Dr. Shan'Tyia Hairston, DHA, MHA 

Dr. Shan’Tyia Hairston is an accomplished healthcare executive and behavioral health leader with more than a decade of experience in healthcare administration, mental health services, program development, compliance, and organizational leadership. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to improving access to quality care, strengthening service delivery systems, and advocating for individuals and families within underserved communities.

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Dr. Hairston earned her Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Rasmussen Universityand Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) from A.T. Still University. Her doctoral research focused on health literacy and its impact on patient-provider communication, patient engagement, and healthcare outcomes across urban and micropolitan communities in Virginia. Her work reflects a deep commitment to addressing barriers to care and advancing health equity through education, communication, and organizational improvement.

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Previously serving as Program Director for Piedmont United Family Services (PUFS), Dr. Hairston provided strategic oversight for multiple behavioral health programs, including Intensive In-Home (IIH), Mental Health Skill Building (MHSB), Therapeutic Day Treatment (TDT), Outpatient Therapy, Community Stabilization, and Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) services. In this role, she led program expansion efforts, staff development initiatives, quality improvement projects, and community partnerships that strengthened service delivery throughout the region.

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As Compliance Director, Dr. Hairston now focuses on ensuring regulatory excellence, quality assurance, organizational accountability, and adherence to state and federal behavioral health standards. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of compliance that supports both exceptional client outcomes and organizational integrity. Her leadership emphasizes continuous improvement, ethical practice, risk management, and the implementation of systems that promote high-quality, client-centered care.

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Dr. Hairston is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., having been initiated on April 12, 2025. She actively embodies the principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and social action through her professional and community involvement.

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Her mission aligns closely with the vision of Piedmont United Family Services: to empower individuals, strengthen families, and improve communities through accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based behavioral health services. Through leadership, advocacy, education, and service, Dr. Hairston remains committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of those she serves.