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                                                                                     OUR STORY

Experiencing profound personal loss and hardship within her family, founder Crystal Barber turned to faith and the wellness practices she had taught her children throughout their lives. Crystal's son, Michael struggled with mental health challenges and passed away in 2015 after going missing for several months. During that same time period, Crystal's daughter Michelle faced her own difficult circumstances that tested the family's resilience. Crystal and Michelle's reliance on faith, healthy living, creative expression and community support led to a divine hopeful path forward. These experiences inspired Crystal to transform pain into purpose by creating programs that help others build resilience, strengthen mental wellness, and develop healthy habits for life.

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                                                                                      Crystal Barber, MNS, RDN

                                                                                      Founder & Executive Director

Crystal Barber is a Registered Dietitian, wellness educator, certified NETA and Chair One Fitness instructor, and U.S. Army Reserve veteran dedicated to promoting mental wellness and healthy living.

She began her career with the Veterans Health Administration as a food service worker and diet clerk, and later advanced to become a Registered Dietitian at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina. She went on to serve as a U.S. Army Reserve Dietitian and Weight Control Officer (1LT, 65C). Her experience also includes roles as a Public Health Nutritionist, Extension Agent, Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach and Adjunct Professor.

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In 2015, following the loss of her son, Crystal established the Michael Artrell Barber Memorial Fund at Towne Bank—marking the beginning of her journey to transform grief into purpose.Guided by God’s grace and a deep commitment to serve others, Crystal went on to founder MAB Wellness Outreach, a faith-based nonprofit honoring her children, to help individuals and families build resilience through wellness, faith, and community support.​

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Crystal enjoys traveling, inspirational reading, church activities, healthy living activities, and spending quality time with her family, friends, her beloved 86-year-old mother, and her daughter. She finds joy in serving others and living out her purpose each day.

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                                                                                            Michelle Alese Barber

                                                                                               Program Advisor

Michelle brings lived experience, strength, and resilience to the mission of MAB Wellness Outreach and helps guide program development and community engagement.​​ Michelle’s journey reflects resilience, determination, and faith. Through education, leadership in business and finance, entrepreneurship, and her gifts as a brilliant artist and writer, she is passionate about inspiring others to overcome adversity and step confidently into their God-given purpose. She enjoys exercising, reading, writing poetry, traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and church.​