The SPARC Leadership Team
Teri Herrmann, MA
Sr. VP of Strategy and Development
Teri serves as Sr. VP of Strategy and Development for SPARC Services and Programs. In this role, Teri is responsible for the company’s program and business development strategy as well as policy and political strategy. SPARC is currently providing a unique and customer driven continuum for children, families and adults with the mission of keeping individuals out of institutionalized care. SPARC continues to be innovative with service delivery/programming and prides itself with strong partnerships with stakeholders, which has resulted in the development of new and innovative services to meet the needs in the community. SPARC is currently providing this continuum of care in 30 counties across North Carolina as well as 7 counties in Central Arkansas. SPARC is currently engaged in Value Based contracting with multiple payers. In her role, Teri participated in the development of the Value Based contracts.
Teri sits on multiple committees and collaboratives with the goal of continuing to advance the Behavioral Health system to be inclusive of trauma informed care, Evidence Based Practices, and whole person/integrated care. Teri has been working in the Behavioral Health field since the late 90’s and has worked with children, families, adults in residential and community-based settings. This worked has spanned individuals with mental health needs, I/DD needs, and those that are dually diagnosed. She is passionate about services and supports that allow individuals to remain in the community.
Teri holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY, and a Masters in Forensic Psychology from Sage Graduate School in Albany, New York.
Helen Austin
Sr. VP of SPARC Operations
After 10 years of providing child Mental Health services in various settings, I began working in quality assurance. For the past 7 years I successfully provided guidance to mental health service providers on compliance to rules and regulations of the state, MCOs, and other regulatory entities. I enjoy finding creative and user-friendly ways to make sure our teams are meeting expectations and providing quality care. I believe in a trauma-informed approach to providing care both for the client and the service provider.
My mission is to ensure that our agency’s providers are educated, protected, and fulfilled in their work, and that the agency is free from risk as much as possible. I’m excited to grow with SPARC and believe that by contributing to the stabilization of clients in their natural home environment, we can make the world a better place.
Caylee Gilham
Clinical Director
Caylee Gilham, MA, LMHC, LCMHC, LPC, LPCC, serves as the Clinical Director at SPARC Services and Programs. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Caylee is a licensed clinician dedicated to supporting children, adults, and families with complex behavioral health needs. Her clinical work is rooted in trauma-informed care, strength-based practices, and community engagement. She provides clinical oversight, supervision, and training to ensure high-quality, compassionate, and evidence-based care across SPARC’s programs.
Caylee is passionate about empowering families, promoting emotional wellness, and helping individuals remain connected to their communities. She believes that healing happens through relationships and is committed to fostering growth and resilience among the people and teams she supports.
Polly Zacaroli
VP of Operations, NC Piedmont Region
Polly serves as the VP of Operations for the NC Piedmont Region. Polly shares this about herself “From an early age, I witnessed the profound impact of mental health and substance use challenges within my family and community. These experiences deeply influenced my decision to pursue a career in behavioral health. I lost an uncle to untreated schizophrenia while he was incarcerated, and I saw close friends struggle with addiction and suicide. These personal losses instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to helping others who feel unheard and unsupported.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Clemson University and began my professional journey by volunteering at the Patrick B. Harris Psychiatric Hospital. After college, I served as an Associate Professional on an ACTT (Assertive Community Treatment Team), which remains one of the most impactful roles of my career. Since then, I’ve worked across multiple service lines, including Intensive In-Home (IIH), Community Support Team (CST), and Peer Support Services (PSS).
Today, I’m honored to support our teams at SPARC in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the individuals and communities we serve. I am passionate about this work because I truly believe that, had my uncle and friends received the kind of support SPARC offers, their lives might have had different outcomes. This belief drives my dedication every day — it’s my ‘why.’”
Shanda Woody
VP of Operations, NC Mountain Region
I hold a bachelor’s degree in human services from Gardner Webb University and a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montreat College.
I began my career in Human Services over 25 years ago, having started in Child Protective Services, Juvenile Justice, In-Home Services & Mobile Crisis. After obtaining my counseling license, my focus shifted to providing trauma treatment to children and adolescents.
My passion is working with children and families involved with the child welfare system and who have been impacted by trauma. As such, my mission is to build strong, collaborative relationships with the stakeholders in our community, and to introduce and expand services in underserved areas. SPARC’s values and culture encourage us to work to keep individuals in their home community, collaborate closely with our partners, and empower our staff to continue our mission of making positive change in the behavioral health world .
Lacey Brandenburg
VP of Arkansas Operations
Born and raised in rural Arkansas, Lacey Brandenburg brings a deep understanding of her community and a steadfast commitment to strengthening families to her role as Vice President of Arkansas Operations for SPARC Services and Programs. Guided by SPARC’s core values—keeping people out of institutional care, being solution focused, giving and receiving feedback, utilizing the system of care, providing great customer service, and ensuring timely and accurate documentation—Lacey leads with compassion, collaboration, and accountability.
She has thoughtfully cultivated and operationalized SPARC’s Family Centered Treatment (FCT) program in Arkansas, creating a sustainable framework that empowers families and strengthens community-based supports. With more than 10 years of leadership experience in child welfare and behavioral health, Lacey continues to build systems that reflect SPARC’s high standards: to deliver exceptional, family-driven care that helps individuals thrive where they belong—at home and in their communities.