Joy Jay, Executive Director
Joy graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1978, and her career began in the mental health field at the Alabama Institute of Mental Health Care. Joy has worked with the SC Department of Mental Health, the SC Mental Health Partnership, and the SC Housing Authority.
Joy’s non-profit experience includes being in charge of a high-risk children’s program in Spartanburg for seven years, Director of the Mental Health Association of Aiken County for five years, and Director of the Aurora Foundation for six years. She has a total of 30 years of non-profit and mental health experience. In July 2002, Joy became the Director of Mental Health America of South Carolina. She has since initiated MHASC’s flagship educational programs for Suicide Prevention and Don’t Duck Mental Health for children as well as expanded MHASC’s service programs including developing 600 housing units for persons with mental illness.
Andrew Frankel, Clinical Director
Andrew Frankel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of South Carolina and has been with Mental Health America since 2012. Andrew has held many positions with the organization. He started as a Counseling Intern with Mental Health America in Graduate School, then went on to hold the positions of Clinical Counselor, Clinical Program Manager, and Property Manager. Andrew now oversees our Community Integration Services Counseling Program as Clinical Director. Andrew is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and South University in Columbia, SC. He is passionate about Mental Health and Wellness, a diehard sports fan (GO GAMECOCKS!), avid gardener, and loves to spend as much time as possible w/ his wife, Brittany, and his two daughters, Lila and Evelyn.
Jean Ann Lambert, Community Resource Director
Jean Ann is the Community Resource Director and has over 30 years in the Mental Health field. She travels the state educating the public and professionals about Mental Health Disorders, Suicide Prevention and Children / Teen issues through a program called “I.C. Hope”. Also offered is Mental Health First Aid, a Training and 3 year Certification. She helps to provide needs to the clients and residents, such as clothing, toiletries, housewares and Leisure Activities. Our mascot, I.C. Hope, a 6 ft. Duck, whose motto is “Don’t Duck Mental Health”! is available to attend Festivals and Special Events all around the State of South Carolina.
Jean Ann was born and raised in Georgia. She has a Bachelor degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Psychology. Jean Ann attended USC School of Medicine to obtain a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a Certificate in Psychiatric Studies. She has been working for MHASC for 13 years and has over 30 years experience in the mental health field.
Jean Ann is married with 3 children, 2 dogs and a cat. She loves to travel, bake and walking in the sunshine.
Darlene Riggins, Housing Coordinator
Darlene Riggins is the Housing Coordinator for Mental Health America. She has worked in the housing industry since 1981. Her work experience began in the Atlanta, Georgia housing market and has been working with MHA since 2013 overseeing supportive housing communities that provides affordable housing to the chronic mentally challenged population in an environment that increases their chance to live independently located in Charleston, Columbia and the Orangeburg, SC area. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Savannah State University, a South Carolina Real Estate License and a Certified Occupancy Specialist certification in the Housing industry.
Greta Swink, Financial Administrator
Greta Swink grew up in Columbia, SC and has served MHASC since 1996. She has a degree in accounting and 25 years of experience in the field. Greta enjoys reading, traveling and snow skiing. She is married, has 2 children (twins), 2 dogs and 2 cats.