Jay’s passion for helping others in their mental health recovery began in 2007 when he worked as a wilderness field guide, leading adolescents on weeklong backpacking trips in the mountains of Western North Carolina. In 2013, he transitioned to serving the local unhoused population as a case manager with Homeward Bound in Asheville, NC.
This experience motivated him to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, to address better the needs of individuals facing mental health and substance abuse challenges.
In 2023, Jay joined the CooperRiis clinical team as an integrative therapist, focusing primarily on mental health and secondarily on substance abuse.
When he is not at work, Jay enjoys hiking, fishing, and canoeing on local rivers and lakes. He also spends time working in his basement workshop, relaxing at the beach, or enjoying quality moments with his wife and dogs.