Her Story
About Stacy
Stacy Brad serves as a Clinical Supervisor at Merakey, an outpatient behavioral health clinic in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, where she has built her career since entering the field in 2020. Though she once set her sights on becoming a guidance counselor, her graduate studies at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development opened the door to clinical mental health counseling instead, a shift that ultimately shaped the course of her professional life. In her current position, she oversees a team of six therapists, guiding the delivery of therapy and medication management to clients spanning every age group and a broad spectrum of diagnoses.
What distinguishes Stacy's leadership is her commitment to a servant-leadership model, one built on lifting others up rather than seeking the spotlight for herself. She works to instill confidence in the clinicians she supervises, giving them the tools and encouragement to grow into capable, independent practitioners, while never losing sight of the clients whose healing and resilience remain at the center of her work. Beyond the walls of the clinic, she extends that same spirit of service into her community, showing up at county fairs and partnering with local organizations to raise awareness around mental health and connect people to resources. Her efforts and impact have earned her recognition as a featured honoree in the Influential Woman 2026 edition.
At the heart of Stacy's philosophy is a simple but hard-won truth: sustained compassion for others depends on first tending to oneself. Having weathered burnout firsthand, she has come to see boundaries, rest, and personal reflection not as luxuries but as necessities for anyone in a caregiving profession. Family grounds her, moments of quiet, whether a walk outdoors or time spent reflecting, restore her, and she carries that same authenticity into every relationship she builds, whether with a client, a colleague, or a member of her community. It is this blend of empathy, integrity, and steady encouragement that defines her as both a clinician and a leader in behavioral health.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stacy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to compassion, authenticity, empowerment, and a commitment to lifting others as I lead. My journey into behavioral health has always been rooted in a genuine desire to help others discover hope, healing, and resilience. Although I originally envisioned becoming a guidance counselor, my passion ultimately led me into mental health counseling, where I've served since 2020. Today, as a Clinical Supervisor, I lead a team of six therapists while supporting clients of all ages and diagnoses, and I try to create an environment where both patients and clinicians can thrive. I believe the strongest leaders lift while leading — building confidence in others rather than seeking recognition for themselves. I take great pride in mentoring future clinicians, strengthening my team, and helping individuals navigate some of life's most difficult challenges with dignity and hope.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is that self-care is essential — as much as you take care of yourself, there's no way you can truly help or be there for others. I've learned that compassion begins with personal wellness, and that protecting my own emotional and mental health allows me to serve others with greater strength, empathy, and purpose. This principle has become the foundation of both my leadership and my approach to life.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to stay true to themselves while exploring the many paths available within behavioral health — there are so many different directions you can take. Every experience provides valuable insight, so I encourage women to pursue the areas where they feel most inspired, fulfilled, and capable of making a meaningful difference. Find where you belong, stay grounded, and you'll be able to become the best version of yourself while working in a field you love. Above all, I remind aspiring professionals to prioritize self-care, trust their instincts, and recognize that authentic leadership begins with knowing and valuing themselves.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe behavioral health offers tremendous opportunities for women to grow as clinicians, supervisors, educators, and executive leaders while making a profound impact on individuals and communities. At the same time, burnout remains one of our profession's greatest challenges — it affects clinicians both at work and at home, making self-care, resilience, and supportive leadership more important than ever. I'm encouraged by the growing presence of women in leadership, and I believe the future of behavioral health will be shaped by compassionate leaders who empower others, advocate for mental wellness, and continue creating environments where both caregivers and clients can flourish.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is the heart of my life and the foundation of my strength. I value compassion, kindness, authenticity, positivity, and meaningful human connection, believing these qualities are essential both in counseling and in everyday life. Whether I'm supporting clients, mentoring therapists, or encouraging others through social media, I strive to bring hope and positivity wherever I go. Outside of work, I intentionally nurture my own well-being through relaxing baths, walks in nature, quiet reflection, and spending quality time with family. Having personally experienced burnout, I understand the importance of creating healthy boundaries and maintaining balance. Empowerment, self-care, empathy, guidance, accountability, and positivity are all central to how I live and lead.
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