Part of Our Family: The Relatives Team

The Relatives team members come from all different backgrounds to make a diverse group of leaders, counselors, mentors, and transition specialists. We work around the clock to keep our youth safe and secure. From the staff to the youth we serve, we value this family above all else.

Leadership

Trish Hobson – Executive Director

Trish brings years of experience as she previously served as Vice President of Alexander Children’s Foundation before joining The Relatives as Executive Director in 2016. Prior to working at Alexander Youth Network, in January 2015, she worked at the YMCA of Charlotte as their Senior Financial Development Director. Trish joined the YMCA after six years with the Emergency Winter Shelter/ Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, now Roof Above. She also served as the CEO and Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. and served as Treasurer for the Charlotte chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Trish currently serves on the Board for the The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC)

Lynn Cuddy – Chief of Staff

Lynn joined The Relatives family in November of 2016, after moving from Rhode Island with her husband and three children. She brings with her 15 years of experience in grant writing, contract management, and community programming as well as a Masters of Social Work in Community Organizing, Policy, Planning and Administration. She’s thrilled to have found a home at The Relatives and to be putting her skills to work on behalf of the most vulnerable youth and young adults in Charlotte.

Casey Field – Director of Philanthropy

Casey Field joined The Relatives in July 2023 as a Major Gifts Officer after a 23-year career in education. Prior to joining The Relatives, he served as Director of Athletics at Gaston Day School where he also contributed to institutional fundraising initiatives. Casey was first introduced to the world of development while serving as Director of Alumni Programs at Providence Day School. As a native Charlottean, he is proud to work on behalf of young people in the community who need support as they build their futures.

Brandi Barron – Director of Communications 

Brandi joined The Relatives family in May 2025, bringing five years of experience in nonprofit communications and organizational planning. Before joining the team, she helped advance the missions of Heal Charlotte and INLIVIAN, contributing to their impact across the city. Passionate about elevating brand visibility and amplifying advocacy, Brandi is proud to be a Relative and is committed to using the power of communication to drive positive change for the next generation.

Anthony Wilson – On Ramp Resource Center Program Manager

With more than 20 years of experience serving children, youth, and families in the mental health, substance use, and intellectual/developmental disabilities fields, Anthony has dedicated his career to creating positive outcomes through both residential and community-based services. He brings over 15 years of leadership and management experience, along with specialized certifications as a Parent Educator, TCI Trainer, High Fidelity Wraparound Facilitator, and Tailored Care Manager.

A graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Psychology, Anthony has held key leadership roles at Alexander Youth Network and currently serves at The Relatives. Passionate about advocacy, community engagement, and driving meaningful change, he is committed to supporting at-risk youth, young adults, and families while strengthening the communities they serve.

 

Tammy Smith – Crisis Center Program Manager

Tamara, affectionately known as Tammy, is from Lake City, South Carolina, and brings over 26 years of experience in Human Services, serving diverse populations in various leadership roles.
She is a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina Upstate and a Florence School District 3 Athletic Hall of Famer. Tammy was drawn to The Relatives by her passion for supporting youth and families in crisis and helping them build stability and resilience. She looks forward to contributing by deepening community connections and creating opportunities for collaboration that strengthen the support network around youth and families.

Board of Directors

 

 

 

 

   

    Learn more about the Relatives team from our  Relatives newsletters.