At CHP, we are blessed to have a team of caring, committed leaders who desire to invest in the community and help those in need. We look forward to working with you!
Melissa Line -Executive Director
Contact: Melissa@communityhelpingplace.org
Melissa Line came to CHP as the Executive Director in June 2019, after working with families and children professionally for 20 years. Melissa holds a BS in Family Psychology and an MSW with a concentration in Families and Children. Melissa is overjoyed to work with the wonderful team of staff and volunteers at Community Helping Place and looks forward to the future!
Paula Payne – Director of Development and Operations
Contact: Paula@communityhelpingplace.org
Paula Payne has been with CHP since 2008, being the driving force behind the Free Clinic. Paula has previous experience in the management of a Free Clinic in Kentucky, a Business degree, and vast experience in operations and management.
Beginning in January 2021, Paula will assume a new position as Director of Development and Operations for CHP.
Debi Holloway – Director of Client Services
Contact: debi@communityhelpingplace.org
Debi Holloway joined the staff of CHP in 2017 as the part-time client navigator, eventually moving into her current full-time position where she provides direct support and oversight of the Food Pantry, Summer Food Program, Emergency Assistance and The Spirit of Christmas program. Debi’s educational and life experiences in social work have given her many useful skills and tools for serving those in need in our community.
Tristen Parrish – Communications Manager
Contact: tristen@communityhelpingplace.org
Tristen Parrish joined CHP as our Community Outreach Coordinator in May 2023, working in two areas as case manager and communications manager. Tristen provides direct support to CHP clients in her case management role where she works one on one to help clients reach short and long term goals. Tristen has previously been in service to this community as the administrator of Concord Baptist Church Dahlonega Campus.
Erin Cook – Clinic Director
Contact: erin@communityhelpingplace.org
Erin Cook a Certified Medical Assistant came to us after years of working with well known area Doctor Kim Kurtz to head up the new clinic’s operations.
Linda Sanchez -Dental and Vision Coordinator
Contact: linda@communityhelpingplace.org
is the Dental and Vision Coordinator for the Anne Green Free Clinic at Community Helping Place. Linda is a certified dental assistant, who also helps with the day to day operations of the clinic front office. Linda is bilingual in Spanish and English, and brings a warmth and joy to her work with all patients. Linda is married to Art Sanchez, and they have four children and one grandson! In her spare time, Linda is a faithful volunteer at the Torch working with children and puppet ministry, and she loves dogs!
Brad Blazek – Counselor
Brad Blazek began offering counseling and therapy through CHP in 2019. Now with a team of case workers he helps clients sort through and tackle root issues. Our clients often sing his praises as a valuable life line.
Barbara Williams- Thrift Store Manager
Barbara Williams came to CHP as a new Lumpkin County resident, moving to the mountains from Florida! Barbara began volunteering in our thrift store and became a fixture in the move of our clothing store to the Rock House. In October of 2021 Barbara became our Store Manager, A mother of four, Barbara has many years of experience running a resale clothing business in Florida, before coming here to share her talents with us!
Kevin Ritz- Facilities and Donations Manager
Kevin Ritz is the Facilities and Donations Manager at Community Helping Place. Kevin is one of the hardest workers we know- and when he first started at CHP he was a volunteer. Now Kevin is an essential employee who never stops moving! Kevin can be found working in the donations center of our thrift store or resolving issues with facilities and vehicles here on our campus. Always smiling, Kevin is the handy big brother to all of our staff ladies, handling everything from scrap metal to recycling operations, garden jobs and everything in between.
Blue Barry – Director of Pest Control
Blue Barry joined the CHP staff after being rescued from behind the Rock House and rehabilitated. His official job title is Director of Pest Control, but he has quickly moved into his secondary roles as Official Greeter and Emotional Support Cat for the office. Blue Barry can be found in the laps of clients and staff alike, always ready to be petted and provide comfort and support.
