Dr. Cheryl Nicholas- Founder, CEO & Executive Director, PhD., QP

Cheryl Nicholas, PhD., is the Founder, CEO and Director of InnerVision, Inc. 

InnerVision Inc. is a nationally  accredited  non-profit behavioral healthcare organization.

Since 2003, InnerVision has been a premier provider of recovery oriented psychosocial rehabilitation services, with focus in the areas of  employment, education and wellness for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina residents with trauma, mental health and addictions challenges.

Under the leadership of Dr. Nicholas; InnerVision has grown to three (3) Uptown Charlotte, NC locations:

• 415 E. 4th St. Charlotte, NC 28202 (across the street from the Main Transit Center)
• 1801 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28206 (across the street from the Amtrak Train Station)
• 1000 Baxter St. Charlotte, NC 28204 (partnership with the Charlotte Housing Authority at Charlottetown Terrace) 

 
In April 2016, InnerVision was recognized as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Mid-Sized companies in region by SmartCEO. 

InnerVision has become synonymous with the phrase "putting people to work".  InnerVision has been heralded by many as a prototype for how comprehensive resources, services and supports should be used to effectively meet the employment needs of today's challenging workplaces for individuals with unique strengths and abilities. 

Dr. Nicholas has been a clinical administrator and social entrepreneur for over 35 years. She developed Western New York's first model residential case  management service for minority clients. During her tenure with Mecklenburg County, NC, Area Mental Health Authority, she created the first mentoring program for at risk and aggressive youth in the Child and Adolescent Services Division before serving as the  Director for the Adult Partial  Hospitalization  Program. 

As a consultant, Dr. Nicholas has utilized her organizational leadership expertise to assist corporations in maximizing their creative and  analytical capacities. Her values, vision and mission  philosophy,  forecast planning and strategy tools have been used in the hiring, training, and  development of  processes with numerous agencies.  Her research and scientifically grounded approaches have consistently resulted in data-supported work environments with increased client satisfaction and employee productivity. 

As a social scientist, Dr. Nicholas has worked with colleges, universities and conducted research with colleagues at  the Center for Creative Leadership.  
​Dr. Nicholas has been the recipient of numerous civic awards including 2016 recognition as One of the North Carolina’s 12 Most Influential Women of Color; 2011 Women Professional Organization "Woman of Color Trailblazer Award"; and the 2007 Professional of the Year Award. She is an  advisor  to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Charlotte Chapter and was a board member of the North Carolina Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services. Additionally, Dr. Nicholas is a peer reviewer for the National Council on Accreditation.