Tag Archives: behavioral health

Guadalupe’s Story

June 16, 2025 | Leave a reply

Wow! Where do I begin? I want to first say thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I am forever grateful for all that The Child Center of NY has done for my family and me. Before TCCNY, I had no idea the amount of impact an organization like this could have on a family.

My journey with TCCNY began in March 2021. After a pregnancy and birth during the pandemic and tons of baggage (trauma) that I carried with me my whole life, a social worker reached out during my postpartum hospital stay. She asked if I needed any resources, including therapy. Even though I knew I needed it, I was scared to say yes. Coming from a family steeped in trauma, I had a difficult childhood and adolescence, but we never considered therapy because of the stigma. My family thought therapy was for crazy people. So, I held off, even though I knew I struggled with depression, anxiety, and so many things throughout my life. But something changed after I gave birth. I had read a lot about postpartum depression and how it can affect women, especially if they have a history of trauma. I remember holding my daughter in my arms and thinking, “My child cannot grow successfully with a mom who hasn’t received the help she needs.” And so began my sessions with my therapist.

I was connected to Catholic Charities for other services, and they connected me to The Child Center’s Early Childhood Mental Health program for therapy with a clinician named Jazmin Fortuna.

From that first meeting with her, I felt trust. I was very shy and felt like she waited ages for me to answer a question or speak on a life event, but she was so patient and nonjudgmental. A postpartum evaluation revealed that I had more than the baby blues. A main goal of my therapy was dealing with my postpartum depression, and also with my older anxieties. After a car accident in 2018, just leaving home caused me tremendous anxiety. I wouldn’t go out without my husband or my mom. If I was halfway to crossing the street and thought a car was getting too close, I’d run back. Jazmin helped me with my anxieties around leaving my home, crossing streets, speaking up for myself, and being there for my family and people I love.

About five months in, my home flooded in Hurricane Ida, and we lost everything (I now have another trauma added to my list). Jazmin connected me to Family Peer Advocate Nodia Reyes, who helped me apply for another place to live. But my anxiety suffered a setback, as I became scared of weather, particularly storms and thunder. I also suffered a miscarriage. Jazmin and Nodia helped me through this tough time. Jazmin introduced me to coping strategies, including reframing and the 5-4-3-2-1 method, which helped with my current anxieties and would help me with future challenges. Jazmin always makes me feel like she truly cares, and not just because that’s her job. And Nodia, who is also a mom and shares a lot of life experiences with me, was able to help me see that a lot of my insecurities were not shortcomings, but rather just part of life. “That’s just motherhood,” she would say. Jazmin and Nodia are the team that put me back together and made me the person I am today.

They also helped me find The Child Center’s early childhood education programs. They suggested that Early Head Start (EHS) would be a good fit for my daughter. Home Visitor Norma Mejia was assigned to my family. We were concerned at first, thinking it was something akin to a wellness check by children’s services (even though we had nothing to hide). It still worried us to let a new person into our home. But those fears quickly dissipated. Norma is such a bright, loving person. She has been a tremendous part of our support system and never came from a place of judgment or malice.

Let me tell you, the change in my daughter after starting home visits with EHS was amazing. Allison was shy at first. She is a pandemic baby and didn’t socialize much, even when we took her to the park. As her home visitors could tell you, she wouldn’t leave our side. But by the time she ended the program, she was ready for school; her socialization skills went up 100 percent. By the last two sessions of socialization, she was a completely different child.

Just after Allison aged out of EHS, I found out we were expecting again. Very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the EHS program for my new baby, I spoke to the assistant director, and we started with home visits and socialization groups. I also self-nominated to be chairperson on the parent committee, and then the chairperson of bylaws and grievance on the policy council committee. It was a bit of a challenge to keep up sometimes, but I loved it. I remember my first policy council meeting happened about 12 hours after giving birth to my baby boy, and everyone was so excited to meet him! Filling these roles gave me an opportunity to be more involved with the education of my daughter and the kids she had socializations with. It also challenged me to work on speaking up and making changes to better support and help myself and others parent in the program. These were two more things I took on in order to challenge myself into speaking up.

During one of the parent committee meetings, a job opportunity for the role of EHS family worker came up, and I applied. To my surprise, I was hired! Not only did I get the job, but my baby and husband were given the opportunity to continue the EHS program (which is amazing, they LOVE it) while I worked. Now my husband gets to do the home visits with our son, and I attend the socializations, which are family events for caregivers and children to connect. With Allison, my husband wasn’t as involved. Participating in the home visits with our son has been a great opportunity for them to bond and for my husband to be involved in his development. He’s done a whole 360, and I’m very proud of him.

Being an Early Head Start family worker is a great fit for me. Participating in EHS parenting workshops as a mom and as an employee, for example, has helped me in both roles. My supervisor said that she can see me picking up things and executing what I’ve been learning in workshops. Thanks to therapy with Jazmin, I feel comfortable speaking about my traumas and connecting with other parents about theirs. When I know something is affecting me, I’m no longer afraid to ask for help. Even on my first day of work, I wasn’t shy about speaking up!

It’s been an awesome journey so far. I’m both learning so much and helping so much. I hear from other people, “You’re so amazing,” and it’s hard for me to believe. It’s hard to see what people find so great about me. I know all the times I messed up and did things incorrectly. But working here and helping the families makes me feel like I’m doing something right.

To this day, I continue my therapy sessions, and even though we have a lot to work on, there has been an insane amount of growth and progress. I truly feel I have a home here that provides support, and that without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

A special thanks to my family—especially my husband, who has always been the biggest part of my support system, encouraging me not to give up and seeing the best in me—and to my therapist, God, and everyone who has been a part of my time at TCCNY. Thank you for reading my story.

Team Spotlight: Diane Valente, Director of Clinical Best Practice

March 20, 2025 | Leave a reply

As the Director of Clinical Best Practice at The Child Center, Diane Valente, LCSW-R, supports our clinicians in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to children, adolescents, and families. She works closely with our clinical teams to provide training, enhance professional development, and implement best practices that align with our mission of empowering the communities we serve. By fostering a strong clinical foundation, we ensure that our clinicians have the skills, knowledge, and support needed to make meaningful, lasting impacts in the lives of our clients. In honor of National Social Work Month, Diane shared her insights on supporting social workers and clinicians who make our mission possible.

The Child Center of NY: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of social work in your programs, and how does it inspire your leadership approach?

Diane Valente, LCSW-R: One of the most rewarding aspects of social work is witnessing the growth and resilience of our clients as they navigate challenges and move toward healing. Seeing a young person gain confidence, develop coping strategies, or reconnect with their family is incredibly fulfilling. This fuels my leadership approach. I strive to create spaces where clinicians feel valued, supported, and equipped to do this work effectively. By investing in their growth, we create a ripple effect that ultimately benefits the communities we serve.

What is one change or improvement you would like to see in the field of social work that could make a lasting difference in supporting both social workers and the clients we serve?

I would love to see greater investment in sustainable workforce support, increased funding for mental health services, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Burnout is a significant challenge in social work, and by prioritizing the well-being of clinicians, we can enhance the quality of care provided to clients. A well-supported workforce leads to better outcomes for individuals and families who rely on these critical services.

One way we are addressing this is through our partnership with the International Grief Institute. The Clinical Best Practice team and the Organizational Effectiveness & Employee Experience (OEX) team are working together to provide Compassion Fatigue and Grief Trainings in the upcoming months to help support our staff and the communities we serve. These trainings are essential in equipping our workforce with tools to manage the emotional impact of this work and sustain their passion for helping others.

What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing a career in social work, particularly in the nonprofit sector?

Social work in the nonprofit sector is deeply fulfilling, but it also requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. My advice is to seek strong supervision and mentorship early in your career, as these relationships can help you navigate challenges and grow as a professional. Stay connected to your “why” because that passion will sustain you through the difficult moments. And remember, social work is a collaborative effort; lean on your colleagues and take care of yourself as you care for others.

How can the community or donors further support social workers and the work they do throughout the year, not just during National Social Work Month?

Supporting social workers means advocating for policies that fund mental health services, investing in training and development, and ensuring that frontline workers have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. Community members and donors can also help by funding wellness initiatives for social workers, providing scholarships for ongoing education, or simply recognizing and uplifting the work being done. A little appreciation and acknowledgment go a long way in sustaining morale and motivation in this field.

International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month: Lessons from a Career in Early Childhood Education and Behavioral Health

March 7, 2025 | Leave a reply

By Linda Rodriguez, SVP, Behavioral Health, Early Childhood, and Community Partnerships

The blog author and her colleague pose in front of the US Capitol

Blog author Linda Rodriguez (left) and Early Childhood Education Vice President Tanya Krien at the 2024 National Head Start Association Leadership Conference

Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) and Women’s History Month (WHM) serve as powerful reminders of the progress made toward gender equality—and the work still ahead. In 2025, the themes #AccelerateAction for Gender Equality (IWD) and Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations (WHM) work together in a way that gets to the heart of our twofold obligation: honoring the crucial role women play in shaping the future by passing down knowledge, breaking barriers, and empowering others; and supporting women now—not just future generations. We can best accomplish both these imperatives by supporting those who work in women-dominated fields in their efforts to help their fields change and grow.

The Power of “Women’s Work”

As the Child Center Senior Vice President who oversees behavioral health and early childhood education, I am immersed in two traditionally women-dominated fields, both of which are very much rooted in the concept of social-emotional development and nurturing. Today’s women bring so much to the table. They are not only overwhelmingly women, but also increasingly women of color. At The Child Center, our team is 76 percent women and more than 80 percent people of color. We also employ team members from around the world. When they bring their diversity of experience to the workplace, we all benefit. It is incredibly important that educators and clinicians bring their diversity, language capacity, and cultural humility to the work. This is how we meet the needs of clients in a way that speaks to them, engenders trust, and makes personal and large-scale progress possible.

Pay Equity is Key to Gender Equality

It is hard to overestimate the importance of this work, yet the people who work in these two traditionally women-dominated fields are also—and not coincidentally—traditionally underpaid. While education in general is known for its low compensation, those in early childhood education get paid even less, even though they often have the same qualifications in terms of being certified, holding a master’s degree, and so on. Pay equity must be central to any efforts toward gender equality.

Influencing Change in Women-Dominated Fields

Beyond pay equity, we must elevate the voices of women leaders in fields like education and behavioral health and bolster their ability to influence the process of change and growth from within. For example, women often are responsible for multiple roles and carry multiple, separate burdens to a higher degree than men. They frequently are responsible not only for the jobs they get paid for, but also are much more likely to carry the load of being the primary caretaker at home, sometimes of both young children and elderly parents. In addition to pay equity, we need to listen to women’s voices as they speak up for work-life balance and their ideas for accomplishing it in ways that don’t require women to compromise and give up one for the other—whether that’s through advances in education or different types of paid time off and leave. It benefits all of us to listen to bold, innovative approaches to removing systemic obstacles that too often obstruct the path to success for too many women.

Shaping the Next Generation

A girl turns on a flashlight and smiles.

A Head Start student investigates the workings of a flashlight.

Working in early childhood, I see the potential of young girls every day. They all feel like Superwoman. They play, explore, and take on life with such joy, such vibrancy, and such purpose and confidence. It’s heartbreaking to see how girls start out feeling limitless, only to gradually lose that confidence as they grow. How and why do they lose that confidence? And how do we help them retain and build it?

At The Child Center, we strive to remove any roadblocks that prevent children (and adults) from reaching their full potential. Part of that is introducing girls to a variety of pursuits and possibilities, and conveying that nothing is “not for them”—anything they feel passionate about and want to work hard at is “for them.” Starting at the youngest age and all through middle childhood and high school, we give young people myriad opportunities to find and develop their strengths. Even today, gender stereotypes persist—from “girls don’t like math” to girls not wanting to be too loud or take up too much space. But when children of all genders and backgrounds engage in something like math or science, or even business, we help to break down these harmful and limiting stereotypes. This is how we start the journey toward the end goal of removing those gender biases and making all professions gender neutral.

Equally important is fostering girls’ self-esteem and self-image. How do we make space for young girls to have a voice? How do we allow them to be decision-makers and create a network where they feel comfortable talking about how they feel and what their opinions are? As much as we look at economic and educational opportunities, we also must look at how we can ensure they have the confidence to be advocates for themselves, to be strong in their convictions, and internalize that it’s OK to be strong in their convictions. Especially on the mental health side, we often see girls who very much feel they are not able to voice their opinions, or they have a very limiting self-image of the way they are supposed to be and behave. That is one of the many great advantages of The Child Center being a holistic, multiservice organization: educational, economic, and mental health components of each person are not treated as separate entities, but rather parts of a whole that we can support together.

As I have transitioned through different roles within my career, I have looked more and more at striving to be an advocate for women, especially women of color. Every person brings along with them the voices of inspiration of other women—whether they are colleagues, family members, or other influential people. We always carry those voices and those examples along with us on our journeys. The intersection between culture and identity and strong female influences is where potential grows and thrives. Many times, I have walked into a room, and I’d be the only woman there. It’s important that when we walk into these spaces, we walk in knowing we belong. You might be the only woman, but you worked hard to get there, and you belong. Until we get to a point of true gender equality, we must make a concerted effort to convey to young girls and women that speaking your voice is important, your perspective is important, and it’s important that what you have to say is heard.

This year’s WHM theme of “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” reminds us that progress is a collective effort. By sharing knowledge, breaking barriers, and supporting each other, we create a future where every girl and woman has the opportunity and confidence to succeed—however they define that success.

Team Spotlight: Jessica Barrera-Morales, Vice President of Integrated Behavioral Health Services

February 19, 2025 | Leave a reply

The Child Center of NY is excited to announce the promotion of Jessica Barrera-Morales, LCSW-R, to the role of Vice President of Integrated Behavioral Health Services!

In this new position, Jessica oversees our three family wellness centers and implements an innovative management strategy to ensure the highest level of care across all centers. With 24 years of experience in both outpatient and inpatient behavioral health, Jessica has brought a wealth of expertise to the team. As a vital part of our organization for more than 18 years, she’s served in various roles, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her step into this leadership position. Her passion for helping families and her deep commitment to our mission will continue to inspire and drive us forward.

Here’s what Jessica had to say about her Child Center journey.

The Child Center of NY: Can you share a little about your journey at The Child Center and the key experiences that led to your promotion?

Jessica Barrera-Morales, LCSW-R: My journey at The Child Center of NY has been incredibly rewarding and transformative. I started as an intern at the Jamaica Clinic [now called the Jamaica Family Wellness Center], where I worked with children in foster care. This experience was invaluable and solidified my commitment to working with children and families. After graduating, I returned to work at the Woodside Clinic [now called the Cohen Family Wellness Center], at a time when our organization was called Queens Child Guidance Center.

Over the years, I had the privilege of working in various roles that helped me develop my clinical and leadership skills. Leading several clinical teams, I always prioritized enhancing services and outcomes for our clients and community. A particularly impactful experience was spearheading the Alternatives to Residential Treatment programs, which provide crucial support for youth facing severe depression and at risk for suicide. Programs like the Youth Intensive Outpatient and Bridge to Hope are designed to keep youth in their homes and prevent out-of-home placement. I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to these important initiatives.

What do you see as the most important priorities for the family wellness centers in the next 1-3 years? What is your vision for these centers?

I believe our most important priorities for the family wellness centers should be enhancing accessibility, expanding our range of services, and fostering community partnerships. By making our services more accessible, we can ensure that more families receive the support they need. Additionally, strengthening our partnerships with local organizations will help us create a more integrated support network for families. I envision a place where we continuously innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of those we serve, always striving to provide the highest quality of care.

How do you envision fostering collaboration among your team, other departments, and community partners to improve services for the families we serve?

By continuing to foster a collaborative environment with colleagues across clinics, divisions, and our community partners, we will be able to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. We can achieve this by establishing regular interdepartmental meetings and joint projects to ensure we are aligned and working toward common goals. We can connect with our community partners by working together on joint initiatives and learning how we can better serve our clients.

Team Spotlight: Sarah Garner, LMSW, honored by New York State Coalition for Children’s Behavioral Health

January 27, 2025 | Leave a reply

Sarah Garner, Master Social Worker at The Child Center of NY’s Cohen Family Wellness Center, was recently selected by the NYS Coalition for Children’s Behavioral Health as an Employee of the Year! She was honored at a ceremony in Saratoga Springs last month.

A note from Xiomara Borja, Director of Integrated Clinical Services, and Marielys Cruz, Clinical Supervisor and Sarah’s colleague at CFWC, speaks to how this honor was well-deserved: “Since joining The Child Center in July of 2023, Sarah has demonstrated remarkable dedication and a strong commitment to her professional development in the behavioral health field. As a new clinician, Sarah navigated the early challenges of familiarizing herself with our organizational protocols and deadlines. Despite the typical growing pains of a new hire, she consistently displayed an eagerness to improve and refine her clinical skills. Today, Sarah continues to show great determination in her growth, and her clinical abilities have evolved significantly. One of Sarah’s standout qualities is her exceptional level of client engagement. She is resourceful, always advocating for her clients and ensuring they have the support they need. Her colleagues and managers alike have noted her strong work ethic and her ability to collaborate effectively with the team. Sarah is consistently willing to go above and beyond for both her clients and her peers. She has shown a commendable willingness to contribute to the team whenever teamwork is needed, offering support to others and always making herself available when called upon. Sarah’s dedication to her role and her ability to work collaboratively with others truly set her apart. She has not only grown into an outstanding clinician but also a valued team member. I wholeheartedly believe that Sarah Garner deserves to be recognized as Employee of the Year for her hard work, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Sarah spoke about how moved she was to receive this distinction: “It was an honor to attend the New York State Coalition for Children’s Behavioral Health celebration. I was privileged to be named the employee of the year at the Cohen Family Wellness Center. The convention not only broadened my perspectives on the necessity for mental health services for adolescents and adults, but it also taught me that implementing a client-centered and holistic approach in my sessions with my clients makes a difference in their lives. I could not have received this award without the support of my colleagues and the Cohen Family Wellness team. I am fortunate to be a part of The Child Center of NY, and I am excited to continue my work here moving forward and making a difference in my clients’ lives.”

FV’s Story

January 9, 2025 | Leave a reply

FV is a 10-year-old boy who receives therapy at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center. Through The Child Center of NY’s Behavioral Health Consultation model, The Child Center shares its expertise in mental health and provides support and training to community organizations like Kingsbridge. This means that people like FV can receive mental health care at a place they already know and trust, in their own neighborhood. This enables The Child Center to reach exponentially more New Yorkers with the care they need and deserve. Below, FV says in his own words what therapy means to him.

Therapy is cool because you get to talk to someone about your problems. It provides different opportunities to express myself. I like that I get to join different groups and use different techniques without having to speak 1:1 to someone. I can get involved in art, play, and social groups.

Therapy is also helping me reach my goals. One goal I have for myself is to continue learning how to use my art skills to grow my career and express my emotions more effectively. Another is learning to work on my spontaneous responses to unannounced or uncomfortable scenarios. And to make lots of friends. In therapy, I have learned to be more confident and more social.

I am a guy who likes to be silly. I sketch spontaneous things that come to mind and create digital art, listening to game OST [original soundtracks], for example, Palmtree Panic from the Sonic CD. That’s one of my ways of being silly!

Therapist’s note: FV was referred for therapy at KHCC because he was having difficulties adjusting to changes in the household, especially his father no longer living in the home. He was having challenges expressing and managing his emotions, especially anger, hyperactivity, and worries, so we have been working on coping skills and ways to manage feelings. FV loves art, so we leaned into that. Art and play therapy have really helped FV open up. These sessions have improved FV’s well-being and mood self-regulation skills. He also is participating in an EMDR art group and improving his mood levels by using bilateral stimulation (BLS) to process emotions with a coping mechanism. In addition, he has benefited from family sessions with his mother to improve their communication and relationship. He has been excited to socialize and express his artistic self through various activities. I am excited to share that he is now being discharged from services after meeting all his goals! –Yadirys Batista, Community Coordinator/Social Worker at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center.

Note from FV’s mom: When my son first came into therapy, he was frustrated and irritable. He was isolated and felt away from me. Now, he is more communicative, caring, and kind. He is able to resolve conflicts on his own without getting angry, and when he needs help, he seems more open to asking for my help. He seems more open with me in general, and he comes to me for anything that is happening in school or anywhere. He is more secure and strong-minded as he has improved his self-esteem. Now, he is a confident young man, which makes me happy.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story included references to Pepe the Frog. In the days following the original posting, we were saddened to learn that Pepe has been used as a hate symbol. Although this, of course, was not FV’s intention, and there have been efforts—including efforts by Pepe’s creator and the ADL—to reclaim Pepe, we decided to remove those images and references.

Team Spotlight: Seline Bearman, Director of Early Childhood Mental Health, Clinical Services, Celebrates 31 Years at The Child Center

November 22, 2024 | Leave a reply

A group photo of the early childhood mental health team, including Seline Bearman.

The Early Childhood Mental Health Team at the (now closed) Elmhurst clinic in 2019. Seline is on the far right.

Seline Bearman, LCSW-R, Director of ECMH, Clinical Services, is a valued member of the Child Center of NY team who has been with the organization for an incredible 31 years. Over the course of more than three decades, Seline has witnessed and contributed to The Child Center’s growth and evolution. From her early days as an intern to leading the Early Childhood Mental Health program, Seline’s time with us offers a unique perspective on our work and how far we’ve come. Join us in celebrating this milestone and see what’s kept Seline inspired all these years.

The Child Center of NY: Can you share a bit about how you started your career here and what attracted you to The Child Center?

Seline Bearman, LCSW-R: Around 1992, I became a social work intern at The Child Center, which was called Queen’s Child Guidance Center at that time. A former supervisor of mine reached out when I was about to graduate. Soon I joined a school program at The Child Center and later worked in one of the clinics. Around this time, I had two children, so I took a little bit of time off. Then I ended up transferring to the Flushing clinic, because I speak Mandarin Chinese, for another school program for new immigrants. I went on to be a field instructor for other interns and got promoted to senior social worker. Through the years, programs and sites opened and shut; we were always consolidating and restructuring. And then I ended up where I am now. Since 2017, I have served the Early Childhood Mental Health Program as a director. Since then our team has probably doubled in size. It’s really exciting to see the growth and to be able to have more staff and help more clients.

What are some of the most memorable moments, valuable lessons, or milestones from your time with us?

Something I feel strongly about is maternal mortality and perinatal health. Unfortunately, there are moms-to-be who don’t know their rights and don’t have access to quality care. We’ve had quite a few perinatal clients who have almost died giving birth, which is very disturbing and simply unacceptable in this day and age. Our team is focused on supporting these young moms and ensuring they know what options are available to them. It’s a blessing to be able to work with them and support their growth and resilience.

Seline in 2024

How has the organization changed over the years, and what are the most significant transformations you’ve witnessed? What do you think is in the future for The Child Center?

The agency has changed tremendously in the time that I’ve been here. Thirty years ago, the entire team could fit into one large room when we had a holiday party. There were only maybe a hundred employees at that time, so we really knew almost everybody.

Did you know Jean Coppola and Kwan Wong? We recently interviewed them, and they started around the same time as you.

Oh yes, absolutely. Kwan and I used to work together in the Flushing clinic; our paths have crossed many times. And I knew Jean very well because she used to come in and do meetings and bonding activities with all the front desk staff. And there are a few others who have been here for a very, very long time like myself, or even longer.

In terms of the most significant changes, I would say the establishment of the electronic health record, since everything before that was handwritten. This was a total game changer that led to the clinical record. It made everything easier, especially in a crisis situation, I could just check the electronic health record and figure out what was going on rather than running into the office to find the paper chart.

Another big change was the pandemic. We had to transform the way we provided therapy when most of the clinics were closed. Only the school program at the Corona site was open. By offering tele-health we were able to serve clients we were never able to reach before, particularly pregnant mothers and parents of newborns who had a hard time keeping their appointments. Now about 30 percent of our clients in the Early Childhood Mental Health program are perinatal.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working here for so long?

As far as rewarding aspects, every day is a reward, and I mean that. The reason that I’ve been here for so long is because I really, really enjoy my job. Every day feels like a new challenge, and I feel like I am learning something new all the time. We are constantly training our staff and mentoring young clinicians. And beyond our clinicians, we have family peer advocates that work in our program, and our front desk staff who have moved up and gone back to school. That’s something that I really love about The Child Center: the way we encourage people to grow.

Madison’s Story

November 5, 2024 | Leave a reply

The author, Madison, poses in a cap and gown on high school graduation day with her therapist, Jennifer Trujillo-Armijo, LMSW, from her school's school-based mental health center.

Madison, author, and her therapist, Jennifer Trujillo-Armijo, LMSW

Hey there,

If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re feeling weighed down by expectations, the scars of your past, or maybe even the uncertainty of the future. I’ve been there, and I want to share a piece of my story with you, in hopes that it reminds you, you are not alone. 

I grew up in a household where love became a battlefield. My parents’ divorce wasn’t just a chapter in my life; it felt more like a storm that uprooted my sense of security. I remember countless nights filled with the echoes of arguments, and how deeply I longed for stability. I found myself struggling with feelings of abandonment and an inability to express my emotions. 

It became evident that I needed support, particularly with managing my emotions, sharing my feelings, and respecting boundaries, especially after my parents’ divorce. I found myself struggling with anxiety about transitioning into high school and the complexities of family dynamics. My parents encouraged me to begin therapy, a journey I met with resistance. I had been down that road before and felt frustrated by therapists who, in my eyes, just didn’t get me.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, and like so many others, I found myself confronted with new challenges. The isolation hit hard, amplifying the weight of my struggles and bringing on anxiety in ways I had never anticipated. At first, the isolation felt overwhelming, being cut off from friends and normal routines. But when I finally returned to school, things didn’t get easier. I started experiencing issues with relationships at school and tensions at home, all of which piled up and triggered panic attacks. It reached a point where I had to be sent home because I was simply too unstable to be in that environment. The weight of emotional pain felt suffocating. The pandemic had flipped our lives upside down, and though the outside world was filled with chaos, the storm inside me felt ten times louder. I struggled to filter through the swirling thoughts and feelings that consumed me. School became a minefield, each day accompanied by the terrifying panic attacks that left me gasping for air and reeling in confusion. The simple act of socializing felt difficult, as if I were constantly on the edge of a cliff, unsure if I would soar or fall.

It was in that darkness that a new therapist, Jen, entered my life. My mom had discovered that I could go to therapy at my school through its school-based mental health wellness center. She wouldn’t have to drive me to therapy, and the therapist would be someone who was familiar with teens like me. I decided to give it a try.

When I first stepped into that small, softly lit room at my school’s wellness center with Jen, my heart raced, pounding like a drum, echoing my unease.

At our intake meeting, Jen had suggested that therapy should concentrate on emotional regulation and the challenges of high school, alongside family therapy to address the different parenting approaches and foster understanding, ultimately creating a more positive environment. I felt vulnerable, trapped behind a wall built from years of unexpressed fears and emotions, refusing to let anyone in. I was stubborn and held my guard up like armor, convinced that therapy was a waste of time. Little did I know, healing often requires us to lay down our defenses.

Jen not only saw me, but also truly listened. With her warm smile and patient demeanor, Jen gently began to dismantle my barriers. Time, I came to learn, is a powerful healer, and as moments turned into hours, I found comfort in sharing my struggles, my questions, and my unfiltered self.

Slowly, I began to peel back the layers I had so carefully constructed. We set goals together: learning to communicate my feelings, expressing my needs, and building coping skills that I could use when anxiety crept in. I began to open up, and through that openness, I found strength. I learned how to manage those panic attacks and improve my relationships with my mom and dad. I started to embrace that while I couldn’t control everything, I could control my own reactions.

Therapy was not a magical cure; there were no overnight transformations. It was a process, filled with setbacks and hard truths. I learned to articulate the emotions that had once threatened to consume me, to express my needs without fear of judgment. For the first time, it wasn’t just about surviving the storm; I was learning to navigate through it. My therapist armed me with coping skills that felt like sturdy life jackets, tools I could use when anxiety crept in like an unwelcome guest.

Gradually, I began to see the positive results and benefits of the hard work I had put in. Panic attacks became less frequent, the fear that once gripped my chest relaxing its hold. The conversations I once dreaded became moments of connection, both with my mother and father. I learned that it was OK to communicate my needs, to lean on loved ones while also recognizing the importance of letting go of what I could not control. The beauty of growth is often found in the quiet spaces of understanding, and I finally started to appreciate the strength in vulnerability.

As I graduated high school and stepped into college life in Ohio, the world opened up in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I carried the tools I had gained in therapy with me. The change felt daunting, but I was determined to lean into the lessons I had learned. The bond I now share with both my parents is stronger. They both taught me that seeking help is courageous, not a sign of weakness. I built and embraced new friendships, while nurturing the relationships I had back home in New York became a source of encouragement. I found joy in community, and every connection reminded me that we all share struggles, even if they look different on the surface. Each moment became an opportunity to form connections, to challenge myself, and to celebrate the progress I had made. 

Today, I have grown from reluctant participant to passionate advocate for mental health. To every person out there who feels lost in the chaos of life, remember it’s OK to not have it all figured out. You are a work in progress, and that’s perfectly fine. Embrace the journey, lean into therapy, and know that healing is not linear. With each step you take, you move closer to a brighter, more fulfilled life. There’s a relief in recognizing that seeking support is a sign of strength. Therapy isn’t a stigma; it’s a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. 

Looking back, I am filled with gratitude that my parents pushed me to seek help. I appreciate my therapist beyond words; her support has transformed my life. Without Jen’s compassion and guidance, I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today: resilient, hopeful, and ready to embrace everything life has to offer. My heart swells with appreciation for the wisdom she shared, for the tools she equipped me with, and for the safe harbor she provided on the stormy seas of adolescence. 

I believe that everyone, at any stage, can benefit from therapy. There’s no shame in seeking help. It’s a sign of strength and a commitment to your own well-being. I understand that life may still throw turbulence my way, but now I know I have the inner resources to navigate it. And for that, I will always cherish the lessons learned and the support received. With newfound confidence, I move forward, ready to face whatever comes with open arms and an open heart. You are worthy of love, connection, and healing. Keep going. 

With all my heart,
Madison

National Recovery Month: Seeing and Being the Hope

September 23, 2024 | Leave a reply

By Julia Floyd-Ventura, Senior Program Director, Jamaica Family Wellness Center

In honor of recovery month, blog author julia floyd-ventura holds a sign with how many days she has been in recovery.

Blog author Julia Floyd-Ventura counts not years or months, but rather days, in recovery.

National Recovery Month is celebrated annually in September to recognize the progress that has been made and is possible in mental health and substance use recovery. This yearly observance has special meaning for me. It is a national reminder that the one thing that undergirds all recovery programs is hope: People can and do recover and find healing. I know this firsthand as a child of service members who struggled with addiction, as someone who struggled—and still struggles—with it myself, and as a clinician who sees it happen every day.

My mother and father were Marines. It took a toll on them, and it took a toll on our family. It changed the trajectory of all our lives. After three active tours of combat in Vietnam, which earned him three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star of Valor, my father developed PTSD. After years of persuasion by his family, he was treated by the VA and was able to do the work and heal and build our family back together.

My mother was not so lucky. While living on base housing in San Diego, California in 1965, my 3-month-old sister passed away. With this tragic loss and several other traumatic factors, my mother struggled with alcoholism, PTSD, and depression. She never did get treatment, and, tragically, she died of alcoholism-related illness.

To me, this showed in stark reality that treatment works, and recovery is possible. It was too late for my mother. I hoped it wasn’t too late for me.

The children are often overlooked when we talk about military and veterans’ mental health. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my parents’ service took a toll not just on my parents, but on my older sister and me, too. My parents divorced when I was one year old. I knew about my father and talked to him throughout my childhood, but with both my parents’ resentments toward each other and their own unresolved issues—including PTSD—we were kept apart. I dealt with his absence, my mother’s alcoholism and all that entailed, and witnessed my mother’s suicide attempts as a child. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I developed an addiction, too, at the tender age of 12. It had been my dream to enlist and serve in the military, but I was turned down because of my addiction. It has been one of my greatest regrets that I did not serve.

But my greatest regret is what my addiction did to the early relationship with my daughter. It was my love for my baby daughter that led me to seek the treatment I knew I needed. I enrolled in a residential treatment program when my daughter was 3 and spent three years without her, seeing her only during visits. With her being born into my addiction, I had to do so much work. I truly learned if I wanted her to ever forgive me, I had to demonstrate that I could also forgive my parents. That was part of the work I had to do, if I were to make good on my promise to myself and my daughter that the cycle of addiction would end with me.

Now I get to be a wonderful grandparent to my beautiful, healthy granddaughter. I watch my granddaughter every Monday, and my daughter and I have a beautiful relationship. We talk every day. That is all because of the power of recovery and healing.

Helping others, especially other military families, do the same in their own lives is what drives me. For 19 years, I worked at Phoenix House, where I was once a client and began my recovery. For six of those years, I served as vice president of mental health and military services. I’ve been the senior director of the Jamaica Family Wellness Center at The Child Center since 2018. While not being able to serve in the military myself may be one of my greatest regrets, having played a role in launching Military Services at The Child Center has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I have a deep understanding of the effect of military service not just on the service members, but also on the children and the family as a whole. I am extremely proud and grateful that serving the whole family, and especially the children in their own right, is a feature of Military Services at The Child Center. This is a huge step in helping end cycles of trauma and addiction.

A deep understanding of military culture is also an integral part of Military Services, and this translates into a “no judgment” zone. As a service member, you are always expected to just get your mission and go. But if people like my mother did seek help and tell someone about their trauma, addiction, and other mental health challenges while they were happening, they might have gotten help before it was too late. As long as you are alive and breathing, there is always hope. There is always healing. There is always a way toward a fulfilling life you are proud to live. I am thankful that the military is catching up to this, and that addiction and mental health challenges no longer carry the stigma they once did. As a result, service members are increasingly getting the help they need, which benefits everyone.

Recovery Month coincides with Suicide Prevention Month, and I am proud to be part of an organization that offers many avenues through which people touched by these interrelated issues can find hope and change. The Child Center offers care and treatment on the whole spectrum, from prevention to recovery. In terms of early prevention, this can be seen in the way that even in our youth development programs, from afterschool to community centers, mental wellness is top of mind and a golden thread woven throughout programming. Sometimes that’s through explicit emphasis, and sometimes it’s just in the form of helping young people set goals, tap into their strengths, realize their potential, and engage in all the things that make life worth living. We also recently launched our School-Based Early Support program, which works by embedding our staff in the schools where children are every day to proactively support families and ensure children thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing environments. We also have partnered with Born This Way Foundation to promote the Be There Certificate, earned after an online course that teaches the public to recognize when someone might be struggling with their mental health and how to support them while maintaining their own mental health. It’s a free, self-paced, interactive online course designed for young people but accessible to all.

The Child Center also supports people of any age, including adults with or without children, at the other end of the spectrum: Those who currently are facing serious mental health challenges and require a higher level of care. For example, The Child Center Residential Treatment Facility offers a warm, supportive environment that serves young people ages 12-18 who have had multiple psychiatric hospital placements or have serious emotional disabilities and involvement with the juvenile justice system, while our Youth Intensive Outpatient Program (Youth IOP) and Bridge to Hope program serves clients in that age group who are at high risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors, but while remaining at home with their families.

All these programs and options boil down to one crucial conviction: It is never too early or too late to intervene in a person’s life. There is always hope for recovery. I am living proof, and so are the thousands of people who have engaged in mental health and substance use care at The Child Center.

I mentioned that one of my greatest regrets is that I didn’t get to serve in the military, but one thing I learned in recovery is not to focus on regrets but on how we can move on and make amends. In that spirit, even though I didn’t serve, I feel like I am serving in my current role.

Tragically, my father passed away in 2019 (Agent Orange-related cancer from Vietnam). I am so grateful that I got to reconnect with him when I was 35 and meet my paternal family, and that I get to help people like him through my work. Every day, I get to help service members and civilians alike find hope and recovery. It’s my way of giving back.

We ended August with Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember those whose lives were tragically cut short by addiction. I think it’s poetic that the very next day, we begin a whole month—Recovery Month—focused on hope.

Editor’s Note: If you are actively suicidal, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911. For anyone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, addiction, or other mental health challenges, help is available.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
The Child Center of NY wellness centers: 718-358-8288