THE JOY HOUSE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Counselor - Counseling Center
Bill joined the Joy House team in May of 2015 to work in the Counseling Center as it seeks to extend counseling services to the region. He provides biblical, Christian and pastoral counseling services to those who are hurting, confused or overwhelmed.
Summarizing his faith, Bill gives an Everyman's creed saying, "God is real. He is the source of all fact, truth and goodness. The Bible tells us about Him and we can know Him personally through His Son, Jesus. Every moment is an opportunity to accept His loving lordship, or not. All things are sacred and nothing is too small for God. God really knows, really loves, really saves and really heals."
Bill earned a Master's degree from the University of Florida and a Doctoral degree in Counseling from the University of Georgia. He is recently retired from a career in vocational rehabilitation, helping those with special needs to live and work independently. He served in many different capacities, with 10 years at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, a large residential program.
He is married with five children and four grandchildren. Bill's interests include devotional writing, gardening, music and drama.
Bill Wattenbarger holds Masters and Doctoral degrees in Counseling from the universities of Florida and Georgia with 35 years of counseling experience. His orientation has always been Christ-centered and faith-based while his career emphasis has been working with persons with disabilities or special needs and their families.
Job Titles:
- Director of Residential Therapy
Since 2008, Darren Lane has been part of the Joy House team, initially serving as a counselor for the residential program, and then becoming our Director of Therapy. Darren has lived in Pickens County for almost 40 years. Having grown up in a non-Christian environment at home, Darren wasn't introduced to church until he was 16 years old. He was married at a young age, and knows about difficulties that come from not-so-perfect decisions. "So many times, I see my life-decisions played out in the choices made by our residents…Jesus loved me through my junk, I can love others through theirs." Saved at the age of 23 years-old, and in the midst of serious challenges in his marriage, Darren began understanding that every human being is "stuck" in certain patterns that sabotage our health, peace, and success. His mission, and his calling is to offer a "better way," and "freedom from captivity" ultimately through Christ.
Darren recharges through reading, spending time with his beautiful wife and his family, and sipping iced-tea on the family's front porch. "My wife, Rhonda, makes our home a sanctuary; a chance to catch my breath. I know that when I walk through that door, I am totally and completely, loved. That's good medicine after demanding days." Darren says that Jesus supplies the fields of harvest, and that his wife helps supply the rest needed between sunrises.
Darren has a B.S. from Kennesaw State University in Psychology, a Masters in Family and Marriage Counseling from Liberty, and since 2004, has held a position as Minister to Families and Worship Leader at Cool Springs Baptist Church in Jasper, Georgia.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- VP Merrill Private Wealth Management
Vice President | Private Wealth Analyst, Investments Merrill Private Wealth Management
Job Titles:
- Counselor
- Counselor - Counseling Center
Heather joined our team in 2021 as a counselor in the counseling center. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Kennesaw State University in 2006. She later received her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University in 2018. In her undergrad, Heather worked as a Juvenile Probation officer in Cherokee County for 4 years. Postgraduate, Heather has gained experience working in the Private Practice setting as well as the Public School setting as a Community Based Therapist.
In her youth, she received an invitation to Talking Rock First Baptist from a friend. It was there that she started her walk with the Lord, was baptized, and where she first heard of Steve Lowe's vision of the Joy House. Since that time, Heather has grown in her walk with the Lord, and she has developed a passion for helping those in need.
Heather has been married for almost 16 years. She and her husband, Andrew have two children. Heather and her family are active in their church, always looking for ways to serve. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the gym, running, and hiking. Heather has a compassionate and friendly presence, which helps those who are hesitant to try counseling feel more comfortable and at ease.
Heather McGinty holds a Bachelors degree in Human Services from Kennesaw State and a Masters in Marriage and Family therapy from Liberty. Previous experience includes Juvenile Probation officer, private counseling practice and Community Based Therapist in a public school setting. Her compassionate and friendly presence put those hesitant to try counseling at ease.
Jeff Miller is a Christ follower, living for Him since he was a child, and continues to serve Him in various capacities. Originally from northern Michigan, he moved to Houston where he met the love of his life, Kari, who he has been married to for over 25 years. Living in in Canton since 2011, they are raising two beautiful daughters together, Kenzi and Jenna. Throughout life there have been many choices that brought him to this spot in life.
Over the years, Jeff built a successful career in the building materials industry by leading large business units as the Vice President of Sales selling to the industry's most strategic and largest customers. Was inspired to take his management and leadership skills acquired and invest in people at a deeper level. This dream led to the opening of 1-800 Packouts of Georgia with an amazing team that joined his passion of caring for people. A key focus was to create a positive culture, where all could grow professionally and personally. The Joy House has been an impactful partnership seeing firsthand how godly counseling helps redirect people from a difficult walk and allows God to start His work in their life. It has been amazing to see how God connects all the dots throughout life to show His faithfulness.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys all things outdoors, specifically hunting, ATV trail rides and hiking. Jeff earned his B.A. from Sam Houston State University and MBA from Reinhardt University. He also served in the United States Marine Corps and currently serves in the United States Air Force Reserve. Jeff and his family attend and serve at Passion City Church in Atlanta.
Kathryn Bracher joined our team as Administrator and Intake Coordinator of the Counseling Center in 2021. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education (UGA) and a background in administrative work. She oversees all initial contact, intake, and scheduling with clients. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, Kathryn is the one to call.
Job Titles:
- Admin / Intake Coordinator - Counseling Center
Kathryn joined our team as the Admin/Intake Coordinator of our Counseling Center in 2021. Her heart for the Lord and for discipleship have led her to the Joy House. She is delighted to be working with Bill, Abby, and Heather who all faithfully seek the Lord as they counsel His people.
Kathryn graduated from the University of Georgia in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education. She spent two years student-teaching at Clarke Middle and Morgan County Middle School during her undergrad. Her experiences in schools gave her a big heart for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those that she worked with. After college, she began an internship program with Camp Highland; a place in Ellijay, GA where she had spent four summers as a counselor and support staff member. Under the mentorship of her boss, Deb, Kathryn discovered a new depth of love and authority from the Lord that has deeply enriched her relationship with Him. Eager to learn more about God, she engaged in a Fellows program in Florida to learn more about incorporating faith into all aspects of her life through church, RTS classes, discipleship, and an internship at the Geneva School.
In addition to one-on-one time with people, Kathryn loves participating in any outdoor activities, reading her Bible and journaling in coffee shops, or listening to music. She cherishes the time she has with her family and loves getting to laugh with her friends. She is so grateful to become a part of the Joy House family, and she is hopeful of what the Lord will continue to do through the minist
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Managing Principal
- Principal
- Principal Frontline Capital Partners
Mr. Boggus currently resides in Jasper, Georgia. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has over 26 years of banking and business experience.
Most recently he served as CEO and President of a community banking company with assets in excess of one billion dollars and 13 locations. During Mr. Boggus' tenure, the company made a bank acquisition, two branch acquisitions and sold its wholesale mortgage operation. The company was recognized in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution list of the top 100 Georgia businesses in 2002 (4th), 2003 (60th), 2005 (27th), 2006 (26th), 2007 (68th) and 2008 (84th). In July 2006 the company was recognized at number 39 in the US Banker's Top 200 Community Banks in the United States. Mr. Boggus was also recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in its list of top performing CEOs in 2005 and 2007.
In addition to his experience as a bank CEO, Mr. Boggus has been an organizer and director of six de novo banks and participated in the sale of two of those institutions. He has also been involved in other start up companies handling real estate developments as well as commercial and residential rentals. Mr. Boggus joined CIB Partners in 2011.
Mr. Boggus currently serves on the boards of the Joy House (home for troubled teenagers), 515 Fellowship of Christian Athletics, Chattahoochee Technical College Foundation, Reinhardt College Advisory Board, Pickens County Economic Development Authority, Pickens County Airport Authority and Jasper Housing Authority.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Intake Coordinator
- Joy House As the Administrative Assistant
Pam Layfield serves the Joy House as the Administrative Assistant and Intake Coordinator. Pam has lived in Pickens County for 16 years. In her early years she went to church and knew about Christ, but did not live her life for Christ. In 2002, she went through a divorce and began to seek the Lord, giving her life to Christ completely in 2003. In October of 2004, she attended a women's retreat called Tres Dias where she was really impacted by the Lord and felt that she needed to make Christ the center of everything she does.
She has been serving the Lord vigorously ever since. She began volunteering at the Joy House soon after, and after volunteering for two years accepted a position as the administrative assistant. Although her responsibilities are mostly behind a desk, she says that her heart is always "with the teens", who inspire her, along with the Lord, to do the work that she does. She loves her job and still volunteers by relieving the house parents so that she can spend time with the teens. She says it's a JOY to be a part of something so great!
She has one daughter, Amy, and two grandchildren. Pam also enjoys spending time with her two dogs Sierra and Bailey, reading, and doing interpretive dance during the worship services at her church. She is a valuable resource and a great friend to those of us here at the Joy House.
Robin Whitaker is the Joy House Academy classroom teacher. She attended Reinhardt College from 1980-1982 and graduated from Kennesaw College in 1985. She is certified in English and Secondary Education as well as in Gifted education. Over her thirty-year teaching career, she has worked with students at all levels, from the honors to the at-risk population.
In May 2015 Robin retired from her thirty-year career teaching English at Cherokee High School in Cherokee County. While she has always felt called to teach, she could no longer tolerate what she saw as the state-wide bureaucratic dismantling of public education. She was uncertain what was next for her and prayed that God would direct her path.
When her own child faced a crisis in July and August following her retirement, Robin turned to God for help. In a moment of helpless desperation, she prayed, "God, I can't do this. I don't have the strength. I don't have the money. I can't do it." God said to her, "Maybe you can't, but I can." The next day, her friend sent her a text; the friend had seen through her Facebook feed that the Joy House was looking for an English teacher, and she immediately thought, "Robin needs that." Robin went to our Joy House page and saw that we were looking for "an English/literature teacher who wants to spread the love of Christ." She knew that the Joy House was the place God meant for her to be.
Robin was hired in August of 2015 and she continues to marvel at God's power, and she is thrilled to be able to teach in an environment that not only allows her to talk about God, but that encourages it. She is thankful that God has provided an opportunity not only to meet the needs of her own child but to help others at the same time, doing what she has always loved and felt called to do: teaching.
Job Titles:
- Director of Education
- Director of the Joy House Academy
Ron Rucker is the director of The Joy House Academy. Ron is the founder and pastor of Cornerstone Church, a non denominational congregation established in 1996. Ron had this to say: "Why would anyone add more work to an already busy life as a husband, father, grandfather and pastor of a great Church family? I have been an observer, supporter and friend of the Joy House since it began. Now, I can be part of this team where God is at work. I do not want to rust out; I want to burn out for God's work. My wife Lea is the real reason that I can take this position. She is taking on the administrative duties so I can be free to teach and supervise. I am so thankful for her support. The elders and congregation of Cornerstone are allowing me to expand our ministry. What a great congregation!"
Ron brings years of teaching experience as an Assistant Professor teaching in the Business Administration Department at Tennessee Temple University. He is, also, a former Executive with Equifax. "I feel like the great imposter! However, I come to this position trusting God to equip my wife and me to make a difference in the lives of these students." Ron enjoys Ham Radio as a hobby, and has installed a ham radio station at the Joy House as part of the Physical Science Lab.
Ron has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from West Virginia State University, his Master of Business Administration Degree is from the University of Tennessee, and his Master of Ministry is from Temple Baptist Theological Seminary, Chattanooga, TN.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Executive Director
- Founder
Steve Lowe is the Executive Director and one of the original co-founders of the Joy House ministry. Steve has lived in Pickens County all of his life and has worked with teenagers since the early 90's with various ministries in the county. After seeing and ministering to broken families firsthand and taking into his own home a teenager from a broken family, he knew that something needed to be done.
Steve began to envision a ministry in Pickens County that would bring, in his own words, "Christ's hope and healing to teens and their families and break the cycle of hurt for future generations, allowing them to understand God's best for their life". He had hopes for "a place where God would be recognized as real and relevant and people would give glory to Him for the great things He has done."
After meeting several people with the same passion and desire to see God move in broken families across our area, Steve's vision turned into reality, and the Joy House ministry was formed.
He has led the ministry since its inception in 2001 and is still excited about what God continues to do through the ministry and the lives he's seen changed. He is grateful for an incredible staff that God calls to join him on this journey.
Steve and his wife Wendy enjoy sharing life together with their son and daughter. They're also grateful to have their "adopted" son and his family living and working in Pickens County. Some of Steve's hobbies are playing/coaching basketball, tennis, spending time in the Word of God, reading, and spending time with his family. He is a proud graduate of The Georgia Institute of Technology and holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
Tina Mabry lives in Ellijay and has been a full-time Realtor since 2004. Tina joined Coldwell Banker in 2008 and has been recognized as a consistent top producer both companywide as well as being placed in the top 15% of all Coldwell Banker International agents. Tina is a member of the Residential Real Estate Council and holds a Certified Residential Specialist designation, the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents. In addition, she is a member of the Georgia Association of Realtors as well as the National Association of Realtors. Tina attended Wallace State Community College in central Alabama and also holds a Technology certification in Medical Transcription.
Tina and her husband Rick have two grown sons and a daughter-in-law. As a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Ellijay, she has served in various roles and initiated the charter for the Mother's of Preschooler's ministry, serving as the original Coordinator and as a Mentor. Most recently she has served on the church's Interim Pastor search committee, Finance, and currently the Personnel Committee. She and her husband are also founding members of North Georgia Christian Academy in Ellijay and remain actively involved. Tina helped initiate and organize the school's annual GALA, the school's largest on-going fundraising event. Tina was also on staff with the school's athletic program for thirteen years having initiated the school's Volleyball program, and served as head coach and assistant coach during that time. Currently she is an active volunteer at the Joy House and helps provide Physical Education activities for the girls. She enjoys cooking, hiking, watching football, and spending time with her family.