Our Team
Executive Director
Stephen Savarimuthu
Program Specialist
Raised in Morganton, North Carolina, Stephen Savarimuthu moved to Lake Wales, Florida to attend college at Warner University, where he majored in Church Ministry with a minor in Cross-Cultural Communications and Community Development. From there, Stephen continued his academic career at Anderson University Theological Seminary in Anderson, Indiana, earning a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Education. While obtaining his degrees, Stephen was afforded numerous opportunities that cultivated a passion for working with marginalized and underserved populations within communities. Since completing his graduate program, he has targeted his efforts to serve in various roles in the non-profit realm, providing intuitive case management practices, comprehensive program development, and supervisory assistance to others wishing to serve in their communities.
Stephen is now excited to be returning to his hometown of Morganton with his wife, Kelsea, daughter, Livsey, and son Avett. With him, Stephen brings an ardent desire to reconcile those who have been displaced and isolated due to serious mental illness by fostering authentic connections with their peers and community, and by increasing their access to much-needed resources.
Raised in Asheville, North Carolina, Iris Knox attended college at Warren Wilson College. After transferring to Montreat College, she completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology & Human Services. During her time at Montreat, Iris had the opportunity to intern at Thrive clubhouse in Hendersonville, NC. There, she learned firsthand how clubhouses function. Communicating with members, creating a team, and growing with members and staff were part of her experience. After graduating, Iris began working in the human services field as an Registered Behavior Technician for Delta Behavioral Group. While working for Delta, Iris had the opportunity to work with children on the Autism Spectrum; she learned to set goals and help children and families achieve them. She worked in the schools or the homes of the clients she served to best reach individual goals. Following her time at Delta, Iris moved to Hickory, NC to follow her own goal of working with special populations and continued to maintain her relationships with Thrive clubhouse staff and mentors at Delta.
Iris is excited to have moved to Hickory with her partner and continues to reach out to those around her facing mental and social issues. Her own journey and the experiences of close friends have provided Iris with authentic experiences that underline her dedication to working with individuals in the field of mental health.
Iris Knox
Board Members
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Melaina Rhoney
President/Chairperson
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Nancy Phifer
Vice President
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Eddie McGimsey
Treasurer
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Seth Hunt
Secretary
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Sherri McGimsey
Past President /Director
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Barbara Myers
Director
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Damion Patton
Director
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Jarrod Bailey
Director
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Jim Smith
Director
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Carol Ervin
Director
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Katie Olsen
Director
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Ellen Propst
Director
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Katie Varnadoe
Director
Interested in joining our team? We can always use the help!
Brighter House Clubhouse, one of the newest non-profits in Morganton, is looking for volunteers and board members. Following the Clubhouse International model, we are a supportive, recovery-based community for people living with mental illness that offers opportunities for friendship, employment, education, community , and access to other important resources in a single caring and safe environment. Are you ready to give back to your community? Do you want to be part of an international model that empowers adults living with a mental health illness and supports workforce development in Burke County? We’re welcoming leaders with expertise in the following areas:
community connections
financial/budgeting
fundraising
public relations
Please send us an email to find out more. We’d love to hear from you! admin@brighterhouse.org
Please contact us through the contact page.