NEWS RELEASE
November 10, 2026
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
[email protected]
Center for Child Counseling celebrates champions for children at its Gratitude Gathering.
Center for Child Counseling hosted its 2026 Gratitude Gathering on November 4 at the Mollie Wilmot Pavilion to honor three distinguished champions for children—Robert Bertisch, Dr. Jon Sperry, and Quantum Foundation—for their profound impact on the lives of children and families through their dedication to healing trauma, building resilience, and fostering hope across Palm Beach County.
The evening brought together supporters, community leaders, and child advocates to celebrate their shared commitment to creating a community where children feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. Emceed by Eddie Stephens, board-certified marital and family attorney and Center for Child Counseling board member, the gathering featured personal stories of transformation and recognized those whose leadership and generosity are helping build a healthier future for children.
“Tonight we get to honor people who have spent years showing up for children in our community,” said Renée Layman, CEO of Center for Child Counseling.
The Center recognized Robert A. Bertisch with The Judge Ron Alvarez Resiliency Award, honoring the late Judge Ron Alvarez, whose compassion and courage transformed the juvenile justice system through a trauma-informed approach to serving children and families. His wife, Elaine Alvarez, presented the 2026 award to Bertisch, who has served as executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County since 1981, dedicating more than four decades to advocating for individuals and families in need.
“Ron believed deeply in compassion and justice — that understanding a child’s story was the first step toward true healing,” said Elaine Alvarez. “Bob, your decades of leadership at Legal Aid carry that same spirit forward. Through your work, you have brought justice and hope to countless families in our community. Thank you for continuing Ron’s legacy of resilience and humanity.”
Jane Robinson, founder of Center for Child Counseling, presented the Jane Robinson Child Advocacy Award to Dr. Jon Sperry, professor of clinical mental health counseling at Lynn University in Boca Raton. Dr. Sperry has made significant contributions to counselor education through his expertise in trauma-informed care, Adlerian psychology, and innovative therapeutic group drumming. He has co-authored eight books, taught and spoken in 30 countries, and trained Center for Child Counseling clinicians on a range of clinical topics, extending his impact from the classroom to children and families throughout the community.
“Dr. Sperry, your decades of dedication to training therapists and to giving families new tools for healing have inspired countless professionals — myself included,” said Robinson. “Your compassion and leadership continue to shape the field and give children everywhere a voice.”
The Julie Fisher Cummings Child Protector Award was presented to Quantum Foundation, a private grantmaking organization based in West Palm Beach dedicated to improving the health of the local community. The award recognizes a steadfast individual, group, or business that champions children’s safety and mental health through leadership, advocacy, and generosity. Julie Fisher Cummings presented the award, which was accepted by Raphael Clemente on behalf of Quantum Foundation.
A longtime supporter of Center for Child Counseling, Quantum Foundation has played a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission to build trauma-informed communities and promote children’s mental health in Palm Beach County. Its funding helped launch the Center’s Fighting ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Initiative in 2016 and its Data Dashboard in 2019, supporting innovative approaches to preventing childhood adversity, strengthening resilience, and improving outcomes for children and families.
The celebration also highlighted the power of community partnerships and the importance of positive childhood experiences in preventing and healing trauma.
“Part of what keeps me here is HOPE, which stands for Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences,” said Stephens. “The idea is simple. The good things in a child’s life count just as much as the hard ones, and one steady, caring adult can change where a child’s life goes. That’s the kind of community we’re building in Palm Beach County, and everyone in this room is part of it.”
The awards presentation concluded with a celebratory toast honoring the recipients and the collective commitment to protecting children and strengthening families.
The Gratitude Gathering was made possible through the generous support of event sponsors Julie Fisher Cummings, Jane Robinson, and Coral Shores Behavioral Health, as well as annual sponsors Valley Bank and Eddie Stephens Family Law.
For more information about Center for Child Counseling and its work with children and families in Palm Beach County, visit centerforchildcounseling.org.
About Center for Child Counseling
Center for Child Counseling has been building the foundation for playful, healthful, and hopeful living for children and families in Palm Beach County since 1999. Its services focus on preventing and healing the effects of adverse experiences and toxic stress on children, promoting resiliency and healthy family, school, and community relationships.Twitter: @ChildCounselPBC Facebook: @CenterforChildCounseling Instagram: @childcounselpbc
###