Appalachian Resources

Welcome!

Joan Porter of Abingdon, VA, founder of Appalachian Resources, is a development consultant who brings a wealth of grant writing, corporate accounting, community relations and organizing experience to this network of entrepreneurs. A graduate of Emory and Henry College and a masters candidate in Appalachian Studies-Sustainable Development at Appalachian State University, she serves on the board of directors of the Appalachian Community Fund. Joan’s specialties include developing programs, organizing communities, performing research, facilitating and writing successful grants.

Eileen McIlvane of Abingdon, VA, is a yoga instructor and a marketing executive for Melaleuca. Eileen has served as the director for the Coalition for Jobs and the Environment, Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society, and the Clinch Powell Educational Center. Eileen also worked as a legal secretary for the Sierra Club Legal Defense. She is a graduate of the City College of San Francisco and also attended the San Francisco Law School. Eileen is an accomplished writer, editor, photographer, grant writer and facilitator.

Susan Copeland of Abingdon, VA, is a marketing consultant with her company, effective marketing & public relations. She was the director of public relations for Pittston Coal for more than 15 years, an independent marketing and public relations consultant, and director of public relations at a marketing communications firm. A native of West Virginia who has lived in Southwest Virginia for almost 24 years, Susan holds a journalism degree from West Virginia University. Susan’s specialties include developing integrated marketing plans, writing content for web sites, outlining media relations plans and providing media training for businesses and non-profit organizations.

Nancy Bell of Rogersville, TN, has owned her own restaurant, taught school, been a PTA president, served in the Peace Corps and is a founding member of a food co-op in Eidson, TN. She holds a degree in sociology from Bates College, a master’s in Near East Studies, and a master’s in public health in human nutrition from the University of Michigan. Nancy’s specialties are writing, editing, producing slide presentations, community organizing, facilitating, training and grant writing.

Teresa Dinkins of Abingdon, VA, has worked in her family’s business for 20 years providing customer relations services and administrative duties. Her passion is art. She provides logos, signs, portraits and murals. Teresa is a graduate of the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, FL and has studied painting and restoration at The Louvre in France. She also attended Virginia Highlands Community College and King College, studying theatre arts, sociology, psychology, and pottery. Teresa’s specialties include logo design, marketing, event planning and office management.

Rachael Bliss of Kingsport, TN, holds a degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. She is the chairman of Tennesseans for Fair Taxation Board and co-chairperson of Kingsport Citizens’ Committee for a Cleaner Environment.  Rachael has worked as a substitute teacher and an organizer for Stand for the Children. She was an organizer/coordinator for the Tennessee Hunger Coalition for eight years, edited a state bicentennial book, 200 Years of Tennessee Bread Recipes and Struggles for Social Justice, and organized a new non-profit organization, Hunger-First! Tri-Cities, TN/VA. Rachael’s specialties include writing, editing, organizing, facilitating, grant writing and public relations.

Phyllis Venable of Abingdon, VA, has published a book, Indian Wind Song, and donated the proceeds to low income families. Phyllis has surveyed communities, assisted low income families with home improvements, and organized community meetings. She received the Virginia Water Project award for assisting the largest number of clients in a year and was a nominee for the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Excellence. Phyllis’ specialties are organizing, facilitating, writing, grant writing and event planning. While a student at Virginia Highlands Community College where she received a degree in human services, Phyllis was the editor of the college paper and published a book, The Morning Rises. She is working toward a degree in creative writing and English at Virginia Intermont College.