Gail Stern

President

Gail currently works as a real estate broker. She also has many years experience producing special events for corporations. Gail brings a great deal of experience in the nonprofit sector, having led Mandala, an international adoption agency, for over 12 years. She is the mother of five children ranging in age from teens to mid-30s, one of whom struggled with mental health issues for several years. This provided Gail with firsthand knowledge and involvement with mental health services and increased her great compassion for other families raising special needs children.

Julie Bailey

Secretary

Co-founder of Josh’s Hope, Julie brings decades of experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, having worked primarily in public relations and program development.  Some of her achievements include having established the Family Advocacy Network (FAN) in Orange County, NC, in 2000, authored a book on adoption search in 2001, is a 2009 recipient of the Heroes in the Fight Award presented by the NC Coalition for Persons Disabled by Mental Illness and, along with Steve, is the 2017 co-recipient of the NC Lifetime Achievement in Mental Health Advocacy Award presented by the NC Annual Legislative Breakfast on Mental Health.

Steve Bailey

Treasurer

Steve manages daily operational needs. He has 40+ years experience in business management and accounting practices, as well as training in mental health related topics, including Mental Health First Aid, QPR suicide prevention, Legal Guardianship, SSI/SSDI, family advocacy and others. His experience includes work in the non- and for- profit sectors having worked in both the mental health and construction fields. Steve has been the Fiscal Manager for the Annual Legislative Breakfast on Mental Health since 2011.

Josh Donnelly

Board Member

attends UNC-Chapel Hill and is studying psychology. After struggling with mental health issues firsthand, Josh hopes to use his lived experiences to help others with similar struggles and their families. He has worked as a community advocate and served on the public policy subcommittee of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, attending the National Advocacy Forum in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, Josh was inspired to start a nonprofit, Do You Mind?, to help educate and offer support to young adults struggling with mental health issues. He hopes to channel his experience from these projects and his passion for promoting positive mental health into supporting Josh’s Hope.

Linda McDonough

Board Member

is an administrator, educator, mental health advocate, writer and founder of Hope Creek Academy (formerly Just Right Academy), a K-12 private school for special needs students who have struggled without success in the public school system. She is no stranger to the nonprofit sector, having started the Augustine Project, Cedardell, Inc., and others in her lifetime, all in service to help disenfranchised populations. Linda is also the parent of a young adult child who has experienced lifelong struggles with mental health issues, which resulted in her developing great understanding of the mental health treatment system and gaps in services.

Tim Woody

Board Member

Tim Woody has made a career of public service. He has served in City, County and State government in both a regulatory and operational role. Tim received a B.S. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from NC State University and served as a water professional and environmental advocate. Tim has served in various professional capacities as well as multiple industry committee chairs. He currently is the Chairman of the Board for Water for Appalachia, a nonprofit organization committed to providing water and wastewater services to poverty- stricken areas in central Appalachia. In early 2000 Tim’s life changed when he learned of his daughter’s debilitating anxiety which lead to treatment, recovery, relapse and sobriety. Tim’s experience led to him and his wife to start a non-profit called Stand By Me NC which provided advocacy for those that suffer with addiction and mental illness. SBMNC joined forces with Josh’s Hope in 2018 to broaden our impact and expand outreach and family support.

Jordan Shamp

Board Member

Jordan is an educator, having spent the last 10+ years teaching elementary physical education.  He's directed the after school program at Lerner Jewish Community Day School, and currently coaches middle school basketball at Carolina Friends School, where he graduated in '99.  He also recently helped co-found a contract management software company based in Durham.  Jordan has served his entire adult life on his family's charitable foundation board, and brings passion, energy, and unique vision and skills to Josh's Hope.

Leah Pribac

Board Member

Leah Pribac is an accountant and HR professional. She has many years of experience in the operations of non-profits and small businesses.  Many of these organizations were in the mental health sector. She has seen where the current social services and health systems leave gaps where people cannot locate or receive the help they need. Leah has been an advocate always for people to have a voice in their own life-making decisions.