April serves as the agency Human Resources Director and has been with Phoenix since 2024. April is responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies that align with organizational goals, overseeing talent management, employee relations, legal compliance, and fostering a positive workplace culture that supports growth and engagement.

April began her career in the United States Army working in various HR roles where she served for 15 years. April has three years of experience in the mental health and substance use field.

April is a graduate of Limestone University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Psychology and is currently a Master of Jurisprudence student at Tulane University, studying Labor and Employment Law.

Kim Jonas, Chief Quality and Compliance Officer

Kim serves the agency as the Chief Quality and Compliance Officer and has been with Phoenix since 2022. Kim is responsible for direction and oversight in the areas of Quality Improvement, Health Information Management, Health and Safety, Customer Services, and Compliance.

Kim began her career in the public school system supporting children on the Autism spectrum; she later held positions in the private practice environment and eventually transitioned to the non-profit arena, where she worked for Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disability provider agencies. Kim spent two years working for the State of California as a Transition Specialist; she was responsible for coordination of care for individuals transitioning out of an institutional setting and into community living. Upon returning to North Carolina, Kim served as the Director of Quality Management and Training for UMAR Services, Inc. for six years. 

Kyle Button, Chief Operations Officer

Kyle serves the agency as the Chief Operations Officer and has been with Phoenix since 2017. Kyle is responsible for new program development, program effectiveness and efficiencies, information technology, utilization management, and grant administration. Previously, Kyle worked in Phoenix's finance department and in various clinical departments.

Prior to beginning a career in the behavioral health field, Kyle was employed as a Relationship Manager with Wells Fargo Bank’s Technology Group in CA. Kyle also proudly served eight years in the United States Army.

Kyle is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science.
He also completed his Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gardner-Webb University. Kyle is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of North Carolina.

Director of Crisis Services – Veronica Cheek

Nurse Manager – Stacey Longoria

Mobile Crisis Management Manager – Allieta Elmore

Crisis Services Clinical Manager – David Walker

Crisis Services Administrative Manager – Misty Hill

Outpatient Services Manager – Cathy White

Gaylain’s House of Hope Manager – Chasty King

Tailored Care Management Supervisor – Joanna Wilson

Guardianship Services Manager – Nikki Washington

Chairperson – Pamela Poteat

Ms. Poteat has served the Phoenix Counseling Center Board of Directors since August 2020 after retiring from 30+ years of work in the mental health field. She previously worked at Broughton Hospital in Morganton, NC, Gaston Lincoln Area Mental Health, and Mecklenburg Area Mental Health. Ms. Poteat continues to be active in the local community serving her church, volunteering with law enforcement for Crisis Intervention Training, and is active member of her Community Watch Group. She also serves on the board of The Friends of Gaston County Library. Ms. Poteat earned a Masters Degree in Psych/Mental Health Nursing from UNCC.

Member – Benjamin McKinnon

Member – John Waters

Mr. Waters has served the Phoenix Counseling Center Board of Directors since January 2023 after retiring from a 45+ year career in professional social work. His experience includes direct service with individuals, families, and communities, teaching in higher education, and administrative experience in governmental and private nonprofit organizations. Mr. Waters has an ongoing interest and involvement in social justice issues. 

Member – Michael Coone

Mr. Coone has served the Phoenix Counseling Center Board of Directors since October 2023 and currently serves as Assistant Director of the Gaston County Department of Social Services. Prior to his current role, he served as Administrator of Adult and Aging Services for Gaston County for eight years. Mr. Coone has an additional 16 years of direct care and management experience working in adult, child, and geriatric behavioral health in inpatient and community treatment settings. He completed undergraduate studies at Western Carolina University and holds a Graduate Certificate in Health Care Administration from East Carolina University. Mr. Coone is on course to graduate with a Master of Public Administration from East Carolina University in the spring of 2024. 

Member – Jeffrey Ledford

Member – Jerry Ragan

The Client Handbook contains helpful information about Phoenix services, programs and therapies. It also outlines your rights and responsibilities as someone who uses our services. We encourage you to keep this guide handy for reference.

Please tell us how we’re doing.

If you’ve had a great Phoenix experience, we’d love to hear about it.  And if your experience was unsatisfactory in any way, please contact us — we’d really like to hear about that too. Your feedback is important because it helps us to provide the best care possible.

Please contact us:

Email: kim.jonas@phoenixcc.us
Or call: 704-682-9884

Phoenix Counseling has the right team and resources you need to
get to where you want to be in your life