October 2024
Pictured are Samantha Bradley (left) and Latesha Wiggins (right).
Nantahala Health Foundation’s Board of Directors welcomed two new members this summer: Samantha Bradley of Sylva and Latisha Wiggins of Robbinsville.
Samantha Bradley is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Samantha works as a peer support specialist for Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness, as the RCO Director, and Siquo Danvhna “They are Living” Reentry team program director.
Samantha’s wellness journey consists of many tools including medication-assisted
treatment, CrossFit, traveling, embracing motherhood, harm reduction, meditation, prayer,
and never giving up.
Samantha is dedicated to improving the wellness of her EBCI community and building a supportive ecosystem within NC’s western counties.
Latesha Wiggins, a Robbinsville native with deep ties to her community, began her career in 2000 at Tri-County Community College after earning a degree in Speech Language Pathology and a minor in Special Education from Western Carolina University. She later transitioned to public schools in Cherokee County, where her passion for helping children and families led her to pursue a master’s degree in School Counseling. Upon completing her degree, Latesha returned to Robbinsville to serve her local students. In 2008, she was hired as the elementary school counselor, a role she held until 2015.
In 2015, Mrs. Wiggins moved to the Central Office to become the preschool coordinator, building strong connections with Pre-K staff and students. In 2021, she embraced a new role in Student Support, overseeing counselors, social workers, and nurses. By 2024, she had taken on the position of Director of Staff and Student Support Services.
In her free time, Latesha enjoys reading, canning, traveling with her husband, Michael, and spending time with their grown children, Emma, and Isaac.