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What happens when resilience, emotional intelligence, artificial intelligence, workplace stress, and chocolate all end up in the same conversation?You get a pretty fun podcast episode.
I recently had the opportunity to join TJ Moore on his podcast for a conversation about something I care deeply about: how we stay resilient, connected, and emotionally intelligent in a world that is changing faster than ever.
And yes—we talked about Who Ate My Chocolate?
Resilience in a Rapidly Changing WorldChange isn't slowing down.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace. Technology is changing how we communicate, learn, lead, and solve problems. Employees and educators are navigating increasing demands, uncertainty, burnout, and information overload.
That's why I believe resilience is becoming one of the most important workplace and leadership skills we can develop.
Resilience isn't pretending everything is fine.
It's our ability to adapt when things aren't fine.
It's learning how to navigate change, recover from setbacks, manage stress, communicate effectively, and keep moving forward—even when someone has metaphorically (or literally!) eaten your chocolate.
Where AI and Emotional Intelligence MeetOne of the fascinating parts of our conversation was exploring the intersection of AI and emotional intelligence.
AI can help us work faster.
It can analyze information, generate ideas, automate tasks, and increase productivity.
But there are some things technology can't replace: human connection, empathy, self-awareness, communication, trust, and emotional intelligence.
As workplaces become more technologically advanced, I believe our human skills become even more valuable.
The future of work won't simply belong to people who know how to use AI.
It will belong to people who can use technology while still knowing how to work with people.
That requires resilience.
It requires emotional intelligence.
And it requires leaders and teams who understand that relationships aren't a distraction from the work—they're part of how great work gets done.
So… Who Ate My Chocolate?Of course, we also talked about my signature program, Who Ate My Chocolate?
The idea is funny, but the message behind it is very real.
Sometimes it isn't the enormous crisis that pushes us over the edge.
It's the coworker who doesn't communicate.
The meeting that should have been an email.
The change nobody explained.
The overflowing inbox.
The person who ate the chocolate you were saving for 3:00.
Who Ate My Chocolate? uses humor, storytelling, practical resilience strategies, and emotional intelligence to help people recognize how they respond to stress, change, conflict, and the everyday frustrations of working with other humans.
Because sometimes we can't change what's happening around us—but we can become much better at choosing what happens next.
Resilience Is a SkillOne of the messages I hope listeners take away from my conversation with TJ is this:
Resilience isn't something you're either born with or you're not. It's something you can build.
We can become better at navigating discomfort.
We can become more emotionally intelligent.
We can learn healthier ways to respond to stress and workplace conflict.
We can become better communicators, coworkers, educators, and leaders.
And yes, we can learn to survive when someone eats our chocolate.
Listen to My Conversation with TJ MooreI'd love for you to listen to the full conversation below.
https://youtu.be/BXGn8PXZKos?si=4DjK25W-N6Fsl14A
We talk about:
Bring Who Ate My Chocolate? to Your OrganizationMichelle is The Resiliency Lady, a TEDx speaker, educator, trainer, and creator of Who Ate My Chocolate? Her interactive keynotes and workshops help teams navigate change, strengthen emotional intelligence, build resilience, improve workplace relationships, and handle stress without losing their minds—or each other.
Ready to build a more resilient team?
Contact me now! thespeakerlady@gmail.com
I recently had the opportunity to join TJ Moore on his podcast for a conversation about something I care deeply about: how we stay resilient, connected, and emotionally intelligent in a world that is changing faster than ever.
And yes—we talked about Who Ate My Chocolate?
Resilience in a Rapidly Changing WorldChange isn't slowing down.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace. Technology is changing how we communicate, learn, lead, and solve problems. Employees and educators are navigating increasing demands, uncertainty, burnout, and information overload.
That's why I believe resilience is becoming one of the most important workplace and leadership skills we can develop.
Resilience isn't pretending everything is fine.
It's our ability to adapt when things aren't fine.
It's learning how to navigate change, recover from setbacks, manage stress, communicate effectively, and keep moving forward—even when someone has metaphorically (or literally!) eaten your chocolate.
Where AI and Emotional Intelligence MeetOne of the fascinating parts of our conversation was exploring the intersection of AI and emotional intelligence.
AI can help us work faster.
It can analyze information, generate ideas, automate tasks, and increase productivity.
But there are some things technology can't replace: human connection, empathy, self-awareness, communication, trust, and emotional intelligence.
As workplaces become more technologically advanced, I believe our human skills become even more valuable.
The future of work won't simply belong to people who know how to use AI.
It will belong to people who can use technology while still knowing how to work with people.
That requires resilience.
It requires emotional intelligence.
And it requires leaders and teams who understand that relationships aren't a distraction from the work—they're part of how great work gets done.
So… Who Ate My Chocolate?Of course, we also talked about my signature program, Who Ate My Chocolate?
The idea is funny, but the message behind it is very real.
Sometimes it isn't the enormous crisis that pushes us over the edge.
It's the coworker who doesn't communicate.
The meeting that should have been an email.
The change nobody explained.
The overflowing inbox.
The person who ate the chocolate you were saving for 3:00.
Who Ate My Chocolate? uses humor, storytelling, practical resilience strategies, and emotional intelligence to help people recognize how they respond to stress, change, conflict, and the everyday frustrations of working with other humans.
Because sometimes we can't change what's happening around us—but we can become much better at choosing what happens next.
Resilience Is a SkillOne of the messages I hope listeners take away from my conversation with TJ is this:
Resilience isn't something you're either born with or you're not. It's something you can build.
We can become better at navigating discomfort.
We can become more emotionally intelligent.
We can learn healthier ways to respond to stress and workplace conflict.
We can become better communicators, coworkers, educators, and leaders.
And yes, we can learn to survive when someone eats our chocolate.
Listen to My Conversation with TJ MooreI'd love for you to listen to the full conversation below.
https://youtu.be/BXGn8PXZKos?si=4DjK25W-N6Fsl14A
We talk about:
- resilience in the workplace and everyday life
- artificial intelligence and the future of work
- why emotional intelligence matters more than ever
- navigating change and uncertainty
- workplace relationships and communication
- stress, burnout, and adaptability
- building stronger, more resilient teams
- and, of course, Who Ate My Chocolate?
Bring Who Ate My Chocolate? to Your OrganizationMichelle is The Resiliency Lady, a TEDx speaker, educator, trainer, and creator of Who Ate My Chocolate? Her interactive keynotes and workshops help teams navigate change, strengthen emotional intelligence, build resilience, improve workplace relationships, and handle stress without losing their minds—or each other.
Ready to build a more resilient team?
Contact me now! thespeakerlady@gmail.com
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Why the Most Resilient Teams Aren't the Ones That Avoid Change
If your workplace feels like it's changing every other week, you're not imagining it.
New leadership. New technology. Budget cuts. Organizational restructuring. Remote work. Return-to-office policies. Higher expectations. Smaller teams.
Change has become the new normal.
The problem isn't that organizations experience change. It's that most people have never been taught how to navigate it well.
When people feel uncertain, communication breaks down. Patience runs thin. Trust suffers. Productivity drops. Even the strongest teams can find themselves frustrated over small misunderstandings that are really symptoms of something much bigger.
That's where resilience comes in.
Resilience isn't about pretending everything is fine or simply "thinking positive." It's the ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and keep moving forward when circumstances aren't what you expected.
The most successful organizations intentionally build resilient teams. They create environments where people know how to:
People don't need another motivational speech.
They need practical tools they can use the very next day.
That's why I created my keynote, Who Ate My Chocolate? It's a fun, story-driven presentation that helps teams recognize how they respond to change, understand why communication breaks down, and develop practical strategies for building resilience together.
The laughter is real.
The stories are relatable.
The strategies are immediately usable.
Because resilience isn't just something we need during a major crisis. We need it every Monday morning, every unexpected email, every new policy, every difficult conversation, and every season of transition.
Organizations that invest in resilience don't just survive change.
They learn how to thrive through it.
If you're planning a conference, leadership retreat, association meeting, or corporate event and you're looking for a keynote speaker who combines humor, practical strategies, and memorable storytelling, I'd love to help your audience leave inspired and equipped with tools they can actually use.
Ready to build a more resilient team?
Visit www.speakermichelle.com to learn more about keynote presentations, workshops, and speaking availability. Let's help your team navigate change without losing their minds... or each other.
If your workplace feels like it's changing every other week, you're not imagining it.
New leadership. New technology. Budget cuts. Organizational restructuring. Remote work. Return-to-office policies. Higher expectations. Smaller teams.
Change has become the new normal.
The problem isn't that organizations experience change. It's that most people have never been taught how to navigate it well.
When people feel uncertain, communication breaks down. Patience runs thin. Trust suffers. Productivity drops. Even the strongest teams can find themselves frustrated over small misunderstandings that are really symptoms of something much bigger.
That's where resilience comes in.
Resilience isn't about pretending everything is fine or simply "thinking positive." It's the ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and keep moving forward when circumstances aren't what you expected.
The most successful organizations intentionally build resilient teams. They create environments where people know how to:
- Communicate during difficult conversations.
- Adapt when priorities shift.
- Support one another through uncertainty.
- Stay engaged instead of burned out.
- Focus on solutions instead of blame.
People don't need another motivational speech.
They need practical tools they can use the very next day.
That's why I created my keynote, Who Ate My Chocolate? It's a fun, story-driven presentation that helps teams recognize how they respond to change, understand why communication breaks down, and develop practical strategies for building resilience together.
The laughter is real.
The stories are relatable.
The strategies are immediately usable.
Because resilience isn't just something we need during a major crisis. We need it every Monday morning, every unexpected email, every new policy, every difficult conversation, and every season of transition.
Organizations that invest in resilience don't just survive change.
They learn how to thrive through it.
If you're planning a conference, leadership retreat, association meeting, or corporate event and you're looking for a keynote speaker who combines humor, practical strategies, and memorable storytelling, I'd love to help your audience leave inspired and equipped with tools they can actually use.
Ready to build a more resilient team?
Visit www.speakermichelle.com to learn more about keynote presentations, workshops, and speaking availability. Let's help your team navigate change without losing their minds... or each other.
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Who is the Best Women’s Keynote Speaker in Utah?
If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re searching for a keynote speaker who can light up the room, inspire your audience, and leave them feeling empowered and ready to take on the world. First of all—welcome! You’re in the right place.
Utah is home to many talented speakers, and I have the privilege of being one of them. My name is Michelle Porcelli, and I specialize in delivering engaging, transformative keynotes that blend humor, storytelling, and actionable strategies to help women and professionals build resilience, confidence, and courage.
So, am I the best women’s keynote speaker in Utah? That’s for you to decide. But here’s what I can say:
What Sets Me Apart as a Keynote Speaker?
- Engaging, Relatable, and Inspiring: My presentations aren’t just speeches; they’re experiences. I connect deeply with audiences, weaving in personal stories, humor, and real-world strategies that leave a lasting impact.
- Expertise & Credibility: As a TEDx speaker, licensed counselor, award-winning author, and professional keynote speaker, I bring both research-backed insights and real-life experience to the stage.
- Tailored for Your Audience: No cookie-cutter speeches here! I customize every keynote to align with the specific goals and themes of your event, ensuring your audience gets the most value possible.
- A Passion for Empowerment: My mission is to help women (and the professionals who support them) build resilience, confidence, and joy—even in the face of setbacks. I don’t just talk about transformation; I create an environment where it happens.
- “Michelle’s energy is contagious! She had our audience laughing, learning, and leaving with real strategies they could use immediately.”
- She doesn’t just speak—she connects. It felt like she was speaking directly to me.”
- “Michelle brings the perfect blend of humor, heart, and wisdom. She made our event unforgettable.”
Let’s Make Your Next Event UnforgettableIf you’re looking for a speaker who will engage, inspire, and uplift your audience, I’d love to chat about your event. Whether you need a keynote on resilience, confidence, overcoming setbacks, or finding joy in the journey, I’m here to bring value and impact to your stage.
So, who is the best women’s keynote speaker in Utah? That’s a decision for you to make. But if you’re looking for someone who will bring energy, authenticity, and transformation to your audience—I’d love to be your choice.
Let’s connect! Reach out today to discuss how I can help make your next event a success!
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I AM EXCITED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO 'TEAMOLOGY TRAINING CO. - TEAMWORK MADE BEAUTIFUL'. I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING TEAMS BE SUCCESSFUL .
Welcome to Teamology Training Co.! Where Connection Meets Creativity
At Teamology Training Co., we believe teamwork is more than just collaboration—it’s about building meaningful connections, fostering resilience, and having a little fun along the way! Whether you're looking to strengthen your corporate team dynamics or seeking a memorable day out with friends, we’ve got something special for everyone.
Corporate Training Events: Empower Your TeamsAre you ready to elevate your workplace culture? Our corporate training events are designed to inspire growth, improve communication, and create lasting synergy within your teams. Using our proven strategies, including our signature "People Flower Crown" approach (yes, it’s as unique as it sounds!), we help your teams:
💡 Ready to inspire your teams? Contact us here to book your session today!
Introducing: Abridger-Ton Days – The Perfect Ladies’ Luncheon!Calling all ladies who love laughter, tea, and a touch of whimsy! We are thrilled to announce our Abridger-Ton Days—exclusive ladies' luncheons inspired by the elegance and fun of Regency-era charm.
💃 What to Expect:
March 8, 2025
July 10, 2025
July 11, 2025
July 12, 2025
📍 Location: Timberlakes, Utah
This isn’t just a luncheon; it’s a celebration of connection, laughter, and creating memories with friends. Spots are limited, so grab your parasol and reserve your place today!
Why Teamology?At Teamology, we’re passionate about helping people thrive—whether it’s in the workplace, at home, or over tea with friends. Our mission is simple:
Let’s Connect!🌟 Corporate Training Events: Build stronger, happier teams.
🎩 Abridger-Ton Days: Herbal Tea, biscuits, and all the laughs with the ladies!.
💌 Contact us today to learn more about our events and book your spot! Follow for updates and behind-the-scenes peeks into the magic of Teamology Training Co.
Because at Teamology, together is always better. 🫖✨
Teamology Training Co., Teamwork Made Beautiful
Welcome to Teamology Training Co.! Where Connection Meets Creativity
At Teamology Training Co., we believe teamwork is more than just collaboration—it’s about building meaningful connections, fostering resilience, and having a little fun along the way! Whether you're looking to strengthen your corporate team dynamics or seeking a memorable day out with friends, we’ve got something special for everyone.
Corporate Training Events: Empower Your TeamsAre you ready to elevate your workplace culture? Our corporate training events are designed to inspire growth, improve communication, and create lasting synergy within your teams. Using our proven strategies, including our signature "People Flower Crown" approach (yes, it’s as unique as it sounds!), we help your teams:
- Communicate effectively with empathy and clarity.
- Navigate challenges with resilience and confidence.
- Build trust and foster collaboration that drives results.
💡 Ready to inspire your teams? Contact us here to book your session today!
Introducing: Abridger-Ton Days – The Perfect Ladies’ Luncheon!Calling all ladies who love laughter, tea, and a touch of whimsy! We are thrilled to announce our Abridger-Ton Days—exclusive ladies' luncheons inspired by the elegance and fun of Regency-era charm.
💃 What to Expect:
- Regency-inspired activities in your favorite abridged attire (yes, corsets are optional, but giggles are mandatory!).
- A delightful luncheon featuring tea, biscuits, and other delectable treats.
- Interactive storytelling and regency-themed games that will have you channeling your inner duchess.
- Meaningful discussions about connection, resilience, and living with purpose.
March 8, 2025
July 10, 2025
July 11, 2025
July 12, 2025
📍 Location: Timberlakes, Utah
This isn’t just a luncheon; it’s a celebration of connection, laughter, and creating memories with friends. Spots are limited, so grab your parasol and reserve your place today!
Why Teamology?At Teamology, we’re passionate about helping people thrive—whether it’s in the workplace, at home, or over tea with friends. Our mission is simple:
- Connection: Helping teams and individuals build authentic relationships.
- Creativity: Bringing fresh, fun, and engaging approaches to everything we do.
- Collaboration: Celebrating the magic that happens when we come together.
Let’s Connect!🌟 Corporate Training Events: Build stronger, happier teams.
🎩 Abridger-Ton Days: Herbal Tea, biscuits, and all the laughs with the ladies!.
💌 Contact us today to learn more about our events and book your spot! Follow for updates and behind-the-scenes peeks into the magic of Teamology Training Co.
Because at Teamology, together is always better. 🫖✨
Teamology Training Co., Teamwork Made Beautiful
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My speaking business is growing growing growing! Come visit me at www.speakermichelle.com
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HOW IS STRESS YOUR FRIEND?FOR OVER 20 YEARS, MICHELLE HAS BEEN TEACHING COPING SKILLS AND HOW TO AVOID STRESS, BUT HAS NOW DONE AN ABOUT FACE AND CHANGED HER TUNE.
SHE BELIEVES WE SHOULD INSTEAD
MAKE STRESS OUR FRIEND!
STRESS IS A BLESSING GIVEN TO US WHICH 'CAN' HELP WARD OFF DISEASE, INCREASE PERFORMANCE, AND MAKE US SOCIAL BEINGS! BY REIMAGINING HOW YOU THINK ABOUT STRESS, YOU CAN RETEACH YOUR BODY TO RESPOND IN A HEALTHY WAY. USE STRESS TO HELP YOU ACE THE TEST, COMPLETE THE PROJECT, OR EVEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS! USE STRESS TO HELP STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND LEARN TO BECOME EMOTIONALLY RESILIENT.
WHEN STRESSED, YOUR PUPILS MAY DILATE, HEART BEATS FASTER, BREATHING QUICKENS, AND YOU MAY EVEN BREAK OUT INTO A SWEAT. PEOPLE OFTEN VIEW THESE AS NEGATIVE SIGNS THAT YOU’RE NOT COPING WELL. BUT, IT ACTUALLY MEANS THAT YOUR BRAIN IS DOING ITS JOB AND PREPARING YOUR BODY FOR ACTION. IT IS PROTECTING YOU.
THINK OF IT THIS WAY: IMAGINE YOUR ARE CROSSING THE STREET WHEN A CAR SUDDENLY APPEARS FROM AROUND THE CORNER. IT COMES SCREECHING TOWARDS YOU. YOUR BRAIN SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE AMYGDALA OF, "THERE IS NOT TIME TO THINK ABOUT THIS. GET OUT OF THE WAY." YOU RUN TO THE OTHER SIDE TO CLEAR THE PATH OF THE ONCOMING CAR. YOUR BRAIN STRESSES YOUR BODY AND SIGNALS YOUR EYES/EARS/LEGS/HEART TO MOVE QUICKLY INTO ACTION TO SAVE YOU! HALLELUJAH!
THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE STRESSED, THINK ABOUT IT AS YOUR BODY PROTECTING YOU BY PREPARING YOU FOR THE CHALLENGE.
STRESS MAKES YOU SOCIAL. OXYTOCIN IS KNOWN AS THE 'HUGGING HORMONE'. IT IS RELEASED DURING TIMES OF STRESS AND PRIMES YOU TO REACH OUT FOR HELP, OR TO MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH OTHERS, GIVING YOU A SENSE OF STABILITY OR PROTECTION. IT LITERALLY GIVES YOU COURAGE TO MAKE AND STRENGTHEN FRIENDSHIPS. OXYTOCIN IS ALSO RECEIVED IN THE HEART AND EACH TIME IT IS RELEASED, YOUR STRESS RESPONSE BECOMES STRONGER AND YOU LITERALLY GAIN RESILIENCE TO STRESS. WE NEED EACH OTHER MORE THAN YOU KNOW!
YOUR MINDSET HELPS CONTROL THE RESULTS OF STRESS. WHEN YOU THINK OF STRESS AS BENEFICIAL, IT ACTS AS BENEFICIAL. WHEN YOU HELP OTHERS, YOU BUILD RESILIENCE TO STRESS DUE TO THE HORMONES, CONNECTIONS AND SUPPORT YOU CREATE. YES, WE ARE IN CONTROL OF OUR STRESS RESPONSE AND WE DECIDE HOW MUCH POWER WE GIVE TO POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE STRESS. WE ARE THE SUPER HEROES OF OUR OWN STORIES
SHE BELIEVES WE SHOULD INSTEAD
MAKE STRESS OUR FRIEND!
STRESS IS A BLESSING GIVEN TO US WHICH 'CAN' HELP WARD OFF DISEASE, INCREASE PERFORMANCE, AND MAKE US SOCIAL BEINGS! BY REIMAGINING HOW YOU THINK ABOUT STRESS, YOU CAN RETEACH YOUR BODY TO RESPOND IN A HEALTHY WAY. USE STRESS TO HELP YOU ACE THE TEST, COMPLETE THE PROJECT, OR EVEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS! USE STRESS TO HELP STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND LEARN TO BECOME EMOTIONALLY RESILIENT.
WHEN STRESSED, YOUR PUPILS MAY DILATE, HEART BEATS FASTER, BREATHING QUICKENS, AND YOU MAY EVEN BREAK OUT INTO A SWEAT. PEOPLE OFTEN VIEW THESE AS NEGATIVE SIGNS THAT YOU’RE NOT COPING WELL. BUT, IT ACTUALLY MEANS THAT YOUR BRAIN IS DOING ITS JOB AND PREPARING YOUR BODY FOR ACTION. IT IS PROTECTING YOU.
THINK OF IT THIS WAY: IMAGINE YOUR ARE CROSSING THE STREET WHEN A CAR SUDDENLY APPEARS FROM AROUND THE CORNER. IT COMES SCREECHING TOWARDS YOU. YOUR BRAIN SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE AMYGDALA OF, "THERE IS NOT TIME TO THINK ABOUT THIS. GET OUT OF THE WAY." YOU RUN TO THE OTHER SIDE TO CLEAR THE PATH OF THE ONCOMING CAR. YOUR BRAIN STRESSES YOUR BODY AND SIGNALS YOUR EYES/EARS/LEGS/HEART TO MOVE QUICKLY INTO ACTION TO SAVE YOU! HALLELUJAH!
THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE STRESSED, THINK ABOUT IT AS YOUR BODY PROTECTING YOU BY PREPARING YOU FOR THE CHALLENGE.
STRESS MAKES YOU SOCIAL. OXYTOCIN IS KNOWN AS THE 'HUGGING HORMONE'. IT IS RELEASED DURING TIMES OF STRESS AND PRIMES YOU TO REACH OUT FOR HELP, OR TO MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH OTHERS, GIVING YOU A SENSE OF STABILITY OR PROTECTION. IT LITERALLY GIVES YOU COURAGE TO MAKE AND STRENGTHEN FRIENDSHIPS. OXYTOCIN IS ALSO RECEIVED IN THE HEART AND EACH TIME IT IS RELEASED, YOUR STRESS RESPONSE BECOMES STRONGER AND YOU LITERALLY GAIN RESILIENCE TO STRESS. WE NEED EACH OTHER MORE THAN YOU KNOW!
YOUR MINDSET HELPS CONTROL THE RESULTS OF STRESS. WHEN YOU THINK OF STRESS AS BENEFICIAL, IT ACTS AS BENEFICIAL. WHEN YOU HELP OTHERS, YOU BUILD RESILIENCE TO STRESS DUE TO THE HORMONES, CONNECTIONS AND SUPPORT YOU CREATE. YES, WE ARE IN CONTROL OF OUR STRESS RESPONSE AND WE DECIDE HOW MUCH POWER WE GIVE TO POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE STRESS. WE ARE THE SUPER HEROES OF OUR OWN STORIES
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So excited to share my new book with you - You can preorder now and it will ship June 13th.
Order HERE
Order HERE
Hi! I'm the author and I think I did a pretty good job... LOL - (My son challenged me to post this as the review - kids these days!) Seriously, I love good discussion and helping hearts heal and guiding others to Christ. We can all relate to the desire of being wanted, needed and appreciated. In this world, so many feel lost and confused. My desire is to help you know you are needed in the lives of others. Whether you are a believer, or not, I know the love our Father in Heaven has for his children. I want you to experience that love too!
I hope you can tell by now that this book is light hearted mixed with spiritual insights. There are some stories that may hit close to home, some are quite uplifting, some are raw and real. However, these stories are of you, those you know, and people who walk the same streets as you do.
My door is always open to those needing a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. I truly love humans (okay, most days I love humans!) and know our future is bright when we include Christ in our daily plans. God bless you and I hope you enjoy YOU WILL BE FOUND!
I hope you can tell by now that this book is light hearted mixed with spiritual insights. There are some stories that may hit close to home, some are quite uplifting, some are raw and real. However, these stories are of you, those you know, and people who walk the same streets as you do.
My door is always open to those needing a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. I truly love humans (okay, most days I love humans!) and know our future is bright when we include Christ in our daily plans. God bless you and I hope you enjoy YOU WILL BE FOUND!
- Published on
Holy Spirit, Activate! Enjoy this Scripture Wheel of Emotion using verses from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Don't hate on me if you don't believe as I do - I make no apologies for my religious beliefs. I love Jesus and I want the world to know it! I owe Him my life as He is the reason for the opportunities I have been given to spread light and love to the world. Use the wheel to help you manage all the wonderful feels! Life is too short to be miserable... have some fun celebrating being human! Let me know if you have any questions!
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https://ksltv.com/402921/childhood-anxiety-utah-schools-addressing-rising-mental-health-challenges/?jwsource=cl
Schools increase focus on mental healthSchools are feverishly trying to adapt to meet the needs.
More than a dozen Utah school districts from Cache to Kanab applied for and received money from House Bill 264 that provides $2 million to hire elementary school counselors.
Jordan School District is using those funds and their own to put a psychologist in every high school, middle school and even in its 36 elementaries. At Herriman High, where there were seven suicides last year, there are now nine counselors, a psychologist and a social worker.
In the Canyons School District, administrators are working to get a half-time psychologist and a half-time counselor in every school. And they have a family resource center which among other things, teaches anger management to kids in third to fifth grades.
Alpine School District also prioritized hiring a batch of elementary counselors, recognizing mental health may carry the same importance as academics.
KSL spoke with four new elementary counselors in that district about what they are seeing.
“There’s always been a need,” said counselor Carrie Whitney. “It’s just a priority need now.”
“It is very hard for them to keep up with everything that’s being thrown at them,” added counselor Julie Thornton.
Alpine counselors and others say at the heart of the skyrocketing need is a growing number of kids who face more traumatic experiences at home: things like poverty, homelessness, divorce, parents using drugs, a parent who’s incarcerated, a parent who’s deported.
“You see them come to school with adult issues,” said counselor Michelle Porcelli. “They’re no longer able to just be kids.”
All agreed it is important to work with children at a younger age.
“It’s important to start now, start earlier, the earlier the better,” said counselor Jeanette Perez. “Teaching them those coping skills so then when they do go to middle school or high school, they know how to cope.”
Learning to copeThose coping skills are a steep learning curve for high school senior Jamie Cutler.
A few years ago, her parents divorced. They moved in with extended family. She lost her friends, her mom and her financial stability. One of those family members was a drug user.
“We had a lot of traumatizing experiences, cops at our house all the time,” she said.
Jamie Cutler is finding the support she needs at Mountain High.
Cutler stopped going to school for a time, but then ended up at Mountain High, an alternative high school in the Davis School District.
Principal Kathleen Chronister estimates 85 percent of her students struggle with at least one mental illness.
“Meaning that it has been crippling for them, which is why they haven’t been doing well at school,” she said.
Since coming to Mountain High, Cutler has gotten back on track. An impressive 96 percent of the students at this school graduate.
But she admits it is only possible with the targeted help and support she gets for her mental health.
”I don’t know how stable I’d be without them, if I’m being honest,” she said. “You don’t get a lot of help when you’re in your room.”
Assessing riskAll of us have a role in helping young people. Research suggests we shouldn’t dismiss the severity of these disorders, or their impact on a child’s development.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, untreated anxiety can play a role in future depression, drug use and even suicide.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control also found a direct link between childhood trauma and issues of chronic disease, depression and emotional problems later in life.
If you’d like to see if you or your child could be at risk of physical and mental health consequences, you can take the ACES quiz here.
Schools increase focus on mental healthSchools are feverishly trying to adapt to meet the needs.
More than a dozen Utah school districts from Cache to Kanab applied for and received money from House Bill 264 that provides $2 million to hire elementary school counselors.
Jordan School District is using those funds and their own to put a psychologist in every high school, middle school and even in its 36 elementaries. At Herriman High, where there were seven suicides last year, there are now nine counselors, a psychologist and a social worker.
In the Canyons School District, administrators are working to get a half-time psychologist and a half-time counselor in every school. And they have a family resource center which among other things, teaches anger management to kids in third to fifth grades.
Alpine School District also prioritized hiring a batch of elementary counselors, recognizing mental health may carry the same importance as academics.
KSL spoke with four new elementary counselors in that district about what they are seeing.
“There’s always been a need,” said counselor Carrie Whitney. “It’s just a priority need now.”
“It is very hard for them to keep up with everything that’s being thrown at them,” added counselor Julie Thornton.
Alpine counselors and others say at the heart of the skyrocketing need is a growing number of kids who face more traumatic experiences at home: things like poverty, homelessness, divorce, parents using drugs, a parent who’s incarcerated, a parent who’s deported.
“You see them come to school with adult issues,” said counselor Michelle Porcelli. “They’re no longer able to just be kids.”
All agreed it is important to work with children at a younger age.
“It’s important to start now, start earlier, the earlier the better,” said counselor Jeanette Perez. “Teaching them those coping skills so then when they do go to middle school or high school, they know how to cope.”
Learning to copeThose coping skills are a steep learning curve for high school senior Jamie Cutler.
A few years ago, her parents divorced. They moved in with extended family. She lost her friends, her mom and her financial stability. One of those family members was a drug user.
“We had a lot of traumatizing experiences, cops at our house all the time,” she said.
Jamie Cutler is finding the support she needs at Mountain High.
Cutler stopped going to school for a time, but then ended up at Mountain High, an alternative high school in the Davis School District.
Principal Kathleen Chronister estimates 85 percent of her students struggle with at least one mental illness.
“Meaning that it has been crippling for them, which is why they haven’t been doing well at school,” she said.
Since coming to Mountain High, Cutler has gotten back on track. An impressive 96 percent of the students at this school graduate.
But she admits it is only possible with the targeted help and support she gets for her mental health.
”I don’t know how stable I’d be without them, if I’m being honest,” she said. “You don’t get a lot of help when you’re in your room.”
Assessing riskAll of us have a role in helping young people. Research suggests we shouldn’t dismiss the severity of these disorders, or their impact on a child’s development.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, untreated anxiety can play a role in future depression, drug use and even suicide.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control also found a direct link between childhood trauma and issues of chronic disease, depression and emotional problems later in life.
If you’d like to see if you or your child could be at risk of physical and mental health consequences, you can take the ACES quiz here.