Leadership
Kathy K. Carr, Executive Director
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.
Melissa Thompson, CHA, Director of House Operations
When asked what her super power is Melissa will reply, “hugging”. Her personality shines as much here in Winston-Salem as it did in her hometown of Stafford, NY. In 2010, she transitioned from managing hotels to managing a non-profit “hotel”. Why the change? The mission spoke to her. After experiencing a family medical crisis that was made even more stressful by the distance to reach the best hospital, she understands firsthand the unplanned expenses that come with traveling for health care. When Melissa heard about the opportunity at the Family House, she knew that she could put her heart into making the Family House a soft place to land for others in similar circumstances. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and volunteering with her church. Melissa completed her four year degree at Salem College in May 2017 with a BA in Communications with a minor in Not-for-Profit Management.
Tracy Geiger, Development Director
Having lived in Upstate New York and Orlando, Florida, Tracy considers herself a half back and 8 years later considers Winston Salem “home”! She’s excited to have grown the Family House’s Men Who Cook Fundraiser to become the “go-to” event in town. When not promoting awareness and looking for ways to bring additional contributions and support to the Family House, she travels to Hilton Head and the Bluffton area of SC to visit family and friends, one of her favorite weekend getaways. She and hubby Rich are empty nesters, with two sons who’ve finished college and are on their own here in Winston Salem and Atlanta. They have a “grand dogger”, Emma, who spends most days and some weekends at their house when her owner is busy!
Lisa Northrop, CFRE, CAVNC, Director of Donor Relations
Volunteering since she was a Brownie in Girl Scouts, Lisa always knew she would work in the non-profit sector. Perfect timing and the pro humanitate culture of Wake Forest University allowed her to transition from a student intern at the Ronald McDonald House to a position at the Family House. Eight years later, she helps create the homelike environment that makes guests feel at ease at the Family House. She is still a volunteer at heart, volunteering around the community, including with the Piedmont Environmental Alliance.
Lori Flinchum, Finance & Human Resource Manager
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.
Lindley Curtis, Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator
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.