This is a profile image of Cheryl Healy

Cheryl Healy

Senior Fellow, MHIWashington DC

Codirector of brain health at the McKinsey Health Institute

As codirector of brain health for the McKinsey Health Institute, Cheryl’s work spans mental health, neurological health, and addiction and recovery. She brings a cross-sector perspective on how investment in the brain shapes long-term health and economic opportunity, with a special focus on advancing youth mental health and resilience.

Prior to joining McKinsey, Cheryl worked in education as both a classroom teacher and a researcher. Most recently, she served as a senior advisor on behavioral health and Medicaid at the US Administration for Children and Families, where she supported the development of policies to strengthen systems for children and families.

Cheryl’s work is grounded in the belief that investing in the brain can deliver better outcomes across the life course. She is committed to bridging research, policy, and practice to help institutions make smarter, more equitable decisions.

Cheryl holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in economics and philosophy from Wellesley College.

Education

University of Chicago
Master’s, public policy

Wellesley College
BA, economics and philosophy

A stylized profile of a human head depicted in blue hues, with an illuminated network of lines and nodes symbolizing neural activity within the brain.
Report - McKinsey Health Institute
Child staring at phone in a dark room
Article - McKinsey Health Institute