Current Club Officers

Our Members

Michael Beach:

Adair Cates: I use my "millennial" optimism and enthusiasm to inspire and empower others to realize their infinite potential. I'm a former middle school and community college teacher. Though I was a successful and highly praised teacher, after not feeling completely satisfied with my life direction, I took a leap of faith, giving up my teaching job to pursue a career as a motivational speaker, coach and author. I am the author of the book "Live with Intention: Ten Steps to Creating the Life of Your Dreams" and one of Bob Proctor's LifeSuccess Consultants. I have trained with some of the giants in the motivational industry and offer a refreshing take on their timeless principles. I am very tuned into Generation Y (people between 18 and 30) and offer my first hand knowledge to schools, businesses and organizations in my speaking events and seminars. Toastmasters has been so wonderful for my speaking and leadership skills. I am also a volunteer for WNC Girls on the Run at Erwin Middle School. I live here in Asheville with my musician husband Chris and our two cats Lionel and Wario.

Natasha Evans: As a recent member to the Arise and Shine Toastmasters of Asheville, I look forward to the journey I will embark upon with this club. Professionally, I am a staff supervisor at CNC/Access. I am a Qualified Professional (QP) in Mental Health, working to obtain my QP status in Developmental Disability as well. I am perusing my masters in Social and Community Services. If ever I seem to be MIA, I am probably reading, researching, studying, or writing. Usually I fill in those additional hours on the weekend with some retail work. For the most part I am on the go; life is not lived sitting around. The one motto I live by is: don't ever say you can't, because then you have already stopped yourself from trying.

Eric Howell: Sometimes I take pictures of myself and this is what they look like. I sometimes wear glasses too. :-) I have been in the City of Asheville since September of 2002; I arrived soon after my graduation from Auburn University. I am an architect in town with almost 5 years of experience. My internship has ended and I am currently working on my registration exam. Arise & Shine! has changed the way I do business, interact with consultants and communicate with city officials. I am now in my fourth year as a member.

Allison Jordan: I have been a member of Toastmasters since August 2005. I joined because I wanted to be a better speaker. I thought I was a pretty good speaker, but know that I can always grow and improve and Toastmasters has definitely me helped me. Even thought it is early on Thursday morning, I have never regretted it. I have grown tremendously and truly enjoy the supportive nature of our club. I have lived in beautiful Asheville ever since graduating from UNCA in 1997 and love it. I work for Children First of Buncombe County and in my spare time love reading, yoga, being outdoors and spending time with loved ones.

Ian Larkins: I make the 50 mile commute to Asheville from Spruce Pine on Thursday mornings to attend Arise and Shine Toastmasters meetings. I was encouraged to join Toastmasters by my boss, who even though he had not ever been a member, was more familiar with the organization than I was. I had just moved into a new position in Sales, after spending my entire career in production/technical roles, and my boss recommended that I join Toastmasters to improve my speaking and presentation skills. Since joining the Arise and Shine club in July of 2006 I feel that my speaking and confidence has improved greatly. This has helped me in my transition into Sales. In my spare time I play golf, work in my yard and continue to work on home renovation projects. In the Autumn I spend many hours raking leaves!

Totsie Marine: I have a web development firm (totsie.com) in Asheville with my husband, Winn King. We produce Plone Content Management websites that put the owner in control of their site updates. I became a Toastmaster because periodically I'm called on to give presentations to large groups. In the past that was a terrifying experience and I was never happy with my un-professional performance. Since joining Toastmasters about 3 years ago I've become much more adept at thinking on my feet, feeling comfortable in front of a crowd and I don't fear getting those phone calls any more! I keep going to Toastmasters because public speaking is a skill that gets rusty if you don't use it, plus the Arise and Shine club has very interesting people that I enjoy knowing both personally and professionally.

Brett McCall: I am a salesman and project manager for Deltec Home's building science and performance construction division. I am husband to Diana Schmitt and father to Cyrus (1999), Eden (2002) and True (2005). I spend most of my free time dreaming about chasing plastic in the sport I love, Ultimate (commonly mistaken as Ultimate Frisbee). I play all over the world from Hawaii to Italy and hopefully one day in Japan and Australia. Arise and Shine! Is filled with wonderfully creative people who share heartfelt stories and provide an excellent structure to practice and improve my communication.

Janet Norene: In the Spring of 2006, Janet moved to Asheville from Orlando to enjoy its natural beauty and mild climate. She feeds her soul by walking in the woods with her dogs. Janet acquired her CTM in the 1990s. She joined Arise and Shine Toastmasters in August 2007 to practice advanced speaking techniques to help facilitate her goals. "Though they meet early, the friendly professionalism of the club charges me up for the day." Janet enjoys singing, songwriting, and writing both fiction and non-fiction. Downtown Asheville nurtures her artsy, bohemian side. Maybe you'll even catch her singing an original tune on the street one day.

Christina Phelps-Bowman: Christina brings a rich professional background in public speaking, teaching, human relations management, and spiritual life. Christina's speaking experience includes conference symposiums, training for businesses, motivational and inspirational presentations. She is a Distinguished Toastmaster through Toastmasters International and has the opportunity to be creative everyday in her company Beautiful Weddings.

Heidi Travis: Most of my "awake" time is spent working as Interior Designer. In after-work time, I enjoy walking my dogs, mountain biking, working in my yard, reading, and trying all sorts of social dancing. I have a "little" in Big Brother/Big Sister and I have a lot of fun hanging out with her! I am happiest when I am outdoors with my dogs and the air feels warm and breezy. I love traveling and new experiences. Arise and Shine is a fun club with a family-like atmosphere that will brighten your Thursday mornings with laughter!