Myra McNair '14 Edgewood College 2023 Dominican Mission Award Recipient

Myra McNair, the founder, owner, and visionary behind Anesis Therapy, is a force to reckon with in the field of mental health. Opening the clinic in 2016 as the sole therapist, Myra’s fervor for providing culturally sensitive services led to its growth into a dynamic team of over 50 dedicated staff members. Her uniquely empathetic and strength-based therapeutic approach doesn’t see deficits or pathology, but potential and possibility while honoring each client’s inherent wisdom and generational strengths. Myra's vision for her clients and the mental health field aligns closely with the concept of Sankofa, a West African symbol that signifies the importance of learning from the past to build a stronger future. This concept informs her therapeutic work as she guides clients in understanding their histories to shape their present and future, passing on the seeds of understanding and healing to succeeding generations.
Fostering growth in the field, Myra nurtures the next generation of mental health professionals through internships at Anesis. In addition, she serves as an Adjunct Professor for the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Edgewood College, her alma mater. She also mentors in the UW Infant Mental Health Program, from which she also graduated.
With her relentless commitment to service, education, and innovation, Myra McNair continues to pave the way for a more inclusive, compassionate, and culturally sensitive mental health field.