Healthy Start Staff

Kristen Copenhaver
(She, Her, Hers)

Director of Grants Management
kristen@acadianafamilytree.org

Kristen Copenhaver is the Director of Grants Management at The Family Tree Information, Education, and Counseling Center. She was previously the Healthy Start Project Director and has over 15 years of experience in working with women, children, and families. Kristen received a Bachelor’s of Applied Life Sciences Degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1998 and her Master’s in Counselor Education Degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2005. She is also a Certified Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor.

Kristen is the proud single mother of two amazing young men. When her boys are not on the basketball court, Kristen loves to read. As a child, her love of reading started when her mother paid her a penny a page so naturally she started with the encyclopedias. She also enjoys spending time with family and getting together with friends. Originally, from a small town in southwest Missouri, Kristen relocated to Lafayette in 1994 to attend USL. After 25+ years, she considers herself an honorary Cajun.

Beth Ponthier

(She, Her, Hers)

CenLa Healthy Start Program Manager 
bponthier@acadianafamilytree.org

Beth, a native of the Alexandria/Pineville area, has a rich background in victim services, having worked with the Alexandria Police Department and the Family Justice Center of Central Louisiana. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Louisiana State University at Alexandria and a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Beth is a devoted mother to three daughters, who keep her engaged with their various extracurricular activities. In her rare moments of spare time, she enjoys indulging her creative side and reconnecting with loved ones.

Asti Isler

(She, Her, Hers)

CenLa Community Health Worker/Outreach 
aisler@acadianafamilytree.org

Treana Winbush

(She, Her, Hers)

CenLa Healthy Start Case Manager Supervisor
twinbush@acadianafamilytree.org

Treana Winbush, the Case Manager Supervisor for CenLA Healthy Start, holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and boasts 12 years of experience in Case Management. Throughout her career, she has held roles such as Assistant Director, Case Manager Supervisor, Case Manager/Coordinator, and Investigative Advocate, particularly focusing on individuals with developmental disabilities. Treana is deeply passionate about providing essential community supports and services to those who face challenges accessing resources independently.

Beyond her professional commitments, Treana finds fulfillment as a devoted mother to three daughters, one son, and an angel baby boy who passed away shortly after a premature birth. Active in her church’s music ministry on both local and state levels, she cherishes moments spent with loved ones, indulging her passion for baking through her business, Dessert Tree, LLC, and embracing laughter daily. Treana lives by the belief that life is what you make it, and when approached as a lifestyle, it becomes effortless.

Sarah Brouillett

(She, Her, Hers)

CenLa Healthy Start Case Manager 
sbrouillette@acadianafamilytree.org

Ms. Sarah Brouillette hails from Baton Rouge, LA, and was raised in Simmesport, LA, where she currently resides in Scott, LA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University at Alexandria. Sarah’s life experiences have fueled her passion for helping others, leading her to choose a field where she can support and educate individuals within her community. With plans to further her education, Sarah aims to pursue a Master of Social Work degree.

In her leisure time, Sarah finds solace in reading, practicing yoga, and cherishing moments with her family. Eager to embark on her journey with CenLA Healthy Start, Sarah is committed to continuing her passion for community service in the place she calls home.

Nerlande Knox

(She, Her, Hers)

CenLa Healthy Start Case Manager
nknox@acadianafamilytree.org

Nerlande Knox, originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, serves as a Case Manager for our CenLA Healthy Start Program. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech–Language Pathology and an Associate’s in Family and Child Studies from Louisiana Tech University in May 2020.

Driven by a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of women, children, and families, Nerlande draws strength from her own experiences of resilience. She firmly believes in the power of support and aims to ensure that no one faces challenges alone. Having navigated pregnancy as a high-risk patient, Nerlande is passionate about sharing her journey and providing education to pregnant women to prevent negative birth outcomes.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Nerlande finds joy in motherhood, cherishing moments with her young son. During her downtime, she enjoys planning for the future, unwinding, shopping, and spending quality time with loved ones.

“It’s not about how you start the race, what matters is how you finish, and the rewarding progress being made during the race.”

Tasia Traylor, BSW, RSW

(She, Her, Hers)

CenLa Healthy Start Case Manager
ttraylor@acadianafamilytree.org

Tasia earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Northwestern State University in 2021. A native of Cenla, she is thrilled to join The Family Tree and serve her community. Previously, Tasia worked as a children’s service coordinator at a non-profit women’s homeless shelter, where she gained valuable insights into the challenges families face. Drawing from her experiences, she aims to build meaningful relationships with participants and support them on their journey through motherhood. Tasia’s passion for helping others is the driving force behind her work.

Currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Louisiana Christian University, Tasia is dedicated to advancing her career within TFT and is set to graduate in December 2024. In her leisure time, she treasures moments with friends, family, and animals. Tasia prioritizes self-care and cherishes her naps, recognizing the importance of sleep in maintaining well-being.

Leona “Michelle” Young

(She, Her, Hers)

CenLa Healthy Case Manager
myoung@acadianafamilytree.org

Michelle Young, a native of Northeast Louisiana, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Joining The Family Tree team in December 2023 as a Case Manager, Michelle brings 12 years of experience from the public school system, where she worked closely with children and families. Her time in education fueled her passion for continued learning and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Michelle’s professional philosophy centers around the belief that “people can learn, grow, and change to be the best they can be, yet they must believe in themselves.” With a heartfelt desire to improve maternal and infant mortality outcomes, she embraces the opportunity to educate and contribute to CenLA Healthy Start.

As a single mother of three, Michelle has encountered challenges, struggles, and loss, which have equipped her with a unique ability to connect with others from diverse backgrounds. She approaches life with positivity and optimism, inspiring others to enhance their quality of life. Michelle plans to pursue her Master’s in Counseling this year, furthering her commitment to personal and professional growth.

In her leisure time, Michelle thrives in the outdoors, indulging in activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking. She also enjoys music and cherishes moments spent with her children.

With a resilient spirit and determination to overcome obstacles, Michelle endeavors to make a meaningful difference across Louisiana.

Susan “Nikki” Bartholomew, MA, PLPC

(She, Her, Hers)

CenLa Healthy Start Mental Health Clinician

Nikki Evans holds a Bachelor’s in Social Science (2018) and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health (2022) from the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, Louisiana. With a background in nonprofit organizations and diverse clientele, Nikki believes in the power of every individual’s narrative. She is dedicated to empowering people to transform their lives positively and lead healthier lifestyles. Specializing in women, children, and families, Nikki’s counseling experience covers various areas including depression, anxiety, anger management, boundary setting, parenting, and relationships.

Outside of her profession, Nikki finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and children, engaging in game nights, and watching movies. Committed to making a difference, she actively participates in her church community and finds fulfillment in witnessing her clients’ growth throughout their counseling journey.

“It’s so rewarding to see my client’s growth from the first session to the last. To see them find peace and understanding in a situation that they thought they wouldn’t overcome, is truly beautiful. The best part is, they did the work. They did it. They always had what was needed to help themselves.”