Staff - 30th Judicial District Alliance

Break the Silence

Stop Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Great People Doing Great Work!

We are committed to creating a safer community by providing essential services and support to those affected by violence.

Crystal Snover

Executive Director

Crystal Snover

Executive Director

Crystal is the Executive Director of WNC Alliance. A compassionate and strategic leader, she brings over 13 years of experience serving underserved communities in Western North Carolina.

With expertise in budget management, grant writing, and team leadership, Crystal ensures financial sustainability while expanding critical services. She leads with a trauma-informed and collaborative approach, prioritizing dignity, respect, and empowerment for both survivors and staff. She integrates professional development, community engagement, and survivor feedback into the organization’s growth. Crystal is dedicated to increasing accessibility in the seven far western counties, fostering collaboration across sectors, and advancing prevention efforts. She holds a Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Additionally, she is an Adult Mental Health First Aid instructor and a certified Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner. Outside of work, Crystal enjoys dancing for fun and fitness, spending time with loved ones, and doting on her dogs.

Adam Chambers

Finance Director

Adam Chambers

Finance Director

Adam is the Finance Director at The WNC Alliance. Adam graduated from Western Carolina University in May 2018, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management. He began his role with The WNC Alliance in May 2019 and has been happy to have a part in helping the people we serve in the far western counties of North Carolina. Outside of work, Adam enjoys spending many evenings on the golf course, countless days seeing live music, as well as playing music, and spending time with his partner and their furry family.

Michael Ferguson

Program Coordinator/Veteran Advocate

Michael Ferguson

Program Coordinator/Veteran Advocate

Michael is a dedicated advocate for veterans, committed to ensuring those who have served receive the support they deserve. A former Marine and two-time Iraq combat veteran, he brings over 13 years of experience in veterans’ advocacy, crisis response, and helping service members transition to civilian life. Inspired by his own journey and challenges, Michael has made it his mission to connect veterans with the resources they need to thrive. His work is driven by kindness, understanding, and the belief that no veteran should navigate their path alone.

Sophia Lasker

Victim Advocate (Bilingual)

Sophia Lasker

Victim Advocate (Bilingual)

Sophia Lasker is a graduate of Georgia State University, where she earned her degree in Criminal Justice from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. Her work has centered on serving underrepresented populations, including formerly incarcerated individuals, immigrant children, and youth in the foster care system. As the daughter of two immigrant parents, Sophia understands firsthand the challenges of navigating complex systems. Her multicultural background—Colombian and Bengali—has shaped her perspective and deepened her commitment to advocacy. A native Spanish speaker, she brings both cultural fluency and lived experience to her work. Sophia is passionate about supporting individuals in crisis and hopes to bring that dedication to the 30th Judicial District Alliance, contributing meaningfully to the Western Carolina community.

Lynn Carlson

Therapist

Lynn Carlson

Therapist

Lynn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in North Carolina with nearly two decades of experience helping youth, adults, and families heal from trauma. Since 2005, she has provided therapeutic support in various outpatient settings, specializing in trauma-focused treatment. She is certified through the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA) and is a trained Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner. Lynn has also earned a Certificate in Education in Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy and expanded her expertise in nonprofit work through Duke University’s Certificate in Nonprofit Management. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring nature, reading, listening to live music, and spending quality time with family, friends, and animals.

Jess Agostini

Therapist

Jess Agostini

Therapist

Jess is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a degree from WCU and over a decade of experience helping children, families, and individuals heal from trauma. Since 2012, she has specialized in trauma-focused treatment, integrating play and art into her therapeutic approach.

She is rostered in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Additionally, she is a certified Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner.

Jess is deeply committed to supporting families across Western North Carolina, providing compassionate, evidence-based care to foster healing and resilience.

Board of Directors

Dr. Raymond Turpin,
Director
Pearl Institute (PTSD treatment)

Daniel Worrall,
Attorney
Legal Aid, Smoky Mountains

Lisa Bradley,
Retired
Haywood Co. Health & Human Svcs.

Ashley Welch,
District Attorney
43rd Prosecutorial District

Judith Alvarado,
Executive Director
REACH of Clay County

Cecilia Faulkner Crawford,
Executive Director
REACH of Cherokee Co.

Gayla Jones,
Social Services Director
Haywood Health and Human Services

Alex Masciarelli,
Principal
Junaluska Elementary School

Heather Nelson,
Chief of Finance and Administration
Blue Ridge Public Radio

Dr. Betty Aldecoa,
Clinical Director
Appalachian Community Services

Great Pups Doing Great Work!

At WNC Alliance, our Therapy Dog Team brings certified canine companions into partner agencies and programs, offering gentle affection, comfort, and unconditional support. By weaving animal-assisted interventions into our advocacy, counseling, and community services, these hard working therapy dogs help clients feel safer, reduce anxiety, and strengthen trust as part of their healing journey.

Julip

In Loving Memory

Julip

In Loving Memory

Our hearts are heavy as we share the passing of sweet Julip, a beloved 15 year old rescue dog who spent more than a decade bringing comfort, healing, and joy across Western North Carolina. For 12 remarkable years, Julip devoted her career as a therapy dog to serving others, offering gentle support in therapy offices, schools, child advocacy centers, social services, adult day programs, and countless other community spaces. She comforted children as they testified in court, helped survivors and families through moments of deep pain, and responded to crisis situations with the softest ears and the biggest heart.

Julip’s calm presence and unconditional love touched thousands of lives throughout our region. She will be deeply missed by her devoted handlers, our entire WNC Alliance team, and so many in the community who had the honor of knowing her.

Thank you, Julip, for a lifetime of service and love. You made Western North Carolina a gentler, kinder place.

Lulu

Lulu

Lulu is 7 years old King Shepherd and has been changing lives every step of the way. She started out as a rescue dog, and now she’s a therapy dog who specializes in supporting veterans in crisis. Whether it’s sitting quietly beside someone on a tough day or bringing a little light to a heavy moment, Lulu just gets it. Working alongside her handler, she offers steady support, comfort, and unconditional love to veterans facing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and more. She’s calm, loyal, and always ready to lend an extra large paw. If you see her around, don’t be shy, say “hi.”

Metra

Metra

Meet Metra, an in-training one-year-old American Bully with a heart full of love and a natural affinity for providing comfort and support. Her calm, gentle demeanor and friendly nature make her the perfect candidate for therapy dog training.

Metra is already proving to be a quick learner, excelling in obedience and showing remarkable empathy towards those in need. Whether offering a quiet presence or providing a great-big paw for support, Metra’s intuitive understanding of human emotions makes her a potential healing companion for a wide range of individuals. She’s ready to continue her journey to becoming a certified therapy dog, spreading joy and compassion wherever she goes.

Oliver

Oliver

Oliver is the cutest Chiweenie around. He has been providing therapy services for children and families since 2020. He enjoys head scritches and treats. Oliver loves chasing his ball and sitting in the sun.

Mazzy Star

Mazzy Star

Mazzy Star is a six year old Australian Shepherd with loads of energy & charisma. She recently earned her therapy dog certification with The Alliance of Therapy Dogs & you’re likely to see her in our community volunteering.

Mazzy has also earned her AKC Trick Dog Performer Elite title & is known for her incredibly engaging personality & show stopping tricks. On her off time Mazzy enjoys skateboarding, water sports, frisbee, adventuring in her campervan, and cuddle time.

Mavis

Mavis

Mavis is a nine year old Border Collie/Labrador mix and has been a certified therapy dog for eight years. She is a squishy cuddle bug and adores working with both children and adults. She loves her time engaging in animal assisted interventions, groups, & providing crisis support here at the WNC Alliance, & has proudly volunteered monthly for the past six years at Haywood Vocational Opportunities.

She has quite the bag of tricks and is known for her adorably sweet, intelligent, and intuitive personality. On her off time she enjoys forest adventures, boating, hiking, and creating cozy cuddle nests.

Milly

Milly

Milly came to us through a re-homing add on Craigslist, and is in training. We picked her up in Charlotte shortly after contacting her folks. She was 7 months old.

She melted into our lives right away and we have enjoyed her company ever since. She makes us laugh every day with her character and great energy.

We look forward to seeing her become a wonderful therapy dog and a gentle asset to our community.

Picasso

Picasso

Picasso is a two-year old Shih Tsu mix and is in training with the goal of becoming a certified therapy dog. He has an affectionate and social nature, loves people and wants to meet and greet everyone he sees. Even at his young age, he shows signs of being quite intelligent. He enjoys being outdoors, going for a ride and occasionally picks out one of his toys and will encourage someone to play with him. In addition to being very personable, he is soft and cuddly and the consummate lap dog. He easily makes everyone smile and feel happy when they engage with him thus making Picasso the perfect choice as a therapy dog for individuals of any age from young children to seniors.