LCEF Board Profile CYNTHIA REIVES
July 8, 2026 ‘I admire the way the Foundation collaborates with both the school system and local businesses to identify needs and develop creative solutions that make a real difference.’
Educational influences
I am a proud product of Chatham County’s public school system. I attended J.S. Waters School from kindergarten through 8th grade and graduated from Chatham Central High School in 1989. From there, I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both my undergraduate and graduate studies. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1993 and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology and Counseling in 2005.
My experiences in school were overwhelmingly positive, and they instilled in me a lifelong love of learning and a deep appreciation for the role education plays in shaping a person's future. Because of my profession, I have a clear understanding of the impact a child’s experiences in school can have on their development, self-esteem, and beliefs about what they are capable of becoming. Those experiences helped shape who I am today and reinforced my belief that every child deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.
What teacher made a lasting impact?
I have always loved school and have many positive memories associated with it. One of my most memorable experiences was in 2nd grade with my teacher, Mrs. Locklear. I thought she was the kindest and most beautiful person I had ever met. She always greeted us with a smile and made learning feel special. When she announced that she was moving away before the school year ended, I was heartbroken. The impact she had on me reminds me how much a caring teacher can influence a child’s life.
Your work background?
I currently serve as the Clinical Director and an outpatient therapist at VC & Associates Inc. in Sanford. As Clinical Director, I oversee the agency’s clinical services and supervise our clinical staff. As a therapist, I provide counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults who are working through a variety of life challenges.
I have been with VC & Associates for nearly 15 years and will celebrate 33 years in the mental health profession this year. My career began in Lee County with the former Lee-Harnett Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Area Program, where I supported children, adolescents, adults, and families affected by developmental disabilities. Throughout my career, I have collaborated closely with teachers, administrators, community advocates, agencies, and local resources across Lee and Harnett counties to help support students and families.
What I enjoy most about my work is helping people recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach.
What perspectives do you bring to the Foundation board?
My career has provided opportunities to work alongside individuals, families, agencies, and organizations with diverse perspectives and objectives, all working toward a common goal. Through those experiences, I learned the importance of collaboration, creativity, persistence, and adaptability. We often had to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions when resources were limited or challenges seemed overwhelming.
I hope to bring that same problem-solving mindset to the Lee County Education Foundation Board. I believe my experience building partnerships and finding creative ways to meet community needs can help support our schools, educators, and students in meaningful ways.
What inspired you to join LCEF’s board?
I was inspired to join the Lee County Education Foundation because of its commitment to supporting students, educators, and schools throughout our community. I admire the way the Foundation collaborates with both the school system and local businesses to identify needs and develop creative solutions that make a real difference.
What’s most exciting about the work of LCEF?
I recently saw firsthand how resources provided by LCEF supported a reading pilot program in two Lee County schools. Watching students experience success and gain confidence as they overcame reading challenges was truly inspiring. Seeing those moments of growth and achievement reinforced the importance of the Foundation’s work.
Why invest in Lee County Schools?
As someone who benefited greatly from public education, I strongly believe in supporting our schools. Outside of their homes, children spend much of their most important developmental years in the classroom. Ensuring that every student has access to excellent teachers, engaging learning opportunities, and the resources they need to succeed is an investment in both their future and the future of our community.
Why should others support the mission of the Lee County Education Foundation?
The Lee County Education Foundation is a homegrown organization that responsibly invests local resources directly into our schools, creating meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes for students and educators alike.
More about you…
A surprising fact: I love receiving tools as gifts—give me a mini chainsaw or a gift card to Lowe’s, and I’m happy. And when I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and working outdoors in my yard. I find both relaxing and rewarding, and they help me recharge and stay connected to the things that matter most.