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TERO STAFF DIRECTORY

TERRI HENRY

TERO DIRECTOR

In January 2019, Ms. Terri Henry began work in the position of TERO Director. She oversees the daily operations and administration, an offers strategic guidance in our mission to implement the Tribe’s employment preference laws on tribal lands. Terri is from the Paint Town Community and brings 25 years of experience in Cherokee Tribal government and national leadership to her position with TERO. Notably, her work experience includes three terms (or six years) on the Cherokee Tribal Council – serving one term as the first Chairwoman – and an appointment as the tribe’s first Secretary of State.

Ms. Henry is a co-founder of the National Congress of American Indians Task Force on Violence Against Women and is appointed as an Independent Expert for North America on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 2017-2019. She also has a background in small business and nonprofit work. Terri earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law.

(d) 828.359.6540 | (m) 828.788.3430 | terrhenr@ebci-nsn.gov

GERRI GRADY

TERO TRAINING SPECIALIST

Gerri Grady has been serving the community as Training Specialist for two years. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Montreat College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, and she served the Tribe for more than 23 years in Finance and Community Service programs. During her time with TERO, she has coordinated training in facilities maintenance, Microsoft Office skills, OSHA and flagger safety, and adult financial literacy, among others. Her office is in the TERO training center at 149 Children’s Home Loop where she will continue coordinating training opportunities that enhance tribal members skills.

She enjoys reading, writing, making ribbon skirts for friends, and cooking. She and her husband, Sean, live in the Yellowhill Community with their two dogs.

(d) 828.359.6365 | (m) 828.736.1625 | gerrgrad@ebci-nsn.gov

JEFF THOMPSON

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Mr. Jeff Thompson, joined the TERO team in May of 2024. Jeff earned an Associate of Science degree in Business from Montreat College and anticipates receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in the Summer of 2025 from Montreat College. He is also a proud graduate of the Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center where he obtained certifications in both Carpentry and Building and Apartment Maintenance. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Painttown community where he is active with the Painttown Community Club and Free Labor Group. He also enjoys making music, playing with the grandchildren, and traveling with his wife.

(d) 828.359.6422 | jeffthom@ebci-nsn.gov

TASHINA KALONAHESKIE

JOB BANK COORDINATOR

Tashina joined the T.E.R.O Workforce August 14th, 2023.

Tashina Kalonaheskie joined TERO as a Job Bank Coordinator on August 14th 2023. She previously worked for Public Health & Human Services for 10+ years serving the elders of the Cherokee community. Tashina graduated high school in 2008 and went to Southwestern Community College where she obtained her Nurse Aide Certification. After working in the community for 5+ years as a nurse aide, Ms. Kalonaheskie attended Western Carolina University where she completed the Native Health Studies curriculum. Tashina also did training for peer support group counseling and was part of the first Cherokee Alzheimer’s Support Group. Tashina served as Vice Chair for the Center for Native Health Board and was on the board for more than 4 years.

Ms. Kalonaheksie loves to do artwork such as painting, beadwork, wood burning, drawing, sewing and many other art activities. Tashina is Proud member of the Big Cove Community.

(d) 828.359.6478 | tashkalo@ebci-nsn.gov

JACOB "JAKE" CROWE

TERO COMPLIANCE MANAGER

Mr. Jacob Crowe joined TERO in the position of TERO Compliance Officer. He is a proud resident of the Birdtown Community. Jake recently graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

In his spare time, he can be found fishing bass tournaments, enjoying his travels in and out of state. When Jake is not fishing, he can be found either playing slow pitch softball or in the wood’s deer hunting.

(d) 828.359.6544 | (m) 828.736.3627 | jacocrow@ebci-nsn.gov

JOHN P. TAYLOR, JR.

TERO COMPLIANCE OFFICER

John P. Taylor, Jr., joined TERO as a Compliance Officer on July 22, 2024. He has 13 years of experience as a law enforcement officer in the Cherokee Indian Police Department where he served as a Patrol Sargeant and then K9 Sargeant. John is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served from 2004-2008. Mr. Taylor enjoys spending time with his children and watching them play sports. John also enjoys playing golf at different golf courses with his family and friends. He has two dogs and lives in the Birdtown Community.

(d) 828.359.6477 | johntayl@ebci-nsn.gov

HEATHER YOUNCE

TERO COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Ms. Heather Swimmer Younce joined TERO in the position of TERO Compliance Officer. She is a proud resident of the Painttown Community. Heather earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Montreat College.  Ms. Younce enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading.

(d) 828.359.6545 | (m) 828.736.3318 | heatyoun@ebci-nsn.gov

JONAH "JAYBEAR" SAUNOOKE

MOTHER TOWN HEALING PROGRAM ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR

Jonah Saunooke is an Assistant Supervisor in the Mother Town Healing Program. He started as a MTH Project participant in 2017 when the program was still a pilot project. JayBear feels he probably wouldn’t be here today if not for the MTH Project. 

 

Mr. Saunooke has completed the NC Certified Peer Support Specialist training, Beauty for Ashes, Beauty for Ashes Elite, and has experience as a Beauty for Ashes Learning Circle Leader. In addition, he has participated in many other recovery-based programs. JayBear finds it very rewarding to watch people grow and progress in their recovery. He is proud to be a part of MTH Program because he gets to give back to the community. He credits his lived experience for helping reinforce his connection with the recovery community. 

 

In his spare time, Mr. Saunooke enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time with family and with his 10 dogs. He can often be found in the woods looking for mushrooms. In addition to practicing these cultural activities, he enjoys learning more and teaching about them as well. JayBear is from the Birdtown Community and in 2023 marked his 6.5 years in recovery. 

(d) 828.359.6541 | (m) 828.788.4703 | jonasaun@ebci-nsn.gov

CLYDIE "CALLIE" LONG

MOTHER TOWN HEALING PROGRAM ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR

Callie is an Assistant Supervisor in the Mother Town Healing Program. She started as a MTHP Participant in 2020 and served as a Peer Mentor before being promoted to her current position.  Callie has completed NC Certified Peer Support Specialist training and Recovery Coach training. Callie enjoys helping others and getting to witness the transformation that comes with recovery. She loves seeing the change happening in the community, and seeing more people willing to learn, taking time to become educated about recovery, and supporting the recovery community.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities with her family, such as swimming, riding the backroads of the mountains, and watching stickball.  Originally from Big Cove Community, Callie resides in Birdtown with her partner and four children. Callie is very active in the recovery community and, in 2023, marked her 4th year in recovery.

(d) 828.359.6423 | (m) 828.788.3136 | calong@ebci-nsn.gov