Our Team
Our Board of Directors
Timothy G. Livengood, MSL, MBA,
Chairman/Secretary
Timothy Livengood is an accomplished psychiatric health care administrator. He currently serves as a business and network development professional for a national, billion-dollar healthcare organization. After beginning a successful career in real estate, Timothy realized his passion for mental health and healthcare administration. He then transitioned from the real estate industry to a career in behavioral health. The focus of his current work is helping families, state agencies, and providers access quality, specialty psychiatry services across the country, and building teams to engage patients in their journey to wellness. He’s also a self-proclaimed gifting guru, with an online shop for curated giftboxes.
Matthew Stewart, BSBA,
Treasurer
Matt Stewart is an renowned administrator and is currently a Director of Operations for a pharmaceutical company in Eastern North Carolina. A Pirate alum, he graduated ECU with a BSBA and a concentration in Management. Matt's interest to become active in his local community brought him to Empower East where his acumen for development, change, and advocacy aligned. Matt's strength in analytics and his systematic approach to projects help provide beneficial oversight to the organization's impact. Matt enjoys staying active and is an avid crossfit-er.
Stephanie Fu Ballance, MS, LCMHC, NBCC,
Vice-Chairman
Stephanie Fu Ballance, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor practicing in Raleigh, North Carolina. She started her career as a high school English teacher and was inspired by her students’ strength and resilience in challenging situations to pursue a career in mental health counseling. She now treats people of all ages and specializes in trauma counseling at her private practice, Healing Oak Therapy.
Stephanie’s passion is in spreading awareness of mental health and empathy to others. She works with the Sola Amari Endowment Fund to help ease financial burdens and give necessary resources to families and children in our local community. She also believes in the power of empathy to spread cultural awareness, appreciation, and acceptance for all.
Join Our Board of Directors
Help Shape the Future of Mental Health in Eastern North Carolina
Mental Health America of Eastern Carolina is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors as we expand our mission to address the mental health crisis in our region. With 23% of children in Eastern North Carolina experiencing mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges and significant gaps in access to care, our community needs strong leadership to drive meaningful change.
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Community Leaders who understand the unique challenges facing Eastern North Carolina, including rural access barriers and healthcare disparities
Mental Health Advocates with lived experience or professional expertise in behavioral health, social services, or healthcare administration
Business & Nonprofit Professionals bringing skills in finance, legal affairs, marketing, fundraising, or organizational development
Diverse Voices representing the communities we serve, including different backgrounds, ages, professions, and life experiences
Strategic Thinkers committed to our Before Stage 4 philosophy of early intervention and prevention
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As a board member, you'll help guide our re-affiliation with Mental Health America's national network, enabling us to implement evidence-based programs and advocate for policy changes that improve mental health outcomes. You'll work alongside fellow board members to:
Develop strategic initiatives addressing Eastern NC's specific mental health needs
Oversee the implementation of screening programs, crisis services, and peer support
Advocate for increased access to mental healthcare in rural and underserved communities
Ensure sustainable funding and organizational growth
Connect with Mental Health America's network of 200+ affiliates nationwide
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Board members typically commit to monthly meetings, committee participation, and occasional community events. We understand busy schedules and work to accommodate members' availability while maintaining effective governance.
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Eastern North Carolina's mental health challenges require collaborative solutions and diverse perspectives. Whether you bring professional expertise, community connections, or personal passion for mental health advocacy, we want to hear from you.
To learn more about board opportunities or to submit your interest, contact Timothy Grant Livengood at timothy.livengood@mhaec.org.
Together, we can ensure that every person in Eastern North Carolina has access to the mental health resources they need to thrive.
Internship Opportunities
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Real-World Impact: With 23% of children in Eastern NC experiencing mental health challenges and significant treatment gaps, your work will directly contribute to life-changing programs and advocacy efforts.
National Network Access: As part of Mental Health America's affiliate network, you'll gain exposure to evidence-based practices and nationwide mental health initiatives spanning over 100 years of advocacy.
Diverse Learning Opportunities: From community outreach and education programs to policy advocacy and crisis intervention support, our internships offer broad exposure to the mental health field.
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Public Health & Community Health - Apply population health principles to real community challenges
Psychology & Social Work - Gain direct experience with mental health programming and support services
Nonprofit Management & Social Entrepreneurship - Learn organizational development in the nonprofit sector
Communications & Marketing - Develop campaigns to reduce stigma and increase mental health awareness
Policy Studies & Political Science - Engage in advocacy efforts and policy analysis
Healthcare Administration - Understand systems-level approaches to behavioral health
Education - Support mental health programming in schools and community settings
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Program Support: Assist with Mental Health First Aid training, screening programs, and peer support initiatives
Community Outreach: Help organize educational events, support groups, and awareness campaigns across Eastern NC
Research & Advocacy: Contribute to policy research, data analysis, and legislative advocacy efforts
Event Coordination: Support fundraising events, community forums, and mental health awareness activities
Content Development: Create educational materials, social media content, and program resources
Administrative Experience: Gain nonprofit operations experience through various organizational projects
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✓ Mentorship from experienced mental health professionals and advocates
✓ Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments
✓ Professional development opportunities and networking within the mental health field
✓ Academic credit coordination with your institution (where applicable)
✓ Letters of recommendation for future academic or career pursuits
✓ Skills-building in grant writing, program evaluation, and community engagement
✓ Exposure to Mental Health America's national conferences and training opportunities -
Semester Internships: 10-15 hours per week during fall, spring, or summer terms
Short-term Projects: Intensive 4-6 week focused initiatives
Year-long Placements: Ongoing involvement for students seeking extended experience
Remote & Hybrid Options: Flexible arrangements for students across the region -
With our recent re-affiliation with Mental Health America, we're expanding programs in:
Youth mental health and suicide prevention
Rural community outreach and education
Crisis intervention and peer support
Mental health advocacy and policy development
Stigma reduction campaigns
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Whether you're exploring mental health as a career path or deepening existing interests, our internship program provides meaningful experience while contributing to vital community work. Eastern North Carolina needs passionate advocates who understand both the challenges and opportunities in rural mental healthcare.
Application Process: Submit a brief cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript. Rolling admissions with priority deadlines for fall (July 15), spring (November 15), and summer (March 15) placements.
Questions? Contact our internship coordinator, Stephanie Fu Ballance at stephanie.fu@mhaec.org.