Executive Team

Casey Humble

Executive Director

Casey Humble
Chief Executive Officer
 

As CEO of Hilltop Home, Casey Humble leads with a deep commitment to the organization’s mission, a steadfast trust in the process, and a strong belief in doing what is right. His leadership is fueled by a genuine love for Hilltop Home and a desire to create lasting impact in the lives of the children it serves.

Casey joined Hilltop Home in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing with him a background in management and finance. That experience sharpened his strategic mindset and attention to detail—skills he continues to apply in overseeing the operational and organizational success of Hilltop Home.

Described by colleagues as a leader with focus and drive, Casey finds his greatest inspiration in seeing the difference Hilltop makes in each child’s life, every single day. While his role is centered on big-picture leadership, he holds deep admiration for the nurses and direct support professionals whose daily, hands-on care makes such a personal impact.

Outside of work, Casey enjoys camping with his wife, daughter, and their dog—disconnecting from daily routines to spend meaningful time together. One of Casey’s passions is following his LSU Tigers, New Orlean Saints and Chicago Cubs.  His favorite comfort snack? Spicy salsa and chips.

Grounded by advice from his parents—make sure your daily decisions let you sleep peacefully at night—Casey leads Hilltop Home with integrity, vision, and heart. His personal motto, “If you build it, they will come,” speaks to his belief in creating the right foundation and trusting in the future.

Dr. Beth Galla

Medical Director

Dr. Galla

Medical Director

As Medical Director at Hilltop Home, Dr. Galla brings more than 25 years of pediatric experience and a deep commitment to compassionate care. She serves as the pediatrician to all of Hilltop’s residents—offering not only medical expertise but a sense of stability and familiarity that is so vital for medically complex children. For Dr. Galla, it’s not just about clinical care—it’s about helping every child live life to the fullest in an environment that feels like home, surrounded by people who feel like family.

Dr. Galla first joined Hilltop in 2020 as a member of the Board of Directors and served as a medical advisor. As she became more involved, she saw a need for consistent, high-quality pediatric care from someone who truly knew the children. That’s when she realized she could be that doctor—the one who could be both a trusted clinician and a familiar face.

Her background includes work in primary care, inpatient pediatrics, intensive care, and urgent care. That breadth has uniquely equipped her to collaborate across disciplines and care for children with complex medical needs. Her long-standing passion for working with children with developmental disabilities made her transition to Hilltop not just a career move, but a calling.

Her colleagues describe her as approachable, driven, and passionate—and it’s clear why. She’s especially inspired by the children themselves, who she says are at the heart of everything Hilltop does. If she could trade roles for a day, she’d love to shadow a speech therapist, as she’s passionate about helping non-verbal children find their voices through assistive technology and alternative communication tools.

Outside of Hilltop, Dr. Galla is a self-described homebody who cherishes time with her husband and three sons. She’s an avid hiker, biker, runner, and weightlifter, and enjoys gardening—and collecting pets (she currently shares her home with three cats and three dogs). She also has a love for classical piano and dreams of hiking the Appalachian and Mountains-to-Sea Trails one day.

Whether she’s tending to a child’s medical needs or watching them light up and “dance” in their wheelchairs to music, Dr. Galla brings heart, expertise, and energy to everything she does. She’s guided by a belief in helping every child live with dignity, and in the power of nurturing care delivered by a team that feels more like family than staff.

Samantha Phillips

Clinical Director

Samantha Phillips

Clinical Director, Nursing Department – Hilltop Home

Samantha Phillips is the Clinical Director of the Nursing Department at Hilltop Home, where she leads with heart, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the children in her care. What inspires her most is the privilege of helping Hilltop's children live their best lives, no matter the challenges they face. To Samantha, Hilltop is more than just a workplace—it's a second family, and she takes great pride in ensuring both her professional and personal "families" are supported and cared for.

Samantha first joined Hilltop in 2014, and after a brief time away to explore other professional opportunities, she returned in January 2022—this time in a leadership role that felt like “coming home.” Prior to Hilltop, she worked as a nurse in the inpatient Dialysis Unit at a hospital in Greenville, NC. That experience gave her a strong clinical foundation, particularly in managing complex medical situations and collaborating across disciplines—skills that now serve her daily in leading the nursing team at Hilltop.

Her colleagues describe her as dedicated, compassionate, and collaborative, and it’s easy to see why. Samantha is passionate about building meaningful relationships, whether it’s with the children she advocates for or the nursing staff she mentors and supports. Watching her team grow in skill and confidence, and celebrating each child’s milestones—big or small—is what makes her work truly fulfilling.

If she could swap roles for a day, Samantha would love to step into the shoes of the Physical Therapist—her original career dream before choosing nursing. The problem-solving and patient-centered approach of physical therapy still calls to her, much like nursing does.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys baking (with her own creative twist on recipes), and unwinds by watching TikTok videos or relaxing to calming R&B or jazz music. Her comfort food? Pizza, hands down. On her bucket list: ziplining, and a dream vacation to Hawaii for the perfect mix of rest and adventure.

A devoted mom, if stranded on a desert island, she'd bring: her daughter (with her phone), her own phone, and her bed—essentials, of course. She finds daily motivation in her mother’s advice to “do whatever you put your mind to—and give it your best.” And when leadership challenges arise, she leans on a guiding reminder from her Executive Director: “You can’t please everyone. Do the best you can and do what’s right.”

Samantha leads not just with clinical skill but with empathy, authenticity, and a passion for making a difference—qualities that continue to shape the culture and care at Hilltop Home.

Melodie Wilcox

Program Director

Melodie Wilcox

Program Director

As Program Director at Hilltop Home, Melodie Wilcox brings heartfelt dedication and deep experience to a role focused on creating meaningful impact. Since joining the team in 2016 as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional, Melodie has been guided by a clear purpose: to help children with disabilities live full, joyful lives in a home that prioritizes their dignity and well-being. In 2021, she stepped into her current role, where she continues to lead with compassion and an unwavering belief in the power of connection.

Before coming to Hilltop, Melodie worked extensively with both children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Those early experiences shaped her values and her approach—teaching her to lead with patience, flexibility, and a deep respect for every individual she serves. She says Hilltop felt like a natural fit from the beginning, giving her the chance to keep doing what she loves in a place that truly puts kids first.

Known by her colleagues as compassionate, dependable, and resilient, Melodie says she’d gladly step into the shoes of a Direct Support Professional for a day, calling them “the backbone of Hilltop Home.” She deeply admires their hands-on work and recognizes how essential they are to every success story.

Outside of work, Melodie is a college football fan, a devoted wife and mom, and a chocolate enthusiast (“any kind, any time—I don’t discriminate”). Her dream vacation includes visiting the tulip fields in Holland, exploring the mountains of Switzerland, and soaking in the sunshine along Italy’s Amalfi Coast. One of her most treasured memories at Hilltop was helping a child transition back to a loving family member’s care—a powerful reminder that every step forward matters.

Melodie lives by the words her mother passed down: “Don’t wait for a perfect moment—live in the present one.” And when it comes to her work, she’s guided by a simple truth: “Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and loved—no matter their ability.”

Vicki King

Residence Manager

Residence Manager, Hilltop Home

Vicki King serves as the Residence Manager at Hilltop Home, where she is inspired every day by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with developmental disabilities. Since joining Hilltop Home on August 12, 2000, Vicki has brought unwavering dedication, compassion, and over two decades of experience to her role.

Prior to her time at Hilltop, Vicki worked as a Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) supporting adults with intellectual and developmental challenges. With eight years of prior experience in similar care roles, she transitioned seamlessly into pediatric care, quickly becoming a pillar of the Hilltop community. Her coworkers describe her as caring, dependable, and a true team player.

For Vicki, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing the children express themselves in their own unique ways—moments that remind her daily of why she chose this career. One such moment changed her life forever: meeting a sweet two-year-old girl who captured her heart and later became her daughter.

Outside of work, Vicki loves to roller skate in her free time and dreams of ziplining in Belize. A fan of reality TV and a firm believer in the power of sweet tea, the Bible, and family, she finds comfort in sushi and wisdom in her mother’s advice to “always stay humble.” Her guiding quote, “See the ability, not the disability,” reflects her deep respect for the children she serves.

Whether she’s supporting her team, planning a dream vacation to Dubai, or helping a child discover new ways to communicate, Vicki leads with heart, humility, and a commitment to making a difference—one child at a time.

Cecilia Carrasco

Office Manager

Cecilia Carrasco

Office Manager

As Office Manager at Hilltop Home, Cecilia Carrasco is the behind-the-scenes force keeping the organization running smoothly. From managing operations and supporting staff to coordinating vendors and streamlining systems, she ensures the day-to-day details are handled with care and consistency. What inspires her most is knowing that her work contributes to a positive, well-supported environment—ultimately helping the Hilltop team provide exceptional care to the children who call Hilltop Home their home.

Cecilia joined the Hilltop team in February 2022, drawn in by the mission and heart of the organization. She was deeply impressed by the meaningful difference being made in the lives of the children and felt a calling to support that work in her own way. With previous experience as an administrative assistant in both a school district and a county pediatric clinic, Cecilia brought with her a solid foundation in multitasking, coordination, and customer service—skills that now keep the Hilltop office organized and efficient.

Her coworkers would describe her as responsive, thoughtful, and reliable—traits that shine through in her attention to detail and genuine care for others. While she values every role at Hilltop, she holds particular admiration for the Direct Support Professionals and the hands-on care they provide each day.

Cecilia’s favorite moments at Hilltop often come from small but touching interactions with the children. One she recalls fondly happened during her second week, when she welcomed a newly admitted child. After a long day of introductions, the little girl simply rolled her eyes and turned away—a subtle but sweet reminder of how expressive and individual each child is, even without words.

Outside of work, Cecilia recharges by watching movies or binge-worthy shows at home. She loves tracing, painting, baking, and dreams of one day bungee jumping or vacationing in Hawaii with a plate of fresh pineapple in hand. Her guilty pleasure? Milk chocolate with caramel. Her desert island must-haves? A knife, flammable fluid, and water filter pills—always practical.

Guided by her mother’s advice—“Always do what’s right”—Cecilia brings integrity and intention to everything she does. As she puts it: “At the end of the day, we create our own environment.” And at Hilltop, she’s created one that’s organized, welcoming, and ready to support something truly meaningful.