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I’m too juiced to share that I recently earned my Certified Wellness Coach II credential! This achievement represents a significant step forward in my ability to provide early intervention and prevention support for children and youth. But more importantly, it underscores a truth at the heart of The Life I Love School: mental health support for Black and Brown girls must go beyond traditional approaches to address the unique stressors and challenges they face.
For Black and Brown girls, stress often stems from disproportionate exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) - including systemic racism, community violence, and economic instability. These experiences are not just emotionally taxing; they can profoundly impact mental health, increasing the likelihood of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions.
Yet, too often, mental health support arrives late in the process; when challenges have already escalated into crises. At The Life I Love School, we believe in intervening earlier, during the stress stage, to equip girls with the tools they need to manage adversity before it becomes overwhelming.
Traditional therapy is an essential resource, but it’s not the only answer. Many families face barriers to accessing therapy, including cultural stigma, financial hurdles, and a lack of culturally responsive providers. Even when available, therapy may not resonate with every student.
That’s where unconventional approaches come in. Programs like ours meet students where they are, using group settings, social prescriptions, and relatable activities to address mental health in an accessible, empowering way.
The Certified Wellness Coach II curriculum equips me to lead these efforts with evidence-based strategies. By focusing on common behavioral health conditions like depression and anxiety, I can help students build resilience, increase self-awareness, and foster a sense of community - all in ways that feel authentic and supportive.
At The Life I Love School, our programs are designed to address stress and ACEs through innovative, preventative methods. Here’s how we approach this critical work:
1️⃣ Addressing stress proactively: We teach Black and Brown girls how to identify stressors and develop strategies to manage them before they escalate.
2️⃣ Creating safe, inclusive spaces: Our group-based and classroom interventions foster connection and mutual understanding, reducing feelings of isolation.
3️⃣ Building self-awareness and confidence: By equipping students with practical tools for managing their mental health, we empower them to take ownership of their well-being.
These programs are not just interventions; they’re lifelines. They provide girls with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges and thrive in the face of adversity.
The mental health crisis among Black and Brown girls is urgent, but it’s not insurmountable. By addressing stress early and embracing unconventional approaches, we can break the cycle of trauma and create pathways to healing.
I am proud to bring this new certification and expertise into our work, expanding our reach and our impact. Together, we can ensure that every girl has the tools she needs to manage stress, navigate adversity, and lead a life she loves.
Join us in this mission. Whether you’re interested in partnering, learning more, or supporting our programs, let’s connect!