Kathy Kooken Carr was named executive director of the SECU Family House on the Richard J. Reynolds III & Marie M. Reynolds Campus in March 2010.

A native of Winston-Salem and with medical professionals in her family, Kathy has felt particularly called to the Family House’s vision of caring for caregivers, and is honored to be Executive Director. She has often joked that she was “the warm body in the room” back in 2003 when the steering committee started work in the community to open an adult hospitality house. Now, she can’t imagine being anywhere else- the authentic gratitude of the Family House guests energizes her on a daily basis! Well, okay, occasionally you might also find her walking at Topsail Beach with her husband David, taking phone calls from one of her adult children, feeling powerful during a pilates session, and missing a ball on the tennis court. A member of Augsburg Lutheran Church, she has also held leadership positions with the NC Lutheran Synod of the ELCA. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Winston-Salem, and is active with the Women’s Council of the Novant Health Foundation.

A native of Winston-Salem and a graduate of UNCG, Erin’s nonprofit career began with the YMCA in 2006 serving in the fields of youth development, membership, operations, and fundraising. Erin strongly believes in making an impact in her community by helping raise funds and oversee special events for local nonprofits. In addition to being in the Leadership Winston-Salem Class of 2013, Erin’s other community work has included Junior League of Winston Salem, Kernersville Rotary Club, and she currently serves on the Board for Kaleideum. While not working, Erin loves to travel with her family which consists of her husband, two sons, and their sweet dogs Tex & Rosie.

Contact Erin at: Erin.Craver@familyhousews.org

Life brought Kara to Winston-Salem in 2005 for college at Wake Forest University and she never left. She has been serving in the Triad’s nonprofit community since 2009. Kara enjoys helping others in any capacity that she can – from assisting individuals with their philanthropic goals, to connecting people with necessary resources, Kara strives to improve the lives of everyone she meets.

When she is not working, Kara enjoys living life with her husband, Matt, and two children, Hayden and Madelyn. She can also be found hiding away for a quiet cup (or four) of coffee, while bird watching or getting lost in a good book.

Contact Kara at: Kara.Yates@familyhousews.org

With a background in ministry and social work, Lindley has worked in churches and non-profit settings with caregivers and older adults. Lindley coordinates the individual and group volunteers who make the Family House “more than just a place to stay,” and she is inspired every day by their generosity. Originally from Boone, Lindley loves being outside, being creative, cheering on Wake Forest, and spending time with her husband, two young children, and sweet dog.

Contact Lindley at: Lindley.Curtis@familyhousews.org

Ainsley is a North Carolina native with a Bachelors in Communication Studies with a minor in Theatre from Lee University. She began her nonprofit career interning at the Family House in 2015 through the Episcopal Service Corps. A series of professional adventures landed her back at the Family House and she couldn’t be happier. She’s thrilled to work everyday to support the health of her community— physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. She loves iced coffee, spinning at Cycle Muse, and spending time with her husband and dog.

Lori was born and has lived in the Winston-Salem area all her life. A graduate of High Point University, she has been in the accounting field in both public accounting and private industry. Married to her high school sweetheart, Paul, for 30+ years, they have two adult children, a daughter and a son. Lori is actively involved at their church, serving on the Finance Committee and teaching Sunday School. She has previously been involved in the Autism Society of Forsyth County (her son has autism) and served as a Parent Advocate for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Lori enjoys reading, shopping excursions with her daughter and going for walks with her husband and son.

Romona fell in love with WS while attending Winston Salem State University from 1994-1996. She left to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University in Norfolk, VA. She found her passion for receiving and entertaining guests, visitors and strangers while working for the Hyatt Regency in Baltimore, MD. Romona has worked in Catering and Sales for ARAMARK as well as several Marriott Hotel properties. She fell in love with WS all over again while representing the city for Visit Winston Salem in the religious and multi-cultural markets. Romona is looking forward to working at the Family House and continuing what she knows to be her life’s passion and purpose of affecting lives in a positive way everyday – intentionally and unintentionally.