about us

about Thompson

the leading provider of clinical & prevention services for children across the Carolinas

Thompson is working tirelessly to ensure all children are healthy, all families are thriving, and all communities are strong.

today

Thompson is dedicated to transforming lives by focusing on Prevention, Mental Health, and Foster Care. As a solutions-driven organization, Thompson believes that changing lives changes everything. Through this commitment to rewriting the narratives of the most vulnerable in our community, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based services and trauma-informed care for children (ages 0-18) and their families, both virtually and in person.

our history

Founded in 1886 as an orphanage, Thompson has grown into an organization operating across the Southeast. Thompson’s continuum of care encompasses three domains: early childhood, family stability and mental health. Our early childhood services protect the critical early educational years of children. Our family stability services help keep families stronger, together. Our mental health services range from outpatient to residential services for children, youth, and families. All Thompson programs are trauma-informed and evidence-based/evidence-informed with the intention of building resilience in our clients.

our 5 year strategic plan

At Thompson, our mission is clear: growing impact, strengthening families, and building communities. Over the next five years, we will expand across the South, deepen our services, and become a trusted name in every community we serve.

“Our five-year plan is about more than numbers—it’s about transforming lives. By 2030, we will serve 8,000 children and families each year, ensuring every child has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.”

— Will Jones, CEO of Thompson

leadership

senior leadership

At Thompson, our senior leadership team is united by one mission: to ensure all children are healthy, all families are thriving, and all communities are strong. With decades of combined experience in human services, mental health, foster care, and nonprofit leadership, this dedicated group guides the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of the organization. Together, they embody the heart of Thompson’s commitment to healing, stability, and opportunity for every child and family we serve.

Will Jones

President/CEO

leadership

Will Jones

President/CEO Will Jones, MS joined Thompson in March 2017 and is charged to set the vision, champion the culture, and engage the community.

Prior to Thompson, Will has been an advocate for and worked with vulnerable children, families, and communities for the past 26 years in over 10 states to improve life outcomes and provide all with the opportunity to be successful, despite barriers they are facing. Will earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida.

When asked about his ‘why’ – Will shares, “I experienced adverse childhood experiences due the divorce of my parents at the age of 8 and was blessed to have natural supports including a strong single father, family, and a community that cared for and challenged me to overcome. Because of that I am called to do the same for others that have experienced similar or even worse trauma.”

Laurie Stern

Chief Operating Officer

leadership

Laurie Stern

I am honored to join the Thompson Child & Family Focus family, bringing with me 23 years of dedicated service in child welfare.

Originally from Pennsylvania, I moved to Florida with my husband 21 years ago. My journey in social services began while pursuing a degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. I quickly realized that serving children and families was my true calling—a perfect blend of passion and career.

Upon moving to Florida, I quickly reentered the social services field, joining a local Case Management Organization shortly after privatization. Over the next nine years, I honed my skills in various areas, including in-home services, out-of-home care, foster care, licensing, and adoption. My leadership journey continued as I transitioned to Juvenile Justice reform and re-entry, where I spent six years working to prevent recidivism.

For the past eight years, I have served as Executive Director for two large non-profits, focusing on creating positive organizational culture and ensuring measurable results. In these roles, I led initiatives in adoption, preventative services, unaccompanied minors, refugee resettlement, residential care, prevention services, and integrating model-based services into schools. My leadership has consistently driven exceptional outcomes, benefiting the community and fostering a supportive environment for both staff and the families we serve.

Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to leading people and programs to deliver exceptional results that benefit the community. My passion for ensuring the safety of children and supporting families has been the driving force behind my work. I am dedicated to implementing best practices and innovative solutions to create safe environments for children and provide the necessary support for families to thrive.

I am eager to bring my extensive experience and unwavering commitment to Thompson Child & Family Focus. While I may be new to Thompson, I am not new to the work of serving the vulnerable or to results-driven leadership.

Justin Ellis

Chief Development Officer

leadership

Justin Ellis

Chief Development Officer Justin L. Ellis joined Thompson January of 2018. Justin manages the fundraising and philanthropic initiatives of the organization. Prior to Thompson, Justin worked for the Greater Boston Food Bank managing major gifts. Justin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit and Ministry Development, with a triple minor in Biblical Studies, Missions, and Kinesiology from Gordon College.

Justin’s ‘why’ derives from the passion for building bridges between those that have the desire to solve problems and those that have the expertise to solve those problems.

Cecilia Haag

Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer

leadership

Cecilia Haag

Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer Cecilia Haag joined Thompson in October 2021. She helps to identify opportunities and strategies to sharpen and strengthen the organization, and thus, the Mission. Prior to Thompson, Cecilia served in consultative roles assisting organizations with their human capital and growth strategies.

Cecilia earned her Bachelors in Business Administration from Terry College at University of Georgia. Cecilia’s ‘why’ is motivated by seeing others realize their inherent potential – building up others so that the next generation may thrive.

Meredith Martin

Chief Program Officer

Teresa Lees

Chief People Officer

leadership

Teresa Lees

Chief People Officer Teresa Lees joined Thompson in August 2023. She has worked in HR for over 25 years with over 15+ years in leadership roles, primarily in the healthcare sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications from University of Central Missouri and is a SHRM SCP member (Society for Human Resource Management, Senior Certified Professional).

Teresa chose Thompson because she believes in the mission of the organization to transform the lives of children and their families. She is grateful to have four healthy, joyful children of her own and is thrilled to be a part of an organization that is making a difference in so many lives. Teresa will contribute to the mission by providing leadership and guidance to the Thompson team members.

Laura Stein

Chief Financial Officer

leadership

Laura Stein

Chief Financial Officer Laura Stein joined Thompson in October 2018. Laura’s role as CFO is to create, implement, and monitor systems that ensure Thompson remains fiscally secure through controllership duties (rearview mirror reporting), treasury duties (present situation and where to invest) and financial strategy and forecasting (our financial future).

Laura’s 20+ years of experience included holding CFO and other financial roles at several nonprofits in Charlotte, each time guiding them through periods of growth and change. Laura earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Economics & Business Management from Cornell University and her MBA from New York University.

Laura’s ‘why’ at Thompson is a sense of connection and purpose through working together to solve challenging social issues with fellow professionals who are all passionate about the same shared mission.

Jenn Stout

Chief Program Officer, Community-Based Services

leadership

Jenn Stout

Chief Program Officer, Community-Based Services, Jenn Stout joined Thompson in August 2017. Jenn has worked for almost 30 years in the child welfare and juvenile justice industry, working with community stakeholders and children and families in multiple states to include FL, GA, NC and Vermont. She has also been a foster parent to over 30 teen boys and adopted 4 in the last 14 years.

Jenn earned her Bachelors in Social Work from University of South Florida and her Masters in Public Admin from South University. She is extremely passionate about all things foster care and being a part of the group of leaders who are providing solutions to helping children and families to be safe and successful speaks to her both professionally and personally.

Danny Whitley

Chief Facilities Officer

leadership

Danny Whitley

Chief Facilities Officer Danny Whitley joined Thompson in June 1988 and has over 32 years of continuous service to the agency. Danny oversees the agency’s properties, physical plant, and nutrition service operations. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from Wingate University.

When asked his ‘why’ he stated, “I am blessed and humbled to have a chance and opportunity daily to impact someone’s life in a positive way through our work – that hopefully enables them to then impact someone in that same positive way!”

board of trustees

2025-2026 officers

Andrew Herrnstein

Chair of the Board

Greg Masching

Vice Chair of the Board/Secretary

Sandy Wyckoff

Treasurer

Will Jones

President/CEO*

leadership

2026 trustees

Giovanni Gallo
Co-CEO and Chief Development Officer, Ethico

Rebekah Stivers
Vice President, Senior Lead Control Management Officer, Wells Fargo Bank

leadership

2027 trustees

Timothy Broderick
Client Executive, Marsh & McLennan Agency

Josh Craig
Chief Operations Officer, Levifi

Andrew Herrnstein
Vice President – Senior Portfolio Manager, Investors Trust

Janet Merle
Community Volunteer & CPA

Sandy Wyckoff
Community Volunteer

Item #1

Greg Masching
Senior Vice President – Corporate Banking, PNC Bank

Henry Ijams
Vice President of Product & Partner Marketing, Corpay

Nadine Castro
Vice President – Technology Finance Analyst, Wells Fargo

Ryan Apt Sales Manager, ExtensisHR

Kristen Ellis Senior Business Development Officer, PNC Institutional Asset Management

Christy Shea Community Volunteer and CPA

leadership

2028 trustees

A.T. Castillo
Community Volunteer

Jalila Smith
Principal Enterprise Sales Executive, Amazon Web Services

Ryan Schalles
Restaurant Executive, Franchise Business Consultant

Andrew Herrnstein
Vice President – Senior Portfolio Manager, Investors Trust

Timothy Broderick
Client Executive, Marsh & McLennan Agency

Item #1

Janet Merle
Community Volunteer & CPA

Christy Shea
Community Volunteer and CPA

Sandy Wyckoff
Community Volunteer

leadership

2029 trustees

Porter Durham
Associate, McGuire Woods

our mission

Thompson is called to serve children and families through healing, teaching, worship, and play.

our vision

To ensure All Children Healthy, All Families Thriving, All Communities Strong.

our values

Excellence, Innovation, Commitment, Caring and Integrity.

diversity statement

Thompson fosters an inclusive environment by celebrating what makes each of us unique and by encouraging authenticity among our staff and the clients we serve. We honor, respect, and celebrate all differences and invest in people, programs, and resources that promote unity, empathy, and growth.