Our Team

Executive Director

Stephen Savarimuthu

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.

Board Members

  • Melaina Rhoney

    President/Chairperson

  • New Director Coming Soon

    Nancy Phifer

    Vice President

  • Eddie McGimsey

    Treasurer

  • Seth Hunt

    Secretary

  • Sherri McGimsey

    Past President /Director

  • Barbara Myers

    Director

  • Damion Patton

    Director

  • Jarrod Bailey

    Director

  • Jim Smith

    Director

  • Carol Ervin

    Director

  • Katie Olsen

    Director

  • Corey Olsen

    Corey Olsen

    Director

  • Katie Varnadoe

    Director

 Staff

Coming soon!

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.