After years of moving Nancy Wood is happy to call Morganton home
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Angela K. Copeland
Editor
Nancy Wood sits on the front steps of The Enola Group-Burleson House, where she works as the community engagement director.
Nancy Wood didn’t grow up a military brat, but her father’s career in the tire industry kept the family on the move — from Michigan to Oklahoma, Quebec to Texas — before landing in Fayetteville, where she finished high school.
She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from Appalachian State, followed by a master’s from UNC-Chapel Hill after a year in the field.
A few more moves followed. As newlyweds, Nancy and her husband returned to Boone while he completed graduate school, then headed to Fuquay-Varina for his first job, and began raising their two daughters there. When a position opened in Marion, they jumped at it — but chose Morganton as their home for its strong sense of community. Sixteen years later, they’re still glad they did.
Since settling in Burke County, Nancy has worked with two nonprofits and now serves as community engagement director at The Enola Group, where she leads inclusive programming for children, families, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most recently, she helped bring new life to The Burleson House on Lenoir Street, overseeing its renovation and reopening to the public.
What’s a typical day like for you?
No two days are exactly the same, but each one centers on working with people. A significant portion of my time is devoted to promoting our paint-your-own pottery studio, drop-in child care, and herbal tea sales, as well as coordinating The Three Rs Project, which partners with WPCC, six licensed child care centers, and one family child care home. My role requires wearing many hats, including marketing, coordination, grant writing and reporting, collaboration, scheduling, and planning.
What’s something you’re especially passionate about right now?
I’m especially passionate about welcoming people to The Burleson House and ensuring our programs are accessible to everyone in the community. I enjoy hearing stories from those who already have a connection to the space, whether they were married there years ago or attended an event and then seeing new connections form every day. People can bring their children to do activities in the same space where they were married!
What excites me most is how The Burleson House brings people together across ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Mothers can attend a support group while their children are cared for through on-site drop-in child care, adults with disabilities can visit with a support person to practice everyday skills like making choices, handling payments, and creating pottery.
At its heart, I’m passionate about creating a community space that is welcoming, family-friendly, adaptable, and affordable for anyone who wants to participate.
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, whether that means hiking or kayaking with my husband or taking every opportunity to connect with my now-adult children. I also enjoy reading, cooking, and gardening, and this year I’m making a conscious effort to maintain that spring gardening energy through the hot summer months.
Who has had a big influence on your life, and why?
Collectively, my family has had the greatest influence on my life. I strive to follow my husband’s example of staying positive and resilient in the face of life’s many challenges. I’m inspired by the courage of my daughters as they carve out their own paths, stand firmly in their values, and advocate for others. I’m continually strengthened by my sisters, whose knowledge and support I rely on often, and by my parents, whom I respect more each year as I gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of adulthood and the strength with which they navigate it.
What do you love most about living in Burke County?
I’ve now lived in Burke County longer than anywhere else in my life. I love the location and the fact that within 30 minutes, I can be in the National Forest enjoying solitude and nature. What stands out most to me, though, is the generosity of this community. Through my work, I’ve seen people give freely of their time, talents, and resources through volunteering, charitable giving, civic involvement, or simply neighbors helping neighbors. Even those with limited means find ways to support others, and that spirit of care and connection is what makes Burke County such a special place to live.
