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.
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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.
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Following graduation, she joined Access, Inc., where she provided services to adults with disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. Her strong advocacy, leadership, and dedication quickly set her apart, leading to advancement within the organization under the mentorship of its CEO, who remained a guiding influence throughout her career.
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In March 2006, Melaina founded A Caring Alternative with a commitment to “going above and beyond” to ensure individuals receive the support they need to live successfully in their homes and communities. Her work focuses on helping individuals regain stability, avoid institutionalization, and achieve a higher quality of life regardless of their circumstances.
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In addition to her work with A Caring Alternative, Melaina founded All 4 U Home Medical and Jaime Torres Ministries, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board for A Caring Solution, a nonprofit she established to further expand access to care and support services. She also actively participates on various boards and committees dedicated to promoting recovery and community well-being.
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In 2016, Melaina purchased the landmark One North Square building in downtown Morganton, creating a centralized location where individuals can access both primary care and mental health services in one setting.
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Melaina and her husband, Jeremy, are the proud parents of two children, Katelyn and Nicholas. Her family has been a constant source of support throughout her journey and the continued growth of A Caring Alternative.
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.
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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.
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As Chief Operating Officer of A Caring Alternative, Teagan plays a critical role in identifying community needs and collaborating with Managed Care Organizations to develop, implement, and sustain high-quality programs that support individuals in achieving stability and improved well-being. Her leadership ensures that services remain responsive, accessible, and aligned with the evolving needs of the communities served.
Outside of her professional work, Teagan enjoys spending time in nature, often catching sunrises or hiking in the Linville Gorge with her husband, son, daughter, and their beloved pets.
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.
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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.
As Chief Financial Officer, Todd leads budgeting, compliance, and financial strategy to ensure organizational stability and sustainability. His expertise supports the continued growth of A Caring Alternative, enabling the organization to expand services and deliver high-quality, compassionate care to those it serves.
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.
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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.
In her current role, Kristen oversees compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and best practices across all programs. Her clinical background and attention to detail play a critical role in maintaining the integrity and quality of care provided to clients and their families.