Palm Health Foundation and Merrell Family Foundation Announce Bold Brain Health Philanthropy at the Home of Frances and Jeffrey Fisher

April 16, 2025

Gifts will benefit The Center for The Resilient Mind at Florida Atlantic Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute

On April 10, 2025, nearly 70 philanthropists, scientists and community leaders gathered at the stunning Palm Beach, FL, home of Frances and Jeffrey Fisher for the launch of The Center for The Resilient Mind at the Florida Atlantic Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. During the event, Palm Health Foundation provided a challenge grant in the amount of $500,000 and The Merrell Family Foundation kicked off community support with a challenge gift of $50,000. Attendees also learned about the vision for The Brain Coast Alliance, a groundbreaking collaboration among six esteemed institutions, including Palm Health Foundation, aimed at establishing Palm Beach County as “The Brain Coast.”


Mrs. Fisher, Palm Health Foundation trustee and philanthropy committee chair, welcomed guests to enjoy a cocktail reception and buffet dinner while mixing and mingling with Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute scientists who are leading cutting-edge research and programs representing the four research programs at The Center for the Resilient Mind, including creative expression and mental health, youth brain development, aging brain resilience  solutions, and translational behavioral health research.


“Our vision for The Center for the Resilient Mind is to bring together collaborative biologists, psychologists, computer scientists, educators, community advocates and policy makers to support the effort to build more resilient brains, minds, families and communities,” said Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D. executive director of the Florida Atlantic Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute during his remarks. “Together, we will learn the lessons and practices that can tap into the brain’s plasticity to allow our biology and experience to drive resilience.”

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Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation, urged attendees that the time is now to accelerate learning about and investing in brain health. “What excites me most about the new Center for the Resilient Mind is that it will serve as a major lynchpin, connecting innovative neuroscience research with a current, critical need in our mental health system, which is to foster and enhance resilient minds,” McNamara said. “The Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute together with Brain Coast Alliance partners The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience have some of the world’s top neuroscientists doing research on brain health right here in our own backyard and are worthy of our support.”


Palm Health Foundation and its long-time brain health partner, The Merrell Family Foundation, are inviting the community to join them in supporting the launch of The Center for the Resilient Mind to fuel life-changing brain and behavioral research, the growth of research-driven educational programs to build careers in brain science and health, as well as inspired youth and community engagement that are the hallmarks of The Brain Coast of South Florida.


Mrs. Fisher has made her own personal commitment to brain health through the establishment of the Frances Fisher Scholarship Fund at Palm Health Foundation to encourage individuals to enter and advance in the mental and behavioral health professions fields. She shared with guests her belief in the exciting future for the Brain Coast. “I have been tremendously inspired by Palm Health Foundation’s visionary leadership and connection to our community’s most pressing needs” she said. “Together with the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, and other incredible Brain Coast Alliance partners, they have created the Brain Coast Vision – an aspiration for brain health advancement in our region and our world.”



Guests included: Jill Merrell, Katherine Saison-Penn, David Nicholson, Margaret Donnelley, Katherine Murphy, Kelly Smallridge, Beth and Steve Elgort, Joe and LeeAnne LaBanz, Ann Berner, Jeremy Morse and Laura Bessinger-Morse, John Lacy, Peter and Patricia Cooke, Jordan Vargas, Emily Kelly, Rose Wong, Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss, and Palm Health Foundation trustees Clarence Williams, Ellen Andel, Dr. Marsha Fishbane (chair), Dr. Jyothi Gunta, Barbara M. James, Dr. Christine Koehn, Dr. Naelys Luna, Clovis Moodie, Dr. Lisa Kirk Wiese, and Stephen Zaloom, Esq.


To learn more about the launch of The Center for the Resilient Mind, contact Carrie Browne, Palm Health Foundation Director of Stewardship and Strategic Partnerships, 561-837-2281, carrieb@phfpbc.org.

Healthier Boynton Beach Honors 130 Family Caregivers at 9th Annual Recognition Luncheon

January 27, 2026
Healthier Boynton Beach, a Palm Health Foundation initiative, recently celebrated the unwavering dedication of family caregivers at its 9th Annual Caregivers Recognition Luncheon at Benvenuto Restaurant in Boynton Beach. More than 150 guests gathered for an afternoon of appreciation, connection, and joy. "Caring Hearts & Strong Hands – Celebrating the Love and Dedication of Family Caregivers," honored 130 family caregivers during a celebration that featured laughter, music, and meaningful moments, giving caregivers a well-deserved respite from their daily responsibilities. Montre Bennett opened the program with a mindfulness moment, followed by Boynton Beach Mayor Rebecca Shelton’s heartfelt welcome and personal caregiving story. Vice Mayor Woodrow Hay delivered the invocation before lunch, then handed the microphone to event host Rod-Z, who entertained guests with comedy, songs, and dancing. The JSharp Band provided outstanding live music that had caregivers on their feet throughout the afternoon.  Highlights of the event included keynote speaker Charlotte Wright’s moving message acknowledging the challenges and profound rewards of family caregivers’ service, and the presentation of the prestigious Caregiver Award to Angela T. Williams of Delray Beach, recognizing her extraordinary dedication and selfless service to her husband.

Palm Health Foundation Grant Brings Day of Wellness to School Behavioral Health Professionals at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

January 27, 2026
Thanks to a grant from Palm Health Foundation , The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (ANSG) in West Palm Beach recently hosted a Day of Wellness for Palm Beach County School District Behavioral Health Professionals, who dedicate their lives to providing behavioral and mental health services to students. Seventy frontline mental health staff enjoyed a day of reflection, relaxation, rejuvenation, self-care, and professional development. The Day of Wellness was created in recognition of professionals’ deep commitment to the county’s youth and the emotional toll of the high-impact services they provide as challenges among school-age children continue to rise. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health , between 2016 and 2023, the prevalence of diagnosed depression among 12–17-year-olds increased by 45 percent, and diagnosed anxiety increased by 61 percent.  Set amidst ANSG’s beautiful and peaceful landscape of the sculpture gardens and the historic, inspirational Artist Studio, the program featured a series of therapeutic experiences led by local expert facilitators, including Creating a Garden of Gratitude and Hope, a therapeutic experience blending visual arts with personal reflections by Tiffany Mitchell and Amy Case of Rhythms of Hope, and Music for Mindfulness and Intention led by Bree Lukosavich. Participants also enjoyed creating a watercolor mindscape with art therapist Alicia Ballestas, exploring self-care with Shabrae Jackson, joining in a pollinator planting activity with ANSG Master Gardener CJ McCartney, and closing the day with a drumming circle led by Abasi Hanif.

Christina Worley Joins Our Finance Committee

December 9, 2025

The Healthier PBC Endowment Fund

November 26, 2025
The Palm Health Foundation Endowment Fund provides the financial foundation for long-term strategic action.

Healthier Glades Celebration

November 21, 2025
This fall, Healthier Glades , a Palm Health Foundation Healthier Together initiative , hosted a celebration event with community and partners to honor the resident-led work accomplished over the years of the initiative’s existence. In addition to food and fellowship, attendees shared aspirations for the initiative’s future and reflected on highlights, such as: The impact of Healthier Glades’ mini grants offerings Reduction of youth violence through collaborations with the “Dads on Duty” initiative The air quality initiative spearheaded in partnership with PHF Trustee Dr. Lisa Wiese The Safety Walk – an effort to identify unsafe areas on children’s walk-to-school routes, leading to the establishment of flashing lights in critical areas Resident connection to Mental Health First Aid training , strengthening the recognition that mental health is health Palm Health Foundation is honored to be part of the work that continues to advance health in the Glades communities.

Meet Our New Fellow: Amy Ferguson

November 21, 2025

Train the Brain Campaign Connects All Ages and Communities

November 21, 2025
Palm Health Foundation ’s October 2025 Train the Brain community health campaign, themed “Brain Health Across the Lifespan,” offered opportunities all month long, drawing nearly 300 community members to connect with local brain health champions, access practical, science-backed information, and take meaningful steps to support brain health for themselves, their families, and their neighbors – at every age and stage of life. Train the Brain inspired local organizational collaborations from Belle Glade to Boynton Beach to offer a range of community programs to help residents of all ages recognize that taking care of the brain is just as important as taking care of the body. At “Arts on the Muck,” Glades community elders engaged in arts activities, memory boosting games, music, and movement during a football-themed afternoon. The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum joined with The Center for Child Counseling to bring the brain-boosting benefits of yoga, art making, and music to children, while their parents and caregivers learned practical, science-based tips to support brain health and emotional well-being at home.  “Collaborations such as these create partnership opportunities though which we can further strengthen our communities,” said Ljubica Ciric, Senior Director of Strategic Impact, Center for Child Counseling.

Cultivating Compassionate Leaders: PHF's Scholarship Reception

November 21, 2025
Palm Health Foundation ’s Scholarship Reception on October 28, 2025, brought together nursing and behavioral health scholars with their donors for an inspiring evening at The Center for Philanthropy in West Palm Beach, FL. Over 90 guests gathered in the center’s tropical courtyard to celebrate 62 scholarship recipients, with musical entertainment provided by orchestra students from Grace Notes Music Foundation . Together with donors, Palm Health Foundation has awarded more than $4.6 million in health professions scholarships since 2001.  Gratitude flowed throughout the evening as scholars met their scholarship donors—many for the first time—and two former recipients shared their personal stories of overcoming barriers to continue their education and become health professions leaders thanks to The Debra Coffman Howe Nursing Scholarship Fund at Palm Health Foundation. Dr. Alice Brumley spoke about how her scholarship supported her through the challenges of nursing during the pandemic. “More than financial support, it was knowing that someone believed in me, and my community was supporting me,” she said. Today, Dr. Brumley serves as Interim Director of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center at FAU, leading compassionate, community-centered care for individuals and families affected by memory disorders.

Palm Health Foundation to Launch “Brain Health Across the Lifespan” During October’s Train the Brain Month

August 27, 2025
Community campaign to highlight brain health at every stage of life, aiming to boost resilience and prevent neurological issues. 

Healthier Glades Launches Free Five-Week Mini Grant Workshop Series

August 21, 2025
Applicants must attend at least one workshop to be eligible for Healthier Glades 2026 mini grants.