The presence of art can leave a meaningful impact on human lives. It affects our mood and our views of the world, reducing stress levels and alleviating anxiety episodes in most cases. Having these facts in mind, including art therapy in the process of guiding students with disabilities is a logical and natural decision that… Continue Reading 8 Pieces of Advice: Supporting Kids With Disabilities Through Art Therapy

As Governor Little takes the reigns from former Governor Butch Otter he is making some changes in his cabinet. Little has named Dave Jeppesen as new director for the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, the state’s single largest agency. Jeppesen has been with Blue Cross of Idaho for the past six and a half… Continue Reading Idaho’s New Health and Welfare Director

“What can I do to IMPROVE my attitude?” This is one of the most asked questions I get. Being positive most of the time allows you to enjoy life more. Here are 20 practical ideas to help you get a positive attitude and keep it. Be Yourself – Do more of the things you love.… Continue Reading 20 Ways To IMPROVE Attitudes

On October 26, 2018 I was fortunate enough to attend a class on Constructive Conversations presented by Abbey Louie and Steve Robertson of Louie Robertson Consulting during the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services. Ms. Louie and MR. Robertson demonstrated true synergy during the presentation. As attendees, we learned to identify our own challenges to… Continue Reading Handle Difficult Conversations With Greater Impact And a Lot Less Stress!

I had an opportunity to attend a session by Jeanne Farr, CEO, National Association of Dual Diagnosis, at the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services. The session was titled “Trauma-Informed Care” (TIC). Ms. Farr presented us with a comprehensive definition and history of TIC indicating reports of traumatic stress as far back in history as… Continue Reading Trauma Informed Care

Today we are taking our youngest daughter to college. There are so many emotions and life changes happening all at once. I have been resisting the urge to retreat into denial. I want to be present to feel all these things despite the overwhelmingness. Painful and joyful, bittersweet. A dear friend gave me a copy… Continue Reading Her Tattered Bear

Music has been with us for thousands of years as a form of entertainment, communication, celebration, and mourning. There are so many different emotions that music can help us to express, and it is a language that we share universally, as well as one that everyone can understand. The style of music that we listen… Continue Reading How Music Helps with Mental Health – Mind Boosting Benefits of Music Therapy

Getting mad is natural and unavoidable. You are human, after all. You will continue to feel and experience anger throughout your life. Anger is one of your strongest emotions and one of your strongest motivators. Anger is often an indicator that you would like something in your life to change. What you do when you… Continue Reading Channel Your Inner Clint Eastwood

There is a myth that youth who are in school and receive SSI benefits can’t work or they will lose their benefits. They can indeed work. There are special SSI rules that support working for students under the age of 22. It’s called the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE). There are limits to the income… Continue Reading Supplemental Security Income (SSI) & Youth Who Work

Now in its 7th year, the Commitment to Community Awards provides visibility and recognition to these honorees for their leadership and vision. We’re asking you to help us honor and recognize the journey taken by individuals, organizations and businesses dedicated to advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Nominees must possess three or more of the following… Continue Reading Commitment to Community Awards: Honoring the Journey