Promoting positive mental health through advocacy, education, collaboration and service...

302 West Weaver Street, Carrboro, NC 27510

 

 

Nice to meet you!

The Mental Health Association in Orange County is staffed by people who are committed to creating hope and opportunity for those whose lives have been affected by mental illness.   Scroll down for a brief introduction to each of us.

 

 

Our Staff

Catherine Morgan: Administrative Assistant

 

Catherine started out volunteering in our office in February of 2004 and was soon hired on .  The agency quickly started wondering “what did we do without her?”   Chances are, if you call the office you’ll hear her gentle and helpful voice on the other end. 

In addition to her duties around the office, Catherine is also a Peer Bridger and a Compeer volunteer.  She is a dedicated and valuable member of our team here at the MHA in Orange County, and a committed advocate for those recovering from mental illness. 

Linda Canino:  Hispanic Family Advocate

 

Linda brings with her 20 years of experience working to support women.  She is the mother of three and is originally from Maryland.  Having lived in Venezuela, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, she can personally identify with the challenges of living in a different culture. Linda is fluent in Spanish, and is a certified life coach and organization specialist.  

Mark Sullivan: Executive Director

 

I came to MHA/OC in June of 2005 from Northside Clinic after 10 years of providing direct services in the field of mental health.  I  am honored to have the opportunity to continue the fine work that the MHA has been recognized for. 

 

My previous work experience has included case management with adults with severe mental illness, counseling teens with mental health and behavioral difficulties in wilderness, residential, outpatient, and juvenile court settings, as well as consulting on an evaluation of Mental Health Reform in Arizona.

 

I received my MSW, with an emphasis on Adult Health/Mental Health, from UNC Chapel Hill.   I received a BA in Therapeutic Use of Wilderness, with minors in Cultural Studies and Creative Writing from Prescott College in Arizona. My approach to life and work has been greatly influenced by my experiences in foreign lands and wild landscapes.

 

Being both a past provider of mental health services, as well as a receiver of mental health treatment, I am committed to bringing about a greater understanding of mental health related issues and reducing the stigma and shame that too often compound the difficulties of those affected by mental illness.

 

I live in Carrboro with my wife, Kristen and 7 wonderful animals: Dogs Kootney, Cedar, and Auggie, and  cats Elvira, Elvis, Frisco, and Bean.

  

 

Cindy Wilkins:  Family Advocacy Network

 

Cindy joined FAN in March 2004 when she was actively seeking parent support for her own family.  As the parent of a child diagnosed at 4 years old with OCD and depression, and later ADHD, Cindy understood the pressures that families face in raising children with mental health issues.  Cindy earned her B.S. in Social Work from Salisbury State University (MD) and Early Childhood Education credentials in Florida where she taught preschool for 10 years. When her military spouse moved the family to Costa Rica for two years, she worked at a Christian Missionary School teaching English and updating curriculum for preschool and kindergarten classes. After returning to the U.S. in 2002, Cindy worked with special needs children in the Head Start program before joining the staff at MHAOC.

Linda Boldin: Family Advocate

 

Linda brings with her  skills she developed through her experience raising 3 children, one with ADHD/LD.  She learned to be an advocate by advocating for her son’s education.   Linda found her place at FAN after attending a training at the Jordan Institute. She loved it , and  realized that she was doing this with her kids and community already. Linda loves reading a good book.

Kurt O’Briant: Office Specialist

 

There is no job too big or too small for Kurt.  He comes to us through the transitional employment program at Club Nova, and does whatever needs to be done with enthusiasm.  Kurt has many years of experience working in retail and most recently held a position in a lab at UNC.  Kurt has a “can do” attitude and a great sense of humor.  When he’s not here at the MHA, you can usually find him at work at the Club Nova Thrift Store.