15 years working in residential programs, schools, and summer programs. As a mom, she is passionate about the Boys & Girls Club mission and recognizes the essential need of the Club to our community. When she’s not at the Club, you can find Caitlin at Highland Books or enjoying local bakeries with her daughter!
Email: ccoffey@bgctransylvania.org
SPECIAL EVENTS
Gina Malefyt loves coordinating and implementing events - navigating all of the big and small details. Gina is thrilled to be working with the Club helping plan and implement our annual Bent River Farm Benefit Dinner and whatever else we dream up! She and her husband, Joel have lived in Brevard for several years having relocated from Colorado. They have two daughters, Ruby and Rowan, and enjoy taking trips and making memories together as a family.
Email: gmalefyt@bgctransylvania.org