Evan King Finds a Career in Health Care at Mount Rogers Community Services
A Mount Rogers Career Fair Made All the Difference
Evan King was a community college student in Wytheville when he found a career path in behavioral health care at Mount Rogers Community Services.
Evan’s journey from a high school graduate in Rural Retreat, Va., to a vital team member at Mount Rogers Community Services is a story of passion, purpose, and the power of community support.
Evan was a 2022 graduate of Rural Retreat High School and a participant in the Governor’s School during his junior and senior years, Evan always had a strong interest in science. That curiosity led him to Wytheville Community College, where he earned two associate degrees by the end of 2023.
Exploring Options
But it wasn’t until he attended a career fair at WCC that his path truly began to take shape. At the career fair he had a chance meeting with Kendra Marshall, Mount Rogers’ Workforce Development Coordinator.
Kendra introduced Evan to the mission and opportunities at Mount Rogers. Find our open positions on our careers page. Funded by a grant from the Wellsprings Foundation, the Workforce Development Program at Mount Rogers connects passionate individuals with meaningful careers in behavioral health.
Evan was intrigued. He attended a second career fair hosted by Mount Rogers and interviewed for two positions.
When Mount Rogers offered him the role of OBAT (Office-Based Addiction Treatment) Medication Benefits Assistant, he was overjoyed.
“I was so, so elated that I had gotten the job! This was the icing on the cake because I could help other people,” he said. “I knew I was going to like it from the first day.”
More Than a Job
Evan’s role at Mount Rogers is more than just a job, it’s a calling. Having witnessed the struggles of addiction among people close to him, he brings a deep sense of empathy and commitment to his work.
As an OBAT Medication Benefits Assistant, he helps clients access the medication and support they need to stay on the path to recovery.
“It has been a great, great thing that I have been able to help people,” Evan said. “If I can help other people, that is what’s important.”
His work is a daily reminder of the impact Mount Rogers has on the lives of individuals and families across the region.
A Steady Presence
Throughout the hiring process, Kendra remained a steady and supportive presence. She kept in touch with Evan, guided him through each step, and ensured he felt confident and prepared.
“He has been with us for over a year now,” Kendra said. “Everyone brags on how awesome Evan is. I’m happy he is with us, and he was one of my very first recruits!”
Her dedication to workforce development is a cornerstone of Mount Rogers’ success in building a team that is not only skilled but also deeply compassionate.
“Kendra was amazing,” Evan said. “She really helped me stay on track and made sure I had everything I needed.”
A Great Future
Looking ahead, Evan sees a future filled with possibilities. While he’s excited to see where his career goes and for opportunities for advancement within Mount Rogers, his mission and the agency’s mission remain the same.
“As long as I can help people, that’s what really matters,” Evan says.
Evan is a strong proponent of Mount Rogers for those considering a career here.
“Definitely take it,” he said. “It has so much to offer the community.”
About Mount Rogers: Mount Rogers is a top provider of community services for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders in southwest Virginia. Mount Rogers also offers geriatric, counseling, early intervention, and other services in Wythe, Smyth, Carroll, Bland, and Grayson counties and the city of Galax.
