Resilient – rebounding; recovering readily from adversity; returning to its original form after being stretched or bent Do you recall your teen years with favor and joy? For many of us adolescence was a challenging time. Acne, raging hormones, peer pressure, and uncertainty plagued many of us. Although we may have had the body […]
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I have always been told that there is safety in numbers. Whether taking a late night bus ride, going to a night club or simply taking a tour of a new city the mantra is still the same – it’s safer to be a part of a group. Does this still ring true when we
Is There Safety In These Numbers? Read More »
What does “A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting” mean to you? For a child in the foster care system it probably means those words that are written about them in their personal file. You know the file that precedes them at every meeting, placement, and court hearing. The file that attempts to explain the
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Many of us we are skilled in a variety of areas. Our culture has taught us to multi-task like our lives depend on it (often times it does). Throughout my career and definitely as an entrepreneur I have felt like a jack of all trades and a master of none on many occasions. I have
Am I Really A Jack Of All Trades? Read More »
When you visit a kindergarten classroom what do you see? You see student’s work all over the walls. When you enter a dentist’s office you generally find a variety of magazines and pictures of healthy mouths. When you walk into a teen health clinic you expect to see pamphlets and brochures related to health issues
How Do They Feel In Your Office? Read More »
Many people are compelled to donate gifts to children and youth in foster care during the Christmas holiday season (myself included). After the Christmas gifts are barely opened we shift our focus to how we will usher in a new year. A new year exemplifies a new chance to start fresh, another opportunity to change
Let’s Start A New Year’s Day Tradition! Read More »
In our work world, evidence-based practice and evidence-based research are King. Objectives, outcomes, and goals are commonplace. In my supervisory role I stress that we have to have proof that we are doing really works. I am a huge proponent of civic engagement and so as I was thinking about the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther
How Will Your Youth Serve? Read More »
January is National Mentoring Month. For many young people great role models and mentors are a part of their everyday lives. Relatives, teachers, and neighbors often serve in that role. Finding positive role models for youth in the foster care system is often more difficult. Luckily, role models and mentors don’t always have to be
I posted a status on my social media accounts a few days ago that read, “A degree can’t produce passion, compassion, and integrity.” I received quite a few “Likes”, retweets, and interesting comments. The responses I received made me really think about what that statement means to me and led me to write this blog
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After weeks of dropping hints, I announced on New Year’s Day that The Teen Toolbox will work for and with youth in the foster care system. Many people have supported the change but wondered why I decided to focus on teens in foster care and why I am making the decision now. The truth is
Why Foster Care and Why Now? Read More »