Meet Suzanne

Suzanne Gavenus is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and educator who has spent her career serving families, students, and communities across Avery, Mitchell, Yancey, and McDowell Counties. She has lived in Burnsville for more than 23 years with her husband, Gary, where they raised their three children—Garrett, Noah, and Gillian. Before moving to Yancey County, they lived, worked, and met in Avery County. Western North Carolina is not just where Suzanne works; it is where she chose to build her life and raise a family.

Her professional experience spans mental and behavioral healthcare, K–12 education, and higher education. Suzanne currently serves as Director of Counseling and Wellness at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics’ Morganton campus, where she leads mental health and student support services for adolescents preparing for college, careers, and community leadership. As a clinician, supervisor, and administrator, Suzanne has supported children, families, and adults through crisis intervention, therapy, prevention programs, and long-term advocacy. This work has given her a clear understanding of the challenges facing rural mountain communities—from access to healthcare and childcare to educator retention, disaster recovery, and economic stability.

Suzanne and Gary’s family reflects a deep commitment to service and community. Their eldest son, Garrett, is an Army veteran who now works for the Veterans Administration, and his wife Kelly is in her second year of law school. Their son Noah is a captain and pilot in the United States Air Force, as is his wife, Maddy. Their daughter Gillian lives in Asheville and is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental resilience at UNC Asheville. As a parent, Suzanne understands the importance of supporting veterans, military families, educators, and the next generation working to protect and strengthen our communities.

Living and raising a family in Yancey County, and Avery County before that, has shaped Suzanne’s commitment to public service.  Suzanne has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of mental health, education, and community support. She has seen firsthand how natural disasters, workforce shortages, and underinvestment strain local communities—and how strong, engaged leadership can help families recover and thrive.

Suzanne is running for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 85 to fight for affordable healthcare and mental health services, quality public education and competitive educator pay, affordable housing, living wages and affordable childcare for working families, and disaster recovery policies that prioritize environmental resilience and sustainable rebuilding. She also supports substance abuse treatment and recovery programs and commonsense policies that help keep communities safe and strong.

Suzanne believes District 85 deserves a representative who is present, accessible, and willing to advocate boldly for mountain communities. Her leadership is rooted in listening, collaboration, and a deep respect for the people who call Western North Carolina home.