Debbie West
Director and Founder
Mama Debbie is the director of CHBSM and has worked with over 100+ children for 38+ years, first as a foster parent for Bethany Christian Services, then as a crisis respite parent for children with behavior issues. Debbie began Changing Hearts in September 2006. She has ten children, both birth and adoption, and 18 grandchildren. She understands the heart of the parent and the child's needs because she has lived it herself. Debbie is a behavioral specialist and a counselor with Freedom in Christ Ministries.
Natalie Bates
Administrative Director
Debbie’s oldest daughter is in charge of our Equine program. She has been trained through NARHA and runs the barn and all the daily horse lessons here at the school. She has worked at CHBSM since the beginning of the school. Prior to that worked at a private school in the area. She is married to her husband Matt Bates and they have a beautiful daughter Bella.
Debi Mills White
Clinical Director
LMFT graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary with a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is currently licensed in the state of North Carolina. Her years in the mental health system provided extensive training and clinical experience working with children and their families. She specializes in trauma, sexual abuse, attachment, and behavioral problems. She and her husband opened Vista Life Counseling Center in 2001, where she continues her private practice. Her favorite thing is spending time with her husband and two amazing daughters.
Nachelle Angelo
Medical Care Director
A Medical Care Director at the ministry has been with CHBSM since 2009. She enjoys cooking with the girls and helping them with projects at the school. She has worked with children with emotional and behavioral issues in the NC mental health system and had the occupation as a one-on-one worker in the public school system. She married Scott Angelo, Debbie West’s daughter, and Natalie’s sister.
Samantha Vail
Education Administrator
A veteran here at CHBSM, Miss Samantha joined us in 2016 and recently graduated from Mars Hill University and obtained my B.A. in Middle Grades Education. She currently serves as a teacher at CHBSM. A few of her favorites include travel, escape games, and concerts!
Ashley Fairbrother
Supervisor
Mrs. Ashley joined the CHBSM in 2016. She is married with three children and comes to us with a background in criminal justice. Her spare time is spent with her family and diving into biblical studies.