Hope Starts With Us: Reflections on NAMI’s Growth

Psychotherapist | Mental Health Advocate

Elise Banks-Lovely is a clinical psychotherapist in the Houston area serving in private practice. Her work specializes in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and addiction. She completed her undergraduate degree from Baylor University and finished her graduate degree, with honors, from the University of Houston. Elise’s passion for mental health extends beyond her offices. Elise serves as President for the Board of Directors for NAMI Texas. She also serves on the Foundation Board for Menninger Clinic, one of the nation’s top psychiatric facilities. She serves as a National Ambassador for NAMI and travels extensively to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. Elise spends her time tackling legislative issues at the Texas state capitol and our nation’s capitol. She has raised tens of thousands of dollars in order to support those who need financial support in obtaining mental health services. In 2016, Elise won the Mental Health Advocate of the Year award for her efforts to help individuals get the help they need for their mental health. In 2022, Elise was awarded one of the Top Business Women in Houston. Elise is a sought-after speaker who most recently spoke for companies Dentsu and Merkle. Elise uses her social media to advocate for mental health, women empowerment, and positive social change.

Elise attributes her successful career, in part, to the lessons learned from her years in pageantry. Elise won the titles of Miss Waco 2007, Miss Bay Area 2012, and in the top 5 of Miss Houston in 2006 and 2013. Elise went on to win Miss Texas International in 2015 and won the title of Miss International after competing with 75 young women from across the world. Although her competing days are over, Elise continues to judge and emcee pageants. Elise is excited to be the owner and director of the Miss Houston Pageant, one of the largest pageants in the country!

Dan Gillison brings expertise in non-profit leadership and a passion for advocating for people with mental illness to NAMI. Before coming to NAMI, Dan led the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF), where he was responsible for strategic planning, personnel management, board communications, oversight of APAF’s public education programs and outreach, and formulating strategic alliances and partnerships to further APAF’s mission. Prior to APAF, Gillison led County Solutions and Innovation for the National Association of Counties, where he was instrumental in repositioning the organization’s programs to provide expertise in health and human services, justice, and public safety.

Dan has more than 30 years of experience and has previously held leadership positions at Xerox, Nextel, and Sprint. Dan holds a B.A. from Southern University and A&M College. Dan spearheaded the creation of the CEO Alliance for Mental Health in 2020, which represents some of the most vulnerable and diverse populations affected by disparities in the mental health care system. The leadership collective has collaborated to identify and amplify their priorities for creating a future of quality mental health care for all who need it. Dan serves on lululemon’s Mental Wellbeing Global Advisory Board.