Team (Board and Administration)

 

Sara Carter-Mills serves as the current Interim Chief Executive Officer of PATH, bringing more than 20 years of experience in mental health and human services. Her career has spanned direct service, clinical supervision, crisis services, program development, quality and performance improvement, and organizational leadership. She has also worked with organizations and teams across the country to strengthen trauma informed practices, improve program quality, and build systems that work better for people.

 

Sara holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and a bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Family Studies, and Health from Berea College, where her experiences helped shape her early understanding of leadership, service, and community.

 

Sara believes strong organizations require accountability, excellent systems, curiosity, and humanity. Her leadership is grounded in asking questions, listening before assuming, challenging practices that are no longer working, and creating an environment where people can bring forward ideas, learn, grow, and take ownership of their work.

 

Both her professional and lived experiences have shaped a deep belief that some of the hardest things people carry are the things we cannot see. She believes in looking beyond what is visible, remaining curious about the experiences of others, and recognizing the importance of people feeling seen, heard, and valued. That extends to everyone connected to PATH, including the staff and volunteers who show up every day to serve their neighbors.

 

Outside of work, Sara is a mom and partner, a fan of women’s sports and football, and a lover of puzzles and games of all kinds. She shares her home with six dogs and one very outnumbered cat and believes there should always be room for humor, authenticity, and human connection, even when the work is serious.