Staff and Board of Directors

 
 

SARAH HANKEY - FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sarah's experience in leading Brevard through the Blue Zones Certification, coupled with her background in integrative health and education, fuels her passion for driving a sustainable program that advances community well-being. She strongly believes that good health is a fundamental right that should be within reach of everyone. As the Director of SparkPoint, Sarah places great importance on building connections, promoting resilience, and leading with empathy. She is profoundly honored and proud to be spearheading another impactful initiative throughout Transylvania County and the broader Western North Carolina region.

In addition to her role with SparkPoint, Sarah serves on the boards of the Mary C. Jenkins Community and Cultural Center, Pisgah Forest Rotary Club, and the Transylvania County Family and Consumer Science Advisory Board. Sarah was honored to be awarded the 2023 Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award presented by the Transylvania Chamber of Commerce.

 

CHARLOTTE SHACKLEFORD - CO-FOUNDER/PROGRAM MANAGER

Charlotte is an experienced educator with more than 20 years of experience. She believes the key to building resilient communities is forming meaningful connections and relationships with others. Charlotte received her bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Appalachian State University and a master's in elementary education from Queens University. She is pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership at Western Carolina University.

Charlotte is passionate about promoting wellness in all areas of life. She believes true wellness encompasses emotional, mental, and physical well-being, and she strives to integrate these values into her work. In her free time, Charlotte enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending time with her family and friends.

 

JEFF BANNISTER - Marketing & Operations

Jeff Bannister, formerly Vice President of the Board of Directors at SparkPoint, now brings his extensive experience in community engagement and leadership to his new role overseeing Marketing and Operations. His commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence, developed during his tenure on the Board, is now pivotal in enhancing SparkPoint's outreach and operational effectiveness. Jeff's unique ability to connect with diverse groups and his passion for community empowerment are key assets in driving the organization's mission forward, ensuring a significant and positive impact in the communities served.

 
 
SparkPoint Intern Kendall

Kendall Reinhardt - INTERN

Kendall Reinhardt, a dedicated 17-year-old senior in high school, is concurrently pursuing an associate degree in arts. Aspiring to earn a business management degree with a focus on entrepreneurship, Kendall is driven by a desire to help others. This internship at SparkPoint aims to provide Kendall with insights into company management and community impact. With a passion for supporting and uplifting people, Kendall seeks to leverage this experience to shape a future career that significantly contributes to community well-being.

 
 

DR. ORA WELLS - BOARD PRESIDENT

As a newly retired Pediatrician, Dr. Ora Wells is continuing to pursue his lifetime passion in wellness. Dr. Wells served Hendersonville Pediatrics for over 30 years, specializing in ADHD, allergies and asthma management. Dr. Wells began his medical career at the University of Chapel Hill and went on to earn his Medical Degree at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He taught Pediatrics as an assistant clinical professor at Charlotte Memorial Hospital where he also completed his Residency. After teaching, Dr. Wells joined Hendersonville Pediatrics where he has been practicing medicine ever since. Dr. Wells takes frequent medical trips to Haiti, where he volunteers through the Consider Haiti organization and also is an avid supporter of Young Life. Dr. Wells enjoys traveling with his wife to visit his kids and grandkids, playing the Bagpipes and riding his motorcycle. You may even see him driving around Brevard in his 1954 Chevy Pickup.

 
 

DAWN DOMINIQUE - BOARD Vice President

Dawn Dominique is a creativity, joy and purpose facilitator who brings her love of nature, wellness, art and community together to support people in living a purposeful life.

With her background in education and non-profit, Dawn can bring people together to serve and connect with their community in meaningful ways. She moved to the mountains last year and enjoys hiking, painting with acrylics, creating mixed media projects, and designing fun gatherings for conversation and connection. Her Sparkpoint is finding creative ways to ignite purpose and well-being in herself and others to live a joy-filled life!

 
 

MAYOR MAUREEN COPELOF - BOARD MEMBER

Maureen Copelof is a retired US Navy Captain who served on active duty for 30 years.  She returned to Brevard when she retired from the Navy and was elected to Brevard City Council in 2017.  In November 2021 she was elected Mayor, of the City of Brevard.  She has a Masters degree in both Business Administration and Political Science.

Maureen is an avid gardener and is an integral piece in supporting the community’s built environment and its connection to overall well-being. She served on the Brevard Blue Zones Project Steering Committee and is now proud to be continuing the journey with SparkPoint.

 
 

DR. MORRIS JENKINS - BOARD MEMBER

Morris is a native of Atlanta and Thomasville, Georgia. He holds a Medical degree from Emory University and his residency training took place at MUSC in Charleston. Dr. Jenkins was a family practice physician and hospice physician for 41 years in Calhoun, Ga, Christchurch, NZ, and Brevard, NC. He was part of the medical staff of Transylvania Regional Hospital from 2009 to 2023 and retired from his practice of hospice and palliative medicine with Care Partners Transylvania in 2021. 

Morris and his wife, Molly and have lived in Brevard since 2009, they have two children and 5 grandchildren. Morris enjoys serving on the Transylvania County Library Foundation Board and during his free time he enjoys bicycling, hiking, music (upright bass), and duplicate bridge.

 
 

MARSHA FARRELL - BOARD MEMBER

Marsha Farrell grew up in Sanford, North Carolina. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BSN in nursing and worked in various specialties over a 44-year career. For the last twenty years, Marsha worked as a hospice and palliative care nurse, which taught her the importance of presence, purpose, and quality of life (QOL).

Marsha and her husband Jay moved to Brevard, NC in February 2021. She soon became interested in the Blue Zones Project, becoming a Purpose Workshop facilitator and a speaker at Potluck Moais. Marsha finds her purpose in helping people to advocate for their QOL and to discover what matters to them.

Before moving to Brevard, Marsha volunteered and worked with several non-profit agencies in Huntsville, Alabama, including Hospice Family Care, the Leukemia Lymphoma Foundation, the Vine Pastoral Counseling Center, and the American Red Cross.

Marsha and Jay have three grown children and six granddaughters ranging in age from 4 months to 11 years.

Both Marsha and Jay are busy with volunteer work with Brevard nonprofits and at First United Methodist Church in Brevard.

 
 
 

SAUNDRA LEMASTER - BOARD TREASURER

Saundra Lemaster began her career in media sales after graduating from the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in communications. Throughout her career, Saundra has worked in newspaper, television, and radio as an Account Executive and General Sales Manager in Seattle WA, and Raleigh NC. As a strong supporter of her community, Saundra has served on the executive committee of The Jimmy V Junior Celebrity Golf Tournament, a division of the V Foundation, raising money for pediatric cancer research at Duke University. Additionally, she was the Operations Manager for the tournament where young golfers were paired with celebrities. She was also part of the initial phase of fundraising for Montford Hall in Asheville, a non-profit extended-care residential substance abuse program for young men, and she has served on the board of three homeowners associations. Growing up in rural Kentucky, Saundra developed a deep compassion for underserved communities. She is excited to help SparkPoint make a positive impact on the people of Western North Carolina.

 
 

CAROLYN FOSTER - BOARD MEMBER

I was born, raised, and educated in New Brunswick, Canada, and graduated in 1988 from The Miss A.J. MacMaster School of Nursing in Moncton, New Brunswick. After working for two years as a registered nurse in N.B., I then became a traveling nurse in the U.S. before settling down in Brevard in 1992. I was employed at Transylvania Regional Hospital for almost 29 years before retiring early in August of 2021 and am thrilled to be able to have time to pursue other interests, hobbies, and civic passions. I have enjoyed raising my family in Brevard and love to travel and be outdoors hiking, kayaking, and spending time with family.

 
 

Dan Mehdi - Board Member

Dan retired from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2017 following a 21 year career as a Special Agent (SA), including time as an academy instructor/curriculum developer focusing on teaching self-awareness, adaptation, resiliency, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making abilities/models.  He served as DEA’s nationwide Field Training Agent Coordinator responsible for training and overseeing hundreds of experienced SAs whom mentored and evaluated new academy graduates.

“Give, not get” is a defining theme woven through his leadership roles and one he developed as a Marine Infantry Officer during the First Persian Gulf War. Dan is most happy when helping others succeed, particularly those who have experienced trauma. He has led Post-Traumatic Growth workshops with military veterans and is actively engaged as a Peer Trauma Counselor with the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. While speaking with groups both domestically and internationally, Dan uses the stories of his own multiple traumatic life events to help individuals learn to more effectively deal with trauma and improve their resiliency. He also speaks with organizational leaders on how they can foster an atmosphere wherein members can thrive and not just survive. Dan is thrilled to be a part of SparkPoint, as it aligns with his personal purpose motto of helping others to be the best version of themselves.

 
 

Emilee Hubbard - Board Member

I am a proud native of Transylvania County and graduate of Brevard High. Currently Branch Manager of Self-Help Credit Union in Rosman where I have been dedicated to serving our community. My involvement with the Brevard Rotary has further enriched my connection to our community, introducing me to wonderful individuals and inspiring leaders who share my commitment to service.

During my downtime, you'll often find me exploring the breathtaking trails of Dupont Forest with my two rescue dogs, reveling in the tranquility of nature and the stunning scenery it offers.

 
 

Amber Williams - Board Member

Amber Williams, a proud resident of Rosman since 2007 and mother of two, brings invaluable community dedication and lived experience to the SparkPoint Board of Directors. Her passion for youth empowerment is evident in her founding of the Walking Angels initiative, aimed at providing support to children in the French Broad Mobile Home Park and beyond. Amber's tireless advocacy for schools and community youth, rooted in her own challenging childhood, showcases her ability to connect with and build trust among diverse populations in rural areas.

Beyond her commitment to youth, Amber is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of nurturing strong community relationships. Her leadership on the board is marked by a deep-seated passion for connection and empowerment, making her an invaluable asset to SparkPoint and the broader community. The board is honored to have Amber Williams among its members, recognizing her as a driving force for positive change for generations to come.