Vanessa Scaife, Founder & CEO

Vanessa Scaife is a native from New Jersey, but has called North Carolina home for over 25 years. In 2000, she founded The Lighthouse Home, so that others may find refuge and solace in the Tar Heel State. As Director and certified Peer Support Specialist she continues to be actively involved in the home and supports the at-risk women in our community. In this role, she provides daily coaching and works with each resident to establish goals and create a treatment plan. Her mentorship and support over the last 22+ years have transformed the lives of hundreds of women, instilling confidence and providing the skills necessary for long term recovery. Vanessa is also a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist, which is another way she supports healing in her community. She has a background in dance, theater and fitness training, which she enjoys in her free time.

Board of Directors

 

Erin Gall

Erin Gall has been a part of the Rocky Mount community since 2000 when she moved here from Virginia Beach to attend college.  She enjoyed her time at North Carolina Wesleyan College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in History. After graduating she worked for NCWC in Admissions before she went to work at Allegra, a marketing and print company, where she has been since 2008. A main passion of hers is staying active and volunteering in the community.  Her main goal is to help each person feel basic human dignity, compassion, and hope to build a better lifestyle than what they had known. She has been married for 20 years and shares a daughter with her husband, John.

Susanna Martin

Susanna Martin spent 40 years in the entertainment industry creating publicity, promotion and photography for CBS, HBO, Nickelodeon and various advertising agencies in New York and Los Angeles as director and art buyer for their photo departments. She has been active in community organizations including participating in neighborhood associations, chairing fundraising events for school scholarship fund programs, and supporting artists at Grace Episcopal Church in Jersey City. Retired and living in North Carolina, Susanna continues to champion the missions of the community organizations she volunteers for, including Downtown Enfield Restoration and Preservation, Enfield Alliance Coalition, and the Enfield Economic Development and Revitalization Commission. She is also on the annual advisory board of the Halifax Community College, Small Business Center and looks forward to continuing her support of The Lighthouse Home.

Shirley McAvoy

Shirley has lived in Nash County for 29 years and is passionate about contributing to the development of Rocky Mount. She wants all residents to have the opportunity to achieve economic success and independence. Over the last 20 years, she has raised over $150,000 for children’s education and athletic programs, and in 2004, she was recognized for outstanding service to education. She is committed to providing opportunity, education and support to women overcoming addiction in Rocky Mount through fundraising and advocacy. Shirley received an Associates Degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business Management from Seneca Collage in Toronto, Canada. She has three children and lives with her husband of 39 years.

Nancy Murray

Nancy Murray is a retired principal from Rocky Mount Preparatory School. She has two Masters Degrees in Education and Administration and Supervision from East Carolina University and University of Phoenix. She is very devoted in her mission in helping others in need. Therefore, she accepted the honor of becoming the President of the Board of the Lighthouse Home. Her main goal is to inform, educate and assists these woman in meeting their goal of overcoming their addictions and becoming productive members of society and returning to their families.

Mary Tetterton Spires

Mary is a native of Whitakers NC. She is a graduate of Guilford College and earned her M. Ed. From South Carolina State University. She is retired from North Carolina Public Schools where she served as a teacher and guidance counselor. Mrs. Spires has four children and six grand children.