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 recently 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, now the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. 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. Most recently, 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.

 

Genine Donovan – On Ramp Resource Center Program Manager

Genine joined The Relatives 2016 as a volunteer. She volunteered for 6 months before becoming a permanent fixture to the youth as the Resource Center Assistant. She went on to become the Transition Coordinator, providing effective and supportive services to the youth we serve. Genine is dedicated to all the youth in the program and ensures all their needs are met and encourages them to work tirelessly towards their goals. She is like a family member to all our young adults, many of them even call her “mom,” “auntie” or “grandma.”

 

Marcus Mickell – Crisis Center Program Manager

Marcus, a University of North Carolina at Charlotte Psychology graduate, brings six years of mental health experience, working with individuals from adults facing psychological and substance challenges to children with behavioral needs. Formerly a Learning & Development Mentor at Alexander Youth Network, he led new hire orientation and developed trauma-informed training programs. Certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Handle with Care, and CPR/First Aid, Marcus is now Program Manager at The Relatives’ Youth Crisis Center, where he supports youth experiencing homelessness, runaways, and those at risk. He is deeply committed to making a positive impact on youth and their families.

Board of Directors

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

    Learn more about the Relatives team from our  Relatives newsletters.