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By: Sarah Fields, BA and the Parent Connext® and The Character Effect™ teams A day designed for joy and excitement often brings with it a hidden layer of overwhelm, especially for little ones. In the blur of excitement, children are navigating rapid transitions: from high-energy water play to sudden meal breaks, from rowdy games with cousins to hugs from unfamiliar relatives. Their sensory systems are working overtime, taking in the sizzling grill, chatter layered over background music, sticky fingers, and the ever-changing pace of activity. By the time dusk sets in, many kids are already running on empty and then comes the evening peak. The crowd gathers, anticipation swells, and the sky is a light with a gleaming, explosive display.For some children, it’s magical. For others, it’s simply too much. What looks like “meltdowns”, or “bad behavior” may in fact be a child’s nervous system calling for help. Let’s explore how caregivers can recognize the signs of sensory overload, prepare their children for these dynamic events, and create emotionally safe spaces that allow the whole family to enjoy the magic without mayhem. The Science of Sensory Overload Children’s developing brains are like sponges, constantly absorbing sensory input. But unlike adults, their regulatory systems aren’t fully equipped to filter or organize that input efficiently. Loud booms, bright flashes, sticky hands, fluctuating temperatures; what might feel like background noise to adults can hit children as a full-on sensory storm. Common signs of sensory overload can include: For neurodivergent children or those with anxiety, the threshold for sensory saturation may be lower. What’s intended as celebration can unintentionally feel like chaos. Recognizing that sensory differences aren’t behavioral problems, but nervous system responses is a powerful mindset shift for caregivers. Beech Acres The Character Effect™ Specialist, Natalie Rinehart reflects on her own personal experience. “As a parent to a neurodivergent child, I have to be intentional about shifting my perspective from believing that the behavior needs correction to understanding that the behavior is sending me a message. Helping our exceptional children feel comfortable in a world that isn’t built for them builds their capacity for self-acceptance, resilience, and belonging.” Preparing Ahead When kids know what to expect, their stress response can soften. Talk ahead of time about the sights, sounds, and sensations they may encounter: “There might be really loud booms, but we’ll bring headphones and hold hands.” Let them know how their bodies might react and that it’s okay. Visuals and social stories can be great tools, especially for young or neurodivergent children. A simple illustrated story walking through the evening’s events: dinner, fireworks, then pajamas; can create a comforting roadmap. Invite children to co-create a comfort plan: What will help if it gets too loud? Where can they go if they need quiet? Which fidget, stuffed animal, or snack makes them feel safe? When kids are part of the plan, they feel more in control. Coping Strategies for the Moment Real-time tools make all the difference. Some families keep a “sensory toolkit” handy during big events, including: Create calm zones. A cozy car seat, a blanket tent indoors, or a shaded corner away from the crowd. Normalize taking breaks: “Sometimes our bodies need a rest to feel good again. Let’s go get some quiet time.” Letting kids step away and regroup without shame helps them build lifelong self-regulation skills. Processing Big Emotions The event may be over, but children often carry the emotional residue well into the night or even the next day. That’s why post-event decompression is key. After the excitement, build in space for grounding activities: quiet play with familiar toys, cuddles in a cozy corner, or even drawing about their favorite (or least favorite) part of the day. Model emotional reflection in a low-pressure way: “Wow, that was a lot to take in. How did your body feel when the fireworks started?” This gives language to physical and emotional experiences many kids don’t yet know how to express. And when they do articulate or signal their needs praise that self-awareness. Celebrating the use of calming strategies or simply asking for space reinforces that it’s not about avoiding big feelings but learning to move through them safely. Reframing the Experience Not every child leaves a celebration beaming and that’s okay. Talk as a family about what parts felt joyful and what felt tricky. Maybe your child loved the sparklers but hid under a blanket for the finale. That’s not a failure, it’s a full, nuanced experience. Help kids understand that uncomfortable moments don’t negate the good ones. Reassure them: “Even though some parts felt too big, you stayed connected to yourself. That’s something to be proud of.” Let them know that feeling deeply is not a flaw, it’s a strength. Big feelings mean big growth. Joyful Memories Without the Overwhelm Every child is different, and every celebration can be adjusted. You have permission to modify, skip, or reinvent traditions to align with your child’s needs. The ultimate goal isn’t the perfect family photo, it’s helping your child feel safe, seen, and included. Instead of rigid expectations, invite mindfulness. Notice how your child lights up during bubble play or finds peace beside you under a blanket. Those are the sparks worth chasing. As you plan your next gathering, consider not just how to celebrate but how to make celebration feel like freedom for every member of your family.

Written by: Sarah Fields, BA with the Parent Connext® Team Being a parent is hard. It means answering tough questions, sometimes at the most unexpected moments. Maybe you’re driving your child home from school when they see a rainbow flag and ask, “What’s that for?” Or perhaps they overhear someone using a slur and turn to you, searching for an explanation. These are the moments when parenting feels like navigating a maze blindfolded. There’s no perfect script. No magical words that immediately erase confusion or discomfort. But good news? You don’t need perfection. You just need honesty, patience, and a willingness to grow alongside your child. Starting the Conversation Imagine you’re sitting down for dinner, and your child brings up Pride after hearing classmates talk about it. How do you explain something so big and complex in a way that makes sense? Starting with the Basics:What is Pride? Pride Month is both a joyful celebration and a serious political reminder that LGBTQIA people are here and deserve the same rights as everyone else. It’s a great experience that people of all ages can and should check out.[1] Most kids accept this without hesitation. Children tend to see differences with curiosity rather than judgment, a beautiful strength that should be honored. Walt Whitman once said, “Be curious, not judgmental,” and children embody this naturally. Pride is an opportunity to nurture that curiosity with openness and encouragement. That curiosity might lead to deeper questions, like, “Why does she have two dads instead of a mom and a dad?” This is the perfect time to highlight that families come in many forms, and every one of them is worthy of love and celebration. Books like Everywhere Babies and Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer showcase diverse families, reinforcing the idea that love is what makes a family, not a particular structure. Next, explain the difference between hate speech and free speech. These terms are used interchangeably, but they are not. Freedom of expression is a human right and tackling hate speech protects this right. It’s possible to disagree with or criticize an individual or group without threatening their well-being and safety. Hate speech limits freedom of expression as those targeted by hateful language do not feel safe expressing themselves freely. [2] Your child might frown, confused. “But why would they do that?” Ah. The ultimate parenting dilemma. Explaining cruelty without passing it down. Teaching Empathy Over Judgment Kids tend to see fairness in the world. They believe people should be kind. When they see hatred, their first instinct is to categorize people into “good” and “bad.” But black-and-white thinking rarely leads to understanding. You can try reframing it like this:“Some people grew up hearing negative things about LGBTQ+ people, and they never questioned it. Others are afraid of things they don’t understand. And some are just mean because they want to feel powerful.” Then, turn the conversation back to what they can do:“But here’s the cool part… you don’t have to be like them. You get to decide how you treat people. If you see someone being bullied or hear hateful words, you can speak up. You can be the person who chooses kindness.” Building a Culture of Pride at Home Conversations are great, but kids learn more from what they see than what they hear. If you want them to embrace inclusivity, show them how. Most importantly, keep the conversation going. This isn’t a one-time talk, it’s an ongoing lesson in empathy, courage, and advocacy. Your child doesn’t need to understand everything all at once. They just need to know that no matter what, your family stands for curiosity, kindness, love, and acceptance. References

By: Sarah Fields, Marketing and Design Coordinator at Beech Acres Parenting Center “That’s not how you do that! Are you stupid?”  I stood frozen by the bookshelf my father had just built, and I was told to paint. Grabbing my hand, still holding the paintbrush, he barked, “You go with the grain.” He huffed and walked away. I felt like a failure like I was stupid. I was eight years old. How was I supposed to know how to paint? I was never taught. How was I supposed to know how to boil water for macaroni? I didn’t understand that the smoke coming from the pot was steam and that steam is hot. The oven was gas, meaning an open flame sat right at child height. But Mom was busy watching a movie. It was late in the evening, and she had worked all day. I was hungry, and she told me to do it myself. My hand grew painfully hot as I tried to stir the bubbling water. In a moment of childlike problem-solving, I grabbed a dish towel to wrap around my hand. It worked for a moment—until the towel fell into the flame and caught fire. I panicked and tried to throw the towel into the sink, but it missed, landing on the counter under the kitchen curtains. I screamed. My father rushed in and put the fire out. Instead of asking if I was okay or what had happened, he yelled at me. How stupid could I be to drop a flaming towel under the curtains? I was sent to my room again believing something was wrong with me. I grew up believing I was stupid. Always wrong. Never enough. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that childhood experiences like these don’t just pass. They shape our internal worlds, self-esteem, coping mechanisms, and mental health. Kerry Brown, Senior Parenting Specialist for Parent Connext®, reminds us that “all of life provides teachable moments all the time, so ask yourself as a parent, what are you teaching your child? Is it strength-based or critical? By focusing on what our child does well, we build confidence and competence throughout their lifetime.” It wasn’t until I became an aunt that something shifted. I found myself correcting my nieces and nephew with the same sharp tone my father used with me. But then I paused. I remember: They don’t know. No one is born knowing how to behave, clean, bathe, cook, or obey. Children are not tiny adults. They are blank pages, ready to learn. It is our responsibility as adults to teach patiently, clearly, and kindly. Instead of assuming a child should “know better,” we must recognize when they haven’t been taught yet. Instead of shaming them for mistakes, we must guide them through the lessons they are learning. Instead of yelling when they falter, we must remember mistakes are part of growth. When a child spills milk, forgets their chores, or gets frustrated trying something new, ask yourself: Did I show them how to do it? Did I model the behavior? Did I give them the tools they need to succeed? Children learn through watching, practicing, failing, and trying again. They thrive when their caregivers see mistakes not as evidence of stupidity but as opportunities for teaching, connection, and emotional safety. I think about that scared eight-year-old often.  She didn’t need yelling.  She didn’t need shame.  She needed a teacher.  She needed grace.  She needed someone to say, “Let me show you.” Now, as an adult, I aim to be the voice that says, “You didn’t know. Let’s learn together.” Healing from childhood wounds and breaking generational cycles isn’t easy, but it is crucial for our own mental health and for the future mental health of the next generation. Because no child should ever be left asking, “How was I supposed to know?”

By: Sarah Fields, Marketing and Design Coordinator Each month, communities worldwide come together to raise awareness for important causes. In May, we celebrate the rich heritage of Jewish Americans, Asian American Pacific Islanders, and Haitians. May is also recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. As a society, we’re beginning to acknowledge an uncomfortable truth—most mental health research has historically focused on white men. Too often, systems of care assume a one-size-fits-all approach, ignoring the unique needs shaped by our diverse backgrounds and experiences. But time and time again, we are reminded, loud and clear, that we are not all the same. Racial and ethnic minority groups often experience poorer mental health outcomes due to barriers such as lack of access to quality care, cultural stigma, and discrimination (Psychiatry.org). If we’ve learned anything, generalizations aren’t just misleading but dangerous. They erase the richness of our unique histories, experiences, and struggles. When we talk about mental health, we must recognize that identity, culture, and background shape not only how we experience mental health challenges but also how we seek help and whether the systems meant to support us are equipped to meet our needs. Treatment gaps persist across racial and ethnic lines—69.8% of white individuals with serious mental illness receive treatment, compared to only 51.7% of Hispanic or Latino individuals, 55.8% of Black or African American individuals, and 57.6% of American Indian or Alaskan Native individuals (NAMIGA.org). As we honor Jewish American, Asian American Pacific Islander, and Haitian heritage this month, we are reminded that mental health cannot be separated from cultural identity. Experiences of immigration, racism, generational trauma, and resilience all influence well-being. For example, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities experience unique challenges, with 2.7 million individuals facing mental health or substance use disorders. Yet, cultural and structural barriers prevent many from accessing care (Psychiatry.org). American Indian and Alaska Native populations, too, experience disproportionately higher rates of mental health struggles, often linked to intergenerational trauma (Psychiatry.org). Youth mental health also presents critical concerns. Suicide rates among Ohio high schoolers increased by 54% from 2012 to 2020, compared to a 29% increase nationwide (HopefulEmpoweredYouth.org). Marginalized communities, particularly Black youth, face significant mental health disparities—16% of Black youth report poor mental well-being compared to only 4% of their white peers (HopefulEmpoweredYouth.org). Yet, a disconnect remains between young people and adults; while 39% of youth report feeling anxious all or most of the time, 91% of parents rate their child’s mental health as good, very good, or excellent (InteractForHealth.org). Awareness is only the first step. True equity requires listening to diverse voices, challenging outdated assumptions, and committing to research and care practices that honor the full spectrum of human experience. Youth themselves have identified barriers such as limited access to affirming care, a lack of trusted adults, and community safety concerns as significant obstacles to their well-being (HopefulEmpoweredYouth.org). Trauma-informed approaches and youth-led strategies are crucial to addressing these disparities (HopefulEmpoweredYouth.org). Let’s celebrate the richness of our collective heritage in May and every month by building a future where every story is valued, and every need is met with understanding and respect.

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Simone Biles’ Foster Care Story In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month at Beech Acres by honoring women who personify our mission and show great strength in their lives. Simone Biles is one of these women. Simone used her strength of creativity for some of the most spectacular gymnastic routines the world has seen in the history of the sport. Fans everywhere couldn’t wait to see her in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. And yet, when she encountered unexpected problems on the world stage, Simone showed us strength in other ways. Her bravery in confronting and addressing those problems was inspiring to young women everywhere, while teaching us all how to grow through the character strengths of honesty and perseverance. Simone’s positive example continues today as she advocates for mental health and safety. When President Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, it was as if the entire country was expressing our thanks to her for all she has taught us. Speaking Out for Foster Families As much as we can learn from how she carried herself through those difficult days, she has even more to share. Simone was a foster child earlier in life, and today she is dedicated to educating people about the journeys foster children go through. Simone asks us to remember who she is just as much as what she does, and her life as a foster child will always be part of who she is. Simone and her siblings entered foster care when she was 3 years old because their biological mom was struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. They spent three years in foster care. She was fortunate to see her grandfather and his wife, Ron and Nellie, when they visited, and Simone and her siblings even moved in with them at one point. This is an example of Kinship Care, when foster children enter the care of extended family to bring even more stability and love into their lives. Simone and her siblings were among the more than 2 million children in Kinship Care every day in this country. “I was very, very blessed and fortunate,” Simone told USA Today in 2021. “I felt love, care. I was healthy. I was safe.” Simone was eventually adopted by Ron and Nellie and explains that she credits them with much of her success. “Having my parents and that support made me who I am today,” she said. “Being separated from my biological mom, being placed in foster care before I officially got adopted by my grandparents, it just set me up for a better route at life. I’m forever grateful for that because I definitely got a second shot at life.” Today, as she travels the country, she talks with foster children, and it makes her day. “You see their eyes light up and it’s super exciting because they realize I was in their exact position.” And Simone is quick to offer advice and encouragement. “I tell them that they’re not alone and that it’s going to be OK. That you can still be great in the world,” she told USA Today. “Being in foster care isn’t going to be your only title.” *** Would you like to learn about becoming a Foster Care Family? Contact us today for more information!

Young parent Janell will never forget the feeling she had after Beech Acres helped her reunify with her 5-year-old daughter after a court-ordered separation. “I felt so light,” she said. “I was happy and rejoicing. All the burning of being apart went away and I embraced my baby. She was so happy, too – she hugged me and said, ‘Mommy, you did it!’ We held each other for a long time. “I was fighting for my baby and all I needed was a hand and some guidance.” Beech Acres gave that to her, and Janelle was truly grateful. Learning Parenting Skills Janell rejoined with her daughter after engaging with the Parent Enrichment Program at Beech Acres. This program is part of the umbrella of services offered through With All Families, which reflects the Beech Acres focus to extend support to all families regardless of how they are put together. Through one-on-one coaching with a specialist, she learned some important parenting skills and ideas that she now uses in her family. Here are just five examples of what she took away from the coaching: After all these discussions, Janell came away with new life skills that led to reunification with her child. The experience made her life better and led to that joyful embrace between mother and daughter. Helping to Make Her Way with Dignity It wasn’t just the coaching that helped her. Janell is grateful for the way in which her Beech Acres specialist shared the guidance with her. “Beech Acres is like that big sister who knows everything and guides you without telling you what to do,” she said. “They allow you to follow the path you make, but they guide you along the way.” “If I’m on a path and they see me going down a way that looks dangerous, Beech Acres tells me, ‘Hey sis, you’re going the wrong way, come this way!’ If you show me the tool I need in my life to make sure I don’t make mistakes, I do a better job making my way. And they give this tool to you in a way you can understand while keeping your dignity.” Janell says the help she received from Beech Acres impacted not only her parenting, but how she interacts with adults about her daughter and other social skills, too. “Now I treat every moment like it’s a super moment, because we never know how much time we have together. I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to enjoy her and embrace her. Now it’s just intensified. There are no words to explain how happy I am to have her united with me.”

When Sarah and Chris adopted 9-year-old Neveah and her 10-year-old sister Malaysia in a Montgomery County, Ohio, courtroom this month, it was the happiest day in a love story that had been building through more than five years of foster care. It’s a big change for everyone, but at least one part of family life will stay the same. Even after adoption, Sarah and Chris will continue something they’ve done throughout their time as foster parents—carefully maintaining connection with the girls’ biological family. A Sense of Belonging Sarah and Chris plan activities with the family of origin as a way to remind the girls that they belong and are loved. “We find ways for the girls to connect with their biological family any way they can – we considered it part of our job as foster parents,” Sarah said. “We’ve seen the evidence that kids are better off if they maintain some connection with their original family. That may be Mom and Dad, but it could also be grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings. Those connections are important for the children’s mental health.” Beech Acres encourages foster parents to maintain connections between foster children and their primary families, when possible. Knowing they belong to a family, even if everyone is not living together, is a comforting part of a child’s development and allows them to own their personal history. Sarah and Chris also encourage open discussions about adoption and family relationships. “We try to make sure our kids understand this is a safe place for them to say anything, and that they can be heard,” Sarah said. “Even if they say they miss their mom, it’s important that they feel comfortable sharing that.” Foster Parenting: Flexibility and Support When Neveah and Malaysia first came into Sarah and Chris’s home, it was a full house. Together with two other siblings who were part of the same foster care placement, the house went from three children to seven children overnight. Sarah quickly learned one of the keys needed in foster parenting, which she eagerly shares with other foster parents who are just starting. “You have to be a flexible person, go with the flow, and be ok that whatever happens, happens,” she said. “There were many days when we had to change plans fast. And to do that, we quickly learned that we needed a support network. We didn’t cook dinner for ourselves for the first month – there was a constant stream of people bringing food and snacks and making Costco runs for us.” Sarah and Chris have now adopted three children whom they first embraced as foster parents, so they’ve learned some things. She remembers that many of the people in her support network wanted to help children but were not quite ready to take the leap and open their own homes. “We had dozens of healthcare appointments in those first few months, so even having a support network available to watch our other children was huge for us. It was good for the kids, too, because they had not been around many people who cared about their needs. They loved all the tasty food and new clothes our friends, family and neighbors brought.” It’s all a great reminder of the many different ways there are to help children in foster care.

Juneteenth marks the United States’ second independence day, a celebration of the day when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the westernmost Confederate state on June 19, 1865. In 2023, President Joesph R. Biden proclaimed the day a federal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when a group of Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that the Civil War had ended and, along with it, anyone enslaved was now free. Amazingly, the news of freedom came nearly two and half years after President Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation. News of freedom was met with shock and joy. The term Juneteenth was coined to celebrate this occasion and as a way to remember and celebrate this occasion.  Beech Acres Parenting Center celebrated Juneteenth with food, music, fellowship, and freedom at our annual Juneteenth Celebration. Enjoy these photos from our Freedom Day Celebration! Beech Acres will be closed in commemoration of today’s holiday.

Join Beech Acres Parenting Center for Foundations: Foster Parent Training Event Saturday, June 10, 2023. All attendees are welcome! This event is the perfect opportunity to increase your support network, build your sense of community, and learn from some of the best trainers in the Cincinnati area and beyond. Our goal for this conference is for you to build your skill set so you can have a strong foundation to help you best serve the needs of the children in your care. You don’t want to miss this event! Training certificates are provided as needed after the event. Please reserve one ticket per attendee regardless of how many sessions you will attend.  Registered attendees will be able to select individual sessions during the event.  Questions? Contact  Ryshel for more information or register online here. Download more information here. Schedule Of Events 9:00 – 10:00 AM: Welcome and Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Intentionally Integrating Strengths Into Parenting 10:00 AM: Break 10:10 AM: Morning Workshops Options are: Concrete Behavioral Interventions, Trauma 101, and Energy Psychology 12:00 PM: Lunch 1:00 PM: Keynote Activity: Life in Limbo 3:00 PM: Break 3:10 PM: Afternoon Workshops: Options are: Trauma 101, Battling Temper Tantrums, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scheduled To Appear Jenni Cattran – Energy Psychology Jenni is an adoptive parent herself, and has a passion for supporting our families through the licensing process and providing them with the best possible tools and preparation to be successful foster parents. Jenni began her time at Beech Acres five years ago as a Licensing Specialist and is currently the Team Lead of Licensing.  She has international teaching experience and has done a great deal of training, from preservice classes to developing ongoing classes, during her tenure at the Beech. Jenni earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, mostly focused on Eastern Philosophy, from Northern Kentucky University in 2014. She earned her Master’s in Social Work, Macro Practice and Administration Track, from the University of Cincinnati in 2016 and is a licensed social worker in the State of Ohio credentialed as an Assessor. Brice Mickey Brice is currently serving as the Vice President of DEI at Beech Acres Parenting Center. He found his calling for this work in 2009 at the University of Cincinnati in a nationally recognized intergroup dialogue program called RAPP (Racial Awareness Program). After directing this program, he went on to consult with 100+ organizations across the country and trained thousands of participants on how to be more inclusive in their everyday lives. Sarah Buffie, MSW, LSW  Sarah is the founding director of Soul Bird Consulting, and believes that nothing has the power to heal like supportive relationships. Specializing in trauma-responsive care, she helps organizations and individuals disrupt current models of thinking by building empathy and understanding around the effects of early childhood experiences. Jody Johnston Pawel, LSW, CFLE – Taming Temper Tantrums Jody is the president of Parent’s Toolshop Consulting and a second-generation parent educator with over 30 years of experience in the field of child protective services. For over 25 years, she has provided training for parents, foster parents, child-care professionals, family-service professionals, and parent educators. For almost 20 years, she has been training protective service staff and foster-adoptive parents through public and private foster care agencies and for the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program. She also regularly contracts with county protective service agencies to train protective service clients/birth parents. Jody has produced over 100 programs and resources for parents, family-service professionals, and parent educators, including her award-winning book The Parent’s Toolshop®. As a parenting expert to the media worldwide, Jody is a frequent guest on radio and TV talk shows, and her advice is regularly quoted in parenting publications. Brandy Pendleton – Trauma Free World Setting the Foundation: Trauma and Its Impact on the Life of a Child Brandy is on a mission to share the information that has changed the trajectory of her own journey and that of her family. Brandy is a Licensed Social Worker approaching 20 years of service in the Foster Care Field. She and her husband were foster parents for 7 years and have 4 sons who joined their family during that time. Brandy is the Trauma Informed Care Training Manager at Back2Back Cincinnati where she has spent the last 4 years partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati to train and coach their staff through implementing Trauma Informed practices in an after-school setting. Brandy is an Affiliate Trainer for Trauma Free World, a TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner, and is currently pursuing a Trauma Responsive Care Certification through the Tri-State Trauma Network. Brandy has worked in the field of foster care in various roles since 2004, currently acting as a contracted trainer and consultant for Focus on Youth and Butler County Children Services. Jaclyn Swhear, MSW, LISW-S – Putting Your Best Foor Forward: Intentionally Integrating Strengths into Parenting Jaclyn Swhear, MSW, LISW-S, is a Senior Learning Specialist for Talent and Culture. She designs, co-creates, and implements curriculum and training for staff at Beech Acres Parenting Center. She has experience in behavioral health services as a therapist for youth and their families, provided parent coaching for caregivers, and supported other mental health providers through clinical supervision. She believes individuals of all ages have the capacity for change and the ability to thrive. Her top strengths are Love of Learning, Love, and Teamwork. Teri DeVoe – Life in Limbo Teri has been a foster mom for over 12 years. She helped launch CarePortal in Ohio and is now the regional field training specialist for the Midwest. Teri has worked with the Ohio Governors Office for Child Welfare Transformation where she has helped make recommendations for changes to the Child Welfare System in Ohio. She is a certified Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE) trainer and has been leading Life in Limbo sessions for over 8 years. Carolyn Morales, LISW – Concrete Behavioral Interventions Carolyn Morales, LISW, Carolyn is a clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience supporting survivors of trauma. She

Start date: ASAP RSVP Deadline/End Date: Tuesday, April 31 Event Date: Sunday, May 7 Time: 6 am to 10 am RSVP Now Join in the excitement and fun of the 25th Anniversary Flying Pig Marathon while raising funds and awareness for Beech Acres. Volunteer at the race on Sunday, May 7th, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Click the link to RSVP Volunteers will assist with handing out medals, mylar blankets, and snacks, picking up near the finish line area, and moving participants through the finish line for runners and walkers of the marathon and half marathon. This is a rain-or-shine outdoor activity. After you RSVP you will receive an email to register with the Flying Pig organization. The more the merrier! Please share this opportunity with friends and family. Children 14 and older can participate with an adult present. Each individual participating must register with the Flying Pig separately. A donation is made to Beech Acres for your participation. Questions, call Donial Curry at 513-233-4826. RSVP by April 28th Why Volunteer Any runners? Receive a 15% discount on your race registration when you select Beech Acres! RSVP Now