New Hope Adds to West Virginia Expansion with Two New Leaders
Rock Hill, S.C., February 19, 2024 – New Hope Treatment Centers is excited to welcome two new hires, charged with leading the growth of the company into West Virginia.
Shannon Bragg has been named the State Director, while Gabe Conley was hired as the Director of Residential Operations. Both come to New Hope with years of experience and incredible skills and career accomplishments. They’re both extremely respected within the West Virginia system of care. Most importantly, they share an unmatched passion and drive to improve the West Virginia system so that it works better for youth and families.
Having officially begun on Feb. 12, Bragg and Conley are tasked with being the faces of New Hope as services expand into West Virginia. Over the course of the next two-three years, that expansion will include launching four new residential programs within the state with the potential for more.
“I am so proud to welcome Shannon and Gabe to the New Hope senior leadership team,” said Chief Operation Officer, Matt Simon, MA, LMFT. “They both bring with them years of experience and have the respect of shareholders across the West Virginia system care. Most importantly, they embody our values. They are hungry, humble, and smart. They are absolutely determined to change the game in a state which has a tremendous need, and I cannot wait to see what they’re going to do.”
Bragg holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia. She brings more than 27 years of experience working with at risk youth to New Hope. She began her career at Genesis Youth Crisis Center, Inc. where she took on many roles from direct care to administration in emergency children’s shelters. She’s a certified trainer in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and successfully mentored hundreds of staff and young people over the years. Shannon also spent time as the Executive Director of Alliance for Children, where she worked to collaborate with programs throughout West Virginia providing advocacy for the state’s most vulnerable youth.
“Providing hope to children has always been the cornerstone of my professional work,” said Bragg. “From the time that I was a Peer Helper in High School, I knew this was my calling in life. I believe that patience, connection, and compassion are key components in positively impacting the lives of children and families. Improving the lives of children takes commitment from everyone involved. New Hope has proven to be a place children can learn and grow in a supportive environment. I am blessed to have the opportunity to join the New Hope team and look forward to the amazing things we will accomplish for the children of West Virginia.”
Conley graduated from Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio where he received a bachelor’s degree in psychology. His career began at The Children’s Center of Ohio where he was a direct care worker before being promoted to group leader for three years. Gabe continued his career working with children as a foster care case manager with ResCare. After a few years in this role, Conley transitioned to a Safe at Home supervisor with ResCare. He specialized in family preservation work for four years. Prior to coming on with New Hope, Conley worked with the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, in the Division of Childrens Services. He oversaw a program within that division called New View, which assisted Judges and MDT’s (multidisciplinary teams) in finding options for youth that have been on a judge’s docket for a long period of time, achieve permanency in a timelier manner.
“I am thrilled to be joining the New Hope team,” said Conley. “The work they have done with some of West Virginia’s most vulnerable children has been amazing. I have dedicated my professional career to exploring ways to help kids live happier lives. It’s not always easy, but it is always rewarding. I am excited to be part of a team that will help me on this journey.”
Although New Hope is expanding its services with programs in West Virginia for the first time, there is a long history of serving youth from the state at our facility in Rock Hill, S.C. “I was fortunate enough to grow up in West Virginia,” said NRS Marketing Representative, Barbara Broaddus, BSW, MS. “I’ve spent my whole career either working in West Virginia and/or trying to connect West Virginia families to services. It’s not unusual to not have everything you need for your family in your community when you live in West Virginia. Families are resourceful and are used to traveling to get what they need. However, when your family is in crisis and you need mental healthcare for your child, it’s unacceptable to have to send them multiple states away for those needs. I can’t explain how excited I am about our West Virginia expansion. Shannon and Gabe both have a good grasp on what’s missing and they will be amazing assets to all the families that we’re about to serve. We are very fortunate to add them to our team.”
