Chief Administrative Officer Diane Krisanda served in the US Army Reserves for six years. She has a lifelong career in healthcare, working as a nurse's aide,  case worker, mental health tech, and certified activity director.  She serves as  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 the 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.

Secretary/Treasurer 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.

Vice Chair Drew Amburn is the Executive Director of Burke Recovery, a a nonprofit dedicated to providing education, prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for Burke County. With over 15 years experience in substance use disorder treatment and prevention, Drew is a proven leader in program development and strategic collaboration.

Currently, Drew oversees a residential treatment program for men and manages multiple grants to secure funding for critical initiatives, ensuring the sustainability and growth of services. Recently, Drew has cultivated a partnership with Burke County Public Schools, allowing him to place prevention specialists in all the middle and high schools throughout the county.

Board Member Mel Ailiff is a dynamic nonprofit leader with extensive experience in community development and enrichment. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Arts Council of Henderson County, fostering artistic initiatives and cultural enrichment in the community. In addition to her role at the Arts Council, Mel works as a consultant for numerous affordable housing and substance recovery programs across the region, providing expert grant writing assistance and support. Previously, as Executive Director at Rutherford Housing Partnership, she significantly advanced neighborhood revitalization projects and managed strategic partnerships to enhance community development. Her prior roles also include revitalizing the volunteer program at Henderson County Habitat for Humanity and managing community-focused initiatives at Morris Habitat for Humanity. A Peace Corps alumna, Mel has a profound dedication to service and advocacy, complemented by an MBA from Centenary University and a Bachelor of Arts from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Fluent in Russian and English, Mel is highly skilled in grant writing, strategic planning, and project management, making her a pivotal force for positive change in the communities she engages with.

Board member Deborah Keller 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.

Board member Melody Garren is a native of Rutherford County. She has over 15 years of marketing, public relations, and event outreach experience in both non-profit and corporate sectors. She has served in project management, administrative oversight and board relations roles with an interest in how user experience and design can enhance your quality of life.