OUR TEAM
Ryan Kaundart
Program
Director
With a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and more than 15 years of experience in the field, Ryan brings both heart and expertise to his work.
Before joining the CRC, he served as the Program Director at a nonprofit homeless shelter—experience that deeply shaped his approach to helping others rebuild their lives.
At the CRC, Ryan works directly with guests who walk through our doors, helping them take steps toward self-sufficiency in all areas of life. He also focuses on collecting and analyzing data to better understand community needs and implement programs that create lasting impact.
“What I love most about the CRC is the people,” Ryan says. “Everyone has their own story, and it’s amazing to watch them grow and make progress. I love being part of a place where people feel supported and know they’re not alone.”
One of Ryan’s favorite initiatives is the Empower to Rise program, which allows individuals to help out at the center, be part of the team, and earn a weekly stipend. “More than that,” he explains, “it gives them a real sense of purpose, belonging, and pride in the work they do.”
When asked to describe the CRC in three words, Ryan chose Collaborative, Resilient, Community—a reflection of both his leadership style and the environment he helps cultivate every day.
Mary Morgan
Development
Director
Mary helps connect the community to the mission of the CRC through donor communications, public outreach, digital communications, and the visual storytelling that helps bring the work of the CRC to life.
From fundraising initiatives and volunteer coordination to social media, newsletters, website development, and daily administrative support, Mary works to ensure the stories, needs, and impact of the CRC are shared in impactful ways.
When asked what she loves most about her work, Mary lights up.
“The art of everyday people has always fascinated me. Working at the CRC, I get to shine a light on the triumphs we’re seeing when folks commit to themselves and receive support that’s been missing in their lives. I love hearing their stories, writing, and the visual art of storytelling. I also love connecting people to a cause they can believe in, whether that’s through volunteering, giving, or simply learning more about the work happening here.”
Mary’s journey into community service began as a teenager, inspired by her roots in a small local church that gave back through food drives, angel trees, and music events. Later, while working in downtown Hot Springs, she witnessed firsthand the challenges facing people experiencing homelessness and various health struggles—experiences that deepened her desire to make a difference.
“Every day, I am inspired by everyone at the CRC— guests, volunteers, staff, and donors alike. This is a truly incredible place, and I feel so thankful to help support the mission here.”
Betsey Joannides
Chef
Betsey is a classically trained chef, graduating at the top of her class from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts of Paris, France. She spent her career in fine dining but says it was God who led her to join the CRC team: “Plain and simple.”
Her mission is clear: feeding the underserved with good, nutritious food.
She knows that diet plays a powerful role in both mental and physical health, yet so many in poverty lack access to the fresh, nourishing meals they need. Through her work at the CRC, Betsey is not only serving meals, she’s also educating: “Always eat the colors of the rainbow—it’s good for the brain and the gut!”
When asked what she loves most, Betsey’s answer is simple: the people. Building relationships, hearing stories, and watching individuals feel a difference in their bodies after eating well—that’s where she finds her joy. “I love through food,” she says. “It’s the gift God has blessed me with, and I’m blessed to be able to share it with them.”
Trish Nooner
Street Outreach Coordinator
Trish’s passion for this work comes from her own life experiences. She remembers the struggles her father faced with mental illness, and how medication gave him the chance at a more normal life. She also recalls leaving home at a young age and knowing what it felt like to be cold and hungry, even if only briefly. Those memories fuel her commitment to helping others find stability, hope, and dignity through the resources offered at the CRC.
When asked what the most rewarding part of her role is, Trish doesn’t hesitate. For her, it’s being there when people are in crisis—watching someone move from panic to relief, able to take a deep breath and realize, “I’m going to be okay.”
One program especially close to her heart is our free shower program. “A shower helps restore dignity,” she says. “It gives people a sense of normalcy and can truly improve emotional well-being.” It’s one of those quiet but powerful services she wishes more people knew about.
As the Resource Navigator, Hope Works Program Manager and leader of Veteran Services, Jared brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his work every day. A disabled United States Army veteran with a background in social work, behavioral health, and veteran services, he has spent his career helping individuals overcome barriers and build stable, independent lives.
Before joining the CRC, Jared worked as a substance abuse counselor and later as a VA contractor serving veterans experiencing homelessness. Those experiences helped shape his passion for walking alongside people during some of life's most difficult seasons and connecting them with the resources they need to move forward. In addition to his role at the CRC, he is the Founder and Executive Director of Scars and Stripes Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans through housing stability, advocacy, and suicide prevention.
What Jared loves most about his work is watching people rediscover hope.
"Sometimes, all it takes is a spark to ignite a drive in someone and change the trajectory of their life," he says. "I believe everyone has that spark in them, but sometimes life can throw so many things at us that we can't see or feel it. I love helping people find that spark again."
When asked to describe the CRC, Jared chose three words: Unity. Perseverance. Determination.
"The CRC has all the tools someone needs at their disposal, and we're here to help them use those tools effectively and efficiently. When people are given support, opportunity, and someone who believes in them, incredible transformation can happen."
