Amber Anderson

Hi, my name is Amber Anderson and I am the Early Intervention Director for Universal MH/DD/SAS. I have worked with children and their families for over fourteen years. The past six years, I have been directly involved with our Early Intervention Program. I have a Bachelor of Science in Child Development. My past jobs as a More at Four Teacher, Child Care Provider and Targeted Case Manager have given me the experience to supervise the Early Intervention program as well as directly provide Community Based Rehabilitation Services (CBRS – Special Instruction). I work directly with each CDSA and the Early Intervention Service Coordinators to ensure that the therapist provided is the best fit for the child and his/her family. If you would like more information on our program or are interested in job possibilities, please contact me at 828-438-0006.

Amber Anderson, BS, ITFS 

Hello! My name is Chelsea Smith. I graduated from Limestone College in 2014 with a B.A. in Psychology. I played softball while attending Limestone. For the past 3 ½ years, I have been a self-contained Autism teacher at a local elementary school. I am super ecstatic to become part of the Universal team in supporting and engaging with children and their families. I have a great passion for children and love assisting hands-on approaches with children. I cannot wait to undertake goal-teaching and developmental achievements with your child and watching them grow together.  

Chelsea Smith, BA, ITFS 

Melissa is excited to be a new Infant-Toddler Family Specialist for Universal Mental Health Services. Melissa holds a B.A in Human Services in Youth/Family Service and Administration from Purdue. In addition to being an Infant-Toddler Family Specialist, Melissa is also the Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties. Melissa has years of experience supporting adults and adolescents with mental, physical, and emotional challenges. Melissa is thrilled to join the team and excited about the endless opportunities to serve, love and encourage those around her while making a small impact in her community. Melissa was raised in Mitchell County and is proud to call Mitchell County home where she resides with her husband, and 3 children.  

Hi, my name is Alexis Thompson! I am a new resident of North Carolina, recently moving from Tennessee. I am an East Tennessee State University graduate, holding a B.S in Psychology. As my minor, I studied Early Childhood Education and Development. My passion has always been working with children and assisting in developmental achievements. I am so excited to work with Universal and provide support to children and their families in my career as an Infant-Toddler Family Specialist.  

Hello, my name is Bailey Hardin, and I am a graduate of Western Carolina University. Graduating with a BS in Elementary Education in 2020, has led to teaching kindergarten and first grade over the past four years. I have a husband and 2 sweet kiddos at home along with some farm animals that I love dearly. Over the years I have worked with children of all ages, and I am so excited to join Universal and provide support to children and their families while working towards achieving individual goals. Working with children has always been my passion of mine and I am so excited to be able to do just that! 

Bailey Hardin, BS, ITFS