Chip Hoppes, MBA, FMP
Operations Director
Chip grew up in Bostic, North Carolina. After high school, he left home to serve in the Marine Corps. During his time in service, he grew to appreciate mentoring and leading teams. This led to a growing desire to help others achieve their personal and professional goals in life. He also developed a passion for identifying opportunities for improvement in work systems and processes, seeking out ways to achieve greater efficiencies in operational efforts.
Small-town life eventually called Chip and his family back to the local area. Since returning home, he has had a chance to work in the industrial and commercial sectors. He has also had the opportunity to oversee logistical and operational support for a variety of projects. Throughout his career, Chip continued his education, eventually receiving his master’s degree from Strayer University in 2021.
With a history of diverse responsibilities and duties, Chip has had the challenge of supporting organizational operations in a variety of unique capacities. Along with this, his time in service helped shape his perspective of the world and has granted him a special appreciation for the people he encounters in it. This has created a desire within him to continue to serve others.
Chip brings his experiences to Foothills to answer his call to serve. As the Operations Director, he works to help create and maintain an environment that feels safe, secure, and suitable to support recovery processes.
In his spare time, Chip strives to be a life-long learner, studying various topics conducive to personal development. Chip enjoys the outdoors and tends to a small home farm with his family.
Ellery Young
Program Director
Bio coming soon!
Nick Aust
Director of Food Services
Bio coming soon!
Kevin Buchanan
Student Life Manager
Bio coming soon!
Jennifer Knight
Barn Manager
Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in therapeutic horsemanship and childhood and family studies. In college, she competed on an intercollegiate equestrian team and earned a High Point Rider ribbon at an IHSA competition. Jennifer successfully completed a therapeutic riding internship at The Burton Center, working with students of all ages and situations. She also enjoys volunteering as a jump judge and videographer.
Jennifer previously worked at Tryon Equine Hospital in Columbus, NC. She also taught riding lessons to neurotypical and neurodivergent clients at Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding in Johns Island, SC. She also worked with foster children at Bowers-Rodgers Children’s Home in Greenwood, SC.
At Foothills, Jennifer’s passion for adolescents is evident in the attentive, empathetic way she shows up for clients. She seamlessly transfers her passion for horses and therapeutic knowledge to clients through relationship-building, rhythmic riding, one-on-one sessions, and a horse apprenticeship. Her weekly equine sessions are a favorite among clients not only for the time spent with the horses but also for Jennifer’s gentle, patient presence.
When not at Foothills, Jennifer enjoys various craft projects, her dogs, and a pet tortoise. She takes advantage of the scenic NC mountain ranges by camping with her horses, hiking, and kayaking. Her self-proclaimed hobby is “collecting hobbies,” highlighting her curiosity in all aspects of life. Jennifer’s passion for helping adolescents in crisis, paired with her expertise in equine therapy, makes her an invaluable asset to our Foothills campus.
Jacob Whittmore
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Bio coming soon!
Webb Hardin
Facilities Technician
Bio coming soon!
Contact Our Adolescent Treatment Team
Would you like to speak with a member of the Foothills operations team? Reach out to Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® by calling 828.519.5047 or completing our online form. Our team is ready to help you and your family.
