Irina Beyder, the CEO of the Pearl of the Sea Retreat, earned her Ph.D. in Family Studies and Public Health at the University of Maryland. For over 20 years, she has dedicated her career to making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with mental and behavioral health challenges. She has both led the behavioral health organizations and developed innovative health care programs. Irina’s passion is to ensure that individuals in her care receive services that are of high quality, effective, and individual-centered. She is pleased to lead the Pearl’s team in fulfilling these goals.
Irina grew up in the Ukraine and came to the United States when she was 17 years old. Education became the means by which she was able to explore her interests and develop her abilities in behavioral health. After earning degrees in psychology and marriage and family therapy, and family studies/public health with specializations in program management, business administration, and policy development, her professional journey has taken her from directing start-ups to leading a $300 million dollar government program.
Irina says, “I believe that everyone should have an opportunity to enjoy a healthy life and to receive the care that they may need to achieve their full potential. I am excited that my journey in pursuing this belief has brought me to The Pearl of the Sea Retreat. I am looking forward to leading The Pearl’s team of dedicated, skilled, and highly talented professionals. We are excited to be able to provide a healing experience that allows for a life to begin anew. I am committed to transforming the Pearl into a state-of-the-art highly successful program that will give a respite and a healing place to individuals dealing with mental health, behavioral health, and trauma issues. This is my passion and a commitment to the individuals that will join our program and become a part of the Pearl family.”