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PLANTING SEEDS OF HOPE: THE MINDgarden PHILOSOPHY
March 19, 2024
Ah, childhood—the days of endless exploration, where every corner held a new adventure and the world felt boundless with possibility. Now, imagine if in addition to those adventures, we were equipped with a toolkit—a little something to guide us through the storms, to stand tall in the face of challenges, and to find beauty in every moment. That's the essence of MINDgarden, a philosophy that envisions a world where every child is empowered with the tools for mental wellness from the very start.
MINDgarden: Cultivating Brighter Futures for Our Kids
At its heart, MINDgarden isn’t just about teaching; it’s about nurturing. It’s about ensuring emotional literacy is as fundamental as learning to read and write. And here’s why it truly matters:
• Mindfulness: It’s not just a trendy term; it’s about teaching our kids to savor every moment, finding joy in life's simplest pleasures.
• Emotional Intelligence: Giving our children the vocabulary to express their feelings, and reassuring them that it’s okay to feel, and okay to share those feelings.
• Resilience: Showing them that stumbling isn’t failing—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and stand up even stronger.
• Community and Connection: Helping them understand that while they are unique individuals, they are also part of a greater whole—a community where each person matters.
Why MINDgarden is Essential Now, More Than Ever
In a world that’s rapidly changing, our children face new and complex challenges. MINDgarden serves as a guiding light in these turbulent times, helping our kids navigate stress and anxiety, and find their footing in moments of chaos. It’s about laying a foundation so sturdy that no matter what life throws their way, they can weather the storm and emerge even stronger.
Bringing MINDgarden to Life: Everyday Magic
MINDgarden isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about finding magic in the little things:
• Starting the Day Mindfully: Take a moment each morning to share a quiet moment with your child—watch the sunrise, or simply express gratitude for the day ahead.
• Exploring Feelings Together: Create a ‘feeling wheel’ with your child, helping them understand the rich tapestry of emotions and empowering them to express themselves.
• Stories of Strength: Bedtime isn’t just for fairy tales; share stories of real-life heroes who faced challenges head-on, inspiring resilience and determination.
• Sprinkling Kindness: Encourage acts of kindness, no matter how small, showing them that even the tiniest gesture can make a big difference.
The MINDgarden Journey: Walking Hand in Hand
MINDgarden isn’t a solitary journey. It’s a path we walk together with our children, learning from each other every step of the way.
By planting these seeds early on, we’re not just nurturing healthy minds; we’re fostering compassionate, resilient, and empathetic individuals prepared to tackle the world with open hearts.
By planting these seeds early on, we’re not just nurturing healthy minds; we’re fostering compassionate, resilient, and empathetic individuals prepared to tackle the world with open hearts.
Let’s not just dream of a brighter future for our children; let’s lay the groundwork for it, one mindful step at a time. Welcome to MINDgarden—where every child’s journey to mental wellness begins.
Hi! My name is Melissa Schreiber. I am a Recreational Therapist here at Kalasho Education & Youth Services. I’ve always believed that meaningful work starts with connection. It’s about understanding, supporting, and helping people grow—not just in their skills, but in their sense of purpose. That’s what drew me to MINDgarden, and it’s why I’m so passionate about what we do here. When I first started, I was inspired by our goal of creating spaces where kids can feel safe, valued, and empowered to share their ideas. In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, MINDgarden feels like a sanctuary where children can truly thrive. Being a recreational therapist has been an incredibly fulfilling and transformative journey. From the moment I stepped into the field in 2021, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. It is a career where I could combine my passion for helping others with my love for activities and mental health. I have the ability to use recreation as a therapeutic tool to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals facing various challenges. Through activities like group games, fitness, arts and crafts, and purposeful conversations, I help clients not only improve their mental health but also foster meaningful connections and build their self-esteem. As I look ahead, I am eager to keep moving forward and growing in this role.
Hi! My name is Anna Smolinski. I am a Social Worker here at Kalasho Education & Youth Services. At MINDgarden, I specialize in working with children and adolescents, offering therapeutic support that helps them rediscover hope and inner peace. My work is centered around offering a strengths-based approach, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy. As part of our comprehensive approach, we provide a variety of services, including individual therapy, group sessions, life skills training, art therapy and equestrian therapy. It’s truly a remarkable place where children can come in and relax utilizing different spaces. My favorite one is the library as you immediately feel relaxed seeing the cherry blossom trees and comfy bean chairs. Makes you want to sit and read. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work at MINDgarden is witnessing the transformative impact of Play Therapy and being able to relate to children on a personal level. As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of adapting to a new country, I can deeply empathize with the struggles that many of these children face. Culture shock and adjusting to a new world can be difficult. At MINDgarden, children get the opportunity to utilize a space that feels more like a sanctuary to come in and relax and utilize play therapy to talk through challenges. I feel truly honored to be a part of that. "Enter into children's play, and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet." — Virginia Axline.