Miriam’s House Polo Weekend: A Journey of Gratitude, Reflection, and Ongoing...
The recent Miriam’s House fundraising weekend was a whirlwind of events spanning four days, each unique and meaningful in its own way. From intimate recovery meetings to the glamour of a polo field,...
View ArticleThe Transformative Power of Mentorship: Spotlight on Youth Prevention Mentors
In the realm of youth development and risk mitigation, few organizations shine as brightly as Youth Prevention Mentors (YPM). Led by CEO Maks Ezrin and COO Jack Vaughn, YPM is at the forefront of...
View ArticleThe Galaxy Gas Phenomenon: A Personal and Comprehensive Look at the Nitrous...
As someone who has witnessed the evolution of nitrous oxide use from medical applications to recreational misuse, I feel compelled to address the current Galaxy Gas trend. My first encounter with...
View ArticleGrandmother, Grandfather, Can I Live With You? – The Unsung Heroes of Addiction
As a social worker specializing in family dynamics affected by substance abuse, I’ve noticed a troubling trend in recent years. Every week, my phone rings with calls from concerned grandparents, their...
View ArticleWhat Happened to My Grandparents? Drinking, Smoking Pot & Prescription Drugs:...
My mother taught me how to swoosh into a room on a wave of casual chic while holding a whiskey. The issue? I was only 8-years-old, terribly overweight, and had none of the fashion acumen my mother had....
View ArticleA Transformative Weekend at Martha’s Vineyard: YOUthink Retreat
This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the inaugural YOUthink Retreat on the magical island of Martha’s Vineyard. With perfect autumn weather as our backdrop, this...
View ArticleA Birthday Unlike Any Other: My Visit to Donovan State Correctional Institute
As I celebrated my 78th trip around the sun, I found myself in an unexpected place – Donovan State Correctional Institute. Instead of the usual cake and candles, I was serenaded by 60 incarcerated men,...
View ArticleCelebrating Life and Recovery: A Pickleball Party to Remember
As I approached my 78th birthday, I thought I’d have a quiet celebration with a few pickleball friends, some bagels, and a bit of casual dinking. Little did I know that my daughters had other plans in...
View ArticleManaging Election Anxiety: Finding Balance in Uncertain Times
In recent months, a new form of stress has been reshaping not just our mental state, but even our daily plans. According to recent polls, an overwhelming 79% of Americans report feeling anxious about...
View ArticleUnderstanding Seasonal Affective Disorder: More Than Just Autumn and Winter...
As the leaves change and the nights grow darker, many of us experience shifts in our mood that seem to mirror the changing seasons. While it’s common to feel a bit down during the darker months, for...
View ArticleThe 20-Something Paradox: Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety and Depression...
As a clinician specializing in young adult mental health, there’s not a week that goes by without a concerned parent calling about their 20-year-old child struggling with anxiety or depression. The...
View ArticleWhat Parents Need to Know: Creating Healthy Family Change
There’s a saying I often share with families: “Nothing changes till something changes.” As a professional working with families facing mental health, substance use, and complex family dynamics, I’ve...
View ArticleSiblings in the Shadow: The Hidden Impact of Family Substance Abuse
When we think about families affected by substance abuse, our minds often go first to the person struggling with addiction and then to their parents or children. But there’s another group that is...
View ArticleThe New Nicotine Crisis: A Global Youth Prevention Perspective
As Director of Family Programming at Youth Prevention Mentors (YPM), a global organization dedicated to mitigating youth substance risks, I’ve observed an alarming pattern emerging across our...
View ArticleLondon Conference and Adventures: A Global Perspective on Youth Prevention
[Written from Munich Airport] The vibrant heart of London recently hosted an enlightening conference created by American Lee Fitzgerald, where global perspectives on mental health, trauma and addiction...
View ArticleThanksgiving Gratitude
Let’s be real – for years our family has stuck to this pre-dinner gratitude ritual at Thanksgiving that’s sparked everything from a teen’s and even adults’ elaborate eye-rolls to our 8-year-olds’...
View ArticleHow to Keep Holiday Conversations Flowing (and Drama-Free)
The holidays bring family together, but let’s be honest – sometimes those gatherings can get awkward. Here’s your guide to keeping conversations engaging and comfortable this season. Prepare Your...
View ArticleHoliday Interventions: Creating Blueprints for Change
Interventions are carefully curated, bespoke invitations for change that create blueprints for family healing and success. The holiday season, with its natural gathering of loved ones, offers an ideal...
View ArticleWhen Worlds Collide at 80: A Legacy of Love and Complexity
My husband turns 80 this week. His sons and their wives, their children, his sisters, and nephews are gathering – each bringing their own constellation of memories and bonds. I bring my own rich family...
View ArticleHow to Handle Tricky Conversations Over The Holidays
Let’s face it – holiday gatherings are coming whether we’re ready or not. Soon we’ll all be sitting around the table with family and friends, diving into conversations about everything from the latest...
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