2026 Maggy Awards: Services

Jenn Birch, Birch Therapy

Best Mental Health Professional

“We celebrate the wins, big and small,” says Jenn Birch about both the families Birch Therapy serves and her team members who show up every day to support the change process of children, parents, and the family system.

For families’ convenience, there are five Birch Therapy locations across the Triangle.

After being in solo practice for many years, growing to a group of 20 clinicians within just a few years has brought many benefits. Since the goal of Birch is to meet the needs of all within the community, Jenn has established a diverse team to meet the unique needs of every family. “While we are all very different, our common goal remains the best interest of the kids and families we serve.”

The group practice has expanded its reach to offer psychological testing and evaluations, parenting classes, community workshops, and social skills groups because Jenn knows: “When the whole system is supported, the child thrives.”

The space is intentionally calming, cozy, and welcoming, and Birch continually offers parenting classes, called Circle of Security Parenting. Jenn and her team don’t believe in working with the child in isolation and feel it is imperative to work alongside the parents while treating each child in an environment that is cultivated to support them.

“I still don’t believe it,” Jenn says about the Maggy win. “I am in awe … and full of gratitude. I am accepting the win on behalf of the Birch Therapy team, since we are all committed to the daily task of equipping the next generation for a healthier community.”

birchtherapypllc.com

Dr. Lee McPherson, McPherson Family Eye Care

Best Eye Doctor

Family is in focus at McPherson Family Eye Care, founded in 2012 by Drs. Lee and Samantha McPherson.

“We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our patients,” says Lee, who has served the Wake Forest community’s eye care needs since 2005. After graduating at the top of his class from the University of Alabama School of Optometry, he completed a residency at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the top eye hospital in the nation.

The practice’s five doctors provide a comprehensive array of services, from specialty contact lens fittings and pediatric eye care to preventative detection. The dry eye center is regionally recognized for providing compassionate, skilled, and individualized dry eye diagnosis and management. Plus, for an extra personal touch, the office features free refreshments and a large play area for children.

In addition to serving the eye care needs of the community, Lee and the McPherson Family Eye Care practice believe in giving back. They regularly participate in parades, golf tournaments, and festivals, as well as sponsoring multiple local schools, sports teams, and other community organizations.

mcphersonfamilyeyecare.com

LUX Salon

Best Salon

LUX Salon has two convenient Raleigh locations at Towne North and Lafayette Village.

LUX was born from the bond of four sisters and an inherited entrepreneurial spirit. Though they came from different professional backgrounds, the siblings shared one vision: to build more than a salon — to create a space where people feel heard, cared for, and confident.

Today, LUX is rooted in this culture, described by co-founder Chrissy Sopina as “one of warmth, connection, collaboration, and genuine care … (one) where our team feels empowered and our clients truly feel special.”

Clients love looks that feel effortless but still elevated, color that grows out beautifully, and extensions that add length and fullness. There’s also strong demand for customized treatments that keep hair healthy and shiny.

“We have the privilege of helping people see themselves in a new light,” says Chrissy. “Knowing that we get to play a part in that transformation every day is something we are deeply grateful for.”

Being a family-owned business also makes a difference for clients, who get to see the sisters present in the salon every day — building genuine relationships. “Our clients are people we’ve grown alongside over the years,” Chrissy shares. “We’re personally invested in every experience, and I believe that shows.”

“Winning the Maggy Award for Best Salon is such an honor,” she says. “As sisters, it feels especially meaningful because we’ve built this business with heart and passion. It’s a celebration of our team, our clients, and the relationships we’ve grown, and we’re truly grateful!”

luxsalonspa.net

See the rest of the Maggy winners:

Best Restaurants
Best Lifestyle
Best Shopping

More From Our Mar-Apr 2026 Issue

• Find Your Next Favorite Trail with Wander
• Out & About in Wake County: March/April 2026
• Pay it Forward: United Arts Wake County
• Small Business Spotlight: TrenLend
• 2026 Maggy Awards
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Restaurants
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Lifestyle
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Services
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Shopping
• Game On!
• Garden Adventurer: Voodoo Gardening