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JULIE KHANNA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
“The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe,”
Being a parent is a unique experience - at once, universal and singular.
As a mother, you are bound by blood and generationally connected to all the women who came before you but there are moments - usually at 2:00am when your child is teething, running a fever and both of you are exhausted and wailing - that you feel more alone than ever.
There are moments when you genuinely think you have no idea what you’re doing and moments where you realize that you do know your child best and stand firm as their strongest and fiercest advocate.
Parenting is hard - so hard - and there are days you wonder if you can do this - wondering how your parents, siblings or friends managed the same - and then, you awaken to the clarity of knowing this is all you want to do - to be your child’s parent and be there for every moment.
I gave my children life but when I think about it, they gave me life.
My son and daughters are the engine that drives me, the hope that sustains me and the love that grows deeper than I have ever known.
In this issue of The Well of PBC, we explore parenting in all facets. From founder of the Gay Polo League Chip McKenney discussing the importance of inclusion in sports for young gay athletes to West Palm Beach
resident Shea Stockman discussing his experiences as the single father of two young girls to parenting the parent from two different perspectives - that of a youth caregiver and that of an adult son caring for his father with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin said, “The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe,” and in this issue, I hope you find what I have found in our community - resources, support and the inspiration to raise, encourage and uplift our children. Every single one of them, all over Palm Beach County and all over the globe.
Thank you for being a part of the mission:
"To be the primary resource for behavioral health and wellness for Palm Beach County; a safe exchange space for community and an outlet for our neighbors and stakeholders to transform the behavioral health
To share feedback, obtain advertising information, or contribute, please reach us at thewell@bewellpbc.org.
Our mission is to be the primary resource for behavioral health and wellness for Palm Beach County; a safe exchange space for community and an outlet for our neighbors and stakeholders to transform the behavioral health landscape.
To share feedback, obtain advertising information, or contribute, please reach us at thewell@bewellpbc.org.
The largest behavioral health publication in Palm Beach County, The Well of PBC is a non-profit magazine which aims to be a community-directed resource for Palm Beach County residents. Advocating for mental health accessibility is central to our mission and we believe in “walking the walk” when it comes to ensuring every Palm Beach County resident has the opportunity to have their voices heard. We are proud to use our platform to highlight both national and global concerns while remaining focused on local mental health and wellness issues that matter the most to our audience.
The Well of PBC is proud to be the premier behavioral health and mental wellness publication in Palm Beach County and we are honored to elevate the voices and concerns of Palm Beach County residents. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Well of PBC. The author of each article published in The Well of PBC owns their own words. Portions of the articles on this web site may be freely redistributed in other media and noncommercial publications as long as the following conditions are met:
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JULIE KHANNA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Julie, CEO of Khanna Connections, enjoys using her creativity to help health and wellness industries communicate with their audiences.
ADVISOR
Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Palm Beach County resident and professional with commitment to advance health and wellness for every person across the county. The Well of PBC is a passion project for Lauren to increase behavioral health awareness, engage diverse perspectives across the county, and promote solutions to address our county’s most complex challenges.
CONTRIBUTOR
Melanie, president of Otero Communications, provides consulting services for some of Palm Beach County’s leading nonprofit organizations. With a special interest in behavioral health, she has assisted with the launch of The Well of PBC and serves as a contributing writer.
MARKETING MANAGER
Katrina, the founder, and CEO of Unity3 Palm Beach, contributed her expertise in executive advertising spanning over twentyfive years to the launch of The Well of PBC. With her background in local, regional, and national advertising media, she brings a blend of professional acumen and personal values, including her deep-rooted commitment to faith, family, and the vibrant multicultural community of Palm Beach County to The Well of PBC and BeWellPBC.
CONTRIBUTOR
Jaime, founder of Rosewood Media, is a West Palm Beach resident, creative and contributing writer to The Well of PBC. With a decade of experience in non-profit communications and a lifetime of experience as a writer, Jaime’s work focuses on behavioral health, diversity, equity and inclusion, travel, music, food and parenthood through a pop culture lens.
EDITORIAL SPECIALIST
Alita, BeWellPBC Coordinator, wishes to help make the behavioral health field more equitable and accessible for all in Palm Beach County, including those seeking services and those looking to work in the field.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jessie is a seasoned creative director and designer with fifteen years of experience in print publishing, education, and marketing. With a passion for innovation, she has empowered diverse clients, from arts organizations to Fortune 500 companies, with bespoke marketing solutions and creative project management.
Call to Action: We are looking for people to contribute to our art, ask the experts, students, self-care, cultural, spiritual, and provider columns. Email us for our contributor guidelines, editorial calendar, or if you’d like to share an event or position you’re hiring for. E: thewell@bewellpbc.org | Follow along at @thewellofpbc
JESSIE PRUGH
KATRINA BLACKMON
ALITA FABER
LAUREN ZUCHMAN
“Raising children is sacred work. It should matter to all of us. And the health and well-being of those who are caring for our children should matter to us as well.”
- Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., former Surgeon General of the United States
Parenting Across the Spectrum: Cultivating Connection & Community
By Melanie Otero
Over the past few decades, societal and cultural shifts have transformed how we describe families, reflecting a broader range of relationships. Single parent. Blended. LGBTQparent. Grandparent-led. Adoptive. Often, families check more than one box.
As diverse as we’ve become, the tenets that make a family—love, support, and shared experiences—remain the same. But these are not just things parents and caregivers rely on from one another. This is especially true for those in non-traditional family structures, as the increasing stress of parenting impacts the mental health of families across the board.
The 2024 landmark study, Parents Under Pressure, The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents, revealed that over the past decade, parents have been consistently more likely to report experiencing high levels of stress compared to other adults. The report shares that “the stresses parents and caregivers have today are being passed to children in direct and
indirect ways, impacting families and communities across America. The work of parenting is essential not only for the health of children but also for the health of society.”
To foster understanding and strengthen community bonds, four Palm Beach County parents offered their personal reflections to The Well of PBC in honor of June’s Parenting Month. Here, they share their joys and their heartbreaks, and their advice for how we can create supportive social connections that benefit us all.
“"To foster understanding and strengthen community bonds, four Palm Beach County parents offered their personal reflections to The Well of PBC in honor of June’s Parenting Month."
Sloan Grimsley, Jupiter
“Sometimes it’s difficult for a family to look different.”
Sfront lines. She’s a 51-year-old firefighter. She sued the State of Florida to recognize same-sex marriages and won. And she is a champion for children and families.
Sloan and her ex-wife Joyce Albu share a diverse family, including two daughters adopted at birth—Ava, 16, and Ella, 14. As a mixed-race family, the moms are white, while Ava is Black, and Ella is Black and Hispanic.
“Sometimes it’s difficult for a family to look different,” Grimsley said. “But there are people like me who are highlighting and normalizing different types of families. You have to stand up for who you are.”
As much as Grimsley stands up for herself and her family, there are moments when she wonders about the effect that others have on her kids.
“It can be challenging to be around ‘normal’ two parent households. You wonder if they’re not letting their kids come over, or my daughters are left out because they have a gay parent. I’ve had people come out and say it. You move on from those people.”
As a strong proponent of mental health at her firehouse and at home with her daughters, Grimsley knows moving on takes resilience. She’s open with her girls about managing their mental health, normalizing conversations about being daughters of gay parents, their adoptions, and seeking therapy if needed. And she’s made sure Ava and Ella are exposed to people of all backgrounds, watching them become kind, empathetic people.
It's the same encouragement she has for others to create a more inclusive parent culture.
to all types of people and families. Don’t flock to people who are only like you. It doesn’t help you or others to expand your mind if you always remain safe.”
Grimsley smiles as she recalls one Halloween when Ella reached out to a child at school that is on the spectrum and was having difficulty making friends. Ella noticed that the boy had no one to go trick-or-treating with, so instead of sticking to her original plan with friends, she invited him to join her.
“You see them reaching out and lifting up kids who are different, marginalized, maybe not like other kids, and you think, ‘Maybe I’m doing alright with this whole parenting thing.’”
Sloan’s advice for LGBTQ parents:
• Let your children meet and love all kinds of people. Expand their minds. Try also to be around gay families where they feel safe and comfortable.
• Normalize conversations about mental health.
• Be your child’s biggest advocate. Don’t be afraid to fight for them to get what they need.
Kim Williams, West Palm Beach
“You can’t pour out what you don’t have in.”
Kim Williams, 58, knows from experience that the love and wisdom you offer a child must come from what you’ve received or cultivated within yourself. Now, she’s sharing that message on behalf of grandparents as parents, a role she and her husband have accepted in their later years after raising three sons.
Williams and her husband Harold, 59, have become parents to their five-year-old grandson, Noel, who has been in their care since he was 18 months old. Their son and Noel’s mother weren’t prepared to be parents, and the Williamses couldn’t bear the thought of him remaining in the foster care system.
They knew Noel would need extra care due to behavioral concerns from his tumultuous early life.
“He wasn’t anyone’s priority,” Williams said. “He deserves a decent childhood. Now we give him so much attention, showing him love, and right from wrong. “
Williams’ experience as an educator helped her get Noel into an individualized education program (IEP), while her husband, a retired behavioral health counselor, athlete, and tennis coach, became a full-time “Papa.”
“This is old for us, but new,” she said. “We never experienced having a child with a special needs diagnosis.”
Williams knew Noel’s behavior was overshadowing everything else about him. She recognized that drawing was his coping mechanism—and he had talent. “I don’t think his gift would have come out. I thank God we were able to see something great in him.”
Becoming parents during the Williamses’ golden years has had many rewards—and challenges.
“When I feel like I want to relax, I can’t,” Williams said. “Even when he’s not with me, he’s all over my brain.”
She wishes there were support groups and resources for grandmas in parental roles. Besides offering assistance, she thinks it would save more children from entering the foster care system. Financial implications, including insurance and
the cost of adoption for grandparents to have full custody and parental rights are often roadblocks.
Williams has support from family to give her and Harold the relief they need to refuel, recognizing, “You can’t pour out what you don’t have in.” Family members on the same block offer a helping hand when needed. Her sister takes Noel to church on Sunday mornings, and Noel’s dad spends quality time with his son on Sunday afternoons.
As helpful as her family is, having the dual role of parent and grandparent has affected their dynamics and made Williams mindful about how she pours out her time and attention.
“We have to be careful. We have five other grandsons, but Noel is our son. He’s getting all our attention. Our adult children need our help with taking care of their children, too.”
Willams has found her own ways to pour into her mental health. She takes trips with friends, something her homebody husband doesn’t enjoy. But Harold has found his own way to pour into his mental and physical health—Noel.
Williams has watched the two develop an exceptional bond. Noel has given Harold purpose while positively impacting his health, which was in decline before Noel came into their lives.
“Noel keeps Harold on his toes. He does everything for Noel, bathes, feeds, drives him everywhere. It’s a sacrifice, but it has stabilized Harold’s health condition.”
It’s a sacrifice that comes with seeing the effect of pouring their love into Noel. “He sees the love, and now he’s able to give the love.”
Kim’s advice for grandparents becoming parents:
• Try to keep their parents in their lives. Keep that connection.
• Reach out to resources.
• Take some time for yourself. You can’t pour out what you don’t have in.
DavidDavid Traupman, West Palm Beach
“We're going through the same things that all other parents are going through.”
Traupman, 60, and his husband, Jesse Walters, 69, beam during a video interview with their 15-year-old daughter, Faith. They were featured by The Legacy Project, an intergenerational storytelling collaboration between Compass Community Center and Palm Beach Dramaworks to pass down the life experiences of older members of the LGBTQ community, so that today’s teens and future generations will be aware of their predecessors’ struggles, triumphs, and fights for equality.
The Legacy Project experience represented a gay parenting milestone for Traupman.
“It’s going from thinking you'd never have a family in our gay generation, to being able to have a child, and then to have that child tell our story, especially in the current political climate in Florida,” he said. “It was such an important thing to do to show how unspecial it is to be a gay family because we're just a family. We're going through the same things that all other parents are going through. We have the same responsibilities, joys, and concerns.”
Faith came to Traupman and Walters as the result of a kinship adoption when she was an infant. She is the biological daughter of Traupman’s sister.
From the beginning, Faith has been open about her family. Traupman recalls that even from an early age, “she was proud to have us as parents. She would walk up to people in second grade and tell them, ‘I have two dads!’”
As proud as she is, Traupman has felt the painful sting of rejection on behalf of his daughter. At a recent birthday party for Faith, a friend's mother warmly chatted with Traupman and his husband while picking up her child. Yet the next day at school, Faith’s friend told her they could no longer be friends because she didn’t agree with her “lifestyle.”
The false perceptions are painful, too. “It’s thinking we’re different somehow, or we're lacking in some type of moral compass because of who we are,” he said.
The dads have exemplified “the charm offensive” for Faith, diffusing situations by always remaining positive despite
prejudices. “It teaches your kid—who is always watching you—self-esteem and that their family is important. Part of that is giving them language and skills to be able to address any pushback or negative comments as they grow up.”
Faith’s future is what Traupman and his husband worry about most these days, especially since she recently identified as a lesbian in a state widely criticized by LGBTQ communities and allies for scaling back freedoms.
“There is a lot of general anxiety in the LGBTQ community,” Traupman said. “I never thought rights could be taken away or that they could be threatened, but they are now. As a parent of a lesbian child, it causes me anxiety about what her future could look like and how she could be treated.”
The family relieves stress and supports their mental health by limiting their intake of social media and the news. They unplug, hang out together, and enjoy time with their circle of friends and fellow members of the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches where Traupman is president of the board of trustees.
“We deal with stress through action,” Traupman said. “Doing social service and focusing on all the positivity that comes with raising a kid, like Faith’s art shows or plays at Dreyfoos School of the Arts where she’s a student. We celebrate it all.”
Like any other family, “it's really just trying to focus on what makes her happy and us happy.”
David’s advice for LGBTQ parents:
• Show your love for each other and who you are and show that love to the world.
• Children are going to model positivity. Give them language and skills to push back comments and build their resilience.
• Be curious and show respect to others and maybe you could bond over the commonality of being parents.
Shea Stockman, West Palm Beach
“I’ve come to peace with the fact that it’s always going to be a little different.”
Stockman, 41, recognizes the close relationship he has with his daughters, Remy, 8, and Phoebe, 6, might not have happened a generation ago. Especially as a single dad.
“The image of the stoic, emotionless father, has been shattered and shown to be so damaging to girls,” he said. “Now there’s no stigma with being vulnerable and showing affection and love.”
Stockman has plenty of opportunities to show his love. He shares 50/50 custody of the girls with his ex-wife after what he calls “a net positive divorce,” where both are happier.
He sees his girls as his best friends, spending more time with them than anyone else, aside from the hours he puts in at his business, Cyan Shores Screen Printing in West Palm Beach. He revels in every moment of their growth, seeing Remy as the sensitive artistic type, able to draw on her imagination to conceptualize ideas—someone who could storyboard a movie. Phoebe’s the goofball, the social butterfly, never intimidated by anyone, and could someday be the captain of the field hockey team.
It's the small, meaningful moments that resonate with Stockman most. “They say things that hit so hard. The time Remy said, ‘I’m so happy you’re my dad. You’re always there for me.’ Or the way Phoebe gets excited to see me through her body language. The little glimpses that let you see the way they trust you.”
While Stockman enjoys every moment with his daughters, being a single dad has its downsides. He’s often left out of parent social circles. “Women tend to be the planners of children’s events and meet-ups and don’t seem to be comfortable inviting men on average,” he said. And although he has a large circle of friends, it’s been challenging to spend time with people his age while he has his kids.
“I feel like I live two completely separate lives,” he said.
Being a single dad has also left Stockman feeling invisible at times. “Teachers don’t make eye contact during conferences; they only talk to my ex-wife. Moms invite my daughters to things ‘if their mom wants to bring them’ rather than inviting me. I’ve come to peace with the fact that it’s always going to be a little different.”
Stockman would still like to find play dates and gettogethers, but in the meantime, he, Remy, and Phoebe are happy “doing their own thing.” A highlight was a recent trip to New York City, where he posted on Instagram, “Took the girls on their first real adventure with dad…and built some core memories.”
Even so, Stockman hopes single dads will be fully embraced within the parenting community. His message is, “Be as inclusive as possible—invite dads into experiences. They love their children just as much, so treat them accordingly.”
Shea’s advice for single dads:
• Be as present as possible. Put down the phone as much as possible.
• Verbalize that your love is unconditional, not based on what they do or how they act.
• Take care of yourself. Your physical, mental, and financial health will put you in the best possible place to take care of your kids.
Do you have a story about your family you would like to share for Parenting Month? Send a photo of your family and a story up to 400 words or less to kblackmon@bewellpbc.org and you may be featured in BeWellPBC’s social media!
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/ CORNER TALK
"What is your best parenting tip on how parents can support one another?"
Sharon Sine, Lantana
From one parent to another, make sure you are making time for yourself throughout the daily hustle and bustle! Self love is the best love! #balance
Jonathan Shaw, Palm Beach Gardens
In the early stages, parenting can be very difficult. You’re new to everything and learning how to be a mom or dad. The key to making things run smoothly is communication and checking in with your partner. Find out what their state of mind is, how they’re doing and take the initiative and opportunity to jump in and do what needs to be done.
Tonya Notaro, Boca Raton
Do not judge. Each child is different - be a consoling ear to help lift, encourage, provide laughter and love through all the parenting struggles. That's all we can do for one another. And also make some food and drop it off - who doesn't love that for busy parents!
Gil Martinez, Wellington
Trust your instincts when it comes to parenting. You know more than you think you do. Your family is a team so trust one another, rely on each other, support one another and most of all, cheer each other on!
Annette Gray, Boynton Beach
Parenting, like entrepreneurship, thrives on collaboration—share the load, celebrate each other's strengths, and communicate openly. Just as businesses flourish when leaders support one another, families grow stronger when parents uplift each other with encouragement and understanding. Success in parenting isn't about perfection—it's about partnership.
“I intentionally want to design exhibitions that encourage reflection and emotional connection, especially for men of color and creatives who are rarely centered in mental health narratives.”
By Harold Caudio | Colored Collextion | @HaroldCaudio
Art and Men’s Mental Health
"How do you honor Men's Mental Health in your art?"
I honor men’s mental health through art by creating immersive and emotionally layered pieces that reflect the silent struggles many carry. My work often uses vibrant, unconventional mediums like Skittles to communicate themes of resilience, identity, and healing. I'm looking to replace fear with color. Each piece becomes a conversation starter, giving space for vulnerability in a world that often expects/forces men to be tough to where communication becomes hard to do. I intentionally want to design exhibitions that encourage reflection and emotional connection, especially for men of color and creatives who are rarely centered in mental health narratives.
Why is it important to support Men's Mental Health?"
Men’s mental health is often overlooked due to societal expectations that tell men to suppress their emotions. Supporting it is crucial because unaddressed mental health issues can lead to isolation, destructive behaviors
like Kanye currently or even loss of life. When we uplift men’s emotional well-being, we strengthen families, communities, and future generations. It’s also important to show that asking for help is a form of strength, not weakness.
Artist Harold Caudio
Tina Knowles & Felecia Horowitz in front of the We Are Trayvon art
“Mental wellness for me is about staying grounded, the need to not seek outside validation, being honest about what I need, and understanding that it’s okay to rest.”
"How
do you support your own mental health?"
I support my own mental health by treating art as both an outlet and a sanctuary. I take breaks when needed, stay connected to the community, and lean into therapy and faith. One of the most important tools I’ve embraced is grace, learning to be patient with others, but more importantly, with myself. Grace reminds me that healing isn’t linear and that I don’t have to have it all figured out. I also create safe spaces through my exhibitions, places where I can express myself fully and where others can feel seen and see their color. Mental wellness for me is about staying grounded, the need to not seek outside validation, being honest about what I need, and understanding that it’s okay to rest.
The Draw is a space for creatives to share their art, poetry, spoken word, etc. and/or how their art helps themselves and others.
To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@ bewellpbc.org with "The Draw" in the subject line.
Tupac- All Eyes On Me
Chadwick Boseman and Trayvon Martin
thE SOurce thE SOurce
Asany parent knows, there is no dearth of (often conflicting) opinions on how to raise a child.
From cited studies from lauded academic institutions to well-meaning friends and family offering advice to TikTok hacks, there is so much information out there and it can get a little overwhelming.
The team at The Well of PBC has curated a few resources which elevate local voices, highlight conversations
happening on a national scale, and bring together the community in solidarity and celebration.
Our goal in publishing the following resources is to provide information and serve as a source of hope. The Source is your resource to find what you need to thrive.
If you have something you’d like to share, we encourage you to email us at: thewell@bewellpbc.org and tell us about it so we might highlight it in a future issue.
More Than a Sibling (My Sister's Melody)
by Christian E. Sanon II (book)
Written by Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and proud big brother, Christian Sanon, "More Than a Sibling" is an exploration of neurodiversity, a celebration of empathy, a testament to the unconditional love between siblings and a tribute to his sister. It explores themes of emotional expression, inclusion and what it’s like to love someone when it’s hard to understand them. This book is a valuable resource for parents of both neurotypical and neurodivergent children.
A Juneteenth Spady House Party (event)
A free event (guests are asked to RSVP at the link above) hosted at the Spady House in Delray Beach will feature light bites, cold drinks, music and a chance to come together to recognize 100 Years of the Spady House, raising $100,000+ for 100 more years of bringing people together around Black History.
EveryParent (app)
Developed by the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County and available for both Android and Apple, this app not only features local resources for Palm Beach County parents but also offers personalized information based on their child’s age, keeps parents and caregivers informed of family friendly and low-cost events happening near them, and features articles and videos answering tough parenting questions.
Good Inside with Dr. Becky (podcast)
Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist, mother of three and has been called the “parenting whisperer.” She focuses on parenting through the clinical lens of attachment, mindfulness, emotion regulation and internal family systems theory. Tackling issues as varied as eating disorders, parental burnout, separation anxiety and how to deal with defiant behavior, Good Inside ranges from 20-40 minutes long, making it the perfect podcast to listen to while running errands.
Sensory Saturdays at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium (event)
Held on the 1st Saturday of each month, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium opens its doors for exclusive exploration from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Sensory Saturdays are thoughtfully designed to accommodate families with children on the autism spectrum, those with sensory processing or cognitive challenges, and any other guests who may benefit from a more supportive environment due to disabilities.
Families can experience the exhibits with significantly reduced crowds before the center opens to the general public at 10:00 AM. To further enhance comfort, the environment features softened general lighting, decreased noise levels, and limited visual stimulation on interactive exhibits wherever feasible.
So, You Want To Be An Athlete? By Brandin Bryant (book)
Does your child dream of scoring the winning touchdown or crossing the finish line first? NFL Defensive End Brandin Bryant's So, You Want to Be an Athlete? speaks directly to young readers and emphasizes that achieving athletic dreams requires nurturing a growth mindset, a strong work ethic and unwavering belief in yourself.
Drawing wisdom from his career playing professional football, Bryant stresses the crucial link between sports and academics and hopes to inspire the next generation to understand that every great athlete is first a dedicated student.
“Let’s remember learning is the primary job of a child on their journey into adulthood.”
Children as Caregivers
By Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD | Founder & President | American Association of Caregiving Youth
Inrecent years, the structure of American households has undergone a dramatic change.
Over 60 million people now live in multigenerational homes, where traditional roles of caregiver and dependent are often reversed. Among the most profound changes is the rise of Caregiving Youth—children under 18 who, in the absence of other adults, must assume the responsibilities of family caregiving.
Let’s remember learning is the primary job of a child on their journey into adulthood.
When a parent has a significant health condition that limits their ability to live independently, who is left to help but their child? The number of single-parent households has risen and with increasing mobility and the lack of extended family support nearby, many families find themselves without options. When they also lack insurance or funds for professional assistance, it often falls to the children to step in.
These Caregiving Youth bathe, feed, administer medication and even perform complex medical tasks— once handled by healthcare professionals.
The statistics are startling. Between 3.4 and 5.4 million Caregiving Youth live in the U.S.—a figure likely underestimated, as many go unrecognized. A 2006 study found that among young adults who had dropped out of school, 22% cited caregiving for a family member as the reason.
When a child leaves school, the impact reverberates—not just for the individual and their family, but for society at large, through reduced earning potential, increased risk of crime, disease, teen pregnancy and future dependence on social systems.
Despite these hardships, many Caregiving Youth develop resilience, strong time-management skills, and a deep sense of purpose. Yet support systems rarely acknowledge them. Federal aid programs like the National Family Caregiver Support Program often require individuals to be at least 18 years of age to qualify for assistance.
Caregiving Youth represent a vital but invisible population. Their economic contribution was valued at $8.5 billion annually in 2012—and their numbers have since tripled.
SCAN TO WATCH SEGMENT ON YOUTUBE
“Despite these hardships, many Caregiving Youth develop resilience, strong time-management skills, and a deep sense of purpose.”
However - public policy, recognition, and support lag far behind.
It’s also important to recognize the emotional toll: parents may feel guilty or ashamed to rely on their children, while their children may hide their own fears and stress—quietly wondering, “What will happen to me if...?”
We at AACY urge school staff, healthcare providers and legislators to invest in supporting these youth. Schools can offer low- or no-cost programs that reduce student stress and create flexible environments. Caregiving Youth should be valued—not punished.
As family dynamics evolve, the child-as-caregiver trend demands urgent attention. If children are our future, together we must ensure the roles they take on today don’t hinder their potential tomorrow.
The Fountain is the space for youth contributors and youth-related topics.
To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with "The Fountain" in the subject line.
EMPOWER YOURSELF. SUPPORT OTHERS. BUILD A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY.
Are you a woman who wants to better understand mental health, help others in crisis, and reduce stigma in your community? Become certified in mental health first aid in just 4 classes this summer!
THE REAL
Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County is an invaluable resource for parents, with more than 600 videos in English, Spanish and Creole. CSC’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/ cscpbc) cover such topics as pregnancy, child development and behavior, child safety and mental health.
These short, informative videos answer questions for those at any stage of the parenting journey. For more information, visit Children’s Services Council at http://www.cscpbc.org or check out CSC’s website specifically for those raising children in Palm Beach County, https://www.everyparentpbc.org.
SCAN
From community events to county-wide campaigns, The Real shows us what’s really going on in the county.
Submit your event photos or news to thewell@bewellpbc.org.
BEWELLPBC NEWS
Stewardship Coordination and Alignment:
BeWellPBC is looking for parents interested in joining the Pediatric Integrated Care Parent Advisory Council (PICPAC) to help improve behavioral health care access for children in Palm Beach County primary care settings. Members will have the opportunity to share their personal experiences seeking behavioral health support for their children and provide valuable ideas to enhance the quality of care provided locally. Interested parents can contact Alita Faber at afaber@ bewellpbc.org for more information or to join the council.
BeWellPBC Community Connectors are fiercely engaging their neighbors and broader community. This past April we launched Mental Health Pop-Ups. These Mental Health Pop-Ups are being held to not only bring awareness in eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health, but also to bring together residents who need a safe space to talk and the organizations that provide services in the mental, behavioral and wellness area. If you are interested in participating in the upcoming Mental Health Pop-Ups please contact Katrina Blackmon at kblackmon@bewellpbc.org for more information.
Workforce Pipeline:
We still need your input! BeWellPBC invites ALL employees at behavioral health organizations across Palm Beach County to participate in our Behavioral Health Workforce Insight survey By bringing your voice to the table, you're helping our Workforce Pipeline Action Team gather essential data to positively impact the current and future behavioral health workforce.
Please follow our social media @bewellpbc @thewellofpbc and subscribe to receive our publication and learn about upcoming events at https://www.bewellpbc.org/contact/
Supporting Parents of Neurodivergent Children Through Their Concerns and Fears
By Gregg Havass
There are many children with developmental disabilities (now 1 in every 31 children) and many parents of neurotypical children lack knowledge and understanding about neurodiverse children, along with the challenges involved in parenting them.
Navigating educational and social landscapes can be complicated for parents of neurodivergent children, particularly within school environments but by utilizing effective engagement through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and engaging in proactive communication with educators, parents can ensure appropriate support and foster inclusive interactions with their neurotypical peers.
Child-Rearing Challenges
When it comes to sending their children out into the world, parents of neurodivergent children are faced with a unique set of struggles and challenges, especially in school and social settings.
The Importance of IEPs
Parents of neurodivergent children must learn how to read, and understand, their children’s Individual Education Program (IEPs). This document outlines the special education instruction, supports, and services a student with a disability needs to thrive in school. It’s important for parents to be in regular contact with their children’s teachers, and, especially, the school’s ESE (Exceptional Student Education) Coordinator, the person in charge of all ESE students.
Review is Recommended!
Reviewing their children’s IEP with teachers and the ESE Coordinator can help determine any adjustments that need to be made in it, gauge their progress, how they learn, what triggers them, how they are functioning, etc. The review process also helps to determine if their children can participate in a general education classroom setting, and cope with switching between different classrooms and teachers.
Gregg Havass is an educational consultant, a 20-year volunteer with Broward County School District and founder of Top of the Middle, a resource for parents of middle school-aged children.
“When it comes to sending their children out into the world, parents of neurodivergent children are faced with a unique set of struggles and challenges, especially in school and social settings.”
Clusters or Classrooms?
Testing can also be conducted to determine if the students in question are in ESE clusters and should remain within them, or if they are individual, high-functioning ESE students who can handle the demands, curriculum, etc. of transitioning into assisted general education classrooms that can accommodate their IEPs.
Social Struggles
Social settings can also be challenging for parents when opportunities arise for their neurodivergent children to interact with neurotypical children. Some parents of neurotypical children mistakenly believe that neurodivergent children are incapable or unintelligent, and/or are often fearful of them (think they’re unapproachable, may act or lash out, melt down, etc.), when, in many cases, the opposite is true.
Communication Fosters Acceptance
Parents of neurodivergent children are welladvised to communicate with parents of neurotypical children. They can simply explain that their neurodivergent children are very intelligent and just need to be shown how to participate in a game or activity, as they can be just as competitive and want to participate as neurotypical children would.
Fun for Everyone!
Giving a neurodivergent child an opportunity to participate in games, activities, etc. with their own kids enables that child to have fun, engage with other kids, etc. It also provides the parents of neurotypical children with a bit more knowledge and understanding of neurodivergent children, their behavior, ability to participate, etc. Best of all, when the fun includes everyone, everyone has fun!
The Word is a broad topic space for contributing writers (a.k.a the community) to share your stories of behavioral health or anything selfcare related i.e. fitness, health, educational, parenting, hobbies, wellness, etc. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc. org with "The Word" in the subject line.
By Jaime Joshi Elder
Hope is Never Silent
The world’s only LGBTQ+ polo league returns to Wellington annually and when it arrives, it ushers in LGBTQ+ polo players from around the world and an inimitable atmosphere of riotous color, vibrant celebration and inclusion for all individuals regardless of race, sex, gender, or sexual identity or orientation.
Founder Chip McKenney established the event almost two decades ago as a way to expand his LGBTQ+ social network in Los Angeles, California.
“It started informally with just a few friends and friends of friends attending monthly polo clinics at the Santa Barbara Polo Club,” said McKenney. “The next year, we gained more participants in terms of both members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies and then, it really took off.”
Over 3000 players, attendees and revelers join the festivities throughout the year all around the world, from Argentina (home to the world’s first formal match in 1875) to London to Saint-Tropez to the sun splashed shores of South Florida.
“Understanding is the cornerstone for equity and inclusion.”
“Over 3000 players, attendees and revelers join the festivities throughout the year all around the world...”
“I began to strategically elevate awareness of the Gay Polo League throughout the sport of polo and LGBTQ+ communities and developed a narrative that reflected the core values of the league: supportive, safe, encouraging and always fun,” McKenney said.
In recent years, more and more athletes have come out as members of the LGBTQ+ community - NFL defensive end Carl Nassib, former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher, golfer Tadd Fujikawa, hockey player Luke Prokop and Olympic gold medalist soccer player Megan Rapinoe - but this wasn’t a historically common occurrence.
“Growing up, I did not see openly gay athletes identified on television. I assumed I was the only gay person who loved sports. In my adulthood, I witnessed how even the idea of being out could potentially ruin an athlete’s career,” McKenney said. “The Gay Polo League provides a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ athletes to train and compete, openly and authentically.”
“The Gay Polo League has become an instrument of change and oftentimes introduces gay people into the lives and consciousness of people who have not known gay people first hand,” he added.
“While Gay Polo events are fun and competitive, it is really the desire for equality that pushes us to do more and evolve every year,” McKenney said. “In addition to elevating LGBTQ+ athletes and creating awareness, we want to engage more people about the issues the LGBTQ+ community faces which, we hope, will lead to understanding, respect and empathy. Understanding is the cornerstone for equity and inclusion.”
To echo the words of Harvey Milk - hope is never silent - and the Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament is a boisterous and hopeful event shouting out inclusivity, diversity and above all, pride.
The Reservoir is the cultural space for contributors to highlight customs, celebrations, holidays, rituals, and more. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with "The Reservoir" in the subject line.
I’m a caregiver for my 85-year-old father who has dementia and while he has an aide during the week and friends who help out in the evenings and on weekends, I’m responsible for coordinating his care, managing his medical needs, and ensuring he has structure and safety.
In addition to this, I also provide emotional support and stay closely involved in all aspects of his well-being.
One of the hardest parts is navigating the emotional toll of watching dementia progress in someone you love.
There’s also a constant need to plan ahead, troubleshoot, and stay flexible as his needs change on a daily basis. Even with help, the mental load of decision-making and advocacy can be exhausting.
Recharging is crucial and I take the time to recharge whenever I can. This can take many different forms from getting outside in the fresh air, connecting with friends or just decompressing and having quiet time to myself.
I’ve learned to lean on the support network around me and remind myself that taking care of my own health allows me to show up better for my dad.
Giving myself permission to rest and ask for help is essential to caregiving.
“Having fellowship means having people who truly understand the emotional highs and lows of caregiving.”
Having fellowship means having people who truly understand the emotional highs and lows of caregiving. It’s easy to feel isolated in this role, but connection with others brings relief, perspective, and even moments of laughter.
Whether it’s friends, support groups, or fellow caregivers, those relationships remind you that you’re not in this alone.
The Depth digs deep into faith and fellowship at the neighborhood level. Email thewell@bewellpbc. org with "The Depth" in the subject line for a chance to be featured.
Dr. Andrew Shapiro
Th e L AFRANCE PROJECT aims to revolutionize th e givin g process, in creasin g local fun din g with a focus on inn ovative, highimpa c t solutions. By organizin g collaboration within th e n on-prof it sec tor, we believe we can open floodgates of untapped philanthropic potential.
L ater this year, we will be laun chin g givin g groups on th e grapevin e.org platform, organized by n onprof it ver ticals design ed to ta ckle our communities m ost persistent problems.
Follow us on Insta gram to stay tun ed!
laf ranceproject com
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GRAPEVINE GIVING GROUPS FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, SOLVE A PROBLEM
Genetics and Joy
Based on a presentation by Center for Child Counseling and Dr. Eugenia Flores Millender.
All children deserve to grow up healthy, confident and ready to achieve their dreams and research suggests that the way adults connect with children coupled with the environment they’re raised in can affect them on a genetic level.
The concept of epigenetic research has been around since the 17th century but it really took off in the 21st century due to advancements in molecular biology and the development of technologies to study DNA.
Epigenetics is changing how we think about childhood development, stress, and even long-term health but what is it?
Epigenetics is the study of how a person’s behavior and surroundings can affect the way their genes work—without changing the genes themselves.
Imagine a switch for your body and your life experiences - both positive and negative - can flip certain genes "on" or "off," which influences how both the body and brain grows and responds to stress.
“Positive Childhood Experiences - or PCEs - can protect kids and might even work to heal the effects of past adversity.”
Developmentally, young children are especially sensitive to their environments and factors like poverty, bullying, racism or abuse can lead to harmful changes in the brain and body that can affect a person for years and even be passed down to future generations as generational trauma.
However, positive experiences can also shape a child’s development in powerful ways which can help a child grow up stronger, healthier and more resilient.
The Center for Child Counseling launched their Fighting ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Initiative in 2016 and promotes a Public Health Approach to preventing and healing the effects of early adversity and trauma on children to build healthier, safer, more nurturing families, schools, and communities and new research is showing that Positive Childhood Experiences - or PCEs - can protect kids and might even work to heal the effects of past adversity.
While these experiences may seem rudimentary, they have a powerful effect on a child’s emotional and physical development and further research showcases that children with more positive childhood experiences are less likely to struggle with depression or anxiety, less likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs, perform better academically and in inter-personal relationships and have a greater chance of growing into physically and emotionally healthy adults.
The science of epigenetics is still developing but parents and caregivers can make a difference today and support a child’s healthy development by listening to their child and taking their feelings seriously, spending quality time together, building routines and celebrating traditions that help the child feel connected to something greater than themselves, encouraging social interaction, friendships, school involvement and community engagement and making sure their child feels loved, supported and safe.
The Providers is a space for providers, practitioners, thought leaders, and systems change leaders to share. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with "For The Providers" in the subject line.
As Juneteenth 2025 approaches, I can’t help but have a more reflective posture as I consider what it meant on June 19, 1865 for enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, to learn of their freedom.
This notification came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 which symbolically declared enslaved people in Confederate states were free. It must have been a day of jubilee, tears, laughter and shouting.
The thing that stuck with me is how they felt the following day. Was it a day that they briskly began walking about freely, wandering the land boldly as if they were now owners and equal to all things. Or were they free physically but mentally remained in bondage, haunted by the many years of what they saw, felt, heard and endured?
“I sit with a quieter reverence, reflecting on the weight of our history, the pain that preceded the freedom and the generational scars still echoing in me.”
Were they expected to turn on their heels and begin anew as if nothing had happened to their families?
Some, I’m certain, lived with a strong sense of yearning for their children who were sold and they were unsure of their fate, although they leaned on their faith that they would be united someday.
The generational trauma of slavery reverberates centuries later through the DNA of my people of the African diaspora.
Generational trauma is defined as a collective experience of emotional and psychological wounds from a horrific event, such as discrimination, racism and war. Those events may lead to anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people affected by their effects and passed down to their offspring (Gillespie, 2025).
While physically free in 1865, mental bondage could have become a way of life. While I’m sure they dreamed of the day to navigate their spaces freely and control their destiny, they weren’t necessarily afforded opportunities. Repeated encounters with failed opportunities could lead to re-injuring an existing wound, further driving the individual deeper into depression. Unresolved individual trauma becomes generational trauma as the years pass by, year over year.
Similarly, storytelling is used to pass down family traditions and generational trauma becomes intertwined with the way of being and is passed down similarly. Working twice as hard without complaining or any days off becomes the norm.
In 1865, there weren’t any mental health professionals to go through therapy to heal. I believe some resemblance of healing took place which is core to my community.
Natural remedies were used to calm as were faith, mental fortitude, music and being in community with each other.
While I am centuries from that jubilant Juneteenth day, I feel quite different this year.
My emotions juxtapose with the joy and celebration filling my family’s home. As they gather in laughter and song, I sit with a quieter reverence, reflecting on the weight of our history, the pain that preceded the freedom and the generational scars still echoing in me.
It’s not that I don’t celebrate, it’s just that I observe Juneteenth through a more solemn lens this year.
Reference: Gillespie, C. (2025, March 13). “What is generational trauma?” Health. https://www.health.com/condition/ ptsd/generational-trauma
Beyond The Couch highlights non-traditional mental health outlets and resources in Palm Beach County. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with "Beyond the Couch" in the subject line.
PIONEERING PEDIATRIC INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH AND PRIMARY CARE
A multi-part series to learn alongside Palm Beach County pediatricians, community partners, and parents/caregivers.
By Weston Probst
The Palm Beach County Pediatric Integrated Care Project (PIC) is a collaborative physician, parent/caregiver, provider, and youth-serving system workgroup committed to integrating behavioral health into pediatric care and contributing to Florida-wide efforts to expand comprehensive care for all children, especially the underserved.
Far from integrated today, children’s mental health care is isolated from primary care in practice and in insurance payment. Families face their own isolation as parents feel alone in their struggle to find help as they encounter lengthy wait lists and barrier after barrier to care in the face of skyrocketing rates of childhood depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
PIC, guided by a countywide, multidisciplinary workgroup, is a bright light offering immediate, innovative solutions to meet the needs of county children and youth. We invite you to read the full "Pioneering Pediatric Integrated Behavioral Health and Primary Care" series by clicking below to learn more about how our community is uniting to provide holistic treatment for children.
In the last three parts of our series, we shared:
Part 1: The Vision for the Road Ahead
Part 2: Building a Continuum of Care
Part 3: The Vital Role of Parents in Pediatric Integrated Care
In this issue, we focus on collaboration, the heart of every PIC model. Here in Palm Beach County, the focus is on
collaboration not only between primary care and behavioral health providers, but between providers, family, and patients, as well as providers and the larger community, including insurance and other healthcare institutions.
Three key initiatives provide a strong framework for bringing all stakeholders together, with the goal, as Sherrah Hill-Lavin of the Pediatric Integrated Care Parent Advisory Council says, "to give parents confidence that their children will receive the mental health services they need."
Palm Beach County Pediatric Society Project ECHO®: All Teach, All Learn
The Palm Beach Pediatric Society, in partnership with the Center for Child Counseling, is launching Project ECHO®, a learning collaborative for pediatricians in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Inspired by the way clinicians learn from medical rounds during residencies, the ECHO Model® has evolved into a learning framework that applies across disciplines for sustainable and profound change. ECHO participants engage in a virtual community with their peers where they share support, guidance, and feedback. As a result, our collective understanding of how to disseminate and implement best practices across diverse disciplines continuously improves and expands.
The Florida Pediatric Mental Health Collaborative (FPMHC): Increasing Access
The FPMHC, operating through the Florida Department of Health, aims to increase access to pediatric mental health services by building the capacity of primary care pediatric providers through technical assistance, skills-building training, and tele-consultations. With existing behavioral health hubs (BHH) at academic and core medical centers in South, Central, and Northeast Florida, the program is expanding to the panhandle and to Palm Beach County. As local stakeholders and community begin the work of learning the lessons of the existing BHHs and developing the best possible system for the county’s needs, opportunities will continue to expand for engagement from parents, providers, advocates, and patients.
Palm Beach County PIC: Connecting Partners with Best Practices
Palm Beach County PIC is developing a mechanism to pursue the goals of targeted, efficient, and effective treatment by convening all PIC stakeholders to discuss barriers, opportunities, and share strategies for deepening both clinical work and connections among PIC collaborative participants. As an example, existing and emerging approaches across the U.S. aim to reimburse and reward primary care and behavioral health providers for collaboration not only with each other, but for greater engagement with patients, family, community, and emerging trends in integrated care. The collaborative recognizes, and many members already utilize, PIC training and education resources geared toward providers and institutions, including The REACH Institute based in New York. One critical pathway for the success of Palm Beach County PIC has been identified as augmenting the inclusion of demonstrated successful approaches such as provider and family education with true partnership and engagement.
As these three initiatives continue to develop and integrate, the aim is to remove barriers to care, particularly for vulnerable populations who often face the greatest challenges navigating fragmented systems. With pediatricians, parents, and stakeholders working together, we have the opportunity to ensure all children receive the comprehensive, connected care they need for mind and body.
Stay Connected with PIC
The Well of PBC will continue to share PIC's progress in each bi-monthly issue of The Well of PBC through June 2025, bringing you the voices and stories behind this important initiative, shining a light on the victories large and small, and revealing where obstacles remain.
Sign up for the BeWellPBC newsletter to stay connected: bewellpbc.org/contact.
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Project Echo®
