{TIME SENSITIVE} Brain Health
Dear World,
I often wondered why we needed to dedicate a day or month to awareness, but without reminders, we can easily forget. We can easily ignore and deny until a catastrophic experience occurs that opens our eyes to reality.
In 1949, May became the committed time for uncomfortable conversations and real statistics. As of only four days ago, 1 in 4 adults struggle with mental health issues or illness (#braindisease), and 1 in 4 youth have clinically elevated symptoms of depression with an increase in anxiety.
I chose to leave the classroom because emotional intelligence, brain health, and vulnerable conversations consistently proved to be third in line to academics and extracurricular. Yes, #3 on the priority list for learning, growing, and developing. From national to international, the common thread of needing more support on the points below remain true.
Youth desire:
🧠 Comprehensive language for emotions
🔐 Accessible and actionable tools for emotional regulation
🎯 The inner knowing, trust, AND belief that they are ENOUGH
My dear friend snapped me hugging her dog, Kona on Sunday evening at a BBQ. Moments before, Kona and I were running around as I tossed her chewy stick. I paused because my body, heart, BRAIN, and soul needed to express without words.
Creating a safe space for your child to express emotions freely is MY superpower! Are you ready to shift our current narrative about #BRAINHEALTH? We are no longer talking about mental health because like your heart and kidneys, your brain deserves to be healthy and thrive, too!
Love,
Dana💛🚀
PS My 12 week program, 🚀Prepare to Launch for Kids & Teens🚀, is now open for the fall. You AND your child(ren) will receive actionable and sustainable tools for conscious shifts at home, school, work, and all arenas! To learn more, let's talk!
Do a good DEED, and pass along my email!
WHAT LEARNERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DEED®!
Our time together was never wasted! You helped me so much, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I really do appreciate all of the time you gave me just to talk about my life and side track as well. Thank you for everything Dana!
~ Liam (10th grade)
I can’t thank Ms. Dana enough for what she’s done for me the past few years. Starting at a young age, Ms. Dana started tutoring me when I was in Pre-k. The next year, I got accepted into PS 33, where I was in Ms. Dana’s class. In class, she pushed me out of my comfort zone, knowing that I would thrive there. I started learning and growing a lot more. Throughout my years at PS 33, Ms. Dana has helped me every step of the way, always pushing me to my full potential. Even when she left PS 33, she would help me with my writing skills. At the end of 5th grade, when I started looking and applying for middle schools, she helped me with my applications, showing me how I could grow as a writer, reader and thinker. She helped me prepare for the ISEE tests in the matter of a few months. I wrote essays for schools, with her analyzing every detail that I wrote and helping me see what I could improve on. With her help, I got accepted into Horace Mann, a private school in the Bronx. Without Ms. Dana, I wouldn’t know where I would be right now. I am so thankful for her help and have learned a lot from her.
~ Nara (8th grade)
Dear Ms.Dana
I can't express my eternal gratitude to you for supporting me with my school work and helping me believe in myself. Also because of you, I feel more confident in my thoughts and work and you have an amazing way of teaching. I am so grateful for meeting you.
~ Jacob (7th grade)
Ms. Dana is the best teacher ever! She wants all her kids to do well and reach their highest potential. She is the most encouraging person I know! Whenever I felt afraid, she made me feel brave. Whenever I felt like I couldn't do something, she made me feel like I could. Whenever I felt shy, she made me realize I could shine. Thanks to her, I have been successful in my later grades. She gave me confidence in my ideas and thoughts so that I do not feel scared to share them with others. I don't know where I would be without her. Because of her, I know I can do anything I put my mind to. She will always be very special to me. I'm very lucky I had her as a teacher, and I am so thankful for her! She is the best!!!
-Ava (6th grade)
Dana is a good friend to have. I’m glad I have her to support me.💜
~ Matilda (2nd grade)