Chatham Wellness Center was founded in 2001 by three psychotherapists who wanted to offer the Chatham county community a wholistic model for mental health and wellness support. After lengthy negotiations with other venues, Lutrecia (Pat) Callair, LCSW, Nancy Garson Angert LPC, and Elizabeth (Libba) Adams LCSW found a dream location at 199 W Salisbury St in Pittsboro.  Libba recalls that when they entered the house, known as the Womack Brower House, the three women felt immediately that “this was home!”.

The house at 199 W Salisbury St was built as a log cabin in 1819 by Lewis Freeman, a prosperous free Black man, one of the 8 original houses in Pittsboro. Over time, the house underwent many modifications and additions, and had been renovated by a local attorney prior to the sale to the group of therapists.

Since its construction in 1819, the house has been home to a tannery, temporary home to the local government, and lifetime home to at least 2 local physicians. The quirky style of the original house, with heart pine floors and a working fireplace lent a welcoming atmosphere that allowed people to feel safe and comfortable. 

Since its inception, the Chatham Wellness Center has grown and flourished, and has remained a cornerstone of opportunity for wellness-focused practice in Chatham County and surrounding areas. Psychotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy and hypnotherapy are the foundation of the center, and continue to be so, as the CWC has changed locations to its current home at 68 Fayetteville Street, one block away from its original site. 

In 2013, Libba and Nancy sold the house on Salisbury Street.  Pat had left the group soon after the CWC was established, to pursue her teaching career, and in 2013, Libba was joined by Ruth Morgans LCSW and Jen Young LBMT, as managers of the Center. The CWC has been home to as many as 9 part-time practitioners, committed to providing Compassionate Wholistic Care to the community. 

Anticipating retirement in 2023, Libba was thrilled to learn that Eliza Harris, LCMHCA and Hilary Cissokho ,LCSW were interested in taking over the Center’s management along with acupuncture practitioner Melanie (Mel) Diana, L.Ac, who has practiced at CWC for many years. 

Seeing the CWC move into the capable and loving hands of these practitioners whose deep roots are in Chatham County has been a blessing. The quality care provided by all the Center’s practitioners will continue, and evolve to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community. The spirit of the CWC’s original mission continues and its history will continue to enhance its commitment to this vibrant community. 

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