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 began her academic journey at Warren Wilson College before transferring to Montreat College, where she completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology & Human Services. During her time at Montreat, she completed an internship at Thrive Clubhouse in Hendersonville, NC, gaining firsthand experience in the clubhouse model. Through daily collaboration with members and staff, she strengthened her communication skills, built professional relationships, and learned the value of a work-focused community.
After graduating, Iris entered the human services field as a Registered Behavioral Technician for Delta Behavioral Group. There, Iris had the privilege of working with children on the Autism Spectrum, helping her clients and families set meaningful goals. To best support her clients, she worked in the schools and homes of those she served. Her work focused on individualized care, understanding, and guidance.
Inspired by a commitment to serve marginalized populations, Iris relocated to Hickory, NC, continuing to advocate for others facing social stigma. She maintains strong relationships with her mentors and colleagues from both Thrive and Delta, reflecting a work rooted in passion and change for the mental health field.
Now based in Morganton, Iris remains committed to supporting individuals with navigating relationships and a work-centered community. Her personal journey, along with experiences she shared with close friends, grounds her work in empathy and a genuine desire to uplift those around her.
Clubhouse Generalist
Isabell Lattimore
Isabell was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her father's military service led her to move frequently across states during childhood. Mostly, she attended school in Thomasville, NC, and returned home, her senior year, and graduated from Terry Sanford in Fayetteville. Isabell moved to Morganton in 1989. Morganton has been her home for the last 36 years. She has three adult children, all Freedom High graduates. She is the grandmother of eleven and great-grandmother of five. She is a member of Slades Chapel AME Zion church, where she serves as the Preacher Steward and participates in many other ministries. She has volunteered at Hospice, served as a Guardian ad Litem, and participated in community outreach programs. Her hobbies include camping, fishing, decorating, gardening, sewing, solving Sudoku puzzles, and dancercise.
Isabell attended WPCC, earned a degree in Medical Office Technology, landing employment at Grace and Valdese Hospital as Birth Registrar, Hospital Librarian, and Medical Records Clerk. Later, she returned to field of education as a Teacher Assistant at NCSD, supporting high school classrooms for students with multiple disabilities and special needs. Isabell has worked part-time in Group Homes and as a Therapeutic Foster parent for Special Needs, then served as a Healthcare Tech and later as an Administrative Associate II at J Iverson Riddle, continuing direct work with residents until retirement. After gaining experience in education, business, government/Non-Profit, human services, and resources, she completed the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Public and Non-Profit Administration at UNC Pembroke. She plans to continue her education in the Master program at UNC Pembroke.
Brighter House has been a ray of sunshine and hope as she continues the journey of life. She enjoys being a part of Morganton’s first Clubhouse. She works in the Culinary Unit assisting the members with skills in the kitchen and creating opportunities to make a meaningful workday. She values the wealth of the knowledge, experiences and personal relationships shared by the members. “I am grateful and blessed to be a part of Brighter House.”
Iris Knox
Our Founders
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Sherri McGimsey
Past President /Founder
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Eddie McGimsey
Treasurer/Founder
Board Members
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Melaina Rhoney
President
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Nancy Phifer
Vice President
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Katie Varnadoe
Secretary
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Barbara Myers
Director
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Carol Ervin
Director
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Damion Patton
Director
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Dolores Huffman
Director
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Katharine Wright
Director
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Katie Olsen
Director
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Kale Wright
Director
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Vacant
Director
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Vacant
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.