[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S1855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO LaQUITA NORRIS

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate and 
recognize LaQuita Norris of Benton on being named the 2026 Arkansas 
Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business 
Administration.
  As the founder and CEO of Gateway Family Therapy and Wellness, Norris 
has distinguished herself as an entrepreneur and community leader. For 
more than 13 years, she has built a thriving career while positively 
impacting thousands of individuals and families across Arkansas. As a 
certified social worker, clinical trauma professional, and grief 
educator, she brings both expertise and compassion to her professional 
mission of helping heal others.
  Recognizing a critical need for accessible trauma treatment 
resources, Norris founded Gateway Family Therapy and Wellness in 2014. 
Guided by her vision of a whole-person approach to care, she 
established a practice that serves adults, children, couples and 
families navigating trauma, post-traumatic stress disorders, grief, and 
other mental and behavioral health challenges.
  To bring this vision to life, Norris partnered with the Arkansas 
Small Business and Technology Development Center, which assisted her in 
developing a comprehensive business plan. With this support, she 
secured a Small Business Administration line of credit that allowed her 
to expand from a 400-square-foot office into a 10,000-square-foot 
multidisciplinary wellness facility. Today, her practice offers a wide 
range of services--including therapy, massage, yoga, and life 
coaching--allowing her team to reach more clients and provide holistic, 
integrated care.
  Beyond her clinical work, Norris continues to extend her impact as a 
speaker, author, and consultant, further advancing awareness and 
understanding of trauma-informed care. Her leadership and commitment 
exemplify the vital role small businesses play in strengthening our 
communities.
  This recognition is a testament to Norris' unwavering dedication to 
improving the well-being of others and to the positive difference she 
has made in the lives of so many Arkansans. On behalf of all Arkansans, 
I congratulate LaQuita Norris on this well-deserved honor and wish her 
continued success in the years ahead.

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