Naprice Cathcart Envisions a Future of Helping Others

Therapy and medication management were instrumental in helping Naprice heal: “I hold myself to a very high standard. I am very hard on myself. It took a toll on me emotionally and I had to fight through those times of depression and continue, and start seeing value within myself.”

Behavioral Health Therapist Gayle Van Horn, CPSS, LISW, LCSW, of Monarch’s Mecklenburg Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic, has seen Naprice, who she describes as an example of perseverance and self-determination, use skills she has learned. “Naprice does a good job of changing her thought processes, and thus feelings and behaviors, by practicing positive affirmations, focusing on things she is grateful for and identifying her positive self-qualities,” she shares.

Naprice Cathcart, left, works with Monarch Lead Employment Support Professional Cherie Karnes to achieve her workplace goals through Monarch’s Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services.

Lead Employment Support Professional Cherie Karnes, BS, QP, on the Stanly IPS team, has been instrumental in helping Naprice secure employment and being a resource to discuss workplace best practices. She recently spent time observing Naprice at her daycare job and is amazed at the professional skills and strengths she implements to care for young children.

“I have no doubt in my mind that she will pursue the goals both in her personal life and what she is looking to pursue in her education,” she says of Naprice’s strong sense of motivation.

Today, Naprice’s bright smile, outgoing personality and positive outlook on life propel her to look forward – envisioning a future helping others in need.

She enjoys time with her son and daughter, and works two jobs, one at Beginning Years Daycare 2 and the other at Golden Gate, where she details cars, both in Charlotte. She has earned certification for Basic School Age, First Aid, CPR and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This summer, with assistance from Monarch’s IPS team, she will begin taking classes at Charlotte’s Central Piedmont Community College to pursue an associate degree in Early Childhood Development. She is learning to financially manage her household budget and she now has a vehicle.

There are pictures that remain on her vision board – reminders that there are more goals to achieve. She has plans for her life center, a resource center to help all ages of people in need. “It would be a place where they could receive all the skills they need to pursue more of their goals,” she describes.

What advice does Naprice offer to others weathering difficult life experiences or mental health struggles? “I would let them know that you are not alone . . . You can make it and believe in yourself because you are worth it. Live your dream because it is possible. You can do anything that you see yourself doing.”