Adult & Teen Challenge Sandhills is a faith-centered, adult, long-term, residential, recovery program for individuals struggling with life-controlling addiction.
Vision
To become the premier provider of faith-centered treatment for life-controlling addictions across the Carolinas.
Mission
Providing Christ-centered recovery that leads to freedom from addiction.
Core Values
INTEGRITY: We are wholesome, trustworthy, honorable, and honest in all of our endeavors as an organization.
EXCELLENCE: From our long-distance vision to day-to-day tasks, our contribution is worth our very best effort.
SERVICE: The students in our care, along with their families are treasured by God, and we are honored to serve them.
LEADERSHIP: We cultivate and develop leaders who become contributors in the home, at work, and in the community.
2025 Program Statistics
Success Rate
This report was commissioned by ATC leadership to examine the long-term impact of programming on the lives of ATC graduates. Results indicate that 78% of the sample respondents are sober and substance abuse free after participating in the ATC program. While the entire sample indicated high levels of sobriety, those who remained at ATC as staff or interns were less likely to use the legal substances of alcohol and marijuana than graduates who were not at ATC. Further, on average ATC graduates self-report that they are engaging in spiritual practices such as praying, reading the Bible and attending church, at least on a weekly basis. However, individuals who were sober were far more engaged in spiritual practices, experienced a greater connection to God, higher levels of self-acceptance and love of others. Overall, sample respondents reported increased holistic health indicators in multiple dimensions, following their graduation from an ATC program. Finally the data indicates overwhelming satisfaction in the ATC program.
Student Success Guide
Learn what it’s like to be a student in our programs. This handbook details the program’s structure, policies, and various components designed to help students achieve lasting freedom and spiritual growth.
Corporate Office
Russ Cambria
President/CEO
Russ Cambria
Russ Cambria serves as Executive Director and CEO of Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge, providing strategic leadership and organizational redevelopment for one of the region’s fastest-growing recovery ministries. Since joining the organization in 2021, he has led expansion from two men’s centers to five locations across North and South Carolina, including the ministry’s first women’s program and a military specialization program.
Russ holds a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Counseling and a Master of Arts in Leadership from the University of Valley Forge. Prior to Sandhills, he successfully led Buffalo Teen Challenge following the retirement of its 40-year director, eliminating organizational debt within one year and achieving profitability by year three. He also served six years as a university registrar, leading operational and technology improvements.
Russ previously served at the Adult & Teen Challenge USA corporate office, where he helped develop a national accreditation strategy. He currently serves on the Accreditation and Training Committees for Global Teen Challenge and has presented on leadership, accreditation, and organizational development in Ukraine and Southeast Asia.
Under his leadership, Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge has secured significant Federal Opioid Settlement funding and is pursuing state licensure in North Carolina as a drug and alcohol treatment provider.
Brian Decker
Interim CEO/CFO
Brian Decker
Brian Decker is a 2009 graduate of Adult & Teen Challenge who has faithfully served in leadership with the organization since 2017. Over the years, Brian has played a significant role in helping shape and strengthen the ministry through his dedication, strategic vision, and passion for life transformation.
Serving as Chief Financial Officer and Major Gifts Liaison, Brian has been instrumental in cultivating donor relationships, expanding community partnerships, and helping guide the organization through a season of remarkable growth. During his tenure, the ministry’s annual budget has grown beyond $1.5 million, reflecting both organizational expansion and increased community support for the mission.
Brian is deeply passionate about fundraising, donor engagement, and creating meaningful connections that help provide hope and recovery for men struggling with addiction. As a graduate of the program himself, he brings both personal experience and authentic compassion to his leadership, firmly believing that true freedom is found through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Brian’s life verse is James 1:22: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
Steve Coleman
Chief Operating Officer
Steve Coleman
Steve Coleman is a 1996 graduate of Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge and an alumnus of Teen Challenge Ministry Institute (TCMI). After experiencing life transformation through the program, God restored both his life and marriage in 2003. Since then, Steve and his wife have faithfully raised three sons while dedicating their lives to ministry and helping others find freedom and restoration.
Following several years of impactful urban ministry in California, Steve returned “home” to Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge in 2017 at the invitation of founder Sal Di Bianca. Today, he serves in the very office where his own life was radically changed—a powerful testimony to redemption and purpose.
As Chief Operating Officer, Steve brings decades of ministry experience, leadership, and strategic insight to the organization. He works closely with each campus and Center Director to ensure operational excellence and alignment with the ministry’s mission and vision. Known for his steady leadership, practical wisdom, and heart for discipleship, Steve has played a key role in strengthening the organization during a season of significant growth and expansion across the region.
sion.
Alec White
Human Resources
Alec White
Alec has served ATC Sandhills in various capacities since 2013. During his time as a full-time team member, he was actively involved in addiction recovery and prevention services across the Carolinas and contributed in supportive roles across organizational departments. He now serves in a part-time capacity, providing administrative and technological support to the organization. Alec holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and works as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in North Carolina.
Center Directors
Kim Edwards
Director of Women's Center
Kim Edwards
My true relationship of surrendering unto God stemmed out of desperation for change in my life, and the life of my family, 28 years ago. I was in a place of turmoil and utter chaos, watching my life spiral out of control while trying to keep it all together to maintain the appearance of “normalcy”, though reality was, nothing was “normal” in my life. I reached a point where I had exhausted what I thought to be all options when I came to the realization that my only option was God. It was at that moment of complete surrender to God that my life changed for the better and I began the amazing journey with God that I continue on and will never turn back from. God has transformed my life and the life of my family, and it is my desire to share with others that there is freedom through the mercy, grace, love, and power of God.
It is an honor to serve as the Executive Director of the Women’s Center and Admissions with Adult & Teen Challenge of Sandhills. I spent 39 years bound by the stronghold of addiction over my family. Through those struggles, God took what the enemy meant for harm and completely turned the table on the enemy and used the very thing that was meant to destroy my life and used it to instead change my life. Over those many years through healing and deliverance, God placed a passion in my life to be a vessel that pours into individuals that struggle with addiction and life controlling issues just as God poured into my life. Though I did not understand then the trials that I faced, I understand now the impact of the trials and I praise God for the outcome and the strength to continue the race in which He has called me to run. John 13:7
I am a native of North Carolina and a resident of Raleigh for the past 25 years. God has blessed me with three amazing adult daughters who bring great joy to my life. Family is extremely important to me, and I love spending time with family every opportunity that I get.
Andrew Fitzgibbon
Center Director, Greater Charlotte
Andrew Fitzgibbon
I graduated from Sandhills Adult and Teen Challenge in December 2020. Following graduation, I knew I was called to give back the hope and freedom that was so generously given to me. I completed a six month internship, began attending college studying Psychology, and am currently serving as the House Manager of the Induction Center in Kannapolis, N.C.. I consider it a privilege to teach and be a life coach to the men in our program through the first phase of their journey.
Jeff Gautier
Center Director- Georgetown, SC
Jeff Gautier
Jeff Gautier is a 2020 graduate of Sandhills ATC. He currently leads the Georgetown, South Carolina campus and has previously been in leadership at two of our other centers, including our military specialization program for veterans with addiction. Jeff and his wife Stephanie, along with their two children are an asset to our team and are leading South Carolina into its next chapter.
Steve Brabant
Program Manager, Training Center
Steve Brabant
Bio coming soon
Melissa Decker
Clinical Operations Director of the Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program
Melissa Decker
As a graduate of East Carolina University’s School of Human Ecology, Melissa has spent years as a clinical therapist. Most recently, her work combines evidence-based and integrative mental health approaches to support individuals in addiction recovery. Her professional path has included roles as an administrator for a North Carolina Area Agency on Aging Council of Government and clinician with DaVita Healthcare across VA, GA, SC and her home state, NC. These experiences deepened her commitment to person-centered care across diverse needs. Now, as Clinical Operations Director for the Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program (SAIOP) at Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge, Melissa is grateful to bring that same compassionate focus to our campus-based program, continuing the work that has always felt like the heart of what she does.
Admissions/ Intake
Jenn Kundinger
Director of Admissions
Jenn Kundinger
Bio coming soon
Andrew Peters
Intake Coordinator, Program Manager Phase I
Andrew Peters
Bio coming soon
David Walker
Peer Support Specialist/ Admissions Counselor
Andrew Peters
Bio coming soon
Development Office
Rev. Wayne Powell
Development, South Carolina
Rev. Wayne Powell
Bio coming soon
James Freeman
Director of Strategic Advancement
James Freeman
James Freeman is a 2023 graduate of Adult and Teen Challenge. Before coming to Teen Challenge, James worked for 15 years in the Behavioral Services/ Non-Profit world in a variety of roles. He holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, Masters in Human Services Counseling and Masters of Executive Leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. James found freedom through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and now serves the organization that helped him find freedom through Christ. James favorite verse is “God spoke the words, Be Healed, and we were healed, delivered from death’s door!! (Psalms 107: 20)
Pam Whitaker
Events
Pam Whitaker
Bio coming soon
Nick Strider
Development Staff
Nick Strider
Bio coming soon
Amber Didden
Development Specialist
Amber Didden
Amber Didden is the Development Specialist at Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge, where she supports the Development team in donor relations, data management, strategic planning, and organizational communications.
Previously, Amber served at Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge, where she played a key role in sharing the organization’s story and expanding its reach to both supporters and those in need of treatment. She holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Valley Forge and an MBA from Liberty University. Amber’s personal experience as a family member of someone in recovery deeply fuels her passion for helping others find healing and freedom.
Amber enjoys life with her husband, Josh, and their two sons, Wyatt and Levi, along with their cats, Nut and Karen, and dog, Loki. She enjoys trying new foods, traveling, and meeting new people. Driven by her faith in the restorative power of Jesus Christ, Amber is committed to making a meaningful impact and seeing lives transformed for the glory of God.
Programming/Direct Care
Tayloe C. Moye, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Lead SAIOP Clinician
Tayloe C. Moye, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Tayloe C. Moye, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from UNC Pembroke and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of New England. She is dually licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS).
Tayloe entered the counseling field later in life after discovering that God could use her own life experiences to bring hope and healing to others. She considers it a calling and a privilege to walk alongside individuals as they pursue restoration, freedom from addiction, and deeper peace through Christ.
She has served in Detox and Psychiatric Units, Intensive Outpatient Programs, and Outpatient Behavioral Health settings, gaining extensive experience working with individuals facing chemical dependency, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders. Tayloe integrates sound clinical practice with biblical principles, believing that true transformation happens when professional excellence and spiritual truth come together.
She is trained in multiple mental health and substance use treatment modalities, including Eagala (an unmounted equine therapy model) and Ecotherapy, which uses God’s creation as a setting for reflection, growth, and healing.
Tayloe is passionate about helping people mend broken relationships, rediscover their God-given identity, and step into lasting freedom. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys spending time in nature, riding horses, and gardening.
Renee Bell
Direct Care, Women’s Center
Renee Bell
Bio coming soon
Nathan Manley
Program Manager- Greater Charlotte
Nathan Manley
Bio coming soon
John Stiegler
Direct Care
John Stiegler
Bio coming soon
Carol Stiegler
Direct Care
Carol Stiegler
Bio coming soon
Dave Scotch
Academics & Finance
Dave Scotch
Bio coming soon
Debby DiBianca
Mentor, Women's Program
Debby DiBianca
Debby’s journey with Adult & Teen Challenge began in 1980 when, after years of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, she entered the Southern California Teen Challenge Women’s Program seeking healing and direction. Through the program, she found freedom from the issues that fueled her addiction and graduated in 1981.
During this time, Debby reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Sal, who had also just graduated from the Teen Challenge men’s program. Their directors recognized a calling on their lives for ministry, and while they were courting, Debby and Sal were invited to join the staff at the Riverside Teen Challenge Men’s Program.
After marrying, they entered the first class of the Teen Challenge Ministry Institute, where Debby became the program’s first female graduate. They served in Riverside for four years before moving to North Carolina.
On January 27, 1987, with their two young children, Debby and Sal founded Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge as a residential recovery program for men. Debby served as Director of Admissions for 30 years, helping countless individuals and families navigate the path toward addiction recovery.
Debby has also traveled nationwide speaking in churches, conferences, and high school assemblies, sharing her story of redemption and forgiveness and encouraging others to make healthy, drug-free choices. She later served as the National Adult & Teen Challenge spokesperson and received professional media training from NBC in Los Angeles.
With decades of personal experience and ministry leadership, Debby continues to bring hope, encouragement, and guidance to the women and interns she serves, offering the same life-changing hope she once received as a student.
Board Members
Larry Caddell
Chairman
Former Mayor of the City of Carthage and Former Moore County Commissioner
Randall Rogers
Vice Chairman
North Carolina Assembly of God District Officer
Greg Davenport
Secretary
Lead Pastor of One Hope Church, Sanford, NC
Dr. Doug Witherup
Treasurer
Lead Pastor, Multiply Church, Concord, NC
Sal DiBianca
Board Member
Former Executive Director, Founder of Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge
Tommy Scarboro
Board Member
Owner, Proscapes Landscaping
Dr. Robbie Smith
Board Member
D.D.S., Business Owner and Dental Surgeon
Aaron Cooper
Board Member
President and Founder of Cooper Ford Dealerships, Southern Pines, NC
Russ Cambria
Board Member (non-voting)
Chief Executive Officer, President, Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge