Meet Our
Team of Experts
Eileen Mouyard
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A longstanding team member of SSTC, Eileen has worked within the organization in various capacities and titles since 2019. Her roles with SSTC have included robust work and development in outreach and communications, public relations and program management, grant writing and funder development, as well as executive leadership.
She coordinated a coherent and organized approach to the multi-year, 18 county WNC region-wide SSIC implementation that supports and expands local agencies’ capacity for building resilient, family-focused communities that measurably improve early childhood learning, health and social outcomes for children and families.
However, she will say her most compelling experience within the early childhood education and development scope is a result of her role as a mother. “There is no such thing as other people’s children” serves as an ethos that is integral to Eileen’s passion, curiosity and dedication to serving children and families in her community, both near and far.
She grew up in a rural Appalachian community on the West Virginia and Maryland borders and developed an early awareness to the challenges that individuals and families can face from living in rural landscapes. Her background is compiled with work in communications, brand management, resource and capacity development, writing, and human-centered leadership. She is an experienced professional who prioritizes people within solutions and collaboration. Eileen is deeply committed to the belief that all people—especially children— deserve equitable, joyful opportunities to thrive and grow, however they desire.
Her passions and curiosities outside of her professional wheelhouse include gardening, reading, cooking and baking, and exploring the ancient Appalachian mountains on hikes, bikes, and runs.
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Kathryn is excited to support and enhance new and innovative pilot programs as well as existing services to ensure that community needs are being met. Her role is dedicated to ensuring that all eligible families in Transylvania County have the access to support and opportunities that they need to be able to thrive and be successful. She is excited to expand upon the services that Smart Start can offer and continue to impact positive change in Transylvania County.
A Texas native, she fell in love with the Carolinas first through Clemson University, which she graduated from in 2011 earning her Bachelors in Social Work. Having worked the last thirteen years within South Carolina child welfare and the nonprofit world she is excited to continue that passion of improving outcomes for children and families here in Western North Carolina.
Her personal interests include hiking, animal rescue, trying all the local bakeries and coffee shops and volunteering in the local community. She is excited to explore Transylvania County more and all that this area and community has to offer.
Kathryn Woodward
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Aiyanna leads communications, advocacy, and public relations for SSTC, working to influence positive change in the early childhood sector through strategic communication campaigns and advocacy initiatives.
She is responsible for developing key messaging and branding for SSTC that uplifts and propels the organization's mission to see all children, providers, and caregivers thrive. Aiyanna bolsters public engagement and education through the creation of regular press releases, social media content, newsletters, flyers, and all other media related to SSTC’s programs and initiatives.
She leads SSTC’s advocacy work and regularly engages with policy influencers and early childhood advocates to support policy changes that positively impact the development of infants and young children. She created SSTC’s state-wide Family, Friend, and Neighbor Advocacy campaign and manages the North Carolina FFN Advocacy Website. She also creates media toolkits for community partners to share key messaging connected to SSTC’s regional and statewide advocacy goals. Currently, she serves as a member of the WNC Early Childhood Coalition Leadership Team.
Additionally, she supports SSTC’s Sesame Street in Communities partnership through brand implementation and the delivery of presentations and workshops related to SSIC resources. She believes strongly in meeting all families where they are at and helping them to access all forms of resources and support needed to ensure their children receive the best possible care.
Aiyanna was raised in the upstate of South Carolina and received her Bachelors of English at College of Charleston. Her personal interests include pilates, cooking, hiking, writing, and spending time with her fur babies: Nico, Binx, and Kittle.
Aiyanna Lollis
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Susan is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a multifaceted background encompassing childcare, education, entrepreneurship and administration. From childhood and motherhood experiences to professional milestones, Susan’s dedication to early childhood is deeply rooted in her journey and brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to her role as Early Childhood Project Manager and to her advocacy for early childhood education.
As the Early Childhood Project Manager, Susan has developed critical family support project areas related to maternal/infant support and oversees SSTC’s Early Childhood Education and Workforce programs and Early Literacy programs. Her strategic vision and fervent commitment to these roles makes her an invaluable asset to the team.
Susan was born in Charlotte, NC and attended the College of Charleston in SC where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Education. She also completed the Teacher Licensure program at Brevard College. Susan most enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling and enjoying all that nature has to offer in beautiful Transylvania County.
Susan Thrower
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David has 10+ years of experience working with not-for-profit organizations in a variety of roles ranging from external auditor to finance director. He believes that structure supports creativity, and that a well-founded finance function can help 'free' an organization to fulfill its' mission. While not a parent himself, he recognizes the importance of early childhood development and excites in being part of a team focused on helping further this cause.
David was raised in Tallahassee, Florida and spent time during the summers camping and recreating in North Georgia and Western Carolina. His passions outside of work include Buddhist studies, yoga, and enjoying the outdoors with his pitbull, Penny.
David Berry
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Chelsea is passionate about connecting inclusively with the families and community partners that make up Transylvania County. Her commitment to the community's well being has enabled her to grow in her role, managing several programs designed to support children, families, and those who care for children.
Chelsea leads GetSet babies, a health initiative that supports new and expectant mothers and babies, giving them the tools and resources needed to thrive. She also manages the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care network, facilitating a comprehensive support system for unlicensed home-based child care providers. She facilitates monthly FFN meetings and ensures providers have access to early education classes, food security, and other free resources. Chelsea also manages the Unhoused Young Children program, supporting children and families who are unhoused with supplies, resources, food security, and support with housing.
Chelsea is a part of the leadership committee for GetSet Transylvania, a local collaborative that aims to understand the needs and challenges of local families and offer them relevant resources and support. She also serves as the Rootle Ambassador for Transylvania County, through a PBS initiative to help families have access to free resources and more.
Chelsea is a true local and was born and raised in Brevard, NC. Her children and husband are her world, as well as her dog Izzy. She loves to cook, hike, and swim. She helps coach her daughters softball team and loves a lazy Sunday when possible.
Chelsea Stewart
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Laura is dedicated to creating lasting and positive change for the families she serves in the community. As the Family Support Specialist, she implements the Parents as Teachers model, focusing on the importance of parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and overall family well-being. Laura extends her support through in-home visiting services, where she provides an empathetic and holistic approach to guide and empower parents, children, and families. Laura partners with families during each home visit to foster natural learning opportunities and compassionate interactions, all grounded in evidence-based research and child development principles. She facilitates growth and reflection, helping families achieve their goals and meet their needs.
Laura’s responsibilities also include facilitating monthly parent group meetings, and community events. She coordinates services with other community programs and makes recommendations for further screenings and evaluations as needed. Laura believes that the well-being of children is our future, and she strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the families she works with every day.
She grew up in Tampa, FL and fell in love with the spirit and beauty of WNC. Laura graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Child Development-Child and Family Studies, and a minor in Nonprofit Management. In her free time, Laura enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, cuddling her dalmatian, and teaching yoga & meditation.
Laura Towell
