Honoring the Spirit of Bert Nash: 2026 Spirit Award Recipients
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
At the Bert Nash Center, our work is rooted in compassion, integrity, and equity on a foundation of hope. Each year, the Spirit Awards recognize team members who embody these values in ways that strengthen our organization and the community we serve.
These awards carry a meaningful legacy. When the first Sandra Shaw Spirit Award was presented in 1992, it was awarded to Virginia Vickers, whose dedication, teamwork, and compassion helped shape the foundation of the Bert Nash Center as we know it today.
This year, we are honored to recognize two individuals who carry that legacy forward: Leah Hansen, Payroll Administrator, recipient of the Virginia Vickers Spirit Award, and Grace MacMillan, WRAP Program Manager, recipient of the Sandra Shaw Spirit Award.
Leah Hansen - Virginia Vickers Spirit Award
As Payroll Administrator, Leah Hansen plays a vital role in supporting the people who make our mission possible. Her work requires precision and consistency, but what truly sets Leah apart is her patience, kindness, and a constant commitment to others.
Leah is known across the organization for her willingness to help, often walking team members through processes step-by-step, no matter how many times it takes. She brings a calm, steady presence to her work and ensures that every employee feels supported and valued.
For Leah, the impact of Bert Nash extends far beyond her role.
“Mental health matters every day! Bert Nash is a unique and welcoming place for anyone to start their healing journey. Mental Health doesn’t discriminate or always provide a warning, but this organization and its team are always ready to serve.” Leah said.
She added, “At Bert Nash, people receive support, recognition, resources and sometimes just enough of a reminder that life is worth living.”
She understands that by supporting staff, she is also supporting the care our clients receive which is making her contributions essential to the entire system of care.
“This organization encompasses highly skilled employees that respect and care for humanity the way this world should. I am grateful to work alongside an incredible team of people who support each other and make every day a little brighter.” Leah shared.
Grace MacMillan - Sandra Shaw Spirit Award
The Sandra Shaw Spirit Award recognizes individuals on our clinical team who lead with heart, mentor others, and elevate the work of those around them. This year’s recipient, Grace MacMillan, WRAP Program Manager, embodies these qualities in every aspect of her work.
Grace is widely recognized as a passionate and dedicated advocate for community mental health. In a role that spans multiple systems and settings, she navigates complexity with both skill and empathy, always prioritizing the needs of clients, team members, and community partners. She speaks often about the privilege of this work—of hearing daily about students meeting their therapy goals, youth being diverted from higher levels of care, and families receiving specialized support when they need it most. “We are privileged to work where our students are every day,” Grace shared. “It gives us the chance to respond to their needs in real time when mental health crises arise.”
A trusted mentor and steady leader, Grace has guided the WRAP program through seasons of significant change with resilience, compassion, and unwavering support for her team. She is known for building confidence in others, fostering connection, and creating a culture where people feel encouraged to rise together. Reflecting on this recognition, Grace shared, “I am deeply humbled and grateful to have been chosen by my peers,” a sentiment that reflects the humility and heart she brings to her leadership every day.
Her ability to unite people around a shared purpose—and to champion both clients and colleagues with equal care—reflects the very spirit of this award.
Carrying the Mission Forward
Leah and Grace represent the many ways our team lives out the Bert Nash mission every day. Whether through behind-the-scenes support or direct leadership in complex systems of care, their work ensures that individuals and families in our community receive the compassion and support they deserve.
Their impact is a powerful reminder that it takes all of us—each role, each interaction, each moment of care—to create a stronger, healthier community.
Thank you to our generous sponsors for making the 2026 Pioneer Celebration so special.
About the Bert Nash Center: Established in 1950, the Bert Nash Center (BNC) serves as Douglas County, Kansas’ designated community mental health center & Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). BNC is the safety-net provider to anyone grappling with mental health or substance use issues - regardless of diagnosis, residence, or financial status. Our mission is to advance the mental health of the Douglas County community through comprehensive behavioral health services responsive to evolving needs and changing environments.
Media Contact: Daniel B. Smith
Community Engagement Coordinator
200 Maine St. Ste A, Lawrence KS 66044
(785)-830-1854
