Grateful Human

"Gratitude is like a light. It can change a room, an interaction, or an everyday situation." Grateful to Oracle Netsuite's Carly Nesson for joining us on this show! 

It's a conversation where we talk about twins, Abraham Lincoln quotes, and gratitude...join us! Special thanks to Travis and Virtuous for the great work they do. 

Imagine how it would feel when all the traditions and ceremonies of your high school senior year were halted in an instant. For Ally, Ella, and Michael, they were the "Class of '20" HS Seniors who had their lives turned upside down with the onset of the pandemic. Fast forward to today, as graduates and soon-to-be-graduates, is it possible they actually found something to be grateful for among the change and uncertainty? Find out here!

Key Nuggets

• Cold showers can change your daily routine
• Almost anything great is the sum of many, many great things that came before it
• Consistency and endurance are traits and strengths to focus on
• You could never script where life is going to take you

Monika Niemasik, MA, TLLP

When children and adolescents misbehave, withdraw, or fail to meet expectations, there is typically a reason. Although as adults we may not immediately understand or appreciate their intentions, it is in Monika's experience and understanding that these behaviors are communications. It is her goal to understand these communications and to encourage parents and their children to move forward with empowered perspectives, utilizing practical strategies for growth and improvement.  

Monika graduated with a Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology with an Advanced Graduate Certificate in School Psychology from Wayne State University. She received my Bachelors of Arts with Honors in Developmental Psychology from the University of Windsor. Monika primarily works with children, adolescents, and their families in the identification and treatment of behavioral, emotional, social, and academic challenges. 

Her experience as a school psychologist and psychotherapist provides her with a unique and comprehensive understanding of the multitude of stressors that youth face during their development. Monika's holistic and play-based approach to therapy provides a space for your child to best communicate their thoughts and feelings, as well as a place to develop healthy coping strategies. In partnership with you, she looks forward to helping your family maneuver through this exciting, yet sometimes challenging, journey of your child’s development.

In addition to practicing child psychology and working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist, 

Associate Professor of Health Communications Nick Iannarino shares with us what he has learned from his research about family caregiving and the Sandwich Generation. 

For more information on Fleece & Thank You, you can visit fleeceandthankyou.org.

Important to note: empathy is NOT just about walking in someone else's shoes, it's also about how you communicate back what you learned on that walk.

Connect with Nick and his research on LinkedIn.

Executive Director of Fleece & Thank You Nicholas Kristock talks with Ned Spektor about origins, Make a Blanket Day: 2019 Rochester, and how to pursue your passion. Theme from this talk: Share Your Energy!

We are talking about Make a Blanket Day: Rochester, New Volunteer Shifts, Upcoming Podcast Guests, and more!