Heather Rhymes, Executive Director

hmrhymesmchc@gmail.com

With a passion for serving those in need, Heather prioritizes the improvement and overall well being of our community and those residing in it. Having devoted years of her life to working with disadvantaged teens across Monroe County, and with a background in Developmental Psychology, she fully understands the needs of our rural area and is eager to reach out and assist in meeting those needs. As a wife and mother, she spends her spare time fostering those most important relationships and cares deeply about the future of Monroe County.

Gabbie McConkey, CPS 1, Project Director

gabbie.mchc@gmail.com

Gabbie has lived in Monroe County since 1998 and is enjoying raising her family here. Gabbie has been involved with the coalition since 2014, starting as a volunteer and later becoming an employee. One of her passions is working with the youth of Monroe County and helping to empower them to make healthy, smart, and safe choices as they grow. SADD club and Monroe in Motion are two of her favorite projects! She helped create the “Revealed: A Hidden World” trailer, a mobile substance abuse prevention program for parents and caregivers. She created the “Pet Meds Matter Too”, a campaign near and dear to her, as are all of our community and drug take-back events.

Tammie George, Project Coordinator

tammie.mchc@gmail.com

Tammie has served with the coalition since 2016, dedicating herself to improving the Monroe County community through programs focused on substance misuse and crime prevention, as well as promoting wellness through education and advocacy. Her compassionate heart extends to ministering to those facing homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. Actively seeking opportunities to help individuals overcome hurts, habits, and hang-ups, Tammie is committed to supporting positive life transformations. She has proudly called Tellico Plains home since 2010, and in the spring of 2020, she and her husband welcomed their first child—adding even more joy and purpose to their lives.

Tabitha Prock, School Garden Coordinator, Healthy Roots Monroe

healthyrootsmonroe@gmail.com

Certified through Oregon State University as a School Garden Educator, Tabitha has served as the Healthy Roots Monroe Farm to School Garden Coordinator since January 2023. With a deep belief in the transformative power of nature-based education, she blends gardening and environmental literacy into the program. She is currently working as a garden educator with Monroe County Schools, Sweetwater City Schools, and Cross Creek Christian School. In addition to school garden education, Tabitha also provides seasonal Healthy Roots Story Time at the Madisonville Public Library for early childhood garden and environmental education. Since 2023, Tabitha has collaborated with The Boys and Girls Club of the Ocoee Region’s Rural Vale location, bringing the nature studies and environmental literacy component of Healthy Roots Monroe to club members of all ages. 

Daniela Meeks, Community Outreach Advocate

advocatemonroe@gmail.com

Born and raised in Madisonville, Daniela Meeks witnessed firsthand the challenges of substance misuse and domestic violence that affect our community. In 2018, she overcame incredible odds with the support of The House That Mercy Built, a local Monroe County outreach program. Inspired by her journey, Daniela has devoted her life to empowering others in our community, particularly women, to rediscover their identity, value, and purpose. Alongside her husband, Tony, Daniela is passionate about serving incarcerated individuals and mentoring youth, striving to create lasting change and hope for future generations.

 
 

Mikaela McConkey, Outreach Liaison

mikaela.mchc@gmail.com

Mikaela McConkey is a dynamic individual with a passion for communication and engagement, particularly within the youth demographic. Specializing in crafting digital solutions that resonate with users, Mikaela brings a fresh perspective and a dedication to bridging the gap between technology and human interaction. With a focus on empowering young individuals, she is committed to making a positive impact in her community. Mikaela's ambition to support projects that prioritize inclusivity and social impact is evident in her role, where her innovative spirit and dedication shine bright.