Embrace. Live. Thrive.

Today, Caroline Raposo, licensed professional counselor joins me on the podcast and explains how the treatment "Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)" originated and how beneficial it can be for helping individual who are struggling with any type of trauma. Caorline did a session with me and let me tell you it truly blew me away.  She had me feeling all the feels, but I processed them and now feel 100% relieved of those emotions. Caroline's journey to push herself as an individual and a professional has led her to start her own successful practice.

Caroline is encouraging, supportive and helps us also understand the importance of finding the right counselor for you. A great therapist can be a great person, but still not be the right fit for you. Listen to this week's interview and learn about his incredible technique and be inspired to start healing and in 2022 start reaching your full potential.

Ways to Find Caroline Raposo:
website: www.navigationcounselingservices.net
work #: 636-236-379
FB: @navigationcounseling

Caroline Bio:
Caroline Raposo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri. She received her Master of Arts in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University in 2011. Caroline has always felt called into the helping profession. She believes we all have our spiritual gifts, hers being emotional insight and the ability to deeply empathize with others' emotions.

Caroline has a history in social work and mental health care since
May 2007. Upon receiving her license to practice counseling in Missouri in
August 2014, Caroline has been working in private practice, opening Navigation
Counseling Services in March 2019. Caroline specializes in Dialectical Behavior
Therapy and treatment options for symptoms of PTSD and developmental trauma.

Her passion now is helping clients experience freedom from the pain
of the past and develop emotionally healthy lives. She loves to offer EMDR
therapy to help heal our hurts and change our habits.

Caroline loves her family which include her husband Micah, three
children Lola-Joan, Bobby J and Davin, as well as two fur babies and two snakes!

Caroline is the Owner and Clinical Director of Navigation Counseling
Services, llc.

Embrace, Live, Thrive:
website: www.embracelivethrive.com
FB: @embracelivethrive 
Instagram: @embracelivethrive 

Today, Tina Asher, founder of Build U Up Consulting joins me on the podcast. Tina shares about her journey from highly successful businesswomen who had lost her identity, to a business owner who is now following her purpose. She tells us about how she had become driven to find fulfillment outside of her home and that ultimately caused her marriage to crumble. After a long dark battle, she was able to re-discover her true authentic self and is passionate to help individuals find the same thing.

Tina's book "Teetering: A Frazzled, Overworked Person's Guide To Embrace Change and Find Balance" is not only her story of overcoming adversity, but gives you tips and journaling prompts to help you understand what you are really looking for with your job. I highly recommend the reading this one and using it to continue to move yourself forward in 2022. Her book can be found on Amazon.

Resources Mentioned:
Free 30 Minute Consultation. https://builduup.coachesconsole.com/calendar/strategy-session.

Tina's Bio:  
Tina Asher, Business Owner/Career Development Coach and Consultant/Author

 Tina is the founder and President of Build U Up Consulting and enjoys helping busy professionals get out of the rat race and build on a career that they love.

Prior to opening her practice, Tina served as a leader in the mortgage insurance and finance industry for over 30 years. Her experience in the corporate world included roles in management, sales, marketing, operations, training, and customer service. 

She knows first-hand what the challenges are in balancing a successful career and having time for family and self. 

Tina is certified in the following areas: Professional Behavior (DISC)Analyst (CPBA); Professional Driving Forces Analyst (CPDFA), Professional TriMetrixHD Analyst (CPHDA), and Professional Emotional Quotient Analyst (CEQA).

Tina’s passion is and has always been encouraging others to reach their full potential while balancing a full and productive life. Tina is the mother of three young adults and lives with her husband Dan in Missouri.  

Ways to Find Tina:
Website: builduup.net
Email: [email protected]
Phone #: 636-439-8824
FB: @tinacareercoach

Ways to Find Embrace, Live, Thrive:
website: www.emrbacelivethrive.com 
FB: @embracelivethrive
Instagram: @embracelivethrive  

Today, Angel Magasano, Founder and CEO of Little Black Book joins me to discuss her organization's origin story and the importance of visualization for goal setting.  Angel shares her incredible journey of not only starting LBB, but how she had a pivotal decision point whether to persevere during a difficult stage of her life or return to the corporate world. She stayed the course, and her organization is not only an incredible environment that women can come network, learn, and grow, but also give back to the community.

Angel shares with us how she plans and preps for the upcoming year. She visualizes where she wants to be on December 31st of the next year and plans her goals backward from there. Angel shares on the importance of mindset, focus, and vision not only as she is forming her goals, but as she is continually checking in on them as the year progresses. She finishes our conversation talking about how true commitment is the best way to start and grow a business. Please share this conversation with all of the women in your life and help inspire them to make 2022 their best year yet.

Ways to Find Angel:
Website: www.womenoflbb.com
FB: @womenofLBB
Instagram: @womenoflittleblackbook

Angel Bio:
Angel Magasano, Founder of Little Black Book: Women in Business works with female professionals to connect them to the personal and professional opportunities they seek.  Angel is passionate about inspiring, empowering, and supporting women in business through offering numerous networking events, self development workshops , and promotional opportunities for female professionals. She and her team have grown the Little Black Book organization to over 250 members over five chapters in the region. Over the past several years, the organization has raised over $50,000 for local charities.

Angel holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Management from Missouri State University. While in college she was a Sugar Bear in the SMSU Bruin Pride Marching band which gave her the opportunity to perform in The Macy's Day Parade, The Orange Bowl Parade, The Lord Mayor of Westminster's New Year's Day Parade and at Disney World. She served as the Community Outreach Coordinator for KSMU, the university's National Public Radio affiliate station.

Angel has received numerous awards throughout her career including A Certificate of Recognition issued by the City of Wentzville under Mayor Nick Guccione for services to the City, The Beyond the Best Top 50 Community Leaders awarded by Streetscape Magazine, Honorable Sponsor of Toys for Tots program given by the US Marine Corps, and the Inspire Award for services to community by the Western St Charles Chamber of Commerce.

Angel has two grown children Nicholas, who graduated with a degree in sound engineering,  and Danielle, who is enrolled in her university's Honors Program majoring in Business Administration, Finance. She and her family enjoy experiencing art, culture, and food through travel.

Embrace, Live, Thrive:
website: www.embracelivethrive.com
FB: @embracelivethrive
Instagram: @embracelivethrive

Today Kristen Tippet joins me on the podcast and discusses her family's experience with the NICU after her youngest son had low blood sugar after birth. She and her partner found several gaps throughout their stay including advocacy, expectations, communication barriers, and wishing they had someone else to talk to about what was going on with their son. After 22 days they graduated from the NICU but were left with a desire to help other parents where they had struggled.

LOGIC.baby was born with the desire to support, educate, and empower parents who have a child in the NICU. Currently, they have up a lot of video content about different topic surrounding the NICU but also have several other projects in the works.  Including a course walking you through a NICU stay and the emotions involved, and a book being co-authored to help siblings understand about a NICU stay.  Please listen and learn about this incredible non-profit.

Resources Mentioned:
MOMS Line, call (314) 768-8570. The MOMS Line was made possible with support from the St. Mary's Hospital Foundation. It is the only peer-support program in St. Louis for pregnant and new moms who are experiencing depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

Kristen Bio:
Kristen Tippit is the co-founder and CEO of The NICU Nonprofit LOGiC.baby whose mission is to teach parents about the NICU, offer an ally during their stay, and provide support and resources once they are home. After a life-changing experience directing The Vagina Monologues at her small university in Western Kentucky back in 2002, Kristen knew she wanted to work with women; finding ways to educate, support, empower, and love them through their life's journey. Once she became a mom (now to 4 amazing kiddos!), she became even more passionate about creating space and community for women in an effort to eliminate the isolation that inevitably follows matrescence. After her last baby was born and needed a 22 day NICU stay in May 2020, she and her partner created the nonprofit to help parents who are navigating a very traumatic time. Kristen lives in south city and loves running, connecting, and a good scone. She is also the creator of the blog/page/group 'Mom life is hard, let's run' which connects people through running, authenticity, and humor.

Ways to Find Kristen:
website: logic.baby
FB: @logicdotbaby
Instagram: @logicdotbaby
TikTok: @logicdotbaby

Running Group:
FB: @momlifeishardletsrun
Instagram: @momlifeishardletsrun 

Embrace, Live, Thrive:
website: www.embracelivethrive.com
FB: @embracelivethrive
Instagram: @embracelivethrive

Today, Tami McCandlish joins me on the podcast and shares her painful story of bullying from an early age and how it intensified in her senior year of high school causing her to ultimately petition to do school from home. She shares how at that time the administration told her there was nothing they could do for invisible actions. Even after high school Tami continued to struggle making connections with women and often felt rejected and excluded leaving her bitter and angry towards most of the world.

Tami found her healing through her Faith in God and realizing that her identity was in Christ and not in status, relationships, or achievements. She now has a speaking platform educating women and adolescents of the effects of bullying and how you can find peace and healing. Tami is so inspiring and encourages that forgiveness is an important part of your healing journey.

Please listen, like, and share. I am almost certain that all of us have a memory at some point regarding a person who bullied us and left a wound that we carry us to this day. Healing is possible, forgiveness is possible, all it requires is taking that first step and admitting you are hurting.

Resources Mentioned: 
Guide to Healing after being Bullied: Resources | Tami McCandlish

Additional Resources:
Bullying Scars: The Impact on Adult Life and Relationships by Ellen Walser deLara

Ways to Find Tami:
www.tamimccandlish.com

Tami Bio: a Midwestern country girl raised at the edge of the Appalachian foothills. I'm married to my college sweetheart, Charlie. We live in the Buckeye state and work together, coaching people in exercise and wellness.

 I struggle with socializing because people aren't always easy to love, but neither am I. So I strive to give others room to express themselves as I, myself, want the same.

I honor friendship because I know the pain of losing friends. I know the sting of gossip, betrayal, and rejection. The aftermath of a wrecked reputation. The heartbreak caused by someone who will never knock on my door again. The absence of community. And the challenge of regaining authentic friends.

When I was 17, bullying changed my life forever. It created a mess in my mind and shook my identity. Twenty years later, what happened to me in school still impacts me, but it no longer controls me. I am not defined by the hurtful things people did or by the mistakes I made defending myself. Others’ approval doesn’t dictate my value. My worth is in Jesus, who taught me to forgive my enemies and move forward in love.

​I’ve been sharing my experience since 2007, but I don't consider myself an anti-bullying speaker. I'm just a girl with a story, using my interests to help people navigate the imprint of bullying.

 Whether you’re trying to figure out how to survive one more day of school, or you carried the pain of the past into adulthood, I hope what I share resonates with you. When you feel attacked for who you are, I hope my words remind you God's love outweighs all the affection of this world. Although He allows us to endure tough times, He is the Best Friend who will never abandon us. I hope you'll join me in drawing close to the King of the outcasts, who understands our hurt like no one ever could. He frees us from shame and restores what was lost.

​Although we may never meet in person, I value you just the same and care about your growth. I hope we can be friends. God led you here, so don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to hear your story and pray for you.

Embrace, Live, Thrive:
www.embracelivethrive.com
FB: @embracelivethrive
Instagram: @embracelivethrive

Today, Sarah Weeger, founder of Hey Weegs a greeting card company that makes cards for real life joins me on the podcast to talk about her journey through anxiety and depression. Her anxiety started in her 7 month of pregnancy with insomnia and was amplified by the birth of her daughter. She looks back an reflects that although it wasn't her daughter job, that is what got her out of bed everyday.

Sarah talks about one day she was sitting watching her 6-month-old play instead of being with her and in that moment, she realized this was not the mom she wanted to be, and she needed help. She reminds us that your life doesn't have to be terrible before you start seeking resources. Sarah encourages that the easiest way to start your healing journey is to be honest with yourself and how you feel,

This is such a great conversation. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I loved recording it. Please Like, Share, and help Embrace, Live, Thrive continue to grow.

Resources Mentioned:
Instagram: @realdepressionproject
                         @learningmotherhood
                         @returnityproject

Sarah"s Bio:
Sarah Weeger is a mom to her and her husband' four-year-old daughter, and the founder and owner of her greeting card company, Hey Weegs. Sarah's cards tell it like it is in a way that's always uplifting. Her sweet spot is in designing cards for moms to help them feel seen without trying to fix the problem – because she knows first-hand what it's like to receive cards that try to do otherwise. Today, Sarah shares her story of postpartum depression and anxiety while keeping it real and maintaining her sense of humor – just like her cards. 

To view her cards for moms, and all other occasions, visit her shop: www.heyweegs.com

Sarah also recently launched her new card-writing community, JUST SEND THE DAMN CARD, because she realized she's terrible at actually sending cards even though they can make a huge impact, just like a lot of us are. To learn more about her membership, visit justsendthedamncard.com or www.jstdc.com.

Ways to Find Sarah: 
websites: www.heyweegs.com
                      www.jstdc.com
Instagram: @heyweegs

Embrace, Live, Thrive:
website: www.embracelivethrive.com 
Instagram: @embracelivethrive
FB: @embracelivethrive 

Today, Paula Mosher Wallace, author and president of Bloom in The Dark, a ministry teaching healing strategies 4 life joins us on the podcast. We begin our conversation hearing how Paula's faith and past trauma inspired her to start building a place that removes the shame and victim stigma often associated with recovery and helps individuals realize hope and healing is possible. Bloom is the dark offers a variety of resources including syndicated tv shows, course material, blogs, and their own podcast all targeted at supporting and encouraging those recovering from addiction and trauma.

Paula shares about learning the importance of emotional time management as she navigated her own healing journey in the midst of being a single, working, home schooling mother. She educates us on the importance of bilateral processing and making your mental health just as important as healing from any other illness. Paula reminds us that God created us with intrinsic value and that is what drives our identity not what has happened to us in the past. This is an incredible conversation that I truly believe you will be inspired. encouraged, and learn so much from listening.

Please like, share, and tell anyone you think could benefit from listening to Paula's wisdom and passion. Let's continue to educate those around us about the importance of understanding and healing your mental health. It's time to stop suffering in silence.

Resources Mentioned:
Bloom In the Dark: True Stories of Hope and Redemption by Paula Mosher Wallace
Bloom Forward: A Journal to Renew Your Mind...One Day at a Time By Paula Mosher Wallace, Kylie E. Snow, Ginny Priz

Ways to Find Paula:
website: www.bloominthedark.org
App: Bloom In The Dark & Bloom Channel

Paula's Bio:
Paula Mosher Wallace
Ex-Victim & President of Bloom In The Dark, Inc.

An ex-victim herself, Paula wrote Bloom in the Dark, true stories of women healing from brokenness, abuse, and addiction. In 2016, Paula founded Bloom In The Dark, Inc. as a 501c3 nonprofit. Paula has produced, directed and co-hosted a TV talk show, Bloom Today, which is now licensed with 43 television networks and won a Telly award. Along with 5 more books, Paula has a second television show and video curriculum, Recovery Strategies 4 Life. Now a media executive, Paula focuses on working with other leaders to share hope and healing with the broken world. A single mother of 3 sons, Paula lives as a media missionary and credits God for healing her and leading her on this mission.

Embrace, Live, Thrive:
website: www.embracelivethrive.com 
FB: @embracelivethrive 
Instagram: @embracelivethrive 

Today Katelynn Scannell MA, PLPC, NCC joins us on the podcast and shares with us about her journey into motherhood. She had an unexpected pregnancy and started her journey into motherhood as a single mother. Katelynn tells us about how she had been prepared for the delivery, but when she went home alone she began struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety. She talks about the importance her support system and other resources played in her healing journey.

Katelynn goes on to explain to us about Perinatal Mood Disorders such as Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, Panic, OCD, and Psychosis. She educates us about the differences and importance of knowing the signs of normal baby blues and when intrusive thoughts cross the line to needing more help. Katelynn encourages to ask for help and make your health a priority as your health reflects the health of your family. Please listen, learn, and share with that person that pops in your mind as you listen to all of the amazing information Katelynn has to share.

Ways to Find Katelynn:
Website: www.perfectlyimperfecttherapy.net
FB: @KatelynnsCounseling
Email: [email protected]

Katelynn Bio:
The decision to seek therapy involves more than a willingness to grow - It also requires the ability to develop a healthy therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and unconditional acceptance. Creating a healthy and supportive relationship allows the client to discover more about themselves and creates an environment for change. My goal as a counselor is to create an environment that revolves around empathy and compassion in order to foster growth and introspection. Life experiences are unique to each individual and effective counseling requires an innate ability to walk with clients as they navigate past and current experiences. Embracing a holistic approach, addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being, promotes maximum healing. I believe the key to mindfulness begins with positive self-image and self- talk. Without becoming conscious of our negative thought processes we will be unable to succeed in participating in a positive growth experience.

Embrace, Live, Thrive:
Website: www.embracelivethrive.com
FB: @embracelivethrive
Instagram: @embracelivethrive 

Today Dr. Robin Murray joins us on the podcast and shares about her journey into motherhood later in life and its impact on her as she navigates through the different stages of her kids childhood. Robin also shares with us about her passion topic she teaches to her Nursing students. . .civility. She is a firm believer that nothing will ever change if you don't start from the bottom up. Learning how to be polite, encouraging, and respectful of your co-workers creates a supportive environment that is so important in all areas of work. 

Robin shares so much valuable information about civility and even sprinkles in a few tips for gratitude. Listen and share ,share, share to help start shifting our cultures narrative to civility and kindness in all situations. Help me continue to shine a light into the darkness and help educate women on how to not only survive life, but how to thrive.

Resources Mentioned:
Book: Have You Filled A Bucket Today by Carol McCloud & David Messing 

Robin's Bio:
Robin Murray has been a registered nurse since 1997 and taught pre-licensure registered nursing and online courses at the college level since 2004. Robin earned her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from Indiana University in 1997 and her master of science in nursing (MSN) nurse educator track from Webster University in 2003. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Educational Leadership from American Sentinel University in 2019 with a research focus on Civility in Nursing. Clinically, Robin has worked with adult patients in medical-surgical units, home care, occupational health, burn intensive care, cardiac and trauma step-down, behavioral health, management, and faith community nursing. She was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society for Nursing in 1996, Golden Key in 2018, and Delta Epsilon Tau Honor Society in 2019. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, the Missouri Nurses Association, the  Nurses Christian Fellowship, and the National League for Nursing.  Before her career in nursing, Murray served in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve Forces from 1990-1997. Robin is the proud mama of Noah (12), Isaac (10), & Stella (8), and wife to her loving husband, Matt.

Ways To Contact Robin:
Email: [email protected]

Embrace, Live, Thrive:
Website: www.embracelivethrive.com
FB: @embracelivethrive
Instagram: @embracelivethrive 

Stephanie Winslow, Author of Ascent to Hope: The Rugged Climb From Fear To Faith, joins us on the podcast and shares the story of her brother's addiction to alcohol and her lessons in hope, faith, and gratitude. She talks about how she tried to "fix" her brother and ended up driving a wedge between the two of them. It took multiple God moments for her to realize that her brother's struggles weren't for her to fix and that she was supposed to be present, love, and support him the best that she could without enabling him.

Stephanie defines hope as surrender and explains how hope can be developed by understanding the acronym SLOW - Surrender, Listen, Obey, and Worship. She tells us that it is ok to grieve the relationships that you thought you would have with you loved one, but then being the support they need where ever they are struggling. Please listen and be encouraged if you are struggling with a loved one that is currently battling addiction. As always please share and help destigmatize the struggles with addiction and mental health issues.

Resources Mentioned:
Ascent to Hope: The Rugged Climb From Fear To Faith By Stephanie Winslow
Jesus Calling: 365 Devotionals for Kids By Sarah Young
Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science (Indescribable Kids) by Louie Giglio

Stephanie Bio:
Stephanie Winslow is the proud wife of Marshall and mother of two girls.  Stephanie spends her days helping women find their voice and making their dreams become a reality in life and business. In her business Blind Spot Consultants, she partners with women entrepreneurs to help them build lean processes and strategic plans that will enable them to live their best life. 

Stephanie is a Christian author, blogger and speaker. She uses her gifts of writing and speaking to inspire transformational change in the lives of those who need hope, healing and restoration. Stephanie’s passion is to awaken the complacent and comfort the wounded.   

In her free time Stephanie enjoys trail running, hiking with family, coffee dates with girlfriends, the comfort of yoga pants and catching the latest Netflix show with her husband.

Ways to Find Stephanie:
Website: www.stephaniewinslow.com 
FB: @stephaniewinslow 

Embrace, Live, Thrive: 
website: www.embracelivethrive.com
FB: @embracelivethrive
Instagram: @embracelivethrive