Meet Our Leadership Team
A successful organization is fueled by a strong, dedicated and caring leadership team that serves as the engine to engage, lead and ignite a high-performance work culture!
A Caring Alternative is a trusted provider of behavioral health services dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families across North Carolina. Our team of compassionate professionals delivers person-centered, evidence-based care designed to support stability, recovery, and long-term well-being. What sets us apart is our commitment to meeting people where they are—offering a full continuum of services, from outpatient therapy to intensive community-based supports, tailored to each individual’s needs. Guided by values of compassion, integrity, and respect, this site provides access to our services, resources, and pathways to care for those seeking support.
Melaina Rhoney
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Melaina Rhoney is a dedicated leader in human services whose lifelong commitment to helping others led to the founding of A Caring Alternative. Driven by a vision to expand access to mental health, intellectual and developmental disability, and substance use services, she has built an organization centered on compassion, quality care, and community impact.
​
Born and raised in Burke County, Melaina is a graduate of Freedom High School and Appalachian State University, where she earned degrees in psychology and special education. She began her career while still in college, working in a local group home for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, an experience that ignited her passion for improving the lives of those in need.
​
Teagan Brown
Chief Operating Officer
Teagan Brown is a seasoned behavioral health professional and native of Burke County with nearly 25 years of experience serving individuals and families across the region. She earned her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montreat College.
​
Throughout her career, Teagan has developed extensive expertise in intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, and substance use disorders, bringing a well-rounded and compassionate approach to service delivery.
​
As Chief Operating Officer of A Caring Alternative, Teagan plays a critical role in identifying community needs and collaborating with Managed Care Organizations to
​
Todd Carswell
Chief Financial Officer
Todd Carswell, CPA, is the Chief Financial Officer of A Caring Alternative, bringing more than 30 years of experience in accounting and financial management. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Gardner-Webb University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry Management from North Carolina State University.
​
Prior to joining A Caring Alternative, Todd spent over 13 years operating his own CPA firm, where he specialized in financial planning, taxation, and business consulting. His extensive background provides a strong foundation in fiscal oversight and strategic financial management.
​
Kristen White
Chief Compliance Officer
Kristen White, LMFT, serves as Chief Compliance Officer at A Caring Alternative, bringing nearly 20 years of experience as a mental health provider. She holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has been a valued member of the organization since 2016.
​
Kristen began her career at A Caring Alternative as a therapist and quickly advanced into leadership roles, including Clinical Team Lead and Child Services Director. Her progression reflects a strong commitment to clinical excellence, ethical practice, and high-quality service delivery.​
​