micah melnick
Micah Melnick is the founder and Executive Director of BigHouse. After starting BigHouse in 2009 while pursuing her undergraduate dual degree in Art and Human Development from the University of Alabama, she and her husband returned to their hometown of Opelika to serve the East Alabama foster care community. Micah enjoys her work at BigHouse connecting community foster and adoptive families to vital community resources.
Micah and her husband Blake have four children, Anderson, Maggie, Myers, and Lucy Grace. Their family enjoys traveling, home renovation projects and spending time with their family and friends.
Heather Lee, MSW
Heather joined our staff full-time as our Director of Operations in August of 2024. Heather has a Masters in Social Work from Troy University and a Bachelors in Education from Brenau University. Heather and her husband Derek have been a part of the BigHouse family for many years as a licensed foster home for Lee County DHR and Alabama Baptist Children’s Home. They have 2 children, Lauren (20) and Jackson (18).
Heather and her family have called Opelika home for over 18 years and are so thankful for the opportunity to serve this amazing community.
Tatum black
Tatum Black began serving as Assistant Director of BigHouse in January of 2017. Born and raised in Opelika, Tatum first learned about BigHouse in high school and volunteered as a dance teacher for the after school program. A few short years later she graduated from Troy University with a degree in Human Services in hopes of working in a non-profit ministry setting.
Tatum and her husband Will have one son, Shepherd, and have loved being back in their hometown and serving the foster and adoptive community. They have loved being a part of the BigHouse team and can't wait to see how the Lord continues to bless BigHouse in the future!