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Elbert
The Chris Center (TCC) announced Dec. 1 that founder and Executive Director Nancy Elbert will retire at the end of year.
Elbert devoted herself to bringing to life her vision for a stronger, more resilient community of youth through nature and animals.
“I’m so excited about the direction The Chris Center is going,” Elbert said. “I once was told that surrounding yourself with good people is the ingredient for success. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together. Our board members are passionate, dedicated professionals who see the need within our community. The partnerships we’ve developed have been integral in allowing our programs to grow. And we are grateful for our grantors and many donors along the way who believed in our mission.”
The Chris Center Board is grateful and humbled by Elbert’s work and the amazing organization she founded.
TCC also announced that Dr. Sandy Moreira will serve as its next Executive Director beginning January 2024. Moreira has served as TCC’s Chief Strategy Officer and partner to Elbert since its inception.
“Sandy has an unwavering commitment to youth wellness and a proven track record of leadership as a pediatrician and as the leader of TCC’s programs,” TCC Board Chair Leslie Oleck said. “Her mind for strategy and passion for youth wellness will herald a new era of growth and impact for TCC.”
Moreira is a Board-certified pediatrician, innovative nonprofit strategist, and passionate child advocate. She is a Duke-trained pediatrician with 18 years of clinical experience in pediatric urgent and emergent care. She earned her MBA at the IU Kelley School of Business. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Indiana Family to Family and is also a member of the Board of Trustees at University High School of Indiana.
Throughout her career as a pediatrician and her personal journey as a parent, Moreira has committed herself to advocating for the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of children. The combination of her business skills and clinical expertise will serve TCC and its community well as it enters its next chapter.
“I am honored and excited to step into the role of Executive Director at The Chris Center,” Moreira said.
Moreira
“In a time of unprecedented levels of stress, uncertainty, and isolation among our youth, TCC’s innovative programs are more important than ever to support wellness and build resilience. I am grateful to be a part of TCC’s next chapter, and with the help of passionate staff, volunteers, and board members, we will continue to drive positive change in youth mental wellness in our community.”
The Chris Center envisions a community where teens and pre-teens are empowered to manage their mental wellness. Its mission is to improve mental wellness for teens and pre-teens in Greater Indianapolis through education and experiences with nature and the healing power of human-animal interaction. With Moreira taking the helm on Jan. 1, The Chris Center looks forward to an impactful year serving teens and pre-teens across the greater Indianapolis community.
Learn more at ChrisCenterPaws.com.