EBCI TERO

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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 COORDINATOR

Gerri Grady joined TERO as Training Coordinator from Harrah’s Casino where she served as Regional Claims Administrator in Risk Management. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Montreat College and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and previously served the Tribe for more than 23 years in Finance and Community Service programs.

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

BILLIE JO RICH

MOTHER TOWN HEALING PROGRAM SUPERVISOR

Ms. Billie Jo Rich is the Mother Town Healing Program Supervisor. In this capacity, Ms. Rich is responsible for the organizing various activities that support individual development and planning and organizing activities for participants’ families dealing with recovery ensuring the delivery of services and compliance with program policies and regulations consistent with the Tribal Employment Rights Office strategic plan.

Ms. Rich has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse Concentration (SCC) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology (WCU). Billie Jo’s background is in Recovery and Crime Victim Advocacy. Ms. Rich has organized a multi-system approach to benefit the livelihood of enrolled members and their families through skill building & education, personal growth, reconnection to community & culture, healthy life skills, and, wellness & recovery support. Ms. Rich resides in the Paint Town Community.

(d) 828.359.6424 | (m) 828.736.6664 | bjrich@ebci-nsn.gov

SHAYNA WILLIAMS

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Ms. Shayna Williams is an enrolled EBCI member and joined TERO as the Workforce Development Specialist in June 2022. She ensures that program goals and objectives are met by providing organization & coordination for the Work Experience Programs. 

Originally from Indiana, Shayna received her Bachelor of Arts degree double majoring in International Studies and Spanish from Butler University. Additionally, Ms. Williams obtained her Master of Social Work as a Kathern M. Buder scholarship recipient from Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work with an individualized concentration in Social Economic Development and Administration within Indian country. When Shayna is not working, she enjoys to listening to podcasts, painting, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

JACOB "JAKE" CROWE

TERO COMPLIANCE OFFICER

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

HILLARY NORVILLE

JOB BANK COORDINATOR

Ms. Hillary Norville serves TERO as a Job Bank Coordinator. Hillary received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic Communications at High Point University. She also obtained a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree at Wake Forest University School of Law and earned her paralegal certificate from UNC Chapel Hill.

Her hobbies include reading and hiking. Hillary is from the Snowbird Community.

(d) 828.359.6422 | (m) 828.788.1830 | hillnorv@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