ABOUT NEW RIVER HOPE CENTER
Let’s Build A Connection That Helps You Grow
We believe healing is possible. Hope can emerge. And growth can take root.
New River Hope Center was founded with a simple belief: everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate mental health care, regardless of income or circumstance.
Our center was created to serve individuals and families throughout Southwest Virginia with care that is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and deeply personal. We believe therapy should be more than treating symptoms. It should provide a safe place to understand your experiences, strengthen relationships, develop new skills, and discover what is possible moving forward.
Our story is also personal. Founder Beth Houle grew up in Wytheville and is grateful to return to the community with her family after building and leading a successful private practice in Tennessee for more than a decade. New River Hope Center grew from her desire to bring the quality of care she has provided for years back to the community she has always called home—and to make that care accessible to more people.
As a nonprofit mental health center, we are committed to expanding access to therapy through compassionate clinical services, specialized therapeutic approaches, community education, and financial assistance for those who need it.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Beth Houle, Ph.D., LMFT
Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | Practice Owner, Clinical Leader & Therapist Supervisor | 10+ Years of Experience
Beth is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Virginia and Tennessee with more than a decade of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. She earned her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy and has owned and operated a private practice in Tennessee since 2015, where she provides clinical care and supervises other therapists. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed, with an emphasis on creating a therapeutic relationship where clients feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood.
Beth believes therapy is most effective when it is both supportive and purposeful. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, she works collaboratively with each client to understand their unique experiences, identify patterns that may be getting in the way, and build on the strengths they already possess. She strives to create a space where difficult things can be explored without judgment and where clients can gain insight, develop practical tools, and recognize new possibilities for their lives and relationships.
Meet The Team
Jesse Houle, Operations Director
Jesse brings a unique combination of business, technology, and organizational expertise to New River Hope Center. He holds a Master of Business Administration and works professionally as a data scientist, developing computer programming and technology solutions for higher education.
As Operations Director, Jesse oversees the day-to-day operations and infrastructure of New River Hope Center, from managing the building and buildout to supporting scheduling, billing, technology, and administrative systems. His goal is to create efficient, reliable systems that support our clinicians and help New River Hope Center provide a welcoming and accessible experience for the individuals and families we serve.
Jennifer Sheely, Board Member
Jennifer Sheely serves as Vice President of Finance for United Way of the Ocoee Region, where she oversees the organization’s financial operations, budgeting, reporting and fiscal stewardship. With several years of nonprofit financial leadership experience, she brings a strong understanding of financial management, accountability, and the unique needs of mission-driven organizations. Jennifer is passionate about using her financial expertise to help organizations operate responsibly and maximize their impact in the communities they serve. She is honored to serve as Treasurer and to support the organization’s mission through thoughtful financial oversight and board leadership.
Kelli Kirby, Board Member
Kelli Underwood Kirby is a native of Wytheville, Virginia and proud to call it her hometown. While attending Lee University, Kelli met her husband, Michael Kirby. For the past 24 years, they served together in a variety of ministry roles with a passion for encouraging and investing in others. The Kirbys are the owners of two small businesses and love creating opportunities for others to have a steady income. Kelli and Michael live in Forest, Virginia, and are proud parents of two amazing children, one in college and one in high school.
Wendy Brown, Board Member
Bio coming soon! Stay tuned!
Our Core Values
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Building a safe, dependable environment where people feel secure and supported.
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Meeting every person with kindness, patience, and genuine care.
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Seeking to understand each person’s experiences, emotions, and perspective without judgment.
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Providing thoughtful, evidence-based, individualized care that makes a meaningful difference.
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Creating meaningful therapeutic relationships that foster connection, healing, and growth.
“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can't survive.”
— Brené Brown
READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY?
Your Path To Healing Starts Here
NEWSLETTER
Stay In Touch With Us
Be the first to hear about new resources, community events, helpful mental health information, and updates from New River Hope Center. We’re building a community committed to healing, hope, and growth throughout Southwest Virginia. Join our email list today, and we’ll keep you connected as we grow. No frequent emails or clutter—just meaningful updates and resources when we have something helpful to share.