The Team
MEET THE TEAM
Laurie Farro
Program Assistant
Laurie Farro is a Program Assistant at the Raleigh County Healthy Families Alliance & Support Center, where she brings a deep passion for helping others and making a positive, lasting impact on families and the community. Her role is guided by her belief that strong, supportive connections can empower individuals and strengthen the community as a whole. Laurie’s professional experience is rooted in years of service and leadership. Before joining RCHFA&SC, she spent several years as a preschool teacher and director, nurturing young learners and supporting their families during important early development stages. Her background also includes extensive experience in local fundraising through her work as a local marketer, where she built strong community partnerships and supported numerous outreach initiatives. These roles have equipped Laurie with a unique blend of compassion, communication skills, and organizational expertise that she brings to her work every day. At the center, Laurie supports programming that promotes stability, growth, and resilience for families. Whether assisting with classes, coordinating events, or connecting clients with essential resources, she is known for her warm presence, steady reliability, and genuine dedication to those she serves. Outside of work, Laurie treasures spending time outdoors with her family and her dogs. Whether hiking, exploring, or enjoying a peaceful day in nature, these moments fill her with balance and joy—energy she brings back to her work and community.
304-253-1100
Amie Van devender
center director
Amelia “Amie” Van Devender serves as the Director of the Raleigh County Healthy Families Alliance & Support Center (RCHFA&SC), bringing a strong foundation of administrative expertise and a deep commitment to strengthening families across Raleigh County. Before stepping into her leadership role, Amie built extensive experience in office administration through positions in both the federal government and the private sector, developing the organizational, operational, and communication skills that now shape her approach as Director. After relocating to Raleigh County, West Virginia, from Arizona six years ago with her family, Amie quickly became devoted to supporting her new community. Her passion centers on creating a nurturing and empowering environment where families can learn, grow, and thrive at every stage of life. She works tirelessly to ensure that the Center operates smoothly each day—expanding services, strengthening programs, and developing resources that meet the evolving needs of local families. As Director, Amie focuses on fostering a welcoming, compassionate, and collaborative atmosphere for clients, staff, volunteers, and community partners. She is dedicated to enhancing the reach and impact of RCHFA&SC, guiding initiatives that offer parenting education, life skills support, resource navigation, and family-centered advocacy. Outside of her work, Amie enjoys exploring West Virginia’s natural beauty and participating in community events with her family. These moments of connection and appreciation for her adopted home continue to inspire the work she does each day. Amie’s leadership, heart for service, and unwavering commitment to family wellness play a vital role in advancing the mission of the Raleigh County Healthy Families Alliance & Support Center.
304-253-1100
Megan Dobbs
Program Assistant
Megan Dobbs is a graduate of Concord University, where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Since December 2025, she has served as a Program Assistant with the Raleigh County Healthy Families Alliance & Support Center, an organization of Community Connections that she has been working for, coming up on 4 years. In her role, Megan works directly with individuals and families, providing support, education, advocacy, and resource navigation to help strengthen families and improve overall well-being. Megan is a state-certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) and a person living in long-term recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). She is passionate about using both her lived experience and professional education to support individuals and families facing challenges related to mental health, substance use, and other life stressors. Her personal recovery journey, combined with her social work background, allows her to connect with others in a meaningful and compassionate way while helping reduce the stigma associated with SUD. In addition to her work with families, Megan is a Certified Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor and serves on the Board of Directors for the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVAAPP). She remains committed to community service, recovery advocacy, and empowering individuals to access the resources and support they need to build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
304-253-1100