POTSDAM -- A Potsdam woman was awarded a grant through the Northern New York Community Foundation's Maxine Quigg Women in Business Fund.

The fund aims to support professional development of women in business.

Alisa Woods, a licensed mental health counselor who owns and operates Alisa G. Woods, Ph.D.,

LHMC, Mental Health Counseling, was awarded a grant to train with Elizabeth Byrd, a renowned cellist and sound therapy innovator, to master sound therapy techniques and offer cello therapy to a diverse range of clients, including those with limited resources.

Alisa holds a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience and a master’s in mental health counseling.

She began playing the cello at the age of 7.

She is a member of the St. Lawrence University String Orchestra and the North Country Connections Orchestra. She specializes in trauma therapy at her Potsdam-based private practice.

Kimberley Horrill, Maxine’s sister-in-law, established the fund at the Community Foundation in July 2021 with a goal to increase local mentorship, volunteerism, civic and community engagement, and investment. Its mission is to perpetuate the life and legacy of Maxine Quigg by supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to succeed in their pursuits and realize their full potential.

“Our latest grant recipients are shining examples of the mission of the fund. Community orientated, passionate, with a few who had personal connections to Maxine,” Ms. Horrill said. “Our grants committee is proud of their goals and wish them every success as they move forward with their endeavors.”