Shes a certified child life specialist, with the elusive secondary certification as a therapist, and she’s crushed it. It’s a privilege to guide children and teens through some of life’s most formidable challenges. As one of more than 1,000 young people she’s helped, she is a testament to the power of the art of non-verbal communication to build resilience in our youth. As a small business owner, she uses her professional knowledge to her advantage. As a mom of two, she brings her personal experience to offer resources that really resonate with families.
Her specialist is just as committed and has her own practice. She is currently the Chief Clinical Officer of Pickles Group, a clinical and educational nonprofit organization. In this capacity, she is deeply engaged in several initiatives helping to bring emotional support to children experiencing trauma, poverty, bullying and so much more. Her rich experience gives her unusual access to understand how children are feeling, especially during traumatic circumstances.
In her book, she makes another crucial point. That’s the thing, children don’t remember the words used in those difficult moments. Rather, they tend to carry through the emotional subtext of those encounters. This dovetails with the advice of child development specialists such as Laura Markham. By validating children’s feelings—without necessarily articulating it verbally—parents and caregivers can effectively nurture a child’s ability to cope with challenges.
Science has proven that resilience can be developed—not just in response to trauma, but every day—by small, deliberate acts of presence, empathy, and understanding. The child life specialist goes on to explain how parents work to cultivate this important quality in their children in ways that don’t involve words. This can be anything from keeping a gentle gaze to providing an understanding squeeze, or just being there in moments of distress. These kinds of gifts send the clear message that they are understood and supported, so kids of all ages can feel safe expressing their feelings.
The Method Workbooks, written by the specialist herself, are a great introduction for parents and kids to the unique but fun method. These workbooks walk families through activities created to build emotional literacy and resilience. With relatable anecdotes and humor, they provide down-to-earth solutions to foster an atmosphere where feelings are recognized and accepted. This is crucial for their healthy emotional development.
In her private practice, she finds ways to integrate these principles into her work with clients. We customize every session to focus on the individual goals and interests of each child or teen. Our work is aimed to support them through processing their feelings in a safe space. The intent is to tackle pressing issues straight on. We hope to teach them long-term coping skills that will carry them through the rest of their lives.
As a mom with two young kids, she understands the realities of parenting. She understands just how important it is to provide for her kids an emotionally safe atmosphere. Juggling her professional commitments with her new family life has made her more sympathetic to the hurdles that working parents must navigate every single day. She encourages parents to embrace the idea that they do not need to have all the answers or speak perfectly. Rather, being present and open can significantly impact a child’s resilience.
Under her leadership, the Pickles Group has worked to improve their communities’ understanding of issues related to childhood mental health. Through workshops, resources, and a mentorship support network, the organization seeks to equip families as they work together through emotional challenges. The specialist’s dedication to this movement just goes to show how far a little community effort can go in creating strong, resilient children.