Melinda Barbour-Word is the CEO and President of My Brother’s Keeper of North Carolina, a nonprofit offering sober living housing in Jacksonville, NC. Her leadership on the organization’s Board of Directors demonstrates her commitment to supporting individuals in recovery. Melinda also serves on the board and leads the Children’s Ministry at Resurrection Church, emphasizing her dedication to community and spiritual growth.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor/Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, Melinda provides comprehensive clinical services, including individual, couple, family, and group therapy. Her background includes 22 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Major.

Melinda holds an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University, an MBA in Human Resources Management, and a BS in Management Studies. She resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, her service dog Jennifer, and is proud of her four grown children and son-in-law. Her journey reflects a lifelong commitment to service and community impact. Melinda and Hugh lost their beloved youngest son on 24 Apr 2024, killed in a hit and run accident.

Hugh R. Word IV is a dedicated leader with a rich background in service and professional expertise. As Vice President of My Brother’s Keeper of North Carolina, he plays a key role in supporting individuals seeking stability and transformation, reflecting his commitment to fostering positive change. An active member of Resurrection Church, Hugh also serves as a church leader and supports the Children’s Ministry, showcasing his dedication to nurturing community and personal growth.

Hugh’s professional journey includes over 20 years of service in the United States Air Force and over a decade post military as a Chef. Currently transitioning into Cyber Security, he has completed the NIST RMF Cyber Security Cohort and is pursuing the Security+ certification. He also holds degrees in Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts from Stratford University and is an ACF Certified Executive Chef. Residing in Northern Virginia with his wife and their service dog, Hugh draws inspiration from his family and remains committed to serving others and expanding his expertise.

Norman Barbour, a retired United States Marine Corps Master Sergeant (MSGT), is the catalyst behind My Brother’s Keeper of North Carolina. With a military career spanning 23 years, Norman not only served his country with distinction but also continues to serve the men and women of My Brother’s Keeper, as well as the broader community of Jacksonville, NC. His life story is a testament to resilience and recovery, having overcome his own struggles with addiction. Norman found his path to recovery on January 27, 2001, and has since dedicated himself to helping others who are walking the same difficult journey. He is an active sponsor and advocate for those in recovery and serves as the Treasurer for the organization.

Norman’s personal interests include watching MSNBC, but it is his passion for recovery that defines him. His ever-present smile and positive attitude inspire everyone he meets, as he continues to live and breathe the principles of recovery every day.

Cerretha Barbour brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role as Program Director for My Brother’s Keeper of North Carolina. Raised in Richlands, NC, Cerretha spent much of her life supporting her family and serving others. She is married to Norman Barbour, a retired United States Marine Corps veteran, and together they traveled the world until his retirement in 1992. During this time, Cerretha balanced raising their two daughters while also working to support the men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps in various capacities, including as an Early Childhood Development Caregiver. She later transitioned to the role of Support Administrator, retiring in 2018 after years of dedicated service.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Cerretha is a lifelong caregiver. She currently serves as the full-time caregiver for her sister-in-law, demonstrating her deep sense of commitment and care for those in need. Cerretha’s dedication to helping others extends into her leadership of My Brother’s Keeper of North Carolina, where she works tirelessly to support the mission of the organization.

Outside of her professional life, Cerretha enjoys crocheting, cross-stitching, and assembling puzzles—activities that reflect her patient and thoughtful nature.

Dr. Mi’Kayla Word is a passionate advocate for holistic wellness and a dedicated board member of My Brother’s Keeper of NC. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University, she has applied her expertise in computational chemistry and systems analysis, where she specializes in providing decision-makers with crucial insights and engineering support.

Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Word is deeply committed to helping individuals and organizations thrive. Her interdisciplinary approach to wellness and system optimization reflects her belief that strong, healthy individuals lead to stronger communities.

Dr. Tanneh received her credential as a Substance Abuse Counselor from Northern Virginia Community College in 2019. She has experience working with adolescents and adults. Tanneh uses a client-centered approach, focusing on aspects of mindfulness, family-systems, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while incorporating cultural concerns and practices. Tanneh also has experience working with dual-diagnosed clients.

In addition to her work as a Substance Abuse Counselor, Tanneh has over 30 years’ experience as an educator and earned her Doctor of Arts degree in Education from George Mason University with a focus on Community College Education. Dr. Tanneh’s personal interest includes spending time with her family and friends and traveling.