Meet The Team
Teresa D. 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.
Ariana S. Cumez-Ortiz
Bilingual Home Study & Post-Release Services Case Manager - Myrtle Beach
Stephanie earned a BA in child and family studies and Hispanic studies from Converse University in Spartanburg, SC. She began her career in Rock Hill, SC, working as a prevention specialist at Keystone Substance Abuse Services and as a coalition facilitator at York County All On Board. Later she became a bilingual behavioral interventionist in Horry County for Justice Works Family Services. At Converse University, she was a four-year D2 NCAA student-athlete and was involved in internships, organizations, and clubs. She’s currently obtaining a master’s in social work from Winthrop University.
Carter Fox
Homebuilders Specialist - Myrtle Beach
Carter attended school at Presbyterian College and later graduated from the University of South Carolina with a focus in criminal justice. He’s currently a graduate student in the Master of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine where he plans to obtain his LPC after graduation. Carter has a storied background in athletics, specifically baseball, and enjoys engaging in outdoor activities during his free time.
Christy M. 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.
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”.
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.
