Who We Are

Appalachian Senior Programs is a volunteer-based organization that works diligently to support our local community (Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga, and Wilkes counties) through two federal and locally funded grant programs. The Foster Grandparent program helps young and school-aged children who need one-on-one assistance to enhance their academic and socio-emotional skills. The Senior Companion program provides support and companionship to older individuals who may need assistance with errands, meal preparation, transportation to appointments, and respite for caregivers.

Dr. Amy Dellinger Page

Dr. Amy Dellinger Page

Executive Director
pagead@appstate.edu

Dr. Amy Dellinger Page (she/her/hers) became Executive Director of Appalachian Senior Programs, which houses the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior companion Program, in March 2020. Prior to that, she served as Co-Executive Director (2019-2020) with Dr. W. Edward Folts. Dr. Page is Professor, former chair, and Undergraduate Programs Director in the Department of Sociology at Appalachian State University. Dr. Page joined Appalachian State in 2004, and her research has been published in a variety of professional journals including Feminist Criminology, the Journal of Forensic Social Work, the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, Sociological Spectrum, Feminist Teacher, and OMEGA: Journal of Death and Dying. Her research and areas of expertise involve attitudes about gender and sexual violence, sexual violence prevention, Title IX and higher education, and end-of-life doulas supporting the dying process. She is a recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences Jimmy Smith Outstanding Service Award (2013), the W.H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion (2015-2016), and the College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Engagement Award (2021). She serves on the OASIS Sexual Violence Prevention Task Force and is on the Board of Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge.

Tammy Taylor

Tammy Taylor

Director, Foster Grandparent Program
taylortp@appstate.edu

Ms. Tammy Taylor serves as the Foster Grandparent Program Director and has twenty-seven years of experience with volunteer programs funded by AmeriCorps. Ms. Taylor holds an Administrative Office Technology degree. She attended the 2016 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Reston, VA, the 2008 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Atlanta, GA, the 2010 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in New York City, NY, and the 2001, 2009 and 2011 North Carolina Association of Volunteer Administration Conferences. Ms. Taylor is a member of the AmeriCorps Senior Professional Network Association and serves on their Board.

Sherry Lambert

Sherry Lambert

Program Assistant, Foster Grandparent Program
woodsl@appstate.edu

Ms. Sherry Lambert began working for the Foster Grandparent Program in 2003 and has 20 years of experience with volunteer programs. Ms. Lambert has Administrative Office Technology and Medical Office Technology Associate in Applied Science degrees. She attended the 2003 Foster Grandparent Board Meeting in Washington, DC, the 2008 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Atlanta, GA, and the 2009 and 2011 North Carolina Association of Volunteer Administration Conference. In April 2022, Ms. Lambert received the Ashe County Director of Volunteers Involvement of the Year Award in recognition of her many contributions and dedication to Ashe County. Ms. Lambert is responsible for assisting the program director in operating the Foster Grandparent Program.

Debbie Wellborn

Debbie Wellborn

Director, Senior Companion Program
wellbrnda@appstate.edu

Ms. Debbie Wellborn began working with Senior Programs in 1988 and has served as the Appalachian Senior Companion Program Director since 1990. Ms. Wellborn graduated from college in 1980 and in 1999 she received a certificate in excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Management from the University of Wisconsin School of Human Ecology. She is a Certified Administrator of Volunteers in North Carolina, a member of the National Senior Corp Association, and is Certified in Mental Health First Aid. She attended the National Conference on Volunteering in Reston, VA and assisted with the planning and implementation of the North Carolina Senior Corps Training in Durham, NC. She recently attended the AmeriCorps Seniors 2023 Convening “Growing Together Uniting America Through Service” in Washington, DC.

Gloria Goodman

Gloria Goodman

Program Assistant, Senior Companion Program
goodmangl@appstate.edu

Ms. Gloria Goodman serves as Appalachian Senior Companion Program Assistant. A graduate of Western Guilford High School in Greensboro, NC in 1972, she began her career with the Senior Companion Program in February 2020. In May 2023, she attended the AmeriCorps Convening in Washington, DC. She has previous experience working with senior citizens. Ms. Goodman served as Administrative Assistant for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in Memphis, TN for one year prior to serving as Corporate Marketing and Club Manager in Fripp Island, SC. She also has experience serving as a customer service representative for Wright Medical Tech in Arlington, TN. She received certification in customer service through Rockhurst University.