Our People
Serving as a member of the Bluffton Self Help Board of Directors is both rewarding and challenging. As stewards of our clients and donors, we serve to fulfill our mission to help neighbors in need in every possible way, while at the same time carefully safeguarding the time and investments made by community volunteers and donors.
To learn more about involvement in the activities of Bluffton Self Help, and board-related commitments and activities, we encourage you to contact our Chief Executive Officer Courtney Hampson.
Executive Committee

Joel Taylor
Chair
CEO, Hilton Head Regional Healthcare

Joel Taylor
Chair
CEO, Hilton Head Regional Healthcare
Joel Taylor is the Market Chief Executive Officer of Hilton Head Regional Healthcare (HHRH), which provides comprehensive healthcare to the Lowcountry at four locations including Coastal Carolina Hospital, Hilton Head Hospital, the Bluffton Medical Campus, and the Bluffton-Okatie Outpatient Center. HHRH serves Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Okatie, Hardeeville, and surrounding counties by providing a continuum of services. Joel holds a Master of Science in Health Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, Alabama. In addition to his role as board chair of Bluffton Self Help, Taylor serves on the Board of Directors of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, the Guest Experience Team at City Hope Church, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Hilton Head.
Joel has served on the board of directors of Bluffton Self Help since 2018 and has been instrumental in developing Bluffton Self Help’s strategic priorities to identify and address the most pressing needs of our community.

Doug Adamson
Immediate Past Chair
Retired Business Executive

Doug Adamson
Immediate Past Chair
Retired Business Executive
Doug Adamson has been a member of Bluffton Self Help’s Board of Directors since 2014 and has served as its Chairman since 2017. Adamson and his wife Ronda retired to the Lowcountry in 2010 following his 40-year career in the banking industry. He held executive management positions in a community bank and large regional bank before joining the American Bankers Association in Washington, DC, where he served for 24 years as Executive Vice President. Doug, a self-described servant-leader, has held leadership positions in civic, charitable, and professional organizations throughout his life. Doug is an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church and served on the Sessions of Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD and Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton.

Mike Ventling
Treasurer
Retired Global Vice-Chair and CFO
Board of Directors

Don Brashears
Liberty Tax, Owner

Monie Hardwick
Executive Coach, Consultant at Hardwick Consulting Group

Constance Martin-Witter
Founding Member

Neil Parsons
Town of Hardeeville, Administrative Services Director

Erica Pepper
Community & Development Relations Manager | Hargray

Erica Pepper
Community & Development Relations Manager | Hargray
Erica Pepper is Hargray’s Community and Development Relations Manager for Hilton Head Island. She joined Hargray in 2019 and has enjoyed having the opportunity to work with the communities and organizations on the island throughout her tenure. Prior to telecommunications she worked in private club management for 15 years. She met her husband Barry Pepper in Orlando, Florida while she was earning her BS in Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. They have had the pleasure of living in Orlando and Charlotte and relocated to Bluffton in 2011. They have two fun-loving children, Owen and Brilyn. This has been their favorite place to live together because of the natural beauty in the area but also because of the wonderful people they have been able to meet. When Erica is not at work she spends her time volunteering on the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber Jr. Leadership board, traveling with her family, and staying active. She’s thrilled to have the opportunity to spend her time with Bluffton Self Help and give back to the community she’s fallen in love with.

Linda Peterson
Financial Analyst at L3Harris

Cindy Rolfe
Owner | Lowcountry Fresh Market

Allan Schoenberger
Schoenberger & Associates

Angela Simmons
Vice Chancellor for Student Development | USCB

Angela Simmons
Vice Chancellor for Student Development | USCB
Angela Simmons has worked in higher education for 30 years at various mid-sized and large universities in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Development at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. She has her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mississippi State University and an Ed.D. from Florida State University. In addition to her work in higher education, Angela has served on various boards and is currently the vice chair for Hopeful Horizons. Angela and her husband, Dave Lunin, moved to the Lowcountry in 2019 and have enjoyed the opportunity to spend weekends at the beach reading and napping.
“The mission of Bluffton Self Help resonates with me on a personal level and I’m excited for the opportunity to serve on the board. I grew up in a family with limited financial resources and am keenly aware of how the services provided by the organization can transform the lives of those most impacted by socioeconomic disparities and inequities.”
Our Staff

Courtney Hampson
Chief Executive Officer

Courtney Hampson
Chief Executive Officer
Courtney Hampson was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Bluffton Self Help (BSH) in May 2022. after serving as BSH’s Chief Operating Officer for five months. Courtney brings a wealth of exceptional skills and a real passion for serving others to her new role. For the 16 years prior to joining Bluffton Self Help in January, Courtney held positions of increasing responsibility with Palmetto Bluff, most recently serving as Vice President of Marketing. In that capacity, she led all facets of marketing for the 20,000-acre residential and conservation community and resort.
After honing her leadership, team-building, and management skills in corporate positions, it was Courtney’s strong connections to the community and passion for service that led her back (Courtney served on BSH’s Board of Directors from 2010-2012) to Bluffton Self Help.

Julia Violi
Director of Volunteers & Basic Needs Programs

Julia Violi
Director of Volunteers & Basic Needs Programs
Julia came to Bluffton Self Help after 15 years of Resort Food and Beverage Management, Catering Sales, and Event Management with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism from the University of Kentucky in 2003. In January 2018, her husband, Courtney, and she welcomed a daughter, Paisley Jane. After a year at home, she stepped back into the workforce to support our team as Office Coordinator. “I’m grateful that I have found such a wonderful organization to work for and have enjoyed seeing the positive impact BSH makes in our community every day.” In February 2020, Julia moved into the Program Manager role overseeing Food, Clothing, and Special Programs. In 2022, she was promoted to Director of Volunteers and Basic Needs Programs.

Genesis Gonzalez
Director of Education Programs

Genesis Gonzalez
Director of Education Programs
In 2012, Genesis moved to South Carolina and quickly fell in love with the Lowcountry. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of South Carolina – Beaufort. That is where her experience in program coordinating began; creating associations/clubs, volunteer opportunities, and serving as a liaison between students and administration. Genesis is thrilled to be a part of Bluffton Self Help and the expansion of the education programs.

Alli Damas
Development Director

Alli Damas
Development Director
Originally from Tennessee, Alli has been in the Lowcountry since 2019. She is a Marketing and Entrepreneurship major from the University of TN Knoxville. With over 10 years of experience in non-profit Marketing and Development, Alli has worked with local, national, and international non-profits. She is the co-founder of 100 Women Who Care in Jackson, TN and a Leadership Jackson 2019 graduate. Being able to serve others and form genuine relationships is her heartbeat.
Alli is married to her husband, Brad, and is the mother to Nash and toddler twins, Merritt and Ford. Design and photography is her creative outlet. In her free time, you can find Alli walking in her Downtown Beaufort neighborhood with her family and their golden retriever, Annie.
“The mission of BSH is powerful. The programs are impactful and incredibly important. This organization is leading the way in positively changing our community one household at a time—and it’s an honor to be part of it!”

Donna Roberts
Finance Director

Donna Roberts
Finance Director
Donna made the Lowcountry her home after relocating from Long Island, New York, where she earned her MBA in Corporate Finance. Taking on the slower pace of life in the south, she took a break from the finance world and spent 10 years with Cross Schools, teaching, project planning and developing systems. But she couldn’t stray too far from her roots and re-entered the accounting and finance field. For the last three years, she worked as Finance and HR Manager for Eastman Marine Construction, where she brought their company into the 21st century implementing operations and finance systems and process changes. Donna spends her free time enjoying the area beaches with her son and chasing her four rescue dogs.
“I am excited to work at Bluffton Self Help because its more than a job. Being in finance, you tend to focus on the numbers and results but here, I have an opportunity to be part of an organization that is serving the greater good and giving back to the community!”

Barbara Bowers
Senior Client Advocate
The Resource Hub

Barbara Bowers
Senior Client Advocate
The Resource Hub
Barbara Bowers moved to Bluffton from the Northeast where she worked as a social worker for many years. Barbara was essential in opening our Education and Resource Center (ERC) in 2018. She is now the face of the ERC, has grown the programs and workshops offered to fit our neighbors’ needs. Many of our clients stop in just to see Barb and update her on their progress.

Dawn Bundick
Client Advocate

Dawn Bundick
Client Advocate
I am new to the area after spending 14 years traveling with my USAF Active Duty husband, Therron. I am originally from Richmond, VA, where I earned my Master of Teaching degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. I have previously served my community in various volunteer capacities and as an elementary school teacher. Most recently, I worked as an instructor for an employment training program, serving those with disabilities. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time at the beach. Our senior dog, Rush, is the joy of our lives. As a part of BSH, I am excited to grow my professional skills, cultivate meaningful connections and truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

Janet Simonds
Basic Needs Program Manager

Janet Simonds
Basic Needs Program Manager
Janet is new to Bluffton, but not new to management. Most recently she comes from Publix Supermarkets where she served customers with their legendary customer service for almost ten years. Prior to that, in her hometown of Chicago, she served in the not for profit sector by coordinating a senior nutrition program providing home delivered meals and community dining locations for older adults.
Janet is thrilled to be in Bluffton and even more fulfilled working with Bluffton Self Help. She is passionate about all aspects of food and culture. She enjoys cooking, especially Italian dishes, watching the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Cubs, visiting the coast and historical sites and most of all being a “mom” to her three young men.

Emery King
Basic Needs Programs & Volunteer Specialist

Emery King
Basic Needs Programs & Volunteer Specialist
Emery joined Bluffton Self Help shortly after moving to South Carolina in 2022. Prior to moving, Emery had earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Social Sciences, and Humanities at Clarkson University, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hartford, and pursued further education at Widener University. Alongside academics, Emery gained experience in a wide variety of professional and internship positions including mental health work, car delivery, and pet care to name just a few. Now out of school, Emery’s free time is spent learning new skills such as Python coding, woodworking, and embroidery.
“I am so excited and proud to have the opportunity to apply my experience and versatility to this wonderful cause.”

Corina Altamirano
Center Manager
Learning & Literacy Center | Kitties Landing

Corina Altamirano
Center Manager
Learning & Literacy Center | Kitties Landing

Mari Reyes
Evening Coordinator
Learning & Literacy Center | Kitties Landing

Carmen Bazaco
Center Coordinator
Hardeeville Learning & Literacy Center

Carmen Bazaco
Center Coordinator
Hardeeville Learning & Literacy Center
Carmen was born and raised in Spain. She met her husband while he was studying abroad in Spain and moved to the US after earning her BA in Spanish. After living in different parts of the country, Carmen and her family settled in Bluffton in 2017. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and playing board games with her two daughters. “I am excited to be a part of the Learning and Literacy Center and to serve our growing community throughout the Lowcountry,” says Carmen.

Abigail Barna
Learning & Literacy Center Manager
Sheridan Park | Bluffton

Abigail Barna
Learning & Literacy Center Manager
Sheridan Park | Bluffton
Abby is originally from Mount Airy, Maryland. She moved to Hardeeville after graduating from Christopher Newport University in Virginia where she earned a BA in English and a minor in Leadership Studies. She is currently working towards her Masters in Library and Information Science through Syracuse University. If she is not busy with work or school she enjoys spending time with her fiance, Wyatt, and two dogs, Buster and Birdie. She enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and working on converting a 40ft school bus into a drivable tiny home that they hope to be living in after they are married.
“I have a huge passion for serving my community and giving back to those around me. I couldn’t be more excited to be a member of the Bluffton Self Help team,” says Abby.

Taariq Camara
Marketing Manager

Taariq Camara
Marketing Manager
With a passion for all things marketing, design and a keen eye for innovation, Taariq is dedicated to propelling our brand to new heights. He brings over four years in the dynamic world of marketing and graphic design, having sharpened his skills at successful companies. His journey has been marked by consistent achievements and a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends. His mission as Marketing Manager is clear: he envisions Bluffton Self Help as a trailblazing force, reaching wider audiences and leaving a lasting impact. His strategic insights and creativity converge to chart a course for our brand’s continued success. He thrives in the digital realm, with proficiency in SEO, social media marketing, digital advertisement campaigns, UX Design, graphic design, and crafting compelling content strategies. Navigating the digital landscape is second nature to him. Every marketing initiative he undertakes is geared toward tangible, measurable results.