November 21, 2025
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com
Gratitude Gathering Honors Individuals Profoundly Impacting Children in Palm Beach County
Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) hosted its Gratitude Gathering 2025 on Wednesday, November 12, at the Mollie 
Wilmot Center in West Palm Beach. The event honored distinguished individuals–Dr. Eliana Gil, Samuel Meshberg, and Lauren Taylor Clifton–who are making a profound impact on the lives of children through their passion and tireless dedication to advancing understanding and action to mitigate the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma.
The gathering brought together supporters, community leaders, and child advocates to celebrate the shared commitment of fostering resiliency in children and championing CFCC’s mission. Emceed by Eddie Stephens–board certified marital and family attorney, author, lecturer, and community leader–the event was an inspiring evening, including the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share the passion for creating positive change.
As Chair of CFCC’s Circle of Giving, Melissa Haley welcomed the guests and shared, “Tonight is about gratitude–for each of you who stands with us, and for the incredible individuals we are about to honor. Their leadership, compassion, and vision, remind us all what’s possible when we work together for the good of our children.”
Jane Robinson, the founder of the Center, presented the Jane Robinson Advocacy Award to Dr. Eliana Gil. The award recognizes an extraordinary advocate who advances the safety, well-being, and mental health of children and families.
Dr. Gil is a trailblazer in the fields of trauma treatment and play therapy. Her lifelong work has transformed how the world understands and supports children healing from adversity. Through her writing, teaching, and clinical innovation, she gives voice to the forgotten and unheard and has empowered countless children and families with actionable hope and steps out of generational cycles of trauma and despair.
Renée Layman, CEO of CFCC, stated, “Dr. Gil, your pioneering work and lifelong commitment to healing children embody everything this award stands for. We are deeply honored to recognize your extraordinary impact.”
The Julie Fisher Cummings Child Protector Award acknowledges a steadfast individual, group, or business that champions children’s safety and mental health. Caitlen Macias Hentze, assistant to Julie Fisher Cummings, presented the award to Sam Meshberg–an engaged advocate whose leadership and generosity protect the most vulnerable children.
Meshberg has devoted his life to leadership, innovation, and philanthropy. His commitment the last few years to CFCC has revolutionized their ability to be innovative in creating proactive, trauma-informed communities.
Layman referred to Meshberg as a “torchbearer for children” whose “vision and generosity continue to make lasting change for generations to come.”
The Judge Ron Alvarez Resiliency Award honors 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, presented the 2025 award to Lauren Taylor Clifton, lead attorney for the Relative Caregiver Project at the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. Clifton is a powerful voice and champion for the County’s children and families. Her legal advocacy ensures that families facing adversity find both justice and hope that brings lifelong, positive change.
According to Layman, Clifton’s “dedication to ensuring children and families are supported with compassion and strength is an inspiring continuation of Judge Alvarez’s legacy.”
The awards presentation closed with a champagne toast.
“Please join us in raising a glass to tonight’s honorees and to every person here who helps build a brighter, more helpful future for our children and families. Here’s to gratitude, resilience, and the power of community,” said Stephens.
For more information on the Center for Child Counseling and its work with children and families in Palm Beach County, visit centerforchildcounseling.org.
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