About Us | hike the mountain

If you want to get FROM where you are TO where you want to be,

you must be willing to Hike The Mountain.

Our mission is to serve as trusted hiking partners, guiding individuals and organizations to bridge the gap between their deeply held beliefs with

their daily behaviors.

ABOUT JAY Founder/CEO

After receiving a baseball scholarship to Georgia State University, Jay decided to pursue a degree in Environmental Design/Landscape Architecture at Auburn University.

Jay married the love of his life, and has been blessed with a son and daughter who expanded his family to now include a daughter-in-law, son-in-law and the Chief Inspiration Officer of Hike the Mountain, his granddaughter Aubrey.

He has served in ministry for over 30 years, working with teenagers, community leaders, and foreign missions worldwide. He is a John Maxwell Leadership Team Certified Coach and Seven Habits facilitator. He has spoken to community groups, real estate agencies, non-profits, and financial institutions about discovering their purpose and creating a culture based on their values. He has served as the Leadership Development Coordinator in the banking industry for almost a decade.

Meet Aubrey Kate Woods

Chief Inspiration Officer

Aubrey is an adventurous and spirited four-year-old who has already made a significant mark with her diverse interests and experiences. Her love for the outdoors shines through her frequent hiking trips with Papa Jay, exploring nature and fueling her curiosity.

With a passion for dinosaurs, Disney, Star Wars, and traveling, Aubrey has a vibrant imagination and an eagerness to learn about the world around her. Remarkably, she has been on 14 airline trips, journeying from coast to coast, embracing new cultures and environments at a young age.

Aubrey's enthusiasm and unique perspective have led her to host her own podcast, Diamond Discussion, Jr., where she shares her adventures, interests, and insights, connecting with listeners and inspiring other young explorers.

Furthermore, she serves as the inspiration behind Hike the Mountain, a testament to the desire to create a better, more inclusive world for Aubrey and her generation to lead and thrive in.

Aubrey's spirit and joy for life are infectious, making her not just a beacon of hope for the future but also a present-day influencer in her own right.

OUR Team

CFO

Mandy Thompson

Mandy is a dynamic professional with extensive experience across education, administration, and executive assistance. Her journey began in a local school system as a Pre-K Para-professional, where she excelled in early childhood education support. Transitioning to the business world, she became the Office Manager at Marble Works, enhancing her skills in administration, financial book-keeping expertise, and customer relations, significantly improving operational efficiency. Her career progressed as she took on the role of Executive Assistant at BankSouth, where her organizational skills, project coordination, and strategic planning capabilities were pivotal. Mandy's adaptability, dedication, and ability to thrive in diverse environments highlight her invaluable contribution to every position she's held.

Organizational & Affiliate Development Director

Demetrius Woods

Demetrius, an alumnus of Georgia State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, has seamlessly transitioned his passion for communication into impactful entrepreneurship. As the CEO & Founder of Impact Financial Alliance, he has steered the organization to become a cornerstone of financial literacy and empowerment. Beyond finance, his creative endeavors include founding The Diamond Discussion Podcast, where his storytelling prowess shines through diverse and engaging content. Additionally, his leadership as Director of Elite Diamonds Softball highlights his commitment to fostering young talent and promoting sports. Demetrius embodies the essence of innovation and social impact, merging his interests in journalism, finance, and sports to inspire and lead across multiple platforms, making a significant mark in each field.

Creative Director

Thomas Thompson

Thomas, a Georgia Military College graduate in Information Technology, boasts over a decade of experience at Bedrock Retail, excelling as a Data Analyst and team leader. His work has significantly impacted data-driven decision-making, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction, highlighting his leadership and project management skills. Additionally, Thomas expanded his career into the film industry, serving as an extra and stand-in, demonstrating his adaptability and eagerness to explore creative domains. This blend of technical expertise and creative exploration underscores Thomas's comprehensive skill set, innovative approach, and dedication to ongoing professional growth, making him a uniquely versatile and forward-thinking professional.

HTM Brand Ambassador

Cassandra Thompson

Casandra, a Kennesaw State University alum with a degree in Theater and Performance Studies, has adeptly navigated a varied career path. Starting as a Beauty Supervisor at Victoria's Secret, she excelled in customer service and team leadership, mastering the retail nuances of the beauty sector. Transitioning to the hospitality industry, she enhanced dining standards as a Server Trainer at Yard House, emphasizing exceptional service and staff training. Casandra's career trajectory took a distinct turn towards data analysis at Bedrock Retail, where she skillfully analyzed complex data sets to drive business strategies and improve operational efficiency. Her diverse experiences demonstrate her adaptability, analytical prowess, and a commitment to integrating interpersonal skills with technical expertise, establishing her as a versatile and dynamic professional.

Engagement Officer

Bethany Woods

Bethany, a Georgia State University Graphic Design alum, has carved a niche in creative communication and branding. As a Social Media Content Curator for Lakeside Church and Elite Diamonds Softball, she's boosted their digital footprint with her engaging content creation skills. Her talent extends to developing distinct brand packages for small businesses, demonstrating her proficiency in crafting unique brand narratives. As the Marketing Manager for The Diamond Discussion Podcast, Bethany leveraged her graphic design and strategic marketing know-how to expand the podcast's audience and influence. Her innovative approach and understanding of digital trends mark her as a key player in the online branding and marketing sphere, showcasing her commitment to pushing brands forward in the digital realm.

HTM Facilitator

Francesco Samarelli

Francesco is a vibrant individual hailing from Jersey City, NJ, who brings an infectious energy to everything he does. With a deep passion for personal development and organizational culture, he has carved out a niche as a certified Hike The Mountain Facilitator, where he employs his expertise to inspire and transform individuals and teams alike. His linguistic prowess is notable, being fluent in six languages, which enhances his ability to connect with a diverse audience. Now based in Portugal, Francesco lives his dream alongside his wife and their two young adventurers. Francesco's journey is a blend of adventure, learning, and laughter, making him a beacon of positivity and inspiration for those around him.

ABOUT JAY Founder/CEO

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