FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monarch, a leading statewide provider of mental health and disability services in North Carolina and Rhode Island, has named Ashely Conrad, MSL Chief Operating Officer, Crisis Services. In this role, Conrad will oversee Monarch’s crisis services for adults and children, including facility-based crisis services , mobile crisis services, behavioral health urgent care services and psychiatric residential treatment facilities across the state.
She will also be responsible for launching Monarch’s programs and services at the new Stephen M. Morris Behavioral Health Center in Cabarrus County in mid-2026. The center will deliver a full continuum of crisis care for children, adolescents and adults.
“Across North Carolina, people are experiencing mental health crises at an alarming rate,” said Dr. Peggy S. Terhune, Monarch’s CEO. “Monarch’s crisis services division is here to provide support and needed treatment to support long-term recovery. Ashley’s experience in mental health care will provide the needed leadership to ensure these services meet the needs of those we serve.”
Conrad brings more than 25 years of behavioral health care experience, including a 17-year career at Alexander Youth Network, where she served as president and chief operating officer. Her previous leadership roles included chief strategy officer and CEO of one of the agency’s affiliates. She began her behavioral health career in therapeutic recreation and steadily advanced through leadership positions, also spending nearly a decade with Thompson Child and Family Focus earlier in her career.
“The need for crisis services in North Carolina and in the US continues to grow at a rapid rate. There are not enough resources currently to meet the demand. I am honored to be part of a team here at Monarch who strives to be part of the solution for children, adults and families during their most vulnerable times,” Conrad said.
Conrad holds a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a master’s degree in organizational change and leadership from Pfeiffer University.
Established in 1958, Monarch provides statewide support in North Carolina and Rhode Island to thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders. The organization is nationally accredited by The Joint Commission. To learn more about how Monarch provides support, please call (866) 272-7826 or visit MonarchNC.org.