Raising Joy

It's our season finale, and we're turning the questions over to YOU! In this special listener Q&A episode, hosts Wini King and Kristen Pyrc, M.D., tackle your most pressing questions about childhood mental health. From anxiety and stress management to navigating FOMO through the summer months, we'll be offering expert advice and practical tips to empower you to raise resilient and joyful kids.

This is your chance to get the insights you've been waiting for… and don’t worry, we will be back with a brand new season in August 2024.

This episode of Raising Joy features a truly inspiring story of resilience, hope, and giving back. Kelli Stahl, a nurse at Cook Children's Pediatrics Henderson, shares her remarkable journey as a childhood cancer patient who found a second chance caring for others.

We'll hear about the incredible support Kelli received from her care team, and how she’s sharing her journey in a new book called, “My Fight My Story.” Kelli's story is a powerful testament to the healing power of joy, and how Cook Children's fosters that spirit in both patients and caregivers.

This episode is a celebration of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and find purpose in giving back.

In this episode of Raising Joy, we celebrate diversity and inclusion at Cook Children's with Jacob Hall and Tara Drake, co-leaders of the PRIDE+ Employee Resource Group (ERG). The PRIDE+ ERG fosters a supportive community for LGBTQ+ employees and allies at Cook Children's. We'll discuss the importance of ERGs in the workplace, the initiatives of the PRIDE+ ERG, and how Cook Children's is creating an inclusive environment for all.

Join us as we learn about:

• The mission and goals of the PRIDE+ ERG
• The benefits of ERGs for both employees and employers
• How Cook Children's is supporting LGBTQ+ employees
• Ways to get involved with the PRIDE+ ERG and promote inclusion in the workplace

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn more about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

This episode of Raising Joy tackles a tough but crucial topic: youth suicide prevention, particularly among young people of color. Kristen Pyrc, M.D. welcomes Martha and Chris Thomas, founders of The Defensive Line, a nonprofit on a mission to end this epidemic.

Martha and Chris tragically lost their daughter, Ella Elizabeth Thomas, to suicide at the age of 24. Inspired by Ella's vibrant spirit and the need for change, The Defensive Line is transforming how we communicate and connect about mental health.

Join us for a powerful conversation about:

• Breaking the stigma around mental health in communities of color
• Effective communication strategies to support young people
• Building a world where mental health resources are accessible and inclusive

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to empower themselves and others to have open conversations about mental health and create a future filled with hope.

Learn more about The Defensive Line here: https://thedefensiveline.org/

In this episode of Raising Joy, we explore the incredible resource of MHMR and Help Me Grow North Texas. Miranda Holmes & Arrenia Thomas join us to discuss how Help Me Grow empowers parents and caregivers by connecting them with a network of specialists and community-based services to support their child's healthy development.

We delve into:

• Who Help Me Grow North Texas can support
• The different types of resources and services available
• How the program can address both general parenting questions and developmental concerns
• The benefits of collaboration across various sectors
• And much more!

This episode is a must-listen for any parent or caregiver seeking guidance and support in raising joyful, thriving children.

In this episode, we explore the unique educational environment of Jane Justin School at Cook Children's Child Study Center.

Our guest, Tracie Mann, Ph.D., LBA, shares how Jane Justin School supports children aged 3-21 with developmental and learning disabilities.

We'll delve into the school's philosophy, which emphasizes individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a focus on mastering skills. If you're interested in learning more about how Jane Justin School empowers students with complex needs to achieve their full potential, this episode is for you!

Learn more about the Jane Justin School here: https://www.cookchildrens.org/services/child-study-center/jane-justin-school/

Warning: This episode includes conversation about youth self-harm and suicide. 

Recent news of suicides among teens in North Texas has sent shockwaves through our community. Raising Joy hosts Kristen Pyrc, M.D., and Wini King take a moment to acknowledge the heartbreak being felt by so many and to share resources for healing. 

Help is available.

If you or someone you know is struggling, speak with someone today by calling 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.

Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.

Additional resources:

Mental Health America of Greater Tarrant County

https://mhatc.org/loss-team/

GriefShare

Find a Group - GriefShare

Survivors of Suicide

Suicide Loss Support Groups | Alliance of Hope

The WARM Place

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into the critical issue of physician burnout with Kirk Pinto, M.D., a pediatric urologist, and Sara Garza, M.D., a primary care physician. These leaders in physician well-being at Cook Children’s join us to shed light on this growing concern.

We'll explore the signs and symptoms of burnout, its impact on doctors, families, and patient care, and most importantly, strategies for prevention and management. Drs. Pinto and Garza will share practical self-care tips, the role of health care institutions in fostering well-being, and resources available to physicians struggling with burnout.

Whether you're a parent supporting a future doctor or a health care professional yourself, this episode offers valuable insights and hope for creating a more sustainable and fulfilling medical career.

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into a topic close to many parents' hearts: the mental health of children with complex medical needs. Our expert guests are Carla Morton, Ph.D., and Marsha Gabriel, Ph.D., neuropsychologists from Cook Children's.

We'll explore:

·         What is neuropsychology and how does it relate to children's health?

·         Common complex medical conditions and associated mental health challenges.

·         Warning signs parents should watch for in their children.

·         Practical strategies parents can use to support their children's mental well-being at home.

·         The range of emotions parents of children with complex medical needs may experience.

·         Dr. Morton's personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs.

·         Things parents might not realize about raising a child with complex medical needs.

This episode of Raising Joy dives into the unseen but crucial work of building a strong and resilient community for children and families. Hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc welcome Breanna Anderson and Jammie Josephson, managers of the ACE's Team at the Center for Community Health at Cook Children's.

The conversation explores:

·         Understanding ACES: They'll break down what Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) are and their impact on children's health.

·         The ACE's Team in Action: Learn about the team's mission and the programs they offer to support parents and families.

·         Building Hope: Breanna and Jammie will share a success story that highlights the positive impact of their work.

·         The Power of Community Outreach: Discover why taking these resources directly into communities is essential for building resilience.