With nearly 50 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Cindy Slaughter, ACSW, LCSW, has dedicated her career to serving individuals living with mental illness and advocating for those in need.
A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Cindy earned her bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Hendrix College in Conway and her Master of Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She began her career in 1977 as a social worker with Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Health Systems. During her 23 years with the organization, she held a variety of leadership roles and ultimately served as Director of Adult Outpatient Services at the Pine Bluff center.
Cindy’s commitment to helping others extends far beyond her clinical career. Following Hurricane Georges’ devastating impact on Puerto Rico in 1998, she volunteered with the American Red Cross as a mental health worker, providing debriefing services to rescue workers and crisis counseling to storm victims. Recognizing her exceptional leadership and organizational skills, the Red Cross appointed Cindy as the social work supervisor responsible for coordinating mental health services across approximately one-quarter of Puerto Rico. She also provided crisis response following the Westside Middle School shootings in Jonesboro and assisted with Red Cross mental health efforts following the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center tragedy.
In April 2000, Cindy joined Delta Counseling Associates as Director of the McGehee Service Center, where she supervised outpatient staff and day treatment programs, oversaw daily operations, and maintained a substantial caseload. In 2006, she moved to the Monticello Clinic as Director of Clinical Services and served on the Executive Management Team before later becoming Clinic Director at the Star City clinic.
“With nearly five decades of experience working in behavioral health, Cindy is a fierce advocate of individuals living with mental illness,” said CEO Dr. Brad Holloway. “She was one of my first supervisors as a clinician many years ago, and we’re proud to add her clinical experience, compassionate leadership, and commitment to behavioral health to our Board of Directors at Birch Tree Communities.”
Cindy is the proud mother of two children who have followed their own paths in helping professions. Her son teaches mathematics at the college and high school levels, while her daughter is an author and director of a nonprofit organization in New Orleans. Cindy is also the proud grandmother of three.
