Prevention Team
Travis Peterson | Giselle Bango | Brett Sculthorp | Lindsay Carver | Bob Cummings | Linda Kirkman | Donna Bruce | Elizabeth Burns | Mary Ann Riley | Loretta J. Young | Susan Hales | Maceo Mayo III Megan Hatfield
Travis Peterson, MPH, CSAPC
Coordinator, Prevention Services
Travis began working for ARP in 2007 as a Prevention Coordinator. In his current role, Travis coordinates systems-level prevention in several Western North Carolina counties with specific responsibilities in Madison, Yancey and Mitchell counties. He is also the project manager responsible for overseeing ARP’s pool of prevention facilitators. Travis is currently focusing on asset-based community-level prevention strategies and initiatives for motivating youth to achieve their potential and engage in community. Rather than focusing solely on the risks youth face, asset-based strategies emphasize protective factors building upon youth and community strengths and wellbeing. Travis is a Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant and has been working in the field of prevention since 2005. He is also a graduate from the UNC Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health with a Masters in Public Health Leadership. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on psychology and art from Marylhurst University in 2001. Contact Travis at 828-348-2649 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Giselle Bango, MS, MFTA
Prevention Coordinator & Substance Abuse Counselor
Giselle began with ARP as a volunteer in 2003 through Strengthening Families, a program aimed at increasing family bonding among youth (age 6 to 16) and their parents. She progressed from volunteer to intern and then in 2006 became employed by ARP. Through her experiences, Giselle has experienced the multifaceted services that ARP offers. As a prevention coordinator, Giselle’s work ranges from information dissemination through presentations on a variety of topics such as the prevention of substance use and abuse and the impact it has on our youth, families and community to working with community organizations to help them provide and/or organize prevention programs. In her role as a substance abuse counselor, Giselle works with the Buncombe County Day Reporting Center, a program which is an alternative to incarceration for individuals on probation. This program provides clients with substance abuse treatment, support in finding employment and the opportunity to obtain a GED or higher education if desired to achieve stability in their personal lives and reduce rates of recidivism in the community.Giselle graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Biology. In 2006, she obtained a Master of Science from Capella University with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Giselle is currently pursuing licensing and credentialing in North Carolina as a marriage and family therapist, clinical additions specialist and substance abuse prevention consultant.
Brett Sculthorp, MSW, CSAPC
Prevention Coordinator
Brett, a native of New Zealand, has been with ARP since 2004. He enjoys helping communities develop initiatives that will have a positive, lasting impact on the overall wellness of its residents. That means helping municipalities understand how each of the groups within a community - individuals, families, neighborhoods and organizations - affects the others as well as the overall health of the community-at-large. His research and work on systems of human thriving that achieve a balance between the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of people, is on the leading edge of prevention theory. Brett’s focus includes supporting young people in their thriving by developing strategies for motivating youth to achieve their potential, develop critical thinking and engage in community. Brett’s undergraduate degree was in Earth Science and after working briefly as a geologist, his interests in social problem solving motivated him to pursue a Masters in Social Work Administration, Policy and Planning from Rutgers University with a focus on youth work and prevention research. Contact Brett at 828-348-2650 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lindsay Carver
Prevention Coordinator for Buncombe County
Lindsay began working for ARP in August of 2010. Her role is to coordinate all prevention services within Buncombe County. Lindsay represents ARP as the facilitator of the Partnership for Substance Free Students Coalition. “I hope to bring the communities within Asheville and Buncombe County together to work on the substance abuse issues that are affecting our students,” said Lindsay when asked about her new role.
In May of 2010 she earned a Bachelors degree in Health and Wellness Promotion from The University of North Carolina Asheville. Lindsay began her career in prevention in 2008 and has since discovered it is her passion. She also enjoys volunteering in the Asheville community and helping those in need. Currently she is pursuing a certification in substance abuse prevention. Lindsay is originally from the Fayetteville and the Johnston County area of North Carolina. Contact Lindsay at 828-348-2652 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Bob Cummings
Prevention Specialist
Originally from San Diego CA, Bob moved to Tennessee as a child and grew up in and around Chattanooga. He began working in mental health and substance abuse in the 80’s and then street ministry in Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC from 1990 until 2000, specifically with addicted homeless populations and battered women and children. After 5 years with Child Protective Services, he began with ARP Prevention Services as a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist in 2005 and has been here ever since.
Bob’s area of focus is schools and other youth organizations. In his role he partners with teachers, counselors and administrators to conduct a needs assessment to determine what risk factors for substance abuse and behavioral problems are most prevalent. Then Bob helps identify staff, parents or teacher-student groups that want to get involved and works with them to develop strategies to address the identified needs. He is certified to present seven evidence-based programs for ages K - 12.
“After many, many years of work focusing on helping people once they have a problem, it’s both encouraging and fun to be able to focus on a proactive type of approach. I enjoy the groups I do, and have multiple stories and anecdotes from students about how these groups are impacting them and those in the community. It’s also fun when almost on a daily basis - whether I’m shopping, eating out, or just walking around - kids who’ve been in my programs recognize me and call out, “Hi Mr. Bob.”
In addition to working with ARP, Bob owns Shao Lin Kung Fu of Asheville, the area’s largest Chinese martial arts school. He lives in West Asheville with his wife and two stepdaughters. Contact Bob at 828-348-2651
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Linda Kirkman, LPC, LCAS, CSAPC
Prevention Specialist, Strengthening Families Program
Linda began working for ARP in 2003 as a Substance Abuse Counselor. In her role, she led treatment groups and taught ADETS (Alcohol & Drug Education Traffic School). Prior to coming to ARP, Linda spent 10 years as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Asheville & Burlington NC, after receiving her Master of Science in Agency Counseling at North Carolina A & T State University. She has been a licensed counselor since 1998, and a Certified Prevention Consultant since 2007.
Linda’s undergraduate degree was in Interior Design and she worked for 25 years as a photographic set designer before changing careers to mental health. The change has been good for Linda, who says, "I'm able to see the relationship and the love within a family grow over a 14 week group program. What more can you ask for in a job?" Contact Linda at 828-691-1541.
Donna Bruce
Coordinator, Strengthening Families Program
Donna began working with ARP in 2005 as program support. In that role she is responsible for ensuring that Prevention Services office runs smoothly and that data on the results of prevention initiatives is kept and reported. During the past several years Donna has demonstrated her leadership skills and has recently been named Coordinator for ARP’s Strengthening Families, a program aimed at increasing family bonding among youth (ages 6 to 16) and their parents.
Donna has a BA in Psychology and spent the 15 years before coming to ARP as an advocate/case manager at an Asheville-based sexual violence support agency. Contact Donna at 828-348-2653 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Elizabeth Burns, BS, MA Ed.
Prevention Specialist, Strengthening Families Program
Prior to coming to work for ARP, Elizabeth was a full-time special education teacher in the public schools for 20 years. Once she retired in 1997, Elizabeth started working part-time with ARP’s Prevention Services. When asked about her current role as Prevention Specialist, she comments: “What a joy to have a small class size, parents and kids together at your fingertips, time to talk with kids or parents one-on-one and a wonderful curriculum that improves family communication skills and the prevention of substance abuse among children. I feel that I have found my niche in being part of strengthening my community.” Elizabeth holds a Bachelors of Science degree from Winthrop College and a Masters in Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities from the Citadel. She is currently working towards CSAPC (Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant) licensing and is certified to teach the Strengthening Families program. Contact Elizabeth at 828-691-1541.
Mary Ann Riley
Prevention Specialist
Mary Ann has facilitated Prevention programs for ARP since 2005. She focuses primarily on Children in the Middle which helps children of divorced or separated parents to cope in positive ways, avoiding risk factors which may lead to substance abuse or behavioral problems. Mary Ann also facilitates classes which teach parents the skills to promote the overall wellness of their children and family. According to Mary Ann, “my endeavor is to have each parent leave my class not just with a certificate, but with a better feeling about themselves and their ability to parent.”
Mary Ann is a native of North Carolina and returned to the area after attending Kansas State University. She completed her education at UNC Asheville, earning a Bachelor in Sociology in 2003. Mary Ann is certified in a number of nationally recognized prevention programs and trains other facilitators throughout WNC. She is pursuing graduate studies and loves to travel with family and friends exploring natural wonders -- especially the oceans and their delicate treasures. Contact Mary Ann at 828-275-8895.
Loretta J. Young
Prevention Specialist, Strengthening Families Program
Loretta came to work for ARP in 2005 as support staff and in 2009 she was promoted to prevention specialist. In her role, Loretta facilitates the parent group of the Strengthening Families Program. She came to ARP after her retirement from Buncombe County Childcare Services, where she worked for 30 years as a teacher, a director of the childcare program and placement coordinator.
Her philosophy in offering prevention services to the community is: "The earlier we start the better it will be for children in their future.” Loretta speaks with authority on this subject after working for 30 years with children from birth to age 5.
Loretta received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Stillman College. Contact Loretta at 828-691-1541.
Susan Hales, B.A.
Prevention Specialist, Strengthening Families Program
Susan came to Strengthening Families Program two years ago with 25 years’ experience teaching visually impaired and children of varying exceptionalities in Florida’s public schools. She has a mindfulness practice within a community that gives her a great deal of support and in turn, helps Susan with her role within Prevention Services.
“I love working with the families who come to us. Key to prevention is families learning to communicate with one another. Each group brings new challenges and gifts,” she said. “The heartfelt gratitude expressed by families at graduation is what fuels my desire for this awesome program to continue and grow. I am always thinking how much this would have benefited my family when my children were growing up.”
Susan obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Disabilities and Early Childhood Education from Florida State University. Contact Susan at 828-691-1541.
Maceo Mayo III, B.A., CSAPC
Coordinator, Gaston County Prevention Services
In addition to coordinating Prevention Services in Gaston County, Maceo serves as Executive Director of Power of Prevention (P.O.P.) Inc, and is a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for Family Innovations, LLC.
Maceo develops, delivers and coordinates prevention programs for the community at large primarily targeting public housing residents. Maceo’s areas of expertise include leadership training, community organization and development, creative problem solving, diversity, coalition building and substance abuse information and advocacy.
He has worked in the field of substance abuse prevention for 37 years, holding a wide array of prestigious consulting and training positions with organizations such as the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board, National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) and HUD’s Drug Elimination Technical Assistance Program. He has provided technical assistance for various public housing authorities and resident groups and state-level entities.
Maceo received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Barber-Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina and was born and raised in Washington, D.C. Contact Maceo at 704-842-6314
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Prevention Program Support Specialist
Joining the ARP Prevention Team in March of 2011, Megan brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to support the company in meeting its mission and vision. Originally from central Florida, Megan earned a Bachelors degree in Business Management from Florida State in 2003. Megan has committed her personal life to supporting those struggling with addiction and is excited for the opportunity to apply her business skills to the field of Prevention. Contact Megan at 828-348-2641 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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