Meet the Board of Directors
Updated Bios coming soon….

Caroline Bradley

Amy Ward

Hope Dixee
Who am I? First and foremost, I am a multifaceted human being, just like you. Sometimes I feel like I have lived many different lifetimes, mostly because my life has not always looked like it does today. As a complex trauma survivor who lived under extreme / organized abuse until around age 30, my humanity has been shaped by extreme experiences.
I don’t typically lead with “I am an extreme abuse survivor” when writing for a bio, not because I am ashamed of what others chose to do to me, but rather because I understand that who I am is not defined or restricted by trauma.
I am so much more than what was done to me, as is EVERY other trauma survivor on the planet!
I want to share from a place of authenticity though; I understand the complexities and challenges complex trauma survivors experience as they struggle to find good help. The opportunity to understand and heal is, for me, both a motivator and an important asset in my service with Hesed Place.
In addition to the experience, I hold as a survivor, I hold a degree in political science and have spent most of my professional life in project & startup management and sales administration. In that capacity I have traveled all over the world, meeting some amazing people and enjoying numerous unforgettable places and moments along the way. I currently live in Connecticut where I enjoy each of the four seasons, hikes with my dog, gardening and spending time with those closest to my heart. I enjoy traveling, exploring new places and stumbling into unexpected adventures.
I began my healing journey around age thirty and have invested significant amounts of time, money and raw effort into my pursuing wholeness. Twenty years or so into my journey I began to see an explosion in understanding and research around trauma’s long-term impacts on ones, brain, body, spiritual and emotional development. Yet, survivors where still fighting through many of the same obstacles I had 20+ years later. The disparity between new understanding and lack of tangible improvements for survivors motivated me to begin mentoring and offering case management to other survivors. I believe that as we eliminate the barriers and obstacles more survivors will have the support needed to grow into restoration of their full potential. Hesed Place strives to eliminate these obstacles so joining the Hesed Place team was an easy decision.
In addition to serving on the board I continue to work with other survivors in this capacity, providing case management and advocacy support as well as sharing the extensive first-hand knowledge and experience I have gained as a mentor and coach. I also partner with other Hesed Place board members as we offer training and support for Life Group members and those supporting survivors.
My journey to now leads me to this: I believe healing from even extreme lifelong, even ritualistic abuse, IS possible!
I very much understand how incredibly painful, confusing and exhausting healing from complex trauma is. At the same time, I appreciate and know personally how life-giving and rewarding the process of healing can be! Restoration is a “Both/And” process – It is hard, AND it is beautiful! I consider the opportunity to now help others by easing the challenges and barriers commonly faced by survivors an honor, and I am so thankful to be here.

My name is Jasmine Jones. I currently reside in Craven County, NC and I am a mother of 2 amazing kids. Outside of working you can find me traveling, cooking, and taking my kids on new adventures. During the 9 years of my banking career I found Hesed Place. While feeling alone in a world full of people, Hesed Place helped me realize, I was never alone and that it was ok to not be okay. We are all a work in progress! Working with Hesed not only heals a place in my heart, but it always fills the passion I have for helping others that feel so alone. I am currently in school for Human Services Technology focusing on Substance Abuse and my hope is to be able to help heal others that are struggling with some type of trauma, even it that means, one person at a time.

Dinita McElearney lives local to the Hesed Place mission in New Bern, NC. Dinita’s upbringing included a deep love for animals, growing up in a multicultural household taught her pride in her heritage, and living the military lifestyle provided exposure to many places in the world. She takes pride in her giftedness as an entrepreneur, currently building a New Bern business to bring more quality animal care related services to those who need them. In her free time, you might find Dinita barefoot in her garden, playing with her 4 dogs, hiking, or off in la-la-land with her nose in a book. She originally joined Hesed Place as the Social Media Team Lead but was quickly invited to step up and become a board member due to her excellent leadership capabilities and initiative. Dinita finds herself aligning with many of Hesed Place’s goals and morals every day. As is with her own business, she thinks it is extremely important to find a community that one belongs to and to be able to bring vital services that are so important to the area and beyond. Dinita hopes to continue helping our community grow while becoming more connected with all of you as well.

Deborah Moy

Hi, my name is Irvin Castillo, I was born and raised in New Bern. I am a Physical Therapist Assistant at a local skilled nursing facility. During my free time I enjoy playing pool, working out, and spending time with my wife and our shih tzu. Hesed Place is important to me because it is a resource that more people need access to. Everyone deserves a safe space to learn and discuss complex trauma. I hope to continue to grow with Hesed and serve our community.

Amy has experienced first-hand the challenges Complex Trauma survivors face as they courageously embrace a healing journey. Walking alongside survivors for over ten years, Amy recognized the necessity for progressive, trauma-informed solutions desperately needed by those who have been severely abused. Hesed Place grew from Amy’s vision to address these needs by creating a “Trauma-Informed-Town-Within-a-Town.”
Hesed Place received its 501(c)3 in 2018, and began implementing the “Trauma-Informed-Town-Within-a-Town” vision by providing Trauma-Informed Certification Training to five groups: Medical & Therapeutic Professionals, Law Enforcement, Community Service Providers, Life Groups (Survivor Support Groups), Organizations (Including Churches)
Training combined with services offered by Hesed Place emphasize “The Whole Journey,” encompassing both the whole person and the stages of the journey. Therapeutic Services combined with Life Group survivor support and community advocacy serve the Complex Trauma population in a mindful, trans-disciplinary manner. Amy’s vision for the near future includes progressive living accommodations, transitional community assistance, and continual relationship-based support for survivors committed to their healing journeys.
Amy’s heart is most fulfilled as she sits alongside survivors in session, counseling them through the process of healing and growth. She appreciates weaving her educational background into her work, having graduated from the College of Charleston with a B.S. in Psychology and from the Medical University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy. In addition to serving as Founder and Executive director of Hesed Place, she finds great joy in the love of her family, friends, and beloved horse and cat. The beach is her most restful setting and her faith brings her the greatest peace.