Employee Spotlight: Leonard Shinhoster, Our New Vice President of Program Operations
“I treat everyone with respect, not because of who they are, but because of who I am. You never know what someone’s carrying, and kindness might be the only calm they feel all day.” For 25 years, Leonard Shinhoster has been a steady, compassionate presence at Alexander Youth Network. His leadership is more than a […]
Employee Spotlight: Erika Moss
In June 2013, Erika Moss stepped into the lobby of Alexander Youth Network’s Shelby Day Treatment program as an Administrative Assistant. What she didn’t realize at the time was that she was also stepping into her purpose. “I was at home with my daughter for the first 18 months of her life,” Erika shared. “But […]
Employee Spotlight: Jessica Hofstetter, Our New Family Peer Support Supervisor
“Stand, even if your knees are shaking.” These words reflect the heart of our newest program at Alexander Youth Network and the strength behind the person leading it. We’re proud to introduce Jessica Hofstetter as our Family Peer Support Supervisor, a role created to launch and lead our Family Peer Support Program, made possible through a […]
Employee Spotlight: Demestrius Williams
When Demestrius Williams first walked through the doors of Alexander Youth Network in 2020, the world was in crisis. The pandemic had upended routines, strained communities, and left families and children navigating an uncertain reality. But for Demestrius, stepping into this work during a time of collective anxiety was not a coincidence. It was a […]
A Mother’s Breath: Jenny Harbin’s Story of Courage, Crisis, and the Lifeline She Found at Alexander Youth Network
When Jenny Harbin stepped into her child’s elementary school last October, she didn’t know she was walking into a moment that would redefine her as a mother and as a human being. Her child, just 8 years old, was in crisis. The school was on lockdown. Paramedics and police were already there. And Jenny, heart […]
Employee Spotlight: Maryann Lao
Every organization has those rare individuals who quietly make everything better just by being there. The ones who never seek the spotlight but somehow shine the brightest. At Alexander Youth Network, that person is Maryann Lao. For the past ten years, Maryann has been more than just a team member. She has been the heartbeat […]
Hope Through a Parent’s Eyes: Dr. Gisèle Chando’s Journey with Alexander Youth Network
For many families, navigating a child’s mental health journey can feel like a maze — daunting, emotional, and often isolating. But for Dr. Gisèle Chando, what began as a long and challenging road ultimately led to a place of hope, structure, and transformation through Alexander Youth Network. Nine years ago, Dr. Chando’s world shifted when […]
Employee Spotlight: Gina Tipton
“Treat others how you expect to be treated. Help take care of others who can’t take care of themselves.” For Gina Tipton, these aren’t just words — they’ve been her way of life for over 30 years. As the Therapeutic Homes Program Manager and Compliance Specialist at Alexander Youth Network, Gina brings decades of experience, […]
New Charlotte PRTF Playground Ribbon Cutting
We’re excited to share a special moment from our Charlotte Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF)! Our brand-new playground is officially open following a joyful ribbon-cutting celebration—and the children are loving every minute of it. More than just a place to play, this thoughtfully designed space is a symbol of healing, hope, and growth. It’s a […]
Returning Home: Welcoming Malisa Shuler as Executive Director of our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility in Charlotte
At Alexander Youth Network, every chapter of our story is written by the passionate people who lead with heart and vision. Today, we’re elated to welcome Malisa Shuler, PsyD, as the new Executive Director of our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) in Charlotte, NC—a familiar face stepping into a new and powerful role. This transition also gives us […]
