Board of Directors
Jeff Horton
Jeff Horton retired from NC state government in July 2017 after nearly 30 years of state service. He is the Executive Director for North Carolina Senior Living since August of 2017. He is a graduate of East Carolina University where he earned both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees and has worked over 33 years in the health care arena including work in the private and public sector as a direct care provider in both inpatient and outpatient settings. During his time in state government, he worked as a health care regulator and with the North Carolina Medicaid program. From his many years of experience working in the health and human services field, Jeff has a broad perspective and working knowledge of regulatory, Medicaid policy and reimbursement, aging and other issues affecting the assisted living industry. Jeff serves as a board member for Sound Mind Ministry. (SMM). Jeff has a passion for all people, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and photography.
Dr. Sharon Bryant-Sanders
Dr. Sanders received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Elizabeth City State University in May 1984. Dr. Sanders currently works for Word of God Christian Academy as a Social Studies Teacher. She serves as the senior Pastor at The Faith Center in Wilson Mills, NC. On May 17, 2015, after serving faithfully in ministry for 20 years, Dr. Sanders was awarded a Doctorate of Ministry from the Bread of Life Bible Institute. In May 19, 2018, Apostle Sanders received a Master’s degree in Theology from the Apex School of Theology, Durham, NC. Dr. Sharon Sanders is the Board of Directors Chairman for Sound Mind Ministry, (SMM). Dr. Sharon Sanders lives in Clayton, NC, she has two sons, Joshua Izaiah and Alton Elijah Sanders. Dr. Sanders enjoys preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends
Carolyn J. Blue
Carolyn J. Blue is the founder of Embracing It Now, Inc. and The Balanced Room in Southeastern North Carolina with over twenty-five years of teaching experience. She currently work for The University of North Carolina in Wilmington at D.C. Preparatory School as a middle grade math and science teacher. She is an ordained minister, and a certified balance coach. She lives in Leland, North Carolina with her husband Eric G. Blue, Sr., son Jonathan and daughter Veronda Blue. Carolyn serves as a board member for Sound Mind Ministry (SMM), she has a passion for helping women and children in need. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling reading and writing. Carolyn is the author of While I Wait and is currently working writing her second book.
Deborah Noles Higgins
Deborah Noles Higgins is the president of the Nuts and Bolts of Bookkeeping, serving small business clients with their bookkeeping needs. Her family moved to Garner to start school from the Johnston County area, and ended up graduating from Cary Senior High. She has worked in the legal, construction, and financial industries over the last 44 years. She has utilized all her experiences and training to be an Evening Instructor for Wake Technical Community College for 13 years. She has returned to her hometown and lives in Johnston County again. Her family is the center stone of her life. Her parents, husband and 3 daughters are placed first along with her faith in the Lord. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and talents with Non-Profit start ups by providing pro-bono services to get the business estabished and on the right track. SMM has given her the opportunity the last 2 years to provide for children in the area. She enjoys caring for her parents, working on her family farm, and antique shopping with her husband.