A lot is changing in my life right now. My oldest will be starting middle school (whoa!), my son going into second grade, and my youngest kindergarten. My husband will be home for the summer for the first time after just completing his first year of teaching. And I will be starting full time at Sandhill.
Yep, going full time here at Sandhill and leaving the great agency I have been with for five and a half years. It is bittersweet. I'll miss my coworkers and kiddos but am very excited for my new chapter to start. I am looking forward to seeing more clients of all ages.
I've had a few panic attacks about the change as I will no longer have a salary but earn as I go. When those happen, I use the coping skills that work for me (deep breaths, positive thoughts, talking to those close to me) and I know I have made the right decision.
Sometimes we need to make a scary leap to grow.  



If you would like to know any details like my new hours or accepted insurance just contact me. I would love to hear from you!

​Spoiler included!


There have been a lot of articles recently about the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.  Some of them positive but a lot of them negative.  I read the book years ago and loved it.  Here's why I love the series:
1.  It accurately portrays teens.  I know some who were mad that the teens didn't all immediately run to the adults in their lives but the series was not an after school special showing what kids should do, it showed what they do.  Unfortunately, it is common for teens to not seek adult support.
2.  It has lead some teens to seek out support they otherwise would not have.  I have first hand knowledge of kids talking to their parents about bullying, suicidal ideation, and/or self harm after watching the series. 
3.  It has opened up some parents minds of some aspects of what is going on with teens that they had no idea about.
4.  I've had clients tell me they had no idea some things they have done that were mean could have such an impact on another.
5.  I've had clients open up to me about suicidal thoughts they had in the past but never shared.
6.  The portrayal of how Hannah's suicide effected her parents was so raw and emotional.  I know (because they told me) it has helped some clients see that if they died, it would devastate their parents.  Sadly, they had reported before watching the show, they knew their parents would be sad but didn't really "get" just how much.
7. It shows how ingrained our rape culture is and the need for drastic changes.  The level that the other students protected Bryce was disgusting. 
8.  The portrayal of the outcomes of the rapes on the victims also showed how much shame and fear are involved especially with the idea of reporting it. 
9. Clay realizing he should have told Hannah how he felt made me hope that others watching will take the leap to share their feelings. 
10. It was a very diverse cast which was awesome!
11.  The fact that some of the "good" kids in the school engaged in negative and dangerous behavior was powerful.  I think often we put people into boxes and forgot we all have numerous sides.  For example, Marcus was top of the class, very involved in school activities, and viewed as a "nice" guy.  He was able to frame Clay without anyone suspecting anything. 
12. The fact that everyone missed all the signs that Alex was suicidal was incredible.  He gave many clues that he was not handling things well but no one told.  This is common but needs to change.  I'm always proud of students who share that they are worried about a friend.  Better a mad friend then a dead friend. 
13. The acting was amazing!




The one thing I did not like was the graphic portrayal of Hannah's suicide.  I do not think it was necessary but I still feel the series very much worth watching.

​My oldest child will be starting middle school soon and with it comes the issue of a cell phone.  My husband and I have discussed it and decided it will be time for her to have a cell phone.  She will need it to reach us at times and start being more independent.  We are unsure, though, if she should have a smart phone or not.  I have written about the dangers of social media before and I know it is a lot of responsibility for a tween.  I work at a middle school and see first hand the drama it causes.  It is very difficult for kids (and, let's be real, adults too) to stay off of social media when they have easy access to it.  Right now, my daughter has an Ipod and we closely monitor it.  Of course, we can try to closely monitor a smart phone but it is a bigger challenge. 
      On the other hand, it would make sense for her to have a smart phone instead of a regular cell phone and Ipod.  Plus, she needs to learn more responsibility.  I know that we can set up limits and enforce consequences if she does not follow them.  Also, she has never broken the rules when it comes to the internet. 
    We have a little time to decide but it will be a decision we make together.   I would love to hear other's experiences.