Letter from the President and CEO October 2025

Dear Reader,

Every year I look forward to that first whisper of fall that signals a break from the heat here in Houston. Emily Brontë once wrote, “Every leaf speaks bliss to me / Fluttering from the autumn tree.” So, as we move into October, I am grateful that this time is upon us and I encourage you to hear bliss in the falling of the leaves. Over the years, I have come to associate this turn of seasons with our major fall conferences, the Spirituality in Nursing Conference and the Psychotherapy and Faith Conference. 

This year, both conferences are designed to provide practical skills and tools with which participants can more effectively address mental distress, even in the midst of challenging environments. Accordingly, the nursing conference is themed, “Skills at the Intersection of Spiritual and Mental Wellbeing.” This theme is timely, as many communities are reckoning with increasingly visible mental health concerns and a recognition that we all have a stake in mental health literacy. Likewise, the Psychotherapy & Faith Conference is themed, “Tools for Building Resilience in Uncertainty,” the value of which is self-explanatory in the current cultural moment. In both cases, we will feature a roster of luminaries in their respective fields, and we couldn’t be more honored to welcome them here. All are welcome to both conferences.

In the spirit of these themes, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the Institute’s weekly virtual support offerings, which are open to all. If you're seeking meaningful connections with others who have committed to dedicating an hour each week to self-care in supportive group settings, please join us. Our groups meet most weekdays, with topics ranging from bereavement support to meditation to diabetes peer support. So, as we anticipate a busy holiday season, when “wreaths of snow blossom where the rose should grow,” remember to stay connected to your spiritual practice, your loved ones, and your sense of purpose. Peace for now, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Warmly,
Stuart

Stuart C. Nelson
President & CEO
Loise Henderson Wessendorff Chair