Vice Chair Thomas LaBreche is a licensed clinical psychologist with 47 years in mental health services.  His career has included service at Broughton Hospital, Rutherford-Polk Area Mental Health Center and over 37 years in private practice serving Rutherford and surrounding counties. Thomas is a licensed NC Addiction Fellow, as well as a member of the National Association of Forensic Counselors.  In this capacity he serves as a certified chemical dependency counselor, and certified forensic addiction specialist. He also serves as consulting staff for Rutherford Hospital and is an ASAM associate member.

Chief Administrative Officer Diane Krisanda has a life-long career in healthcare across several disciplines. After a six-year career in the army reserves, Diane worked as a nurse's aide, a case worker, and certified activity director to President of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) South Mountains NC. For the last 17 years of her employment career, she led treatment teams, implemented therapeutic groups/activities and facilitated groups that educated on a variety of subject matters.  Such topics included anger and stress management, goal setting and negative effects of substance use, among many others.  Her strength lies in her ability to organize, lead and facilitate discussion in a large variety of group and individual settings. This is evidenced by her continued work and leadership in numerous groups and organizations to this day.  In addition, Diane has positive relationships with many individuals within the healthcare network of Rutherford County and beyond.

Treasurer Clyde Keller is a retired chemist and secondary school math/science teacher. He is a Duke University certified non-profit manager. He has served on multiple boards and his family have been Rutherford County residents for over two hundred years.

Secretary Vanessa Austin is and a N.C.Certified Peer Support Specialist.  She has 12 years of experience in the Human Services field ranging from direct support in group homes to mental health and recovery supports.  She has served in Burke and Catawba counties.

Board Member Nena Butterfield began her career as an Experimental Psychologist in the field of cognitive function of children with developmental disabilities in 2010. She completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Alabama before returning to her stomping grounds in Western Carolina in 2012. As an adult child of addiction and someone with a keen interest in the clinical side of psychology, she began working in the recovery world in 2012.

In the last 12 years, Nena has worked in leadership roles and as an RN in the field of substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and in working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Nena grew up in Polk County, NC and is dedicated to community outreach and enriching quality of life, especially for the underserved populations of Western Carolina. She obtained her PMHNP in January 2024 and currently enjoys working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Crest View Recovery Center.

Board member Deborah Keller (temporary leave) has over 40 years of critical care nursing experience with an additional 4 years as an EMS professional.  While working within healthcare, Deborah served on multiple departmental committees within hospitals and EMS where she was employed.  She has been a Duke University Certified Nonprofit Manager since 2009.  Deborah currently is a medical/government affairs correspondent for RC Catalyst.