Celebrating Leadership

Black Mountain Counseling Center Board of Directors and staff said goodbye to founding Executive Director, Ellen Begley on July 3, 2025, and welcomed Beth Russo, Interim Executive Director.

Ellen’s journey with BMCC began in 2007, sparked by a powerful conversation with a group of passionate community members who shared a vision: to ensure that high-quality mental health services would be available to everyone—regardless of their ability to pay. That ultimately led to the creation of Black Mountain Counseling Center.

Over the past 18 years, Ellen’s steadfast leadership and compassionate commitment to mental health have shaped BMCC into the trusted, resilient, and mission-driven non-profit organization it is today. Beginning as Lead Counselor and later stepping into the role of Executive Director, Ellen guided the agency through significant challenges and growth—including a global pandemic, the expansion of services and facilities in McDowell County, and the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Pat Tuttle, Chair of the Board of Directors, shared,

“Ellen’s compassionate vision and steady leadership have touched thousands of lives. Her legacy is one of deep care, community connection, and unwavering service.”

As we turn the page to a new chapter, we are pleased to welcome Beth Russo as Interim Executive Director. Beth is a seasoned nonprofit leader in Western North Carolina and holds a Master’s degree in Counselor Education. She brings a heart for this work and a strong alignment with BMCC’s mission.

Beth shared,

“I was drawn to this work because Black Mountain Counseling Center’s mission—to provide quality mental health counseling regardless of ability to pay—deeply reflects my own values. I’m honored to support BMCC during this transition and help build on Ellen’s incredible legacy.”

Since 2016, BMCC has seen client demand grow by 400%. We remain committed to meeting that need with compassion, professionalism, and accessibility. Our commitment to being a mission-focused nonprofit dedicated to delivering high-quality mental health services to our community will never waver.

If you’d like to support our work and help expand access to care, we invite you to make a gift here.