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Consider Yourself Hugged
Consider Yourself Hugged episodes
- Hug 207: Community Building with Krislyn Mercer
At just 23, Krislyn Mercer has turned babysitting into a thriving business, launched retreats, and has become a community leader. In this episode, we chat about her journey, lessons from the pandemic, her passion for service, and how she balances it all with authenticity and joy.
Visit the Show Notes at https://www.consideryourselfhugged.com/post/episode-207-krislyn-mercer for more!
Connect with us
- Consider Yourself Hugged: New website
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
Thanks for joining!
**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/
About AA: https://www.aa.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator.
Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life.Connect with us
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerTami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.37 min - Hug 206: The Sunday Scaries, Teacher Joy, and Puppy Yoga
Today is a mix of teacher stories, life lessons, and a little bit of joy (including Michelle’s puppy yoga adventure!).
We kick things off with some behind-the-scenes tech glitches—because let’s be honest, podcasting isn’t always glamorous. Then we dive into a real conversation about the Sunday Scaries. Tami shares how her anxiety as a teacher used to make Sundays unbearable, even leading to missed community time. Michelle opens up about her own “scaries” and how holding on to “the way things have always been done” made teaching harder.
Here's what we talk about:
- How teachers can design their year instead of letting the year design them.
- The dangers of perfectionism and comparison (like trying to be the next TikTok Super Teacher!!!).
- Why setting boundaries early in your teaching career can protect your joy and help prevent burnout.
- How parents and teachers can connect with kids through simple daily rituals and better questions than “How was your day?”
We remind ourselves and you: your strength is in being you.
- If you’re funny, be funny.
- If you’re compassionate, lean into that.
- If you need to fake it till you make it, that’s okay too.
Visit the Show Notes at https://www.consideryourselfhugged.com/ for more!
Connect with us
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerTami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.53 min - Hug #205 Welcome to Season 6: A New Beginning!
A New BeginningHey friends — it’s Tami and Michelle, and we’re BACK! New cozy studios, new workflow, new logo, new socials, and a fresh focus for the next few months… with the same mission: women’s mental & emotional well-being (teachers, we see you 💛).
In today's episode, we will catch you up on what’s been happening, celebrate milestones, and give you a sneak peek into what to expect in the upcoming episodes.
*Disclaimer:The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources mentioned in the show notes.
About us:
Tami West, PhD
Dr. Tami West is a stress & mental health expert who brings humor, research, and real-life experience to her speaking and writing. She has spoken in 48 states as well as the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC
Michelle Kixmiller is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and former public-school teacher. Michelle combines clinical expertise with an educator’s heart, advocating for holistic, team-based care in schools and beyond.
LinksFor Show notes: CYH Website
consideryourselfhugged.com
More info
[email protected]Connect with us
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerTami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.27 min - Hug 204 On the Front Lines – Mental Health and the 911 Dispatcher Life with Brittney🎧 Episode SummaryIn our powerful season finale, Tami and Michelle and I are joined by Tami’s younger sister Brittney, a 911 dispatcher in Metro Nashville. This deeply personal episode pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to handle crisis calls, especially involving mental health.Brittney shares how she found her way to dispatching after personal loss, what it’s like to manage PTSD, anxiety, and depression while helping others in crisis, and what everyone should know about calling 911 when a loved one is struggling. She also talks about the support systems in place for dispatchers (and what's lacking), and why she’s passionate about breaking the stigma of mental health in emergency communications.“You want someone who’s been through what you’re going through.” – Brittney🔑 Key Takeaways• What happens behind the scenes during a 911 mental health crisis call• Why knowing your address is the most important thing you can do• The real reason dispatchers are often not considered first responders in Tennessee • How Brittney is using her story to educate and encourage others in the field • Hope for the future: Brittney’s journey into public speaking and possibly psychologyShow notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/mental-health-and-911. Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerTami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.40 min - Hug 202 📌 Simplify Your Life with AI! 🚀 Save Time & Boost Productivity!Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerTami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.1 hr 3 min - Hug 203 🎙️ Smart Curiosity, Not Fear: A Real Talk on AI Safety & Ethics📝In this final installment of our AI mini-series, we dive into the heart of the conversation: AI safety, ethics, trust, and how to use this powerful technology responsibly. With real-life stories, fascinating examples (including a fake AI-generated podcast!), and thoughtful questions, this episode is your guide to being smart—not scared—about AI.We’re not tech experts, and we don’t have to be. What we bring you is real talk from curious, cautious, and caring humans just like you. You’ll walk away with practical tools, deeper insight, and a renewed confidence to explore AI with your eyes wide open.🧭 In This Episode:📢 AI is Everywhere: Why people are talking about it more than ever—and why it’s divisive🐶 The Puppy Podcast Surprise: AI fooled us all with a completely fake but convincing audio🔐 The Real Concerns: Deepfakes, fake news, and identity theft🤖 Hallucinations & Bias: When AI "makes stuff up" or mirrors societal prejudices👩⚕️ Human Use, Human Choice: A look into healthcare, education, and business applications🧠 Trust and Verification: Why your personal review still matters💡 Practical Tips: How to stay curious, cautious, and clear-headed🧍♀️Human Connection AI: Why tech can help—but never replace—empathy🎓 Lifelong Learning: How to stay ahead of inevitable workplace shifts🛠️ Tami’s Light Clamp Moment: What a desk lamp taught her about change and simplicity📋 AI Safety & Ethics Takeaways : See more in show notes at Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerTami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.40 min - Hug 201 Boost Your Emotional Well-Being with AI! 🤖🧠Welcome back! Today Michelle and I have spent the last few months diving deep into AI—how it works, how we can use it, and what impact it has on our mental and emotional well-being. AI is everywhere, and whether we like it or not, it’s influencing our daily lives. But can it actually support emotional health? Or does it take away from real human connection?In this episode, we share our personal experiences using AI for everything from journaling to simplifying life—and how we balance it with staying present in our relationships. We also include a short clip from James Barnes (Jamie, my son 😊), who has extensive experience in AI development, to give insight into some of the biggest misconceptions and benefits of AI.If you’ve ever felt hesitant (or even scared!) about AI, or you’re just curious about how it could make life easier, this conversation is for you! Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/boost-your-emotional-well-being-with-ai.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerTami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.50 min - Hug 200 What is AI and Why Should You Care? 🤖💡Michelle and I started off trying to be super organized, but AI is such a HUGE topic that we found ourselves wandering down different rabbit holes! So, today’s episode is all about laying the groundwork—what AI is, how it can actually help with mental and emotional well-being, and why you don’t need to be afraid of it taking over your life. 😆We also sprinkled in some fun AI-generated jokes, absurd wellness tips, and a guessing game where AI shocked us all by figuring out Michelle’s mystery object (you'll have to watch to see what it was!).So buckle up, because we’re about to take a lighthearted but informative dive into the world of AI! 🚀Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/what-is-ai-and-why-should-you-careThanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerTami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.35 min - Hug 199 📚 "The Bell Jar": Breaking Free from Mental Traps 💡Welcome back to Consider Yourself Hugged! Today, Michelle and I are diving into The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath—one of the most hauntingly personal books on mental health, identity, and societal pressure.From the weight of expectations on women to the stigma surrounding depression and treatment, this book is filled with themes that still hit home today. But, as ChatGPT pointed out when I was researching, Michelle and I tend to approach heavy topics with a lighter touch—so we’ll do our best to balance depth with relatability in today’s conversation.📖 In this episode, we explore:✔️ The Bell Jar metaphor—what it teaches us about depression✔️ Esther Greenwood’s journey—from New York to a psychiatric hospital✔️ Societal expectations for women in the 1950s vs. now✔️ Key quotes and moments that left an impact✔️ How mental health treatment has evolved since Plath’s time✔️ Lessons we can take from this book to better understand ourselves & othersWe also share some personal reflections, unexpected moments of humor, and insights from our own experiences with mental health.See show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/the-bell-jar-mentalhealthThanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerTami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.44 min - Hug 198 Understanding & Overcoming Compassion Fatigue 💙Welcome back! Today Michelle and I dive deep into compassion fatigue, exploring how it impacts our mental health and well-being. We discuss symptoms, risk factors, and practical strategies we’ve found helpful in preventing or managing emotional exhaustion. We also introduce an alternative perspective on compassion fatigue and highlight the importance of self-care.🛑 Key Topics:What is Compassion Fatigue? 💙The emotional toll of constant caregiving 🩺Symptoms and warning signs 🚨Is it really compassion fatigue or empathy fatigue? 🤔The impact of unprocessed emotional exhaustion 😞How we can recover and build resilience 💪Insights from the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology 🌿💡 Key Takeaways:1️⃣ Understanding Compassion FatigueIt stems from prolonged exposure to others' suffering 💔It leads to emotional exhaustion, numbness, and detachment 😓It’s common among caregivers, healthcare workers, and those in helping roles 🤝Read more in show notes atThanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
- Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
- TikTok: Short clips and stories
- YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
- Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerTami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.20 min
About Consider Yourself Hugged
From the publisher's feed
Thanks for visiting with us at for Consider Yourself Hugged: Mental & emotional well-being.” Do you find yourself thinking, "Life can be so overwhelming! I feel so frustrated all the time! I…
worry about everything! I wish I could speak up more and not be a doormat!"
If you're looking for improved mental and emotional well-being, please join us every Wednesday as we talk about how to make positive choices in your life.
*Disclaimer:The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on my experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources mentioned in the show notes.
About us:
Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Her passion stems from a lifelong battle with an anxiety disorder which has uniquely equipped her to teach, encourage, and motivate others. Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity. Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including two books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. She is a mother of eight in a blended family and enjoys reading historical fiction, traveling with her husband Tim and family, and watching The Big Bang Theory.
Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC
Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), and running (slowly). Contact Michelle at [email protected].