Career Paths

Since graduating from UNC Asheville in 2019 with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, I’ve built a career rooted in education and service—teaching in North Carolina as a Teach For America Corps Member, teaching abroad as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, and now pursuing a master’s degree in Education Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. My experiences in courses like Research Methods, Psychology of Prejudice, and Senior Seminar strengthened my analytical thinking and research skills, providing a strong foundation for my work as an educator and graduate student. What I valued most at UNC Asheville was how the Psychology Department blended theory with practice, creating a learning environment that connected academic study to real-world impact.”

I currently work for AEGIS, a specialized outpatient treatment program that supports adolescents and young adults experiencing their first episode of psychosis across 20 counties in Western North Carolina. As a Supported Employment and Education Specialist, I help clients explore their interests, strengths, and goals to find meaningful employment or continue their education with the individualized support they need. My undergraduate experience at UNC Asheville, particularly in Dr. Chiang’s courses—Developmental Psychology, Psychology of Adolescence, and Psychology of Exceptional Children—was instrumental in shaping how I approach this work. Those courses taught me to view every individual with empathy and understanding, meeting people where they are and helping them navigate challenges with compassion and respect. That perspective continues to guide me every day in my work with young people.”

John Baley is the director of psychology at the Black Mountain Neuromedical Treatment Center and the managing attorney at a boutique law firm in Asheville, NC. His work focuses on supporting improved behavioral health and social equity for everyone, particularly historically underserved populations.