This episode of Raising Joy tackles a tough but crucial topic: child sex trafficking. Our guest, Stacey Henley, a child abuse expert from Cook Children's C.A.R.E. team, offers a powerful perspective. Stacey sheds light on the realities of child victimization, but also empowers parents with knowledge. Join us for this important conversation and learn how we can all work together to create a safer environment for our children.
What kind of impact can a single pair of shoes have on a child’s life? According to Sam Sayed, a medical student at the TCU Burnett School of Medicine, the impact can be life-altering. At least this was the case for his own life. On this special episode of Raising Joy, Sam talks to us about his nonprofit, Dayna's Footprints , which he started with his brother Sharif Sayed. Their mission is, “To combat learning inequity by providing students shoes to wear proudly, subsequently increasing students...
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21, 2024. Join us for an uplifting conversation with Alexis Pechek and Ileana Hamilton, two parents whose lives have been enriched by their children with Down syndrome. They'll share their honest journeys - from navigating the initial diagnosis to the beautiful ways their families have grown. This episode is a beacon of hope for any parent facing a new Down syndrome diagnosis, reminding us of the profound joy these incredible children bring to the world....
Life with a furry friend brings countless moments of joy, but for children, the loss of a beloved pet can be an incredibly difficult experience. This Raising Joy episode tackles this sensitive topic with empathy and guidance, featuring Laura Sonefeld from Cook Children's Sit…Stay...PLAY! program . Join us as Laura, a certified child life specialist and Cook Children’s facility dog program coordinator, shares her expertise on how to help children navigate the emotions of pet loss....
On this special episode of Raising Joy, hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc answer questions submitted by listeners. They cover everything from helping children deal with bullying, social media, balancing work and home, burn out and self-care. They also talk about what they have learned over the past two years of interviewing guests for Raising Joy. This is an episode you don’t want to m
This episode of Raising Joy dives deep into drugs, alcohol, and substance use disorder among high school and college students. We're joined by Caroline Sahba, LPC-S, LCDC, MBA , Associate Director of the Counseling and Mental Health Center at TCU , who brings her expertise in substance use and recovery services to the table. This episode is essential for parents, teachers, counselors, and anyone concerned about the well-being of young adults. Join us as we discuss: · The current landscape of sub...
This Black History Month, Raising Joy tackles a crucial yet often overlooked topic: mental health within diverse communities. Join us as we welcome Lachelle Goodrich, MA, LPC, a powerhouse of experience and expertise. Lachelle, owner of iLegacy Consulting and Counseling , also spearheads the Choice Neighborhood Initiative for Fort Worth Housing Solutions . We'll delve into the unique perspectives and challenges surrounding mental health in different cultures. Lachelle, with her wealth of knowled...
Having a child in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a traumatic experience. On this episode of Raising Joy, we’re joined by Helen Thomas, LCSW, PMH-C . Helen is a clinical therapist and licensed social worker specializing in perinatal mental health. She shares invaluable insights into the challenges NICU parents face, offering support and understanding for those navigating this unique journey. This episode emphasizes the importance of mental well-being for both parents and their newbo...
On this special episode of Raising Joy, we welcome Cook Children’s cardiologist Kevin Wilkes, M.D. Join us as we delve into the intricate connection between congenital heart defects and mental health, as Dr. Wilkes sheds light on how conditions like anxiety, depression and ADHD intersect with heart health.
In this heartwarming episode of Raising Joy, we meet Raymond Turner, the studio producer of Sparklefly Recording Studio in the Child Life Zone at Cook Children's. Raymond's story is one of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of music. Join us as Raymond shares his inspiring journey to Cook Children's, where he found his calling in creating music for some of the hospital's youngest patients. We'll delve into the deeply moving experience of crafting heartbeat songs memorializing t...
When we think of the holidays, most of us think of good food, family gatherings and beautiful holiday decorations. For many, it’s the happiest time of the year; but for others it’s a very different story. The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, especially those grieving the death of a loved one. On this episode of the Raising Joy podcast, we're joined by Hannah Boyd, CCLS, a child life specialist, and Jennifer Hayes, MDiv, BCC, Director of Spiritual Care at Cook Children’s. They sha...
Does your child experience frequent and intense tantrums? Is their irritability and anger impacting their daily life and relationships? This episode delves into the world of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), a condition characterized by persistent irritability and severe temper outbursts. On this episode of Raising Joy, pediatric psychiatrist Rachel Talbot, M.D., of Cook Children’s sheds light on this misunderstood but common diagnosis. She helps us navigate the complexities of DMDD...
In this episode, we chat with Laurie Williams George, a mother and doctoral student in educational psychology, about the challenges and rewards of parenting neurodiverse children. We delve into her research on autism and academic performance, as well as her son's heart-wrenching experience with bullying while playing video games online. We also discuss the importance of teaching kids how to behave online. Laurie is also the creator of the online platform, Parent with Merit, which features articl...
In this episode of Raising Joy, we interview Paige Charbonnet, the executive director of LVT Rise , a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of residents in the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood of Fort Worth, Texas. Paige discusses the top health concerns facing the Las Vegas Trail community, and how the new Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center will address those issues. The two-story, 40,000-square-foot center will provide pediatric and adult medical services, behavioral heal...
Setting boundaries with kids is an important part of parenting, but it can also be challenging. In this episode of the Raising Joy podcast, we speak with Rebecca Clark, a licensed professional counselor at Cook Children’s, about the importance of boundaries, how to set them in a loving and supportive way, and how to deal with common challenges. This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and healthcare workers who want to learn more about setting boundaries with kids....
What’s the state of mental health for kids? What are psychiatrists seeing in their patients? Have we turned the corner on the mental health crisis post-COVID-19 pandemic? On this episode of Raising Joy, Wini King interviews co-host Kristen Pyrc, M.D., co-medical director of psychiatry at Cook Children’s. Dr. Pyrc shares what she’s seeing in her office and how things have changed in recent years.
On this episode of Raising Joy, we hear the story of Megan Hodges Cook, community program coordinator at Cook Children’s. Her story isn’t easyfor her to share, but she hopes it will help other parents in similar situations, and provide some insight into a topic that has become extremely controversial. Megan is the mother of a transgender child. Her daughter came out to her when she was 12 years old, though she saw the signs nearly a decade prior. Megan isn’t embarrassed or ashamed of her story, ...
In this episode of Raising Joy, we discuss a new peer-to-peer support program that is underway in Cook Children's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Chaplain Amanda Payne Lindsay and Katelyn Terry, RN, join us to talk about the program's goals, how it works, and the impact it's having on PICU staff. The PICU can be a traumatic environment for health care workers, and this program is aimed at limiting the impact of stress, depression, anxiety, and burnout. The program trains appointed PICU emp...
Helen Ramsbottom, RN, and Melody Hackfeld, RN, both case managers with Cook Children's psychiatric department, join the Raising Joy podcast to discuss how to manage a child's mental health care after they are released from an inpatient psychiatric unit. They also discuss resources and support groups for parents, such as Links of Hope. In addition, we learn about the ASQ tool, which is used by nurses in the emergency department at Cook Children's to identify suicidal patients. The tool is compris...
Managing emotions as a parent when your child receives a complex medical diagnosis can be incredibly challenging. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Katie Senter, a member of the Family Advisory Council at Cook Children's. Katie's daughter, Louise, has a very rare medical condition called 1p36 deletion syndrome, which is a chromosome disorder that typically causes severe intellectual disability. Katie shares her personal experiences of coping with Louise's diagnosis, and offers practical...
Having a child in the NICU can be a very stressful and emotional experience for parents. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Landy Blackmore, whose daughter, Tillie, was born prematurely and spent time in Cook Children's NICU. Landy shares her personal story and offers practical advice on how to cope with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with having a child in the NICU. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, scared, or simply exhausted, Landy's insights and support can help you navigat...
Jessica Gomez, Psy.D., is the executive director of Momentous Institute , a nonprofit that offers mental health services and operates an elementary school. As a first-generation Mexican American, she knows firsthand the challenges of growing up in a culture that doesn't prioritize mental health. In this episode of Raising Joy, Dr. Gomez shares her personal story and discusses how her experiences have shaped her work. She also talks about the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to menta...
Sharon Herrera grew up feeling like she didn't belong. She was Mexican-American and gay, and struggled to feel comfortable in her own skin… even suffering from suicidal thoughts. But then, one supportive adult helped her turn things around. Now, Sharon is an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth in Tarrant County. She founded LGBTQ Saves , a nonprofit that provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their families to be themselves. In this episode of Raising Joy, Sharon shares her story of hope and resilienc...
Getting back into a routine after a long summer break can be tough for kids of all ages. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Cook Children's psychologist, Whitney Appleby, Ph.D. , about all things school. Dr. Appleby shares her expert advice on how to help kids get a good night's sleep, create a healthy routine, manage anxiety, and avoid burnout. As a mom of three, she knows the struggle is real, but she also knows that with a little planning and effort, we can set our kids up for a succe...
Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton , a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including mental health education, collaboration, encouragement, and information. On this episode of Raising Joy, we meet Sonya Parker Goode, CLC, CAMS-I...
Antonio Igbokidi, a fourth-year medical student at Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, joins the Raising Joy podcast to discuss his Barbershop Talk Therapy mental health initiative. Igbokidi started Barbershop Talk Therapy in 2021 as a way to create a safe space for men of color to talk about mental health. He never dreamed his program would take off – with more than 100 people now attending sessions across Fort Worth. On this episode of Raising Joy, we learn ho...
At Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, it’s not uncommon for 30 children and teens to be evaluated for mental and behavioral health concerns in the emergency department in a single day. On this episode of Raising Joy, Family Intake Therapist Brittany Smith, MSW, LCSW, tells us about her role in the ER, and how she helps patients and families during these visits. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. If you wou...
When Melarie Odelusi’s daughter was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 2020, she didn’t know what the future held in store for her family. One thing she did know – it was going to be critical for her to take care of herself. While doctors focused on her child, Melarie and her husband made every effort to ensure they were mentally strong through the storm. Today, Melarie is a member of Cook Children’s Family Advisory Council and uses her experience and perspective to help improve the hospital for ...
Long before he became a health care executive, Rick W. Merrill was a West Texas boy with a guitar and a love for music. Today, he’s the president and CEO of one of the largest pediatric health care systems in the U.S., but music still holds a special place in his heart. On this extraordinary episode of Raising Joy, Mr. Merrill opens up about his love for songwriting, parenting children through challenges, and leading an organization with empathy and compassion. He also shares a song he wrote, wh...
On this episode of Raising Joy, we meet M. Scott Perry, M.D. , head of Neurosciences at the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children’s Health Care System. At the Institute for Mind Health, Dr. Perry is bringing together nine specialties that commonly overlap in the treatment of nervous system disorders. He talks to us about how this unique approach will make care easier for patients and their families....
