Our Board

Meet Jessica.

Hi, I’m Jessica Lyles, LISW-CP, and I served as the Treasurer for the Advisory Board of Mental Health America in Spartanburg, SC. 

In addition to my board responsibilities, I’ve extended my reach through digital mental health products, offering coaching and therapy services to those seeking guidance and empowerment. As the founder of “Inspiring Sisters,” a private Facebook group focused on supporting Black Women’s mental health, I’m committed to providing a safe and uplifting space for shared experiences and growth. I’m passionate about breaking down barriers and ensuring accessible resources for all on their journey towards mental well-being.

With Minority Mental Health Month approaching in July, I emphasize the critical need for raising awareness of the unique mental health needs of minority communities and the importance of providers becoming educated on how to best serve this population. I’m passionate about breaking down barriers and ensuring accessible resources for all on their journey towards mental well-being.

Meet Camron.

Hey, I’m Camron. My journey into mental health advocacy didn’t begin in a classroom or a leadership role—it began in silence. It began in trying to understand why the people we love sometimes hurt us. In sitting with pain that had no easy answers. And in realizing that healing requires both community and courage.

Now, as Student Body President at Scholars Academy and a board member with Mental Health America of Spartanburg, I carry that lived experience into everything I do. Whether I’m organizing events that bring students together, mentoring younger peers, or simply being there when someone needs support, my mission is clear: to ensure no one feels like their story has to stay hidden.

I’ve learned that making a difference isn’t about always knowing what to say—it’s about listening when it matters. It’s about showing up. It’s about holding space for others the way I once needed someone to hold space for me.

Through challenges with identity, boundaries, grief, and growth, I’ve come to believe that showing up as your full, imperfect self is one of the most powerful things you can do.

I advocate for youth because I am youth—still learning, still healing, still showing up. And I believe in a future where honesty isn’t mistaken for weakness, but recognized as the first step toward change.

Meet Bailie.

Hello, I’m Bailie. I was asked to join the MHA board after an art exhibit I created based on my own experience with mental illness. I had no idea the impact it would have on the community. Over three hundred people I did not know contacted me via email, text, calls, or simply stopped me in public to thank me for being the voice of those who were afraid to speak out. I was honored and very surprised.

The board also recognized the impact and asked if I would like to continue my work to stop the stigma as a board member. I was glad to accept. Since then, I have continued to do all I can to reduce the stigma by talking about mental illness as if it were any other illness and by sharing my story with my students, friends, and colleagues. Currently, I’m working on setting up a program to speak at local campuses about mental illness, ways to reduce the stigma, and the resources available to young people to address their mental health issues.

I enjoy working with our other board members on ways to spread awareness and develop programs throughout our community and hope you will join us in supporting this worthwhile cause.

Meet Cathy.

Hi, my name is Cathy McCabe, and I’ve proudly served on the board of MHA-Spartanburg for three years. Mental health has deeply impacted my family, including my Aunt Avis, who faced severe depression and endured outdated treatments that left lasting effects. In the past, mental health issues were hidden, and stigma prevented open conversations and effective care. Today, I’m passionate about breaking down those barriers so others can recognize these challenges and seek help without fear or shame.

Mental health issues are not only personal but also community-wide, influencing problems like homelessness, domestic violence, and crime in Spartanburg. Through initiatives like “Be Kind To Your Mind – From Surviving to Thriving,” MHA-Spartanburg celebrates those working to reduce stigma and honors advocates like Bailie, Amaia Parkins, and Alliee Thompson for their contributions. MHA-Spartanburg is a vital resource, transforming lives and strengthening our community, and I’m proud to support its mission. Together, we can make a difference—please join us in this important work!

Meet Susan.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Supervisor in my private practice, Susan Lea Therapy.

I am a Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a Diplomate in the National Anger Management Association, meaning that, for more than 5 years, I have met a national standard of credentials to become a community leader in anger management. I am also a Diplomate of the American Board of Sexology and Board Certified Sexologist, which means I have training from an ABS-recognized institution and more than 4 years of relevant practice. I am also an adjunct professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy Masters program at Converse University.

My clinical specialties include anger management, group therapy, and treatment court. I enjoy collaboration with organizations and professionals in a variety of sectors in our community and have been actively engaged in nonprofit organizations since 2012.