Oklahoma Family Network focuses on supporting families of children and youth with special needs via emotional support, resource navigation, and ensuring quality healthcare for all children and families through strong and effective family/professional partnerships.
Today we're diving into an issue which is important to Meske and affects thousands of Oklahoma families, though it doesn't always get the attention it deserves: early developmental screenings. Meske provided We Saved You A Seat with lots of statistics: 65% of Oklahoma children between 9 and 35 months old are not receiving developmental screenings. Early intervention from birth costs ≈ $37,000 per child. Delayed intervention starting at age 6 costs ≈ $53,000. ➝ $16,000 more per child when we wait. In a 2016 Quality of Care report, OHCA shared that only 16.4% of children received a developmental screening during their first three years of life. The same 2016 report also noted that 56.5% of children aged three to six covered by SoonerCare received recommended well-child visits, compared to 72.2% nationally. https://www.okhca.org/about.aspx?id=22619 Every $1 spent on early screening and intervention yields up to $17 in societal savings. (Healthcare, special ed, justice system) When kids are identified early for developmental delays or challenges, it can change the entire trajectory of their lives. They can get the support, resources, and interventions that help them thrive at home, at school, and in their communities. When screenings don't happen — or happen too late — children and families are left struggling, and often the cost to both the family and the state is much greater down the road. This conversation is especially important right now, because an interim study on developmental screenings is scheduled at the Oklahoma State Capitol on October 2nd from 9:00 to 11:30 AM in Room 5S2. This study was introduced by Representative Ellen Pogemiller and it grew from a constituent's story — Meske and her boys' journey through the system. Meske knows firsthand why early screenings matter, and today she's here to share how her family's experience is shaping policy conversations at the state level. If you care about giving kids the best start in life, here's one simple action you can take whether you are able to show your support in person or not- contact your legislator and ask them to attend the October 2nd interim study. The more lawmakers hear these stories and see the data, the better chance we have of building a system that works for families across Oklahoma. We encourage people to be there for this interim study or watch online-if you're a parent on this journey, an educator, therapist or someone who just wants to learn more, there is something for all of us to learn.
If there is a resource out there, there's a good chance Meske has found it. Meske has been trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Partners in Policymaking (PIP), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Circle of Security and so many others. In this episode, Meske provides us with a glimpse into her experience with SoonerStart, Early Head Start, the struggle of trying to navigate public transportation, and highlights so many other wonderful resources Oklahoman's have access to, but doesn't always know where to find them or who to ask. This episode truly mentions and speaks briefly on some of the resources Meske has utilized or knows about and we have provided links to all of them below, should you want to know more. TBRI: https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri/#sthash.sO4iWECF.dpbs Lilyfield: Lilyfield Empower OKC: EmpowerOKC Circle of Security: Circle of Security International Sunbeam Family Services: Homepage | Sunbeam SoonerStart: SoonerStart Making Sense of your Worth: Making Sense of Your Worth - Halo Project
Meet Meske!! Meske will provide a voice from the mom, advocate, and survivor perspective at an interim study designed to highlight the need to improve access to developmental screenings to Oklahoma's youngest children, and we want you to know her and understand the why behind her passion. This is episode one of three, where you get to meet Meske and learn about Meske as a mom, advocate, incredible human and friend! Note From Meske: "I'm not an expert in any formal sense. I don't have a degree or credentials. Life circumstances interrupted every graduation I ever worked toward. What I do have is knowledge, experience, and perspective — a life lived in very diverse circles, literally and figuratively on both sides of the tracks. My childhood wasn't bad, but it was heavy. I had access to social circles some people only dream about, but life took me in a different direction. Mental health struggles, relationships, finances, global events — they all influenced my path. And while I've made my share of mistakes, most of the time it felt like life kept handing me situations I couldn't control. That's how I came to my personal tagline: “I'm usually the exception to the rule. The medical mystery. I don't fit in anyone's box. The only kind of luck I have is bad luck — so I'm not a betting person.” But over time, I began to realize my life had a bigger purpose. These experiences — the good, the bad, the unfair, the painful — weren't meaningless. They were shaping me into someone who could see people differently, connect more deeply, and speak honestly about what most people avoid. Still, things got worse before they got better. An important person in my childhood used to tell me to have “faith the size of a mustard seed,” so I started carrying one with me. But faith didn't erase the pain. Time doesn't heal all wounds, it just lets them scab over. I realized I had grown comfortable in chaos because it was familiar. There were lessons along the way — sometimes only in the form of cliché sayings that became lifelines. And then came the next chapters: marriage, military service, two kids, deployment, divorce, relocation, three more kids, building a business, domestic violence, housing instability, PTSD, developmental disabilities, and trauma stacked on trauma. That's where I found myself three years ago. Since then, life has still been full of ups and downs. Healing doesn't stop life from happening. Kids still need love, bills still come due, people still take advantage when you let them. But the difference is that I finally began prioritizing myself, setting boundaries, and holding on to integrity and accountability. That's when the people I needed started finding me. Along this journey, I've been trained in TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), Partners in Policymaking, PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy), and Circle of Security. I've worked on early screenings and even contributed to an interim study. Those experiences gave me language for what I had already lived — and tools to help my kids and others “from hard places” not just survive, but start to heal. That's the lens I bring to this conversation: lived experience, layered with training and advocacy, all rooted in a belief that stories — even the messy ones — can change systems and change lives."
Darrian Williams, a mom to two precious girls, shares with us her chaotic experience tied to giving birth to her first daughter. The State Maternal Health Innovation (MHI) Program is one of many complementary investments made to improve maternal health across the nation. Oklahoma's State MHI Program has partnered with the Oklahoma Family Network to help improve maternal health by providing OFN an opportunity to share family stories of those touched personally by critical health outcomes during pregnancy or soon after giving birth. The power of educating others with personal experiences can and will improve future maternal health outcomes for our community, and we thank Darrian for sharing pieces of her journey. If you or someone you know has experienced health complications or illness that occurred during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period, and you are ready to share your story for the purpose of awareness and education, OFN would love to connect with you.
The State Maternal Health Innovation Program is one of many complementary investments made to improve maternal health across the nation. Oklahoma's State Maternal Health Innovation Program has partnered with Oklahoma Family Network to help improve maternal health by allowing OFN to share family stories of those touched personally by critical health outcomes during pregnancy or soon after giving birth. Oklahoma Family Network would like to thank this sweet mother as she shares her experience with a lupus diagnosis, pregnancy, and premature birth. If you or someone you know has experienced health complications or illnesses that occurred during or after pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period, and you are ready to share your story for the purpose of awareness and education OFN is ready to help. Thank you for listening in today.
The State Maternal Health Innovation Program is one of many complementary investments made to improve maternal health across the nation. Oklahoma's State Maternal Health Innovation Program has partnered with Oklahoma Family Network to help improve maternal health by allowing OFN to share family stories of those touched personally by critical health outcomes during pregnancy or soon after giving birth. Oklahoma Family Network would like to thank Chrissy for sharing her experiences surviving postpartum cardiomyopathy and the impact it has had on her health. Understanding signs, symptoms, and treatment is important from a self-advocacy perspective as well as healthcare team member. If you or someone you know has experienced health complications or illnesses that occurred during or after pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period, and you are ready to share your story for the purpose of awareness and education OFN is ready to help. Thank you for listening in today.
Robyn and her family have the unique opportunity to highlight and honor two big topics in September. September is both Hydrocephalus Awareness Month and NICU Awareness Month, and this sweet family helped bring conversation and education to both subjects in our podcast release today. Birth trauma and NICU experiences can be difficult to process. We are always thankful for those willing to share their experiences to educate and encourage others. #NICU #NICUAwarenessMonth #Hydrocephalus #HydrocephalusAwareness #HydrocephalusAwarenessMonth #WeSavedYouASeat
Welcome September and Hydrocephalus Awareness Month! Oklahoma Family Networked partnered with the sweetest mom to share her experience with her daughter's diagnosis of Hydrocephalus in utero. Throughout the month, we will share pieces of her journey through diagnosis, delivery, NICU stay, resources, and community support, as they faced an uncertain future with their precious baby girl, Eliza! You will absolutely love meeting Robyn, her husband Travis, and daughter Eliza this month, and I know all who listen will hear a testimony of faith and strength as they walked an unknown and fearful path. #HydrocephalusAwareness #HydrocephalusDiagnosis #OurJourneyWithHydrocephalus #EpisodeOne
Thank you for joining us for the second episode with guests Matt and Laura Samargis, as we continue to highlight and honor this incredible family during Deaf-Blind Awareness Month. (You can listen here to Episode One) In this episode, Matt and Laura share impactful moments and resources for living in rural Oklahoma. What an honor to meet and visit with Matt and Laura and know you will enjoy hearing more from them today. Special Resources: Active learning spaces (Activities for deafblind learning and movement) Paths to literacy (educational resources for deafblind) Oklahoma library for the blind (Free educational resources for deafblind) Communication Matrix (Assessment for non-verbal communication) Perkins school for the blind Christian Roman Lantzy (Cortical Visual impairment) Jane Korston (communication devices) NRCpara (national center for paraeducators, interveners, and more) Central Michigan University (Online intervener classes) Beth Kennedy-CMU deafblind department director
Matt and Laura's Samargis, a family from rural Oklahoma share with us today some of their journey as parents who have a child in the deaf-blind community. Today we get a glimpse into their incredibly busy lives and I know you will enjoy hearing their unique testimony and learning more from them. They share some of their favorite resources with us today, and you can find their links below: Oklahoma Deaf-Blind Technical Assistance Project Oklahoma School for the Blind National Center for Deaf-Blindness Oklahoma School for the Deaf
As we honor and celebrate Deaf-Blind Awareness Month, I'm excited for people to hear from Lisa Lawter with the Oklahoma Deaf-Blind Technical Assistance Program. Lisa is passionate about helping and serving families who have children with unique medical needs, and this is a resource we want to celebrate and share. https://www.ou.edu/education/centers-and-partnerships/deaf-blind-project Lisa Lawter, Ph.D. Project Director Oklahoma Deaf-Blind TA Project University of Oklahoma Department of Educational Psychology 820 Van Vleet Oval, Room 321 Norman, OK 73019 405.325.0441 405.325.6655 fax Friend us on Facebook at Oklahoma Deaf Blind Technical Assistance Project
Lora Roberts, Eastern Regional Coordinator for Oklahoma Family Network, helps us understand Sibshops for brothers and sisters who have a sibling with special needs. She shares more about her Tulsa Sibshops experience and what families can expect when they bring their child.
Understanding healthy boundaries in our relationships is essential to taking care of ourselves. Join us for a class as we work through misconceptions and proven strategies that help you set healthy boundaries for yourself to help in all of your relationships. If you'd like to watch the training and view Lauren's slides, please joining us on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/xuz2yg8P8S0
Celebrating Rare Disease Day with double the podcast release today! As we continue to celebrate and honor the day set aside to bring awareness to our incredible families with a rare diagnosis, I want to thank Sky Collins for sharing in our previous release about Oklahoma Rare. She continues on to share more about the personal diagnostic journey their family experienced as they tried to advocate and find answers for their youngest daughter, Presley. We also thank Presley for allowing her mom to share pieces of her diagnostic journey. And anyone interested can purchase Presley's book here: https://www.makebelievebookcompany.com/product-page/better-than-a-letter-magical-mailing-kit #OklahomaRare #MalanSyndrome #OKRare #RareDiseaseAwareness #UltraRareDisease #EveryLifeFoundation #PartnersInPolicy #SB207 #SenatorCarriHicks #RareDiseaseDay #RareDiagnosis
Every year, on the last day of February, the world comes together to recognize Rare Disease Day—a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness for rare diseases and the millions of people affected by them. Today, We Saved You A Seat is incredibly honored to share a few things Oklahoma is doing to help bring awareness, advocacy, conversation and support to and for those impacted by a rare diagnosis. Today, Sky Collins is here to discuss the incredible community group, Oklahoma Rare, of which she is a co-founder and shares ways you can get involved. Addition Resources Mentioned: https://everylifefoundation.org/rare-advocates/virtual-youth-hill-day/ #OklahomaRare #MalanSyndrome #OKRare #RareDiseaseAwareness #UltraRareDisease #EveryLifeFoundation #PartnersInPolicy #SB207 #SenatorCarriHicks #RareDiseaseDay #RareDiagnosis
In this presentation, we will discuss how to set goals for positive change for all ages while still having a self-compassion focus. This can help us break the pattern of shame about things we want to change and instead apply simple but profound principles for effective growth. If you would like the presentation handouts please email: erin-parks@oklahomafamilynetwork.org
Sometimes we are so focused on behavior that we don't realize how powerful purposeful relationships can be in responding to negative behavior and preventing things from ever happening. We will look at the work of Dr. Lori Desautels and her book Connections over Compliance to learn brain-based strategies for connecting with kids and responding to and preventing frustrating behaviors.
Welcome to National Wear Red Day 2025! After finally getting a diagnosis of Postpartum Cardiomyopathy, Chrissy learns what her future looks like and shares with us how she processed this unexpected diagnosis and what she did to survive as a mom who needed lots of help from doctors, family, and friends. To learn more from the American Heart Association about Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (or Peripartum Cardiomyopathy) visit the American Heart Association's website.
On December 11th, 2024 Chrissy Cleary proudly announced, "awww my Heart Failure is 18 - an adult." Chrissy Cleary is mom to three children, and after she delivered her 3rd baby, she developed some scary symptoms that some medical professionals identified as "normal" and/or wrote off as anxiety. In this episode of We Saved You A Seat, Chrissy describes truly easy and wonderful pregnancies, her dreams of motherhood, and having a large family. Her dreams were interrupted soon after the birth of her third child. Thank you, Chrissy, for sharing your story of strength with us and allowing us to honor you this February and bring awareness and conversation to Heart Health during and after pregnancy.
Being a parent or a caregiver can be exhausting. We can become so overwhelmed by the never-ending list of things to do that we lose sight of taking care of ourselves and can experience burnout. Together we will complete a survey of how we are doing with self-care and build a practical plan to help us take better care of ourselves so we can also take care of the important people in our lives and avoid burnout. Although this session was recorded in December, it is full of great information reminding us compassion fatigue is very real and takes a toll on those who are caregivers.
Happy World Down Syndrome Day (3/21)!! World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), March 21st, is a global awareness day officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. This day encourages conversation and education to help end the stereotypes and encourage inclusion. Today, Carter's Mom and Sister highlight some of the amazing resources and advocacy they have been involved in as they support Carter and others with Down Syndrome!
Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day, and TODAY we want you to meet Carter and his family in our first release of our two-part series highlighting and celebrating those with Down Syndrome. Today's conversation walks you through some of the emotional moments tied to learning Carter would have Down Syndrome, as well as, his delivery, NICU stay, his first surgery, and some thoughts from his sibling, Cassie. Carter has his very own TikTok channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@carters_kitchen18 Part two of our conversation with Charity and Cassie will be released tomorrow as we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day! #WorldDownSyndromeDay #CrazySocks #DownSyndromeAssociation #DSACO
Oklahoma Family Network is thankful to have you join us today for the final release in this series and conversation with Charles, to help us celebrate what makes Charles III unique as we celebrate Rare Day today!!! You will hear Charles brag on his daughter Zion and speak to the sibling relationship that Zion has with her little brother, Charles III. He also discussed tips he has for those in the community on engaging him and Charles III in conversation when you see them out and about. And last, but certainly not least, we wrap up our great conversation with Charles putting the disability label away and tells us about his incredible son and his big personality! Charles has big goals and dreams; and wants others to know about SibShops through SoonerSuccess. Rare Disease Day is the official international awareness-raising campaign for rare diseases, observed annually on the last day of February. The primary goal of this campaign is to increase awareness among the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their influence on the lives of families living with these conditions. With over 300 million people globally living with a rare disease, we join hands across borders and amidst the 6000+ rare diseases to advocate for equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, care, and social opportunities. Rare disease statistics to share with others: While each disease may be rare, collectively, they impact a large number of people. 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease. There are over 6000 different rare diseases. 72% of rare diseases are genetic. 70% of these rare genetic diseases begin in childhood. #CdLS #ShareYourColors #Rare #LittleLighthouse #SoonerSuccess #SibShops
Welcome to the 3rd episode of our conversation with Charles. We continue to bring education and support to others leading up to February 29, where we celebrate the uniqueness of being rare! (rarediseaseday.org). Today we discuss Charles III's transition from Little Lighthouse into public school and the partnerships that helped make the process as smooth as possible. Charles also educates us from a parent's perspective about Cornelia de Lange Syndrome and what he wishes everyone knew about CdLS. His words and expertise from a parent's perspective help shed light on this rare syndrome. Rare Disease Day is the official international awareness-raising campaign for rare diseases, observed annually on the last day of February. The primary goal of this campaign is to increase awareness among the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their influence on the lives of families living with these conditions. With over 300 million people globally living with a rare disease, we join hands across borders and amidst the 6000+ rare diseases to advocate for equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, care, and social opportunities. Rare disease statistics to share with others: While each disease may be rare, collectively, they impact a large number of people. 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease. There are over 6000 different rare diseases. 72% of rare diseases are genetic. 70% of these rare genetic diseases begin in childhood. #CdLS #ShareYourColors #Rare #LittleLighthouse
Thank you for joining us for episode 2 (of 4) with Charles Moore as we discuss some of the most impactful people in his life as he began the advocacy journey on behalf of his son, Charles III. Today's episode highlights his quest to learn as much as he can about Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), and how incredibly helpful the cdlsusa.org website and organization has been in that search for knowledge and obtaining advocacy tips. Charles also shares with us the role Little Light House in Tulsa, OK had on him as a parent to a young child with special health care needs. Rare Disease Day is the official international awareness-raising campaign for rare diseases, observed annually on the last day of February. The primary goal of this campaign is to increase awareness among the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their influence on the lives of families living with these conditions. With over 300 million people globally living with a rare disease, we join hands across borders and amidst the 6000+ rare diseases to advocate for equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, care, and social opportunities. Rare disease statistics to share with others: While each disease may be rare, collectively, they impact a large number of people. 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease. There are over 6000 different rare diseases. 72% of rare diseases are genetic. 70% of these rare genetic diseases begin in childhood. #Rare #CdLS #Syndrome #Fatherhood #LittleLightHouse
Oklahoma Family Network's We Saved You A Seat had the incredible privilege to sit down with Charles Moore. Our fun, education, and meaningful conversation will be released fully in 4 separate episodes as we prepare to celebrate and honor the uniqueness of 300 million people worldwide who live with a rare disease on February 29th. We introduce you to Charles Moore. He is a father to two children: a 13-year-old son, Charles III, who has Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS), and a 16-year-old daughter, Zion. He has independently raised his children for most of their lives. In this first episode of our 4-part release, Charles visits with us about his OKLEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) experience. He also takes us back through early ultrasounds, delivery, and the diagnostic process for Charles III. Rare Disease Day is the official international awareness-raising campaign for rare diseases, observed annually on the last day of February. The primary goal of this campaign is to increase awareness among the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their influence on the lives of families living with these conditions. With over 300 million people globally living with a rare disease, we join hands across borders and amidst the 6000+ rare diseases to advocate for equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, care, and social opportunities. Rare disease statistics to share with others: While each disease may be rare, collectively, they impact a large number of people. 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease. There are over 6000 different rare diseases. 72% of rare diseases are genetic. 70% of these rare genetic diseases begin in childhood. #Rare #CdLS #Syndrome #Fatherhood #OKLEND
Are you being kind to yourself? Lauren Alvarez walks us through Mindful Self-Compassion and some amazing training she provided to Oklahoma Family Network families. I know you will be encouraged by her words and knowledge. Lauren introduces us to a self-compassion test, and we encourage you to take the no right or wrong answers test to learn a little more about yourself and how you can become aware of your own self-compassion. Take the Self-Compassion Test
Welcome to Prematurity Awareness Month and World Prematurity Day! Prematurity Awareness Month is observed every November, with World Prematurity Day on November 17th, to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. An estimated 15 million babies around the world are born premature each year and more than one million of them do not survive their early birth. Today, We Saved You A Seat, visits with Kayla Pitts, mom to Zetta who was born at 26.1 weeks gestation. Her conversation (broken into 3 parts) highlights maternal mental health in the perinatal and postpartum period, her preterm delivery, breastfeeding, and the treatment options she pursued for her health and family. Part One: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/367x5m/Kayla_Pitts9pb0m.m4a Part Two: https://mcdn.podbean.com/.../Kayla_Pitts_Part_2br217.m4a
Thank you for joining us for part two of Kayla's journey with premature birth as she shares her experience where she highlights some very specific emotions and experiences tied to Zetta's birth.
Welcome to Prematurity Awareness Month! Prematurity Awareness Month is observed every November, with World Prematurity Day on 17 November, to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. An estimated 15 million babies around the world are born premature each year and more than one million of them do not survive their early birth. Today, We Saved You A Seat, visits with Kayla Pitts, mom to Zetta who was born at 26.1 weeks gestation. Her conversation (broken into 3 parts) highlights maternal mental health in the perinatal and postpartum period, her preterm delivery, breastfeeding, and treatment options she pursued for her health and family.
The Author of Leon The Brave Little Lion joins us today to discuss how his experiences with childhood cancer gave him a purpose and vision to support others who are part of his childhood cancer circle. OFN's conversation with Andrew will leave you feeling encouraged, educated, and inspired to love and support families in unique and beautiful ways.
Part three of our conversation with Jade shares the importance and impact that local non-profits have on families. You will hear Jade share just a little about some organizations that made big impacts on their family: The Kids Korral, KClub, Wyatt's Wings, and Art with Heart are a few examples of organizations that touched the Campbell's lives and will continue to leave an impact on other families fighting childhood cancer. You will also hear an update on how Haddie is doing now; and we never want to leave out siblings. Siblings who are being touched by a brother or sister fighting cancer, play an important role and are impacted as well; and this conversation shares some of the real and raw moments involving siblings in that care. On behalf of the Campbell Family, thank you for listening today, supporting them, and praying for Haddie (and others) as childhood cancer impacts so many in our communities.
Part two of We Saved You A Seat's conversation with Jade highlights the amazing community Jade and her family have surrounding them. Hearing how Jade's family, friends, and community surrounded and supported Haddie will give you ideas and inspire you to help others impacted by childhood cancer.
Today you have the incredible opportunity to meet Jade Campbell and hear pieces of their daughter's journey and diagnosis of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. As we continue to honor families who have experienced or are experiencing the childhood cancer journey, today we are reminded to celebrate, encourage, and cheer on the families who are fighting for a healthy future. We are releasing our conversation with Jade in three parts today and we know all who hear, who are fighting for their healthy future, will feel encouraged and inspired... Part One: Diagnosis Part Two: Friends, Family and Community Support (Ideas to help others) Part Three: Resources, Sibling Support, and Update on Haddie
The Mack Impact | The Mack Impact This release is one that openly shares and discusses the truth of pediatric oncology and the grief, no family should ever have to experience. It is important to help raise awareness, support, and educate our community that when this happens to a friend of the cousin to a neighbor who lives three doors down from you, you can help guide them to a resource tied to people who will love them and help carry them through the hard. Thank you for being a part of this community and sharing stories of strength.
We are well aware of the reasons people don't discuss pediatric cancer... It's hard... It's hard to think about. It's hard to think about any child experiencing cancer. It's hard to think about the possibility of your child experiencing cancer. We can become overwhelmed with grief and sadness as we imagine these things happening to others, especially children, and then deep sadness when we have to face the truth that it does happen, and when it happens, some don't survive. Today we get to meet Mackenzie Asher, through the eyes of her daddy... You hear the hard, the love, and the strength!! Mackenzie's family started a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in her honor, and you won't want to miss some of the amazing things they get to do for Oklahoma Families who are fighting life threatening illness. Things these incredible kids and families wouldn't get to do without their help! Visit: Mackenzie's Story | The Mack Impact today!!
Our guest today is Long Tran with F.A.I.T.H. KIDS, Inc. (https://faithkids10.org/). Long, with his wife, Mary, started a 501c3 nonprofit organization, after their family lived through the devastating experience of their oldest having leukemia to help others. In today's podcast, you will hear pieces of their journey and learn more about how you might be able to help children and families living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. F.A.I.T.H. KIDS hosts an annual bowling tournament to help raise funds for families Fighting Against Illness To Heal (F.A.I.T.H KIDS)... This year's tournament, on Saturday, September 30, 2023, will be held in Edmond, OK at Bowlero Edmond (3501 S. Boulevard, Edmond, OK 73013) and truly there is something for everyone!! As we help kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we hope you will find FAITH KIDS, Inc on Facebook and other social media platforms, follow, and share their information so that we can unite to bring awareness, education, conversation, and support to others who might be facing life threatening illness.
Lauren talks us through logical consequences, the energy drain, and working through different perspectives of discipline and why we do what we do as parents.
Participants will explore what it means to accept, love, and support our children, as well as how we came to arrive at our own norms for parenting and family. Participants will have brief opportunities to identify motivations and goals, and areas for possible growth, because it can always be better.
This workshop is designed to help you understand why your teen may be using substances and what you can do to help them make better choices. Among other skills you'll learn how to have better conversations with your child and use behavior management techniques that can make a big difference. Presented By: MaryAnn Badenoch
Have a loved one with a mental health condition? Feeling alone? Don't know what resources are out there? Grieving the loss of the dream you had for you and your loved one? Come learn about "The Best Kept Secret" of Family Support Groups that are facilitated by someone with personal experience!
Erin Page, with MetroFamily which is Oklahoma City's top resource for family fun is our presenter/guest today! Get the scoop on the best FREE holiday and seasonal events for families in the metro, as well as sensory-friendly attractions and resources. Plus, learn about free resources focused on family mental health offered by local and national experts through MetroFamily.
Lisa Buck has been involved in the foster/ adoption world for almost 20 years as a foster and adoptive parent as well as serving as the first Foster Care Ombudsman in the State of Oklahoma. Lisa will share both her personal journey as well as some lessons learned as the Ombudsman in caring for Oklahoma's most vulnerable children and families.
Kodey Toney is a father, advocate, and director of the Pervasive Parenting Center. The presentation is filled with stories of his son Konner and their journey through navigating the system. Attendees will learn what Autism is, the behaviors related to Autism, and what to do if they feel that their child has Autism.
Mind your manners and be polite! But really what does that mean when words change all the time like bad is good and good is good? This session will walk through disability etiquette, and respectful language, and even touch on the scrambled terms that look like alphabet soup.
Parents deeply love their children, yet not all children feel that unconditional love and care. Join us for a practical and informative class about the Five Loves Languages of Children based on the book by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell. We will learn how to use the knowledge of the Five Love Languages to connect with our children on a deep level and prevent and respond to discipline issues. This new knowledge can also be applied to a variety of relationships and friendships to improve your connections with others. Keynote 5 Love Languages of Children Presented By: Lauren Alvarez
Are you being kind to yourself as the holidays approach? Lauren Alvarez walks us through Mindful Self-Compassion through some amazing training she provided to Oklahoma Family Network families, and I know you will be encouraged by her words and knowledge. She introduces us to a self-compassion test, and we encourage you to take the no right or wrong answers test to learn a little more about yourself and how you can become aware of your own self-compassion. Take the Self-Compassion Test
Oklahoma Family Network had the incredible opportunity to visit with Cheryl Step MS, LPC, NCC, and NCSC to discuss creating resilience through trauma in our personal and professional roles; and even how each of us can have an impact on those around us. Cheryl has extensive knowledge regarding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). She displays expertise when presenting and training agencies' staff about developmental trauma and its effects on the brains and behaviors of children and family systems. She has experience presenting to large groups and training multiple lessons that build a foundation for trauma-informed care. She also has proficiency in consulting with agency leadership and coaching staff to use researched strategies and interventions to increase resilience. Cheryl brings real world experience and stories to her training from her 17 years of experience working in public schools as a counselor. She is certified in Traumatic Stress Studies by The Trauma Center and Trauma Research Center, is certified in ARC (Attachment, Regulation, Competency) Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents, and has completed training with Laura Porter and Dr. Rob Anda of ACE Interface to become a NEAR (Neurobiology, Epigenetics, ACEs, Resilience) Science trainer in Oklahoma. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor and School Counselor. She holds a master's degree in Counselor Education from Syracuse University. (creatingresilience.org) Creating Resilience, LLC (creatingresilience.org) exists to train groups of individuals to respond and support people with trauma histories and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Creating Resilience uses trauma-informed strategies to build safe environments, calm and focused behaviors, and increase competency and executive functions. Research shows that the power of one strong adult relationship is the key ingredient in overcoming adversity. Creating Resilience will foster strong relationships. #ACEs #CreatingResilience #Trauma #TraumaInformed #Resilience #AdverseChildhoodExperiences Below you will find several videos from her YouTube channel emphasizing her work and sharing knowledge. 1st video in the Coming Back with Compassion series: Awareness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFCJ17kJCQo&list=PLou3lrYybv9B8NWJACqEL6pLH5wv9sbeU&index=1&t=3s 2nd video in the series: Adjustment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_lJI8j0SLs&list=PLou3lrYybv9B8NWJACqEL6pLH5wv9sbeU&index=2&t=66s 3rd: Action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeVYqTzu2QI&list=PLou3lrYybv9B8NWJACqEL6pLH5wv9sbeU&index=3&t=1s Cheryl Step, MS, LPC, NCC, NCSC Trainer/Consultant Creating Resilience, LLC creatingresilience.org 405-612-9432 cstep.cr@gmail.com
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