Women to Watch Awards Finalists – Health

Rachel Crouse 

Clinical Director, Coastal Horizons 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“As a clinical director, I oversee outpatient therapy, opioid treatment, and wrap-around recovery services at a community mental health and substance use treatment center. I work with some of our community’s most vulnerable and underserved populations, ensuring they have fair access to treatment and resources.  

My role involves supporting clinical operations, ensuring quality care, supervising a multidisciplinary staff, building community relationships, providing education, and implementing evidence-based programs to assist individuals and families in their journeys.” 

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

“So many parts. One that stands out is witnessing individuals find hope and remember their value after facing profound challenges.” 

What impacts have you made in your field? 

“I supervise new therapists and student interns, which is fulfilling and ensures the future of my profession. I sit on community advisories to guide the future of mental health and substance use while reducing stigma in our community.  

In my role, I’ve expanded programming to increase access to services, including extending daily operations by adding nontraditional hours. Through growing our team, we serve nearly 1,200 individuals monthly while promoting compassionate and person-centered care.” 

Heather Davis 

SVP & Chief Clinical Officer, Novant Health Coastal Region 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“I lead efforts to advance patient care in our region in partnership with local physician leaders and operational leaders. Together, we collaborate to implement best practices to deliver on our commitment to offer the highest level of patient safety and clinical quality. While less than a year into my role, we are already on our path toward realizing positive improvements and will continue to maintain our focus to best serve patients and our community.” 

What’s a goal? 

“My goal is to continue to advance quality improvements, earning recognition for performing at top-tier national standards and delivering results our community can be proud of. Our culture of continuous improvement drives us to raise the standard of care for our patients through a wide array of quality programs. To inform our focus, we track quality and outcomes in real-time using technology, and we’ve seen improvements due to the dedication of many clinicians.” 

What impacts have you made in your field? 

“I have helped increase resources and access to high-quality primary and specialty care for our region. I have advanced residency education and retention of primary care physicians to serve greater Southeastern North Carolina, including our rural communities. I have also mentored physicians to take on leadership roles to help run an incredible health care system.”

Amanda Knauff 

Owner & Physical Therapist, Pender Pelvic Health and Therapy Services 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“I wear many hats in my company. I am the founder and sole owner of my practice. I perform management duties, participate in mentorship for my colleagues, converse with insurance companies, market to other medical providers, and treat patients on a daily basis.” 

How do you help people? 

“Physical therapists treat patients who have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that may be affecting their quality of life. At our clinic, we help our patients avoid surgeries, avoid prescription drugs, maximize mobility and function, and assist with managing chronic conditions.” 

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

“There are so many! Being a resource for our community where we can bridge the gap in their health care team: Men telling me they are able to manage their pelvic pain; women telling me they no longer need leakage protection as they age or if they’ve had children; children giving me high fives when they poop on the commode and not in their underwear. Patients meeting their goals is the joy in our field.” 

What’s a goal? 

“Short-term goal would be to establish support groups for individuals with pelvic pain as well as initiate a prenatal yoga program.” 

Lisa Perry 

Unified Communications Specialist, Wilmington Health 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“In my position, I am responsible for managing Wilmington Health’s telecommunications platforms. This includes creating and managing messaging content across our communication platforms, recording greetings and audio messages, (and) supporting the software responsible for programming, routing, and connectivity. I build and maintain external call queuing systems, reporting, (and) integration, while also collaborating with staff and stakeholders to ensure our methods and content are successful. Additionally, I support our staff in utilizing our communication methods efficiently.” 

What’s a goal? 

“My future goals are to receive certifications in communication management, project management, and expand my voice-over opportunities. I am continuing to explore different ways to effectively communicate and interact with patients as an organization. I want to continue to leverage my skills in working with people with intellectual and physical disabilities.  

Currently, I am working with a local group Theatre for All and Special Olympics, which allows me to mentor, educate, and support these individuals.”  

Daniela Williams 

Owner & Therapist, A Place of Solace/Staff Psychotherapist & Director of Community Engagement, Community Counseling Center 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“As a mental health therapist, I hold space for people in their most vulnerable times by providing psychotherapy for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and perinatal mental health issues. As the owner of A Place of Solace, I create and lead initiatives to destigmatize and increase awareness of mental health issues, particularly in underserved communities and churches. As the director of community engagement for the Community Counseling Center, I organize workshops and wellness events and serve in an advisory role to enhance mental health awareness.”  

How do you help people? 

“As a Black mental health therapist, my presence and impact are multifaceted and profound in my community. I offer culturally sensitive therapy and provide a safe, affirming space to address mental health issues. My work destigmatizes mental health care and fosters resiliency and well-being. … My collaboration with local churches and community organizations helps to empower the community and centers mental wellness in populations that are frequently underserved.

To view the Women to Watch Awards Finalists main page, click here.

To view more of photographer Madeline Gray’s work, go to madelinegrayphoto.com.

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