Dr. Debra Bjork (Founder), has always been passionate about helping people both inside and outside the hospital setting. She started her career helping children with unique needs and learned that most need something beyond medicine for true rehabilitation. Throughout her career Dr. Bjork has confronted current medical challenges. She is dedicated to addressing recurring problems that her patients experience, especially those with mental illness.
Gail Anastasion graduated from George Washington University in 1971. She obtained an MA in Special Education from the University of South Carolina in 1973. Gail is married to Steve, a real estate attorney, and has two grown children, Mike, and Danielle. Gail has engaged in fundraising for non-profit organizations most of her adult life. She serves on the board of governors of the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations. She also worked with Palmetto Aids Life Support Services, as well as volunteering in nursing homes.
Jennifer Babb is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner who works with the under-served communities across the Midlands. She has worked in the medical field for 35 years. She loves helping people and for over a decade has volunteered with the American Red Cross. Her most recent board certification is in National Healthcare Disaster Planning. For many years she has enjoyed leading, alongside her husband, a faith-based Christian recovery program that helps people celebrate recovery from life’s hurts, habits, and hang ups. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Steven Barnett has been a Primary Care Physician for twenty plus years in under-served populations. He has a special interest in psychosocial aspects of well-being including substance abuse. He currently is the Medical Director for a non-profit clinic for HIV positive patients that provides medical aid and psychosocial services. He and his wife have 5 children and a beloved Cockapoo. He loves spending time at the lake with his family.
Charlotte Berry (Ex-Officio) was born in Memphis, Tennessee and attended Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia. Her career involved psychiatric social work and social work with the Department of Social Services in Richmond, Virginia. She later became a volunteer and served on several Non-profit National Boards. She was the National Chairman for the American Red Cross. She traveled the world for several years. She also became a member of the United Way of America and Volunteer of America National Boards, both in Asheville, NC and Columbia, SC. She has had the privilege of using her social work background throughout her life.
Ken Childs has extensive experience in law. He has taught at the USC Law School and is an expert in school law. He was a founding member of the Greenville County Drug Commission and has served as SC Assistant Attorney General. In addition to other non-profit board experience, he is a member of the Columbia Area Mental Health Board.
Faith Divisek’s professional background is primarily in the field of education as a teacher, counselor, principal, and school administrator, an educational consultant, and a teacher of graduate level courses at Columbia International University. She has been a member and has served on boards of several professional, community and non-profit organizations. She is married and has two grown daughters and two grandchildren.
Kimberly Shumpert was born and raised in Columbia, SC. She grew up on a farm and enjoys making bird houses and canning. She is a retired Real Estate Appraiser, but still operates as a Real Estate Agent. She enjoys putting smiles on the faces of her clients. Through working with her clients, she has touched many who have mental health issues, and she wants to do more for her community
Shari Shumpert, a Lexington County native and Newberry College graduate, has worked as a tax preparer for 27 years. For the last 20 years she has owned her own business, Shari’s Tax Service. She spends her spare time with her awesome son learning from him and helping him learn to live with Aspergers.
Dean Slade studied at both Sheffield University, UK, and Columbia International University. He worked in an Outpatient Mental facility in the UK in 1969. His life work has brought him into contact with people with mental health diagnosis and made him empathetic to those struggling to cope. He is enjoying retirement, community development and swimming. He has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.