Meet Our TeamStaff
Eric Ager
Executive Director
Eric grew up on the farm and has been riding since he was two years old. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and currently serves as the District 114 Representative in the North Carolina House.
Emma Claire Hoffman
Barn Manager
Emma Claire is a lifelong rider and incredible horseback riding instructor. She manages the health and wellbeing of our herd and coaches the Project HNG Show Team.
Addie Lalumondier
Program Director
Addie spent her childhood riding horses with Annie Ager and spent a few years traveling and learning before returning to the farm. She can be found teaching lessons and coordinating events and summer camp at Project HNG.
Board Members
Annie Ager
Founder
Annie has been working with horses for more than 60 years and running Hickory Nut Gap Farm Camp for more than 40 years. Her spirit and never-ending ability to get things done are the engine that makes the organization a success.
Brittany Keeler
Board Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair
Brittany served on Evergreen Community Charter School's Board of Directors for 6 years before becoming a teacher there. She has also volunteered with LEAF Global Arts for the last 15 years. Brittany loves riding horses, running, & practicing yoga.
Virginia Hamilton
Board Member
Virginia has a background in environmental science and serves as Head of Operations at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. She has a commitment to accessible environmental education and training the next generation of land stewards.
Justin Arnall
Board Vice Chair
Justin is in the residential mortgage business and is heavily involved in helping his community.
In addition to Project HNG, he has served on several local boards, including Buncombe County Crime Stoppers & Rotary Club of Asheville.
Patty Matteson
Secretary
Patty is a retired federal employee (U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Army) and a dedicated teacher at Fairview Elementary School. During the summer, you can find her volunteering at Summer Camp.
Randy Roth
Treasurer
Randy spends almost every day at the barn with his daughter, Molly. He volunteers with everything, including building fences, driving the trailer to horse shows, and ensuring that the horses had access to fresh water in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Erik Helmstetter
Program Instructor
Erik is one of our instructors at Project HNG. Originally from Colorado, Erik has been working with horses for as long as he can remember. He loves providing meaningful equine experiences to everyone, regardless of riding experience.
Lilian Childress
Board Member, Fundraising Committee Member
Lilian is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and MFA-trained writer who has taught in high schools, colleges, and prisons. She now helps clients navigate trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and grief, drawing on the healing power of story, connection, and nature. Raised in Appalachia, she loves the woods, hound dogs, horses, and hiking with her daughter. Finding Project HNG felt like coming home.