Intentional Leadership That Moves Systems and Inspires Change
Hello, I’m Joy Brunson-Nsubuga — a partner, mother, minimalist, and behavioral health leader. Beyond the credentials and career milestones, I am, above all, a passionate human committed to supporting people through every stage of life and creating space where they feel seen, heard, and valued.
That commitment led me to a career in behavioral health, grounded in the belief that care is not just about intervention — it’s about designing systems that help people thrive. While I live by minimalist principles, focusing on what truly matters, my approach to leadership and care is anything but minimal. I believe in continuous learning, operational excellence, and systemic impact — staying at the forefront of best practices to deliver meaningful results.
Today, I serve as the Chief Operating Officer of an international behavioral health organization, where I lead with authenticity, resilience, and a systems perspective to drive sustainable change in care delivery.
With a strong foundation in both clinical practice and executive leadership, I have intentionally built a career that blends strategic vision with deep clinical expertise. I earned my BA in Psychology from Francis Marion University in 2006, followed by an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy with a certificate in Addictions Counseling from Appalachian State University in 2009.
I hold full licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), and I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I completed a year of Executive Leadership Coaching grounded in Oxford Leadership Principles and recently earned an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management and Information Systems from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
My dedication to the profession extends beyond my own work — I have served as the Professional Practice Board Chair for the North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Association, advocating for quality care, professional growth, and innovation across the behavioral health field.
Outside of my professional work, I am deeply committed to living with intention and creating meaningful experiences. You might find me enjoying a wide range of music, having spontaneous kitchen dance parties with my boys, or exploring creative projects involving design, color, and décor.
Travel is one of my greatest joys and a family tradition. Each year, I plan at least two trips — one within the U.S. and one internationally — with Costa Rica holding a special place in our hearts. I also love trying new activities like snorkeling and skiing, embracing these adventures as opportunities to connect, grow, and make lasting memories.
These moments are more than leisure; they are the reason I do this work. They remind me that life is meant to be lived fully, and they fuel my passion for helping others find harmony between their professional ambitions and personal values.
As a working mother, I am driven by the desire to break generational cycles and create a forward-facing example for my children. My hope is that they — and others who see themselves in my journey — will know that it is possible to lead with purpose, achieve professional excellence, and still be deeply present in the moments that matter most.
Mission
To equip behavioral health leaders and professionals with the tools, knowledge, and mentorship they need to create systems that are equitable, sustainable, and human-centered — while empowering individuals, especially working mothers, to lead with authenticity, resilience, and purpose in both their personal and professional lives.
Vision
A world where behavioral health systems are intentionally designed to deliver dignity, access, and impact — and where every leader has the confidence, clarity, and capacity to harmonize their work and home life while driving meaningful, lasting change.
Fostering growth through education and leadership
Supporting those who are often overlooked
Promoting harmony through minimalism.
Delivering high-quality education and support
Leading with creativity and adaptability