Meet The Team
Teresa Lancaster Vassar, BA, MEd, CPM
Branch Director - Myrtle Beach
Teresa is an experienced director with proven success in assuring delivery of quality services to children and families. She began her career with the SC Department of Mental Health in clinical services and moved into management and administration with the SC Department of Social Services. She later worked as executive director with Willowglen Academy in SC, overseeing operations of residential- and community-based services before joining Bethany. Her volunteer work includes coach for Special Olympics of SC – Equine Division, board member and equine assisted learning volunteer with the 501c3 Fidelis Foundation of Myrtle Beach, Children’s Justice task force member, and founder and president of the 501c3 “Special Kid” sponsor program. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from USC and a master’s degree in educational administration from Converse University. She is married to Phil and has two sons, Gage and Colt.
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Alan C. Altman, PsyD, LPC, NCC, MAC
Homebuilders Supervisor - Myrtle Beach
Dr. Altman has worked in the mental health field for 30 years. He obtained a BS and MS in psychology from Francis Marion University in Florence, SC, then his Doctor of Psychology from California Southern University. He is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of South Carolina, holding the credentials of National Certified Counselor and Master Addiction Counselor. He began his career working with the state of South Carolina Departments of Social Services, Mental Health, and Vocational Rehabilitation. He also worked as an LPC in private practice. Before joining Bethany, Dr. Altman was employed as director of clinical services at an inpatient treatment facility, Broadstep Behavioral Health. This job involved clinical supervision duties and intense psychotherapy services with children and adolescents and their families. His strengths include his therapeutic approach tailored to meet the treatment needs of children/families as well as client-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy. He is married to Kim and has five children.
Anthony Carignan
Homebuilders Practitioner - Myrtle Beach
Anthony began his career in human and social services as a case manager, in homeless shelters, and as a Homebuilders specialist in Maine and Myrtle Beach. He has a bachelor’s and master’s in human services and organizational management from Purdue University Global. Anthony's hobbies include walking the beach, swimming, enjoying time with friends, and traveling. He also enjoys acting in theater and independent films.
Christy Taylor
Homebuilder’s Practitioner - Myrtle Beach
Christy has worked in the social service/mental health field for 20 years. She obtained a BA in psychology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Christy began her career at the Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center as an outreach worker, where she developed a dual diagnostic program. After relocating with her family to South Carolina, she worked for the Department of Social Services as an investigator and a coordinator for family treatment and intensive supervision and clinical services. She also worked as a human service specialist for a level-three residential treatment facility providing therapy to children and their families, and was licensed as a therapeutic foster parent. She has a daughter, Kaylee, and a granddaughter, Jaleea, and enjoys time with family, friends, and her dogs, as well as the beach, live music, and being outdoors.
Debra Jones
Post Release Services Intake & QA Coordinator - Myrtle Beach
Debra has 23 years’ experience working in medical and behavioral health business offices. With her strong set of skills, proven track record of success, and passion for the field of mental health, she has a strong desire to assist those who most need her help. She loves spending time with her pastor husband, adult sons, grandchildren, and their church family. In her free time, she enjoys time at the pool, beach, or watching movies.
Geraldo Martinez
Post Release Services Intervention Specialist - Myrtle Beach
Jerry has worked with youth for more than 20 years. He obtained his BA in Business Administration from Ohio Christian University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Jerry then attended the Fuller Theological Seminary where he graduated with his Masters in Global Leadership. Jerry has travelled extensively through North America, Central America, Africa, and the Caribbean nations visiting schools, churches, and other organizations sharing his life journey from a prison cell to the Vice President’s office. His inspirational speaking and training sessions demonstrate how to work with inner city youths, helping immigrant youth adjust to school and their new surroundings, and develop strategies that make a difference in the community. Jerry’s mantra is to "show up for someone until they can show up for themselves”.
Heather Thomas
Homebuilders Practitioner - Myrtle Beach
Heather has more than 10 years’ experience helping children and families navigate their lives to improve their overall health and well-being. She’s certified in Gestalt Therapy and has specialized training in working with children with problem sexualized behaviors. She worked for the South Carolina Department of Social Services as a family preservation case manager before transitioning to Bethany. Heather has a degree in psychology from Quinnipiac University and a master’s in marriage and family therapy from Southern Connecticut State University. She enjoys interior design and organization, all creatures big and small, the beach, and spending time with her daughter and family.
Kenny Dixon
PRS Regional Supervisor - Myrtle Beach
Kenny joined Bethany Christian Services in 2023. Prior to that, he served as a mental health technician and recreational therapy technician at Lighthouse Care Center of Conway. Kenny has held various administrative/leadership positions in outpatient and inpatient organizations in the Carolinas. He has a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in organizational management with a concentration in human resources management. He has been involved in various volunteer programs including the Special Kid Sponsor Program, Julie’s Kids, and is currently working toward creating a non-profit with his wife. When he is not spending time with his wife and two sons, Kenny enjoys playing golf, fishing, relaxing on the beach, and watching all types of sports.
Kimberly Altman
Assistant Admin Post Adoption Services - Myrtle Beach
Kim, a post adoption services assistant, works to reconnect adoptive and birth families. Before coming to Bethany, Kim managed her own sleep lab alongside cardiologists and neurologists for most of her professional life. When she left that field, she pursued her desire to help others in a more personal way and joined the Myrtle Beach Bethany team. Kim enjoys spending her free time studying ancient scriptures, walking the beach, and spending time with her husband, Alan, and their five adult children.
Michelle Van Horn
Post Release Community Liaison - Myrtle Beach
Originally from Virginia, Michelle started working in human services as a licensed Case Manager for the Virginia Department of Mental Health. She became a service coordinator for the Infant and Toddler Connection, in Culpeper Virginia, partnering with healthcare providers in supporting infants and children diagnosed with a developmental delay up to the age of 3. Having realized her passion to give back to her community, Michelle collaborated with church members and community leaders to develop programming and events connecting likeminded peers in Arlington, Virginia. After becoming a single mother in 2020, Michelle was inspired to continue working with vulnerable children and families at Bethany, as a thanks for all the support the Lord has brought her both personally and professionally.
Nayah Lewis
Office Manager - Myrtle Beach
Nayah is relatively new to the mental health industry but is no stranger to management. As a Coastal Carolina University biology major, she volunteered with multiple organizations including Freedom Readers and SOS Healthcare. After Coastal, Nayah worked with insurance agents to help establish, maintain, and manage their agencies to be self-sufficient. At Bethany, she keeps up the day-to-day of the office, helping as the command center for programs as well as assisting with post-adoption services. She enjoys watching movies, going to the gym, and spending time with her family and pets.
Nelson Delanuez
Home Study & Post-Release Services Case Manager - Myrtle Beach
With over two decades’ experience in ministry leadership, counseling, and education, Nelson is a dedicated professional committed to fostering spiritual growth and emotional well-being. Through past roles as a worship and care pastor, he has provided counseling, facilitated community outreach initiatives, and taught ESL, connecting his students with local services. He has a deep understanding of mental health dynamics within church and community settings. Nelson has a bachelor’s in clinical and counseling psychology from Regent University and is fluent in English and Spanish. He lives in Greenville, SC, with his wife, Dalia, and their three children.
Rachelle Walker
Home Study & Post-Release Services Case Manager - Myrtle Beach
As a case manager at Bethany, Rachelle hopes to cultivate safe environments where love and hospitality can be demonstrated through God’s Word to immigrant and refugee minors. Her faith in Jesus inspires her to be his feet to children and families. She enjoys traveling and helping people and has a special understanding for military families—her husband and her twin brother are both in the United States Armed Forces. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, playing the piano, modern dance, and spending time with family and friends.
Terry Windham
Home Study & Post-Release Services Regional Case Manager - Myrtle Beach
Terry’s passion is simple: She loves helping people navigate life a little easier. An Air Force veteran retiree of 32 years, she last worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs helping veterans seek appropriate services through case management. She earned BA degrees in Spanish and public health at Coastal Carolina University and went on get a master’s in nutrition education from American University. Her favorite hobbies are running, tennis, yard work, and hanging out with her family and dogs.
Yesie Hernandez
Home Study & Post-Release Services Lead Case Manager - Myrtle Beach
Yesie’s journey began as a teenager, migrating alone to the U.S. in search of better opportunities and facing the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture. Through various careers, she’s grown in her leadership skills as a manager, entrepreneur, life coach, and social worker. She earned a bachelor’s in psychology and criminal justice and a master’s in counseling rehabilitation from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. A mother of three, she’s deeply rooted in her faith and believes that through service and compassion, she can fulfill God’s purpose for her and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
