Our therapist Heidi and intern Katie have been running several group therapy series throughout the past year. The current 5-week Connections Group is designed for kids in grades 5-8. With six participants and two 9^th grade helpers we’ve focused thus far on themes of self-care, strengths, and expressing oneself. Every group holds its own personality; in this series the creative engagement from participants and connections made across school systems has been lovely to observe. We’re looking forward to the next two weeks’ themes of addressing drama and connecting with support systems before closing with a celebration that acknowledges and honors our time spent together. 

Brian Carten and his therapy dog "BamBam" have been visiting all HUUSD schools this year. Hannah's House recognized the importance of this outreach and now sponsors this effort so that all schools are on a rotation. BamBam is a 200+ pound 16 month old mastiff and is the most gentle, docile and relaxed dog we've ever met! The energy shifts immediately wherever he goes. Students and staff light up at the sight of him. (pictured on the right, at Harwood)

Executive Director Chrissy Rivers spent Town Meeting Day morning at Brookside Primary School in Waterbury to represent Hannah's House in Harwood's Health & Wellness Fair. She connected with community members, listened to their concerns and answered questions. It was helpful for her to reconnect with other local organizations and stay familiar with supports available for our neighbors.

We've sponsored LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) Trevor Jewett of Restoring Rhythm Vermont to bring group drumming to two of our schools so far, reaching 180 students! Learn more about the benefits of group drumming by clicking here. Here are some remarks from the students at Moretown Elementary School: "I didn't know what to expect, but after drumming I felt relaxed." "I wasn't sure what it would be like, but it was calming for me."

 A note from teacher... "Thanks for helping to bring this special all school experience to Moretown School! It was an amazing, fun and team building experience. We learned so much about self regulation, movement and rhythm and fun ways to rumble! I was blown away when two of our very shy students stepped up to lead several drumming activities. Their joy and proud expressions were obvious. It was a wonderful experience that we all looked forward to and enjoyed for three weeks!"

After years of fruitless recruiting efforts to find additional licensed therapists, we have adapted to a new approach. One of our therapists has provided supervision to a college intern throughout 2022 and will also be supervising an experienced, previously licensed clinician who relocated from NJ during COVID who is seeking VT licensure.

Through our efforts of recruitment, we've confronted first hand the extremely arduous and confounding process necessary to navigate licensure in Vermont. We've brought this to the attention of our local state representative and continue to work with this experienced counselor in hopes of expanding our capacity for individual therapy later this fall. Bill H.62 (Interstate Counseling Compact) has passed through the VT House and is now in the VT Senate. If passed, this bill would enable licensed mental health professionals from surrounding states and in good standing to be providing services our community so desperately needs in an expedited manner.

Special thanks to our board member Susan McKnight for her dedication to this weekly outreach for over one year! This walk is open to the public and meets every Monday at 9:30am in Waitsfield. Tell us if you'd like to be on that specific email list.

We are piloting sponsorship of afterschool yoga at one of our elementary schools this spring. This style of yoga helps kids cultivate a deeper understanding of their body through yoga poses, building self-awareness and confidence. Instructor Kara has been practicing yoga for over a decade and her approach to teaching meets students where they are at, allowing progression to happen. With a background in social work, she works towards making yoga accessible to everyBODY and is passionate about sharing yoga as a tool in maintaining the body, mind and spirit.

We are sponsoring this new opportunity at our middle schools this spring. Jaime has worked with teens previously from Crossett Brook Middle School and deeply connected with attendees. She is a well-rounded role model and teaches teens about nutrition, healthy habits, how to decrease anxiety, stress and low mood. Although learning makeup techniques from a professional cosmetologist may be the initial "draw", what Jaime brings to these young women is much more powerful. Read the CDC's study about this demographic's current struggles here.

Cindy Pierce is a leading social sexuality educator and comic storyteller who has been providing educational programs since 2004. Combining comic storytelling and years of research, she engages audiences with her message about making healthy choices and navigating cultural pressures. Stay tuned for details on this upcoming educational offering. Click here to learn more about Cindy.

By clicking this link, you can view a list of therapists in Vermont with current openings. This listing is updated every week. Please share this with anyone in your life who is seeking mental health counseling services.

NAMI VT is a helpful organization and offers ongoing support groups related to mental health in addition to many other services. Some of the groups are held in person; some are via Zoom/computer. Click here to view available support groups.

Click here for a listing of hotlines and warmlines; people you can call when you or someone you know feels alone.