Melaina Rhoney

Melaina Rhoney is a woman who has dedicated her life to human services. Her vision to enhance access to services for those in need of mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services founded the start of A Caring Alternative.

She was born and raised in Burke County, a graduate of Freedom High School and Appalachian State University in psychology and special education. She began working in the field while enrolled in college, a local group home for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This position was rewarding and ignited her desire to help those less fortunate achieve a better quality of life. After attaining her undergraduate degree in special education and psychology, she worked for Access, Inc., providing services to adults with disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. She became a strong advocate for the rights and well-being of others, and soon, her energy and skill set caught the eye of the agency’s CEO. He became her life-long mentor for many years to come, and she continued rising the ranks of leadership even after selling to a larger national organization, the most significant human services organization in the nation.

Melaina launched her own service delivery company, known as A Caring Alternative, in March of 2006. “Going above and beyond” was her motto to ensure that individuals in need of support at any given point and time, whether due to age, circumstance, mental or physical health challenges have access to the support needed to regain control of their life and remain within the home or community, and avoid an institutional facility, or further decompensation due to their unique challenges.

Melaina and her husband Jeremy have two children, Katelyn and Nicholas. Her family has always supported her work and efforts at A Caring Alternative. Additionally, Melaina founded All 4 U Home Medical, Jaime Torres Ministries, and is currently the Chairman of the Board of A Caring Solution, a non-profit that she founded. Melaina also participates in other boards and committees that promote the success and recovery of those in need.

In 2016, Melaina purchased a landmark building in downtown Morganton known as One North Square to allow the community needing primary care and/or mental health care to visit one site for both services.