A Life of Service: Cheryl Simms' Journey in Behavioral Health

For Cheryl Simms, LPC, LSATP, CCMHC, NCC, serving others has never been just a job—it has been a calling. As the Behavioral Health Branch Head for MCCS, she has spent her career ensuring that Marines, Sailors, and their families receive the support they need. In her role, she oversees the Family Advocacy Program, New Parent Support, Community Counseling, and the Substance Assessment Counseling Program. But her story begins long before this role, rooted in a life shaped by military influence, family, and an unwavering commitment to care.

Coming Home to Serve

Raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, Cheryl graduated from Battery Creek High School. She left her hometown to pursue a career that would take her across the globe, including serving in Iwakuni, Japan, in the same position she holds today. However, in 2016, she returned home after her mother’s passing to care for her father, fulfilling a wish she knew her mother would have wanted. Her father, a former soldier, had been married to her mother for 56 years before his passing in 2021, but Cheryl remained in Beaufort, deeply connected to her roots.

A Legacy of Military Influence

Military service runs deep in Cheryl's family. Her father, brothers, and great-grandfather all served in the Army. She later married a Marine, giving her firsthand experience with the challenges faced by military spouses. Her two daughters continue the legacy—one serves in the Air Force, while the other works as an ADA Therapist supporting children on the autism spectrum. As a proud mother, she recently celebrated her daughter’s wedding in September and is already eagerly counting down the days to becoming a grandmother.

The Journey to Behavioral Health

Cheryl’s career with MCCS began at Cherry Point, where she worked as a Lead Teacher at the Child Development Center when the organization was still known as MWR. She pursued higher education at the University of South Carolina, earning an associate’s degree in early childhood, a bachelor’s in social work, and a master’s in clinical Mental Health. Her passion for serving military communities made her career path a natural fit, allowing her to provide critical support to those who dedicate their lives to service.

Among her most memorable roles was providing therapy for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan at Fort Jackson. Many suffered from severe PTSD, and while it was a challenging experience, she found it deeply rewarding to help these service members heal.

Building a Stronger Behavioral Health Team

Throughout her time at MCCS, Cheryl faced challenges, particularly in staffing shortages. However, she and her team always stepped up, ensuring that critical services remained available. “I work with a lot of talented people in Behavioral Health,” she proudly states, always emphasizing the dedication of her team.

One of her greatest accomplishments was launching the Providers Network, a program designed to bring providers together in a less formal setting to learn, discuss, and support one another. This initiative allowed her programs to shine and fostered stronger collaboration across the base.

She also credits key leaders, such as her first Division Head, Bob Mullen, for his family-oriented leadership style, and her last Division Head, Shawna Densmore, for her strong advocacy for mental health. Their support and respect for her team’s expertise made a lasting impact.

Life Beyond MCCS

As she prepares for retirement, Cheryl looks forward to continuing her passion for helping others through private counseling and volunteering with the Red Cross, where she has been a dedicated volunteer many times, particularly in disaster relief. She will also indulge in her love of international travel with her close-knit group of friends from her Fort Jackson days. Together, they have explored various destinations, laughing and eating their way through new experiences. Spain remains her favorite so far, but Bali and many other places are on her list.

If she could switch jobs for a day, Cheryl says she would love to be a Program Assistant at the CDC, taking care of babies—a role that brings her back to her early days at MCCS. Perhaps another subtle hint to her newly married daughter that she is more than ready for grandbabies!

Reflecting on a Career of Impact

The most rewarding part of Cheryl’s career has been making a difference in the lives of Marines, Sailors, and their families. She fondly recalls helping a young Corporal who was coping with past trauma through drinking. With her support, he found healthier coping strategies, stopped drinking, and was able to continue his Marine Corps career. “He was a little spitfire,” she remembers with a smile, “but I knew he was covering up a lot.”

Over the years, Cheryl has seen positive changes in Behavioral Health, including reduced stigma surrounding mental health and increased accessibility through virtual sessions. She emphasizes that much of the work done behind the scenes cannot always be publicly acknowledged, but it has a significant impact on military families.

Words of Wisdom and Parting Thoughts

As she passes the torch, Cheryl’s advice to her successor is simple but profound:

“Remember who you are here to serve. Acknowledge and encourage those on your team, from top to bottom.”

She knows firsthand that Behavioral Health remains one of the most vital yet often misunderstood components of MCCS. It addresses everything from deployment stress and family transitions to PTSD and trauma, making an enormous difference in the lives of service members.

When asked about a song that sums up her time at MCCS, she chooses “I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together” from The Carol Burnett Show—a fitting tribute to a career filled with meaningful connections.

Cheryl is also known for her famous “Simsisms”—quirky phrases her team will always remember. Some of their favorites include:

• “Help me understand.”
• “I’m going to let you be great all by yourself.”
• “Self-care, self-care!”
• “Jesus, take the wheel…or take the jet!”
• And of course, the unique way she says people’s names, adding a touch of warmth and humor to every interaction.

On behalf of all of us, we too are so glad we had this time together.

Congratulations, Ms. Simms.  Best wishes, safe travels, and job well done!