Aaron Perry, Lisa Peyton and Jackie Hunt will be honored as Anesis Therapy Center celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special luncheon Friday, Sept. 18, at The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club.
Founded in 2016 by Myra McNair, a licensed marriage and family therapist, Anesis Therapy Center was created to make high-quality, culturally responsive mental health care more accessible to communities that have historically faced barriers to treatment. Over the past decade, Anesis has expanded its services, programs, partnerships and team while remaining committed to trauma-informed care, equity, healing and community connection.
The anniversary luncheon will celebrate Anesis’s growth while honoring individuals whose leadership and service reflect its commitment to community healing.
“This celebration is about more than recognizing 10 years of Anesis,” said McNair, founder and CEO of Anesis Therapy Center, in a press release. “Healing does not happen through one organization alone. It happens when people throughout a community use their leadership, their stories, and their influence to create connection, challenge inequity, and make life better for others. We want this luncheon to honor those who are doing that work alongside us.”
During the luncheon, Anesis Therapy Center will present four awards recognizing individuals whose contributions advance mental health, equity, belonging and community well-being.
The Community Impact & Belonging Award will be presented to Aaron Perry for his leadership and commitment to fostering community, connection and belonging. The award recognizes an individual who brings people together, strengthens community relationships and creates spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, supported and connected.
The Equity Catalyst Award will be presented to Lisa M. Peyton for her leadership and commitment to advancing equity and transforming systems. The award honors an individual whose work challenges inequity, inspires meaningful change, and helps create more responsive and inclusive systems.
The James Hawk Award will be presented to Jackie Hunt for her courage, resilience and commitment to using her journey to inspire and uplift others. Named in honor of James Hawk, a former Anesis Therapy Center employee whose contributions left a meaningful impact, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate courage and perseverance while using their personal journeys to bring hope and encouragement to others.
The Heart of Anesis Award will be presented to an Anesis Therapy Center team member who exemplifies the organization’s heart, mission and values. The award recognizes a team member who consistently demonstrates compassion, dedication, teamwork, integrity and commitment to the individuals, families, colleagues and communities Anesis serves. The recipient will be announced during the luncheon.
For more information about the Anesis 10-Year Celebration Luncheon, click here.
