Leadership team

Heather McCreary brings more than 25 years of experience in education, youth ministry and counseling to her role as Board Chair of The Well at Haven Farms. Her lifelong passion for serving children, teens, and families has guided her through diverse roles—as an elementary school teacher, Associate Director of Preschool, Associate Director of Youth Ministry, and as a Counselor — where she helps young people navigate worry, fear, and anxiety with bravery and confidence.

Heather’s background reflects her deep commitment to helping individuals and families discover their worth, purpose, and potential. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and major life transitions, always striving to provide a space of warmth, safety, and hope. She loves to encourage families in their endeavor to learn new communication tools, strengthen family bonds, and grow together. 

As both a wife and mother of three, Heather understands the realities of busy family life and believes that healing and growth happen best in environments filled with grace, authenticity, and compassion. Guided by her Christian faith, she is devoted to helping others find peace, purpose, and connection—values that lie at the heart of The Well at Haven Farms.

Beyond his corporate role as a Global Payments Strategist & Architect, AJ is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership, and community service. He has served as a mentor for Gwinnett County Public Schools and the NSoro Foundation, helping young professionals find their path. He is also a board member for The Well at Haven Farms and EncourageMen Ministries, where he leads events and initiatives that empower men in faith and personal development. 

AJ’s leadership extends to diversity and inclusion, where he has been the Global Co-Chair of Elevate the Worldpay Black ERG since 2018, focusing on career advancement, community outreach, and wellness. Whether organizing a Black History Month event, a ministry conference, or a fintech integration, AJ brings strategy, heart, and innovation to everything he does. 

A former U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs Specialist, AJ combines discipline, resilience, and a passion for service professionally and personally. When he’s not leading teams or mentoring, you’ll find him hitting the gym, deep in theological discussions, or perfecting his fantasy basketball lineup. 

Gretchen Butler holds a BA in Theatre from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and an MFA in Theatre Management from the Hilberry Theatre at Wayne State University. She worked in arts organizations throughout Atlanta for over 20 years before moving to Emory University.  Currently, Gretchen serves as Director of Advancement and Alumni Services for Central Advancement where she provides operational support to fundraisers.

Gretchen is a proud graduate of Pathways to Inclusive Leadership (Emory University), Essentials of Leadership (Emory University), ALMA (Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta), and a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa. She feeds her passion for civic service through Atlanta Woman’s Club, where she serves on the Board of Trustees; Kingswood United Methodist Church, where she serves as the Lay Leader; and the boards of Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre and North Georgia Walk to Emmaus.  In her spare time, she cuddles on the couch with her four small dogs and surfs real estate listings on TybeeIsland where she dreams of living in retirement.

Rev. Dr. Natalee Dukes Hamby is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church with a deep passion for empowering young people to discover and develop their fullest potential. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Emory University, and Boston University, her areas of research include transformational leadership, adaptive organizational change, and the development of inclusive, diverse, and spiritually formative communities. Alongside years of experience in family ministry, she has dedicated her work to supporting the emotional and spiritual well-being of children, teens, and families.

Having served churches throughout North Georgia, Natalee understands the importance of equipping our local communities with the resources they need for their young people to thrive. She believes in the power of holistic support with emphasis on blending faith-based guidance, researched best practices, and accessible mental health care to foster lasting transformation. As a Board member of The Well at Haven Farms, she is committed to ensuring that every child and family, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to compassionate counseling, life coaching, and spiritual development.