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Jen earned her Sociology and Mass Communications degree from University of Vermont and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She has various certifications in Leadership including extensive training in cross cultural communications and trauma informed practices.
Jen began advocating for students and families from historically marginalized communities in the Asheville area in 2005 and co-founded OpenDoors Asheville, a community based innovative whole-child and longitudinal educational nonprofit, in 2009.
She enjoys mountain biking, skiing, sailing, and traveling with her growing family and adventuresome friends.
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She/her
Nancy graduated with a degree in Psychology from the University of Richmond and earned her Masters of Education in Counseling from Western Carolina University. Working with OpenDoors since it’s inception, Nancy has also served as Board Secretary, Board Chair, Team Leader, and Education Liaison for OpenDoors.
Pretty much a native Ashevillian having lived here since 1994, Nancy practiced as an elementary school counselor in the early 2000’s, owned a business in Biltmore Village for a decade, and now balances communications and graphic design with chasing down her Brady Bunch family of nine, while loving the mountains of WNC.
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For more than 20 years, Elizabeth ran her own mentoring and college preparation program for high school students eager to gain admission at their top choice colleges and become inspired leaders in their communities.
Now at OpenDoors, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for empowering young people to transform their own lives and their communities by guiding them to and through college.
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As a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Katherine’s career in education has centered on creating equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for all students in collaboration with families and mission-aligned community stakeholders. At OpenDoors, she delivers academic and enrichment programs that build upon the unique needs, strengths, and experiences of every student.
Katherine places high value on building partnerships with families as they bring deep knowledge of their children' needs, strengths and cultural background.
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Kishaun Green, a Chattanooga native, has dedicated her life to education and community service. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Asheville before beginning her career in financial services and later teaching middle school students. Her volunteer work with children revealed her true calling—empowering young people through education, which led her to fully embrace a career in teaching. After marrying, she returned to Asheville with her husband, Keith, where they have raised their two children, Kennedi and Tobias. Kishaun also took on the rewarding role of homeschooling, instilling in her children a love for learning and strong values.
Now serving as Middle School Director for grades 6–9, Kishaun oversees student intakes, enrichment programming, and literacy initiatives, ensuring that each student is supported academically and personally. She is passionate about building strong connections, fostering leadership, and providing meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family, always guided by her belief in the power of education to transform lives.
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Tysh is lovingly considered "the glue" at OpenDoors. She's served in many roles over the years, always ready to jump into whatever needs to be done to ensure OpenDoors is successful. She loves to be hands-on and has primarily worked directly with students and families, who adore her!
She is currently enrolled to get her high school diploma. Once that is completed, she is interested in pursuing Marketing or Cosmetology.
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Alex is a career educator with nearly a decade of classroom experience, specializing in literacy and composition instruction. She holds a Masters Decree in English Literature from Wake Forest University and has spent nearly her entire teaching career here in Asheville.
As the Education Coordinator for Middle and High School grades, she works to provide access to individualized tutoring services and academic enrichments & resources for OpenDoors students.
When she is not working, you can often find Alex reading, cooking, doing yoga, or out in the garden.
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Courtney graduated from The University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Finance.
Courtney enjoys mountain biking, hiking with her dogs, and just being outdoors.
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Jordan is a dedicated education professional with over nine years of experience in urban school and educational settings, specializing in elementary instruction and afterschool programming. She holds a Masters of Science in Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University and spent five years teaching in the public school system in Washington, DC. In her current role as K-5 Program Director, she is able to combine her passion for equity, innovation, and hands-on learning to serve students and families in her beloved hometown.
When she's not at work, you can find her biking, gardening or dancing.
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Jasmine has consistently dedicated her time to the Asheville community working primarily with non-profit organizations, trying to close the gaps to access and resources. She began her relationship with OpenDoors Asheville in 2011 as a student who needed additional guidance and encouragement to help continue her education, and she has been involved in numerous ways ever since.
She plans to continue her education until there is no more to learn. OpenDoors has been essential to her journey by pushing her to accomplishing her goals and helping create a sustainable life for her growing family.
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Jennifer earned her degree in Economics from Claremont McKenna College and began her professional career in Audit Services at Deloitte, where she developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and strategic problem solving.
For the past twenty years, Jennifer has dedicated herself to serving the Asheville community through volunteer work in the academic field. She is a steadfast advocate for ensuring that all students have access to the resources, guidance, and academic support they need to reach their full potential.
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Redora Vance is a proud native of Asheville, NC, and serves as a Lead Transportation Associate with over 13 years of experience in safely transporting and supporting children. Her commitment to safety, reliability, and kindness has made her a valued presence in the lives of students and their families.
Outside of work, Redora enjoys listening to music, reading, spending time with friends, and visiting the beach- her favorite place to unwind.
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Demetria attended Asheville High School and later earned her SAFE Serv certification, launching her career as a cook and supervisor in the food service industry.
After many dedicated years in food service, Demetria found her true passion working with Head Start. When Hurricane Helene hit and funding ended, she didn’t give up. Instead, she remained determined and eventually found herself in the arms of OpenDoors, continuing her commitment to serving and uplifting her community.
On her days off, Demetria is energetic, fun-loving, and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
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He/him
Graduate of Buncombe Community High School in 1998. After attending some nursing school, life steered him in another direction and now he’s with OpenDoors enjoying watching the students grow and learn the importance of an education.
Antwan is a big believer in family values and trust. He loves to travel and explore different parts of the country.