Meet Our Staff

Z. Terae Hill

Co-Founder and Executive Director

As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Ascend Family Care Services, Z. Terae Hill is committed to creating safe, structured, and therapeutic environments where children can heal, grow, and reach their full potential. As a father of seven, he understands the importance of providing every child with stability, guidance, compassion, accountability, and meaningful opportunities to succeed.

With more than seven years of experience in the health and human services field, Mr. Hill brings a strong passion for helping children and families overcome challenges through individualized care, effective leadership, and collaborative community partnerships. His approach is grounded in the belief that every child deserves to be supported by a team that recognizes their strengths, responds to their needs, and helps them build the skills necessary for long-term success.

Mr. Hill holds a double major in Economics and Finance from Rutgers University and brings extensive executive leadership experience in operations, strategic planning, risk management, organizational development, and program growth. As Co-Founder, he plays an integral role in shaping the direction, culture, and long-term vision of Ascend Family Care Services while ensuring that the organization remains focused on quality, accountability, and positive outcomes for the children and families it serves.

His vision for Ascend is to become a recognized leader in behavioral health services by combining clinical excellence, innovation, evidence-based practices, strong organizational leadership, and a genuine commitment to children and families.

Under Mr. Hill’s leadership, Ascend Family Care Services remains dedicated to its mission of “Uplifting Minds & Transforming Lives—Where Every Child Rises.”

Teresa Lawson

Co-Founder and Visionary Leader

Teresa Lawson is the Co-Founder and Visionary Leader of Ascend Family Care Services, where she is dedicated to uplifting children, strengthening families, and creating opportunities for youth to reach their full potential. With more than two decades of experience in leadership, advocacy, behavioral health services, program development, and organizational growth, Teresa brings a compassionate and strategic approach to serving children and families with complex needs. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that every child deserves a safe, supportive environment, individualized care, and the opportunity to rise above challenging circumstances.

Teresa completed her undergraduate studies at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA), further strengthening her expertise in leadership, management, and organizational development. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to developing quality behavioral health programs, building strong community partnerships, supporting staff development, and promoting person-centered, trauma-informed services. In addition to her leadership role with Ascend, Teresa is a consultant who provides guidance in areas such as program development, compliance, organizational leadership, operational improvement, staff development, and quality enhancement.

At Ascend Family Care Services, Teresa helps guide strategic growth, program development, organizational quality, and the continued advancement of services designed to meet the evolving needs of youth and families. Her work reflects integrity, compassion, innovation, accountability, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. Teresa is committed to building a lasting legacy of hope, empowerment, and transformation while ensuring that children and families have access to the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. Her guiding belief is simple: “Every child has a story, but no difficult chapter should ever have the authority to write their ending. At Ascend, we help children rise beyond their circumstances, discover their potential, and become the authors of extraordinary futures.”

Natasha Corley

LCSW

Natasha Corley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families through emotional, behavioral, developmental, and life challenges. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Central Florida and is passionate about helping young people build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and develop a more positive sense of self.

Natasha has extensive experience working with children and adolescents who may struggle with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, depression, family conflict, behavioral concerns, peer relationships, emotional regulation, and life transitions. She understands that children and teenagers do not always have the words to express what they are feeling, and she works to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where they can feel heard, understood, and accepted.

Her therapeutic approach is person-centered, strengths-based, and family-focused. Natasha helps young people identify their individual strengths, gifts, and talents while learning practical strategies to manage difficult emotions, improve communication, solve problems, and make healthier choices. She also values collaboration with parents, caregivers, schools, and other members of the treatment team to help ensure that each child receives consistent support across environments.

Natasha believes that every child has the ability to grow, develop resilience, and experience success when given the right support and encouragement. Her goal is to help children and adolescents recognize their potential, build healthy self-esteem, strengthen relationships, and develop the skills they need to confidently navigate challenges both now and in the future.

Jarmel Baxter

LCSW-A

Dr. Jarmel Baxter is a proud native of Charlotte, North Carolina, whose passion for sports began in childhood and shaped much of his personal and professional journey. During his time at North Mecklenburg High School, he was a standout varsity basketball player and contributed to earning a state championship title.



Dr. Baxter continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Fayetteville State University, where he excelled both on and off the court. He played basketball and was Captain of the team; he received All-Conference during his time as a player. His leadership and dedication to the game led him to serve as an assistant coach for the Fayetteville State Men's Basketball Team and later for his alma mater, North Mecklenburg High School (where he assisted with obtaining 3 State titles).

Driven by a deep commitment to helping others, Dr. Baxter earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology, a master's degree in social work, followed by a Doctorate in Higher Education, all from Fayetteville State University. His career reflects his belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship.

He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, which strongly aligns with his views of serving the community. Dr. Baxter is passionate about empowering students to reach their fullest potential. He lives by his personal motto: "Lift others as you climb."

Sherae Hill

Qualified Mental Health Professional

Sherae Hill is a dedicated Qualified Professional with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families within North Carolina’s behavioral health system. Her professional background includes case management, service coordination, Person-Centered Planning, behavioral and emotional support, clinical documentation oversight, and collaboration with multidisciplinary treatment teams.

Sherae brings significant experience working in residential and community-based settings, where she has helped coordinate individualized behavioral and mental health services for youth with diverse emotional, developmental, behavioral, and substance-related needs. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with families, caregivers, schools, Day Treatment programs, clinical providers, and other members of the Child and Family Team to promote continuity of care and meaningful progress toward treatment goals.

Her experience includes monitoring service delivery, participating in Child and Family Team meetings, supporting the development and updating of Person-Centered Plans, reviewing required documentation, coordinating referrals and resources, and helping youth strengthen coping skills, self-regulation, social skills, and successful community functioning.

Sherae earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Winston-Salem State University.  Her combination of behavioral health experience, administrative knowledge, and commitment to person-centered care provides a strong foundation for supporting both the clinical and operational needs of the individuals she serves.



At Ascend Family Care Services LLC, Sherae is committed to creating a structured, therapeutic, and supportive environment where children and adolescents are treated with dignity, encouraged to recognize their strengths, and given opportunities to achieve meaningful growth.

Her approach reflects Ascend’s commitment to “Uplifting Minds & Transforming Lives, Where Every Child Rises.”

Nicole Hill

Clinical Documentation Manager

Nicole Hill is a results-driven professional with a bachelor's degree and extensive experience spanning finance, customer service, and behavioral health services. As a Direct Support Professional, she is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centered care while promoting independence, supporting positive behavioral outcomes, and ensuring compliance with individualized service plans. Her ability to build strong relationships, solve complex challenges, and lead with compassion has enabled her to make a meaningful impact across the individuals and teams she serves.

Nicole is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Leadership and Management, further strengthening her expertise in strategic leadership, organizational effectiveness, and operational excellence. She is passionate about driving continuous improvement, developing high-performing teams, and implementing solutions that enhance both service quality and organizational performance. Recognized for her integrity, professionalism, and collaborative leadership style, Nicole is dedicated to creating lasting value through innovation, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Dominique Hill

Human Resources Manager

Dominique Hill serves as the Human Resources Manager for Ascend Family Care Services LLC, bringing a strong background in business operations, employee support, regulatory compliance, and organizational development. She is committed to creating a professional, collaborative, and people-centered workplace that supports Ascend's mission to provide quality care to children and families.

Dominique holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a Bachelor of Science from Appalachian State University. Her professional experience spans healthcare, financial services, administrative operations, employee onboarding, training, and compliance. She has supported multidisciplinary teams, assisted with new-hire onboarding, developed employee training resources, and worked within highly regulated environments requiring accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail.

In her role with Ascend, Dominique supports the recruitment, onboarding, development, and retention of qualified professionals while helping ensure that human resources practices remain organized, consistent, and aligned with the agency's expectations. Her leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, effective communication, accountability, and continuous improvement, strengths reflected throughout her professional background.

Dominique is passionate about helping build a workplace culture where employees feel supported, understand their responsibilities, and have the resources necessary to provide exceptional services. Through thoughtful leadership and a people-first approach, she helps strengthen the team behind Ascend's commitment to Uplifting Minds & Transforming Lives, Where Every Child Rises.

Kimberly Hill

Nurse and Medical Technician

Kim Hill is a dedicated healthcare professional and Licensed Practical Nurse with 24 years of experience in healthcare, bringing extensive knowledge in patient care, safety, clinical oversight, team leadership, and regulatory compliance.

With a passion for serving individuals who require additional support, Kim is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, respectful, and structured environment where every resident is treated with dignity and compassion. Her healthcare background provides her with a strong understanding of individualized care, medication safety, health monitoring, documentation, emergency response, and collaboration with families, healthcare providers, and support teams.

Kim believes that quality residential care goes beyond meeting basic needs—it means building trust, encouraging independence, promoting personal growth, and helping each individual reach their fullest potential.

Her 24 years of healthcare experience, combined with her leadership skills and commitment to compassionate service, positions her to provide strong oversight and meaningful support within a group home setting.

Ananda Williams

Associate Professional (AP)

Ananda Williams is a dedicated human services professional who is passionate about supporting children and helping them feel safe, valued, respected, and understood. In her role as an Associate Professional (AP) with Ascend Family Care Services, Ananda supports the delivery of individualized, therapeutic services while helping maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing residential environment where children can grow emotionally, socially, and behaviorally.

Ananda is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Human Services at Southern New Hampshire University, further strengthening her knowledge and skills in serving children and families. She brings a compassionate and hands-on approach to her work and believes that meaningful relationships are developed through patience, consistency, accountability, compassion, and respect.

As an Associate Professional, Ananda works collaboratively with Ascend’s clinical and residential team to support each child’s treatment goals, reinforce healthy coping and emotional-regulation skills, encourage positive behaviors, and promote greater independence and self-confidence. She is committed to ensuring that each child feels heard, supported, and encouraged while receiving consistent therapeutic care.



Ananda remains committed to continued professional growth within the human services field and to making a positive, lasting difference in the lives of children and families. Her goal is to help every child recognize their strengths, develop the skills necessary for continued success, and understand that with the right support and encouragement, every child has the ability to rise.

Kery Andrews

Direct Care Specialist

Kery Andrews is a compassionate and dependable human services professional who is committed to providing individuals with the support, encouragement, and structure they need to thrive. As a Direct Care Specialist with Ascend Family Care Services, Kery works directly with children to help maintain a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment while supporting their individual needs, daily routines, and personal development.

Kery brings previous experience as a Direct Support Professional, where she provided individualized care to individuals with developmental disabilities, assisted with daily living activities, encouraged independence and self-reliance, and helped maintain a safe and supportive environment.

She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration at Strayer University and brings a strong background in administration, customer service, documentation, communication, and problem-solving. Her organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate effectively complement her hands-on approach to direct care.



At Ascend, Kery is dedicated to building positive relationships with the children she serves and contributing to an environment where every child feels safe, respected, supported, and encouraged to grow.