A New Chapter for a’parently
Finding “Heart Work”
I was absolutely shaking the first time I stood in front of a room full of my peers, my team, my mentors and my professional community at large--not to mention a few clients and prospects--and told them the truth about working and being a mom. It was the biggest risk of my career, and it was terrifying.
It was also the beginning of my journey to start a’parently and find my life’s work to empower parents bring their best and highest selves to their worlds of family and work.
I can’t say, “I didn’t know at the time how important that moment was,” because I absolutely knew. I didn’t know what would happen next or how things would change, and I couldn’t see the details of what was coming, but I could feel deep in my body and my heart that I was beginning my life’s most crucial work in that very moment--my “heart work,” as I called it.
Today, my “heart work'' is continuing in a new direction -- I am stepping into the role of Executive Director for On Our Sleeves, the movement for children’s mental health powered by Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Together with Dr. Parker Huston, our Clinical Director, and in partnership with the hospital, its Foundation, and their generous partners, we will work toward a day when no family or community struggles alone, or silently, with children’s mental health.
Pushing Work and Caregiving Forward
With this change, I’m shifting my role within a’parently to serve as our Coalition Chair.
Earlier this year, we introduced you to the coalition of working caregivers that I’ll be advising, as well as to a’parently’s Managing Director, Teal Taylor. I was thrilled when each of them agreed to join us, because I know it means that the important work of a’parently will continue and I know their level of expertise is surpassed only by their level of commitment to help support the company’s clients and partners.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how many families are struggling with modern expectations and outdated support systems, and some employers have recognized the struggle and responded. There is still room to push the conversation forward and make meaningful changes, and I know Teal will lead this charge with the backing of those of us on the Coalition.
Mental Health for Children, and Their Working Caregivers
Last year, a'parently took on a very pivotal project: to design a children's mental health curriculum for working parents, offered by On Our Sleeves. We led with research to understand the needs of parents and caregivers in the workforce, and now we are producing an online curriculum that employers can offer to support working caregivers in the midst of their busy day-to-day routines.
On Our Sleeves and a’parently have quite a bit in common, and this project harnessed the best of our resources, strategy and “heart work” on both sides. By sharing openly about the struggles modern families may face, both organizations break stigmas and open new conversations that support and encourage better mental and emotional health. By providing resources and support, both organizations empower their communities. And by building a deep understanding of what children and families experience, both organizations are poised to help in new and creative ways.
I’m looking forward to my next chapter, but more importantly, to the next chapter for a’parently and for On Our Sleeves. This work is the most important and meaningful I’ve ever had the opportunity to engage in, and I’m both humbled and proud to be part of it.
Looking forward to next!
