Meet the Team

  • A woman with shoulder-length light brown hair, smiling, wearing a dark blazer, white top, gold hoop earrings, and a gold chain necklace, against a dark blue circular background.

    Joyce Clevenger

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    In 2017, Joyce Clevenger became Executive Director of The C.A.R.E. Group, Inc., bringing more than 35 years of experience in youth ministry and mentorship. A proud Southerner and Moore County resident for over 30 years, Joyce is deeply committed to investing in the lives of young people and strengthening the local community. She believes every child has inherent value and unique potential, and she is passionate about creating mentoring relationships where children feel seen, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

    Joyce and her husband of 38 years have two married daughters and are the proud grandparents of three energetic granddaughters. Her heart for service continues to guide her leadership and dedication to the children and families The C.A.R.E. Group serves.

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    Leslie Elizeus

    FINANCIAL OFFICER

    Leslie recently re-located to Aberdeen, NC from Pittsburgh, PA where she was a Paraprofessional with Hill, Barth & King LLC, a CPA firm, for nearly 30 years. She recently joined The C.A.R.E. Group, Inc. and is excited to be part of such a wonderful organization.

  • A woman wearing glasses, gold jewelry, and a pink top, smiling against a dark blue circular background.

    Cynthia McLean

    MENTORING COORDINATOR

    Cynthia is a North Carolina native and proud mother of two teenagers. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Law Enforcement and Corrections from Ashford University, graduating with honors and earning recognition for her leadership and academic excellence.

    With more than 10 years of experience working with children and families as a substance and mental health counselor, Cynthia is passionate about supporting youth and strengthening families. She joined Moore Buddies Mentoring in 2020 and is dedicated to helping children thrive, firmly believing that “it takes a village” to nurture and empower the next generation.

  • Smiling woman with shoulder-length reddish hair wearing a black top and a necklace with a cross pendant, posing against a dark blue circular background.

    Katie Wilson

    MENTORING COORDINATOR

    Katie became a mentor for Moore Buddies about 12 years ago for three years. She then began working as a preschool teacher and is now working as the Community Mentor Coordinator for Moore Buddies Mentoring. She has also been a swim instructor for the past 14 years. Katie has lived in Moore County for 30 years and loves calling it home. She became a board member in September 2019 before joining our staff. Her family attends The Village Chapel where she also teach Sunday school for ages 8-11. She look forward to continuing to work with the program and help our community support these children.

  • Smiling middle-aged woman with short curly blonde hair, glasses, pearl necklace, black top, and a dark blue background.

    Judith Douglas

    ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM COORDINATOR

    Judith brings 33 years of experience in education, including 23 years as a teacher and administrator with Moore County Schools and 10 years in New York City. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Master’s degrees in Reading and Educational Leadership, and completed doctoral coursework in Educational Leadership.

    Since retiring in 2019, Judith has remained active in serving others, driven by her lifelong passion for education and relationship-building. She believes meaningful connections are the foundation for helping individuals grow and succeed. Judith is an active member of her church and enjoys traveling and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and friends.

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    Nancy Bryant

    MOTHEREAD/FATHEREAD® PROGRAM COORDINATOR

    Nancy and her husband Bruce recently moved to North Carolina from Oregon. In Oregon, Nancy was an elementary teacher for 27 years and an instructional coach for 5 years. What she most loved about her educational career was making a positive impact on the lives of students, families, and colleagues. Nancy is dedicated and determined to make the same impact in Moore County.

    Nancy’s husband, Bruce, is a teacher at Pinecrest High School. They have two grown children, Connor resides in New York and Gabrielle and her husband Mike live in North Carolina. The desire to be closer to their grown children is what motivated them to make the trek across 13 states last summer to arrive in Moore County. They are happy they made the move and plan on being active members of their community.

  • A woman with medium-length dark hair and a big smile, wearing a navy blue top with cut-out details on the shoulders, and jewelry including earrings and a necklace, against a solid dark blue circular background.

    Patty Lopez

    OUTREACH & RECRUITMENT OFFICER & MOTHEREAD INSTRUCTOR

    Patty is a graduate of the University of Sonora (ITSON, Bachelors in Business Administration).

    She is a professional tax preparer. She is raising her two young children, Keila and Sammy, with the love of her life, her husband Raul. Patty has been Moore County resident since 2011. She is passionate about helping her fellow Latinos be successful.

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    Craig Ogden

    Mentoring Assistant & Driver

  • Kimmi Downing

    Director of Fundraising & Communication

    Kimmi relocated to North Carolina in 2012 and studied Business Administration, where she began developing her leadership and event planning expertise. She now produces immersive, literature-inspired bookish balls and curated pop-up events across North Carolina. Passionate about community impact, Kimmi supports The C.A.R.E. Group’s mission through strategic fundraising and engagement. When she’s not planning events, she’s spending time with her husband and two dogs.

Meet Our Board of Directors

  • A smiling man with glasses and light-colored hair, sitting indoors with a wooden wall behind him and a window showing green trees outside.

    David Helms

    Board Chair

  • A man with a beard wearing a navy blue shirt and a baseball cap with an American flag patch, smiling indoors against a blurred background.

    Birche Meese

    Vice President

  • A smiling man with glasses and light-colored hair wearing a suit, red tie, and light blue shirt at an indoor event.

    John Mecimore

    Treasurer

  • A woman with long, curly dark hair, wearing glasses and a black top, standing outdoors with trees and parked cars in the background.

    Tammy Hernandez

    Secretary

  • A smiling African-American woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, and a light-colored jacket, standing in front of a brick wall.

    Twanna McKnight

    Board Member

  • Smiling woman with braided hair wearing a white shirt, sitting in a room with blinds and decorative lamps in the background.

    Andrea Marks

    Board Member

  • A smiling young woman with wavy light brown hair, wearing a septum piercing and a denim shirt, indoors with warm lighting.

    Ana Risano

    Board Member

  • A smiling middle-aged African American man with a beard and glasses, wearing a dark pinstripe suit, light pink tie, and a flower lapel pin, sitting indoors.

    Dante Poole

    Board Member

  • A smiling woman with short blonde hair, wearing glasses, gold hoop earrings, a navy blue blouse, and a gold necklace, against a beige background.

    Robin Calcutt

    Board Member

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a colorful floral top and a silver necklace, smiling at the camera.

    Isabel Cain

    Board Member