Membership dues are assessed on the anniversary month of a member joining the Chamber. Special thanks go out to the following businesses and individuals who have elected to continue their support of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce:
Locally owned and operated, with offices in Lewiston and Moscow, our team partners with over 300 businesses and leverages a network of more than 20,000 candidates to help companies solve one of their biggest challenges: finding reliable, skilled people who actually fit their team.
We are not a resume service and we are not just temporary labor.
Our core approach is what we call the Evaluation Hire; a working interview that allows businesses to see an employee perform on the job before making a long term commitment. In a world where nearly 30% of new hires do not make it past the first 30 to 45 days, this model reduces risk, saves time, and protects company culture.
The impact is measurable. For one local manufacturer we reduced their time to fill from 25 days to just 4, helping them stay productive and avoid costly downtime.
We support a wide range of staffing needs including skilled trades, light industrial, office services, and professional placements.
We also offer flexible solutions such as payroll services for companies that already have strong recruiting pipelines but want to reduce administrative burden, liability, and overhead.
As hiring continues to evolve, especially with the rise of AI generated resumes and high application volume, our role is to bring clarity and confidence back to the process. Our system is designed to identify the right fit quickly, and just as importantly, identify when it isn’t the right fit. When that happens, we move fast to replace the employee, minimizing downtime and reducing the overall cost and burden on your business. Our mission is simple. Help local businesses grow, create opportunities for people in our community, and raise the standard of what staffing should be.
If you are hiring, or even thinking about hiring, we would welcome the opportunity to be a resource.
NEW MEMBERS
• Dan David, OD
• Early Bird Supply
• Emma White Golf
• Foothills Software
• Iron Wok
• Lifetime Construction Builders LLC
• Love Your Pics Photography
• Poppy Salon
• The McKenzie BnB
• Ziply Fiber
PULLMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PULLMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Thank you to our 2026 Cabaret Donors:
• A Modern Plantsman
• Adam and Eve
• Airway Hills Golf and Event Center
• Alaska Airlines
• Art Beat, Inc
• Atlantis Cleaning
• Avista
• B & L Bicycles
• Bill and Susie Skavdahl
• Book People of Moscow
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Palouse
• Brused Books
• Carol Chipman
• Ccooper Services
• Cherie Amour
• Chipman & Taylor Chevrolet
• Cornerstone Wealth Strategies
• Del and Mid Rowland Estate
• Ed & Beatriz Schweitzer
• Edward JonesGreg & Karen Bloom
• Evergreen Tire and Auto Repair
• Friend of the Chamber
• Gabagool Charcuterie
• Girl Scouts Eastern WA and Northern ID
• Greystone Grand Gallery & Gifts
• Hampton Inn Pullman
• Helene's Property Place
• Heros N Sports
• Higginson's Home Center
• Identity Salon and Spa
• J&H Printing
• Jordan Schnitzer
Museum of Art at WSU
• Kamiak Coffee Company
• Katie Van Wyngarden
• La Pâtissière by Anissa
• Lynda Carey
• Merry Cellars Winery
• Mike Lowery CPA
• Moscow & Pullman
Building Supply
• Moscow-Pullman Daily News
• National Lentil Festival
• Neill's Coffee & Ice Cream
• Neill’s Flowers and Gifts
• Nuevo Vallarta
• P1FCU
• Palouse Discovery Science Center
• Palouse Habitat for Humanity
• Palouse Ridge Golf Club
• Palouse-Clearwater
Environmental Institute
• Paradise Creek Brewery
• Phil Hinrichs
• Pioneer Title Company
• Presnell Gage, PLLC
• Pullman Disposal Service
• Pullman Lions Club
• Pullman Police
• Pullman Radio
• Pullman Vision Source
• RE/MAX Home and Land
• Regency Pullman
• Rico's Pub
• Roadrunner Technologies LLC
• Sam Dial Jewelers
• Sanctuary Yoga
• Schweitzer
Engineering Laboratories
• Scusi!
• Shin's Asian Market
• Stacey K OvertoomBKT Northwest
• SYG Nursery & Landscaping, Inc.
• Tail Waggin Adventures
• The Black Cypress
• UnCruise Adventures
• WaFd Bank
• Washington State University
• Wildflower Aesthetics
• WSU Athletics
• Wysup Chrysler
Jeep Dodge Ram
• Zeppoz
• Zoe Coffee & Kitchen
Students of the Month
Isabelle Brinkman
Isabelle Brinkman, child of JoReen and Cameron Brinkman, has participated in many activities at PHS, including varsity swim and golf all four years, varsity wrestling, and varsity cheer. Isabelle earned varsity letters in four different sports, as well as scholar-athlete awards and first and second-team honors. In addition to being a varsity athlete she maintained a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking honors and AP classes. One of Isabelle’s favorite memories of her time as a Hound was winning the district champion title at wrestling districts and going to state.
This past summer, Isabelle worked at Subway. She has also volunteered at trash pickups.
Isabelle will attend Utah State this fall. She plans to study Biochemistry and has expressed interest in becoming a dentist.
Sukhmani Sangera
Sukhmani Sangera, daughter of Sarvjit Singh and Manpal Kaur, has participated in many activities at PHS, where she is currently the Co-President of Youth in STEM, and Vice President of the AAPI Club. She also serves as Treasurer of WSU’s Pre-Med Club. Sukhmani has done running start at WSU for the past two years, standing as a college sophomore.
This past summer, Sukhmani worked as a research volunteer at an environmental engineering lab at WSU, performing microbial culturing, plating, and supporting various microbiological studies. She has prior research experience from the School of Food Science at WSU, completing an internship with a summer research program, and supporting the School of Biological Sciences at WSU. Sukhmani has also started volunteering at Gritman Medical Center, gaining important medical experience in multiple departments. On top of everything, she is currently elected as an HR Assistant for Sunnyside Assisted Living Facility.
Sukhmani plans to attend a 4-year university to study Microbiology on the Pre-Med track.
Trimpin: Ambiente432 Exhibition runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the Museum of Art. The exhibition is a site-responsive installation comprised of 12 motion-responsive resonator horns suspended from the ceiling and tuned precisely to 432Hz. The work explores the sound–space continuum, demonstrating how an architectural environment may coexist and harmonize with a kinetic sound sculpture.
Longer Light: Selections from the Collection runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the Museum of Art. The exhibition offers a wide-ranging exploration of how artists in the museum’s holdings have engaged with the universal and compelling phenomenon of light, with special emphasis on the museum’s growing photography collection and lensbased practices.
Mimi Jung: An Unfinished Origin runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the Museum of Art. The exhibition brings together recent sculptural works from the Helena, Montana-based artist. The loom has long served as the foundation for Jung's woven practice, but she has incorporated unexpected materials such as paper and foam as wefts, along with a variety of nontraditional strings as warps. Her newest creations move from woven textiles into cast metal sculpture.
The 19th Annual Palouse Area Garage Sale will be held 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Beasley Coliseum. Admission is free.
Sam Watson WSU Transfer Student
Transfer Degrees
Earn
Career & Technical Programs
Job-ready
ESL • GED • High School+
Flexible
The Food & Shelter Folks
Meet the Staff:
Shannon Rainwater, Housing Solutions Specialist
What would you like to tell the community?
Tell me about your job position at Community Action Center. We help people with rental assistance along with helping them get into a place; for example, we help with deposit assistance. We help with some housing application fees, or emergency housing; we help to temporarily house people for a few nights at a hotel if they don’t have a place. We do case management and work on housing goals that are client-focused. The work is different every day.
What do you like about your work?
I love that we’re working with the community and helping people, and that it isn’t the same every day. I love that we work with other agencies in the community to best serve clients; we have a lot of community partnerships.
What is challenging about your work?
Working with people who have sad stories and trauma. It can be hard seeing people struggle, especially those with kids. The financial strain we see, where there’s never enough money or housing for everybody. That’s a problem in the United States. We do the best we can, but it can be challenging. You can’t always say yes to everybody.
Community Action Center is really one of the heartbeats of Whitman County. We really do try to best serve our community, we work together as a team, and we thank you for allowing us to take care of your community.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m a mom of two, and I really love going to church. I play Pokémon Go; my son is really into it. I’m going back to school for my Masters in Social Work so I’m really busy. I love watching my kiddos play sports, such as baseball, and watching them live their best life. When you’re a mom you don’t have a lot of free time outside of caring for them.
Thank You!
Community Food wants to thank:
• Addium-METER Foundation for their grant for Food Rescue
• WaFd for their grant for Community Food
• Trinity Lutheran Church for their diaper and wipes donation
• Kappa Delta Chi for their food donation
Community Food FOOD PANTRY
We take food donations by appointment. Please call the front desk (509-334-9147) to make an appointment to donate food. We are requesting the following donations:
• Tofu
• Canned protein
• Canned veggies
• Canned sauce
• Pasta
• Soup
• Coconut milk
• Sugar
Our food bank times are by appointment. Please use our appointment scheduling web page to make an appointment. https://www.cacwhitman.org/food-bank-appointment/ or give us a call at 509-595-4141.
Dec. Museum Closure Dates
MONDAY Closed
TUESDAY 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm NEW!
WEDNESDAY 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
THURSDAY 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday, Monday, holidays, and university breaks (including Dec. 14 through Jan. 6 for a Winter Break).
FRIDAY Closed
Ken Paulson: 509-338-0824 • KENPAPP755U5
Now o ering Senior Citizen and Veterans discounts upon request
ECNW: 509-332-2003 • ELECTCM925LW
Three services, One trusted team, proudly serving Pullman, Moscow and surrounding communities
Pullman Community Council on Aging
A legacy of caring for Pullman
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Fundraiser Supporters!
Brused Books, Bishop Place, CHAS, Palouse Country Candy, Pets are People 2, Planet Fitness, Rosauers, Best Western Plus University Inn, Tri-State, Target, Airway Hills Golf, Elizabeth Gifford, Linda Snook, Adam & Eve, SEL, Papa Murphey’s, Hampton Inn, Cassie Richardson, Sam Dial, P1FCU, The Poulson’s, Subway, My Office, Merry Cellars Winery, WA Trust Bank, Walmart, Starbucks, Colfax Health and Rehab, Columbia Bank, NW Pharmacy, Paradise Creek Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia, Candice Claiborn, Hub International, CenterWell Home Health, McCoys Plumbing, Vivian Warner, Sid’s Pharmacy, Drushelle Warnick, Gritman Medical Center, Gentiva Hospice, Kathy Slinker, Natures Way Dentistry, 53 Boutique, Mary Schneider, Family Resources Home Care, Linda Rogers, Palouse Brewing Company, Darcy Linderman, Jill Wicks, Play to Score Sports Store, Brookdale Lewiston Senior Living
We are so grateful. Thanks to the amazing generosity of our community, local businesses and individual supporters our recent fundraiser was a success. Because of you, we can continue our mission in supporting Pullman seniors. Every bid, every dollar, and every kind act directly supports Meals on Wheels and Senior Chore Services.
A Standing Ovation for Regency Pullman!
Year after year, Regency Pullman goes above and beyond for our mission. From hosting to advocating, we couldn’t have done this without you. We are endlessly grateful for your partnership.
Thank you!!!
PULLMAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL ON AGING
• Pullman School District. 332-3581 Washington State University, 335-7628 For advertising opportunities, contact Carol Cooper at ccooperpullman@gmail.com 509-592-3931 Design by Jeni Grace This publication will not knowingly accept any advertisement which is in violation of the law. The content of advertisements is the responsibility of the advertiser.
• Market on Main –last day, 10 a.m. –3 p.m., 300 E Main St
• Pullman DepotFreight Room, open 1 –4:00 p.m.
• PSD, Pullman High School Drama Production: "Before Oz: The Story of L. Frank Baum", 2:00 p.m. at PHS
• PSD, Pullman High School Drama Production: "Before Oz: The Story of L. Frank Baum", 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• Palouse Chorale Society, Earth Teach Me, 3:00 p.m. Simpson United Methodist Church
• PSD, Pullman High School Drama Production: "Before Oz: The Story of L. Frank Baum", 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• Pullman DepotFreight Room, open 1 –4:00 p.m.
• PSD, PHS Choirs Rock Show, 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• PSD, PHS Choirs Rock Show, 7:00 p.m. at PHS
Abbreviations
• PHS= Pullman High School
PDSC= Palouse Discovery Science Center
PRH= Pullman Regional Hospital
SES = Sunnyside Elementary School
SFCC=Spokane Falls Community College
JES = Jefferson Elementary School
KES –Kamiak Elementary
LMS= Lincoln Middle School
PAFC= Pullman Aquatic and Fitness Center
PCM = Pullman Community Montessori
• PSD, Board Work Session, 4:30 p.m. Meeting will be held at the District Office
• PSD, LMS 6th Grade Band & Jazz Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. at LMS
Pullman
• PSD, Pullman High School Drama Production: "Six: The Musical" (Teen Edition), 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• PSD, Last day of PSD Preschool
• PSD, Pullman High School Drama Production: "Six: The Musical" (Teen Edition), 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• PSD, Regular Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Meeting will be held at Pullman High School and live streamed on our YouTube Channel
• Pullman Chamber, General Membership Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., see pg 1
• Pullman City Council Meeting | 5:30 p.m.
–7 p.m. |
• City, Periodic Update Public Meeting | 6 p.m. –8 p.m., Kamiak Elementary MultiPurpose Room
• PSD, PHS Orchestras Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m. at PHS • PSD, Sunnyside PTO Meeting, 6:00 p.m. at SES
• Mother's Day
• Pullman DepotFreight Room, open 1 –4:00 p.m.
• PSD, Pullman High School Drama Production: "Six: The Musical" (Teen Edition), 2:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• Pullman DepotFreight Room, open 1 –4:00 p.m.
• Pullman DepotFreight Room, open 1 –4:00 p.m.
Channel
PSD,
6:45pm at LMS
• PSD, LMS Choir Concert, 7:30 p.m. at LMS
• PSD, Franklin PTA, 6:00 p.m. at FES
• Pullman City Council Meeting | 5:30 p.m. –7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
• PSD, 7th and 8th grade Bands and Orchestras Concert, 7:30 p.m. at LMS
• PSD, Regular Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Meeting will be held at Pullman High School and live streamed on our YouTube Channel
• PSD, PHS Band Concert, 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• Memorial Day • City of Pullman Administrative Offices Closed, Pullman Recreation Center Closed, • Neill Public Library Closed • Pullman Veterans Memorial Park Groundbreaking Ceremony, 11 a.m., Fairmount Drive & Cemetery Road. • PSD, No School
Joint Meeting Brings School Board and City Council Together for Shared Goals and Ideas
members talked about how we can better celebrate school board members talked about how to plan ahead appreciated was willingness to learn from other cities and solutions. Even though this was a brainstorming about the “how” of each idea and what resources
Lisa Waananen Jones, Board Director District 2
How can elected officials in Pullman keep each other better informed about shared opportunities and challenges? How can we build on joint outreach efforts and events? And what are possible long-term collaborative goals to benefit the Pullman community?
These were some of the questions your elected officials discussed in early April at a joint meeting of the Pullman City Council and Pullman Public Schools Board of Directors. A meeting may not sound like the most exciting or innovative thing, but it’s actually rare for a city council and a school board to meet together to discuss big-picture ideas and goals. The city and the school district work together all the time, of course, but most of those discussions are between staff, not elected officials, and focus on practical issues like recreation facilities, police programs, construction and transportation. Elected officials are instead responsible for setting priorities and thinking strategically based on the community’s values and needs. And even though we represent a lot of the same people and grapple with many of the same issues, we don’t necessarily know each other or casually chat about these things.
community’s amazing children, and school board members talked about how to plan ahead for the needs of retirees. Another theme I appreciated was willingness to learn from other cities and look to other communities for ideas and solutions. Even though this was a brainstorming session, everyone was naturally thinking about the “how” of each idea and what resources and partnerships could make it happen.
Throughout the meeting, it was clear how powerful talked to your elected officials or sent an email and and recall those specific messages when thinking talked about the importance of consistency and repetition including consistency talking with each other and no immediate impact.
Throughout the meeting, it was clear how powerful a single conversation can be. If you’ve ever talked to your elected officials or sent an email and wondered if it mattered, they remember it and recall those specific messages when thinking about the community as a whole. But we also talked about the importance of consistency and repetition for actually getting things done, including consistency talking with each other and making the effort even if it seems like there is no immediate impact.
This was not a decision-making meeting, but there have a joint meeting at least once a year. Every meeting one ended up just about right for leaving us eager seeds of ideas can grow.
The first goal of the meeting, then, was simply to meet one another. We can all get more done with established lines of interpersonal communication, and when we can keep each other in mind. One of the key ideas to come out of the meeting is that we can improve on communication just by starting small, with occasional emails and brief updates to keep each other informed about what our respective groups are working on.
Along with city council members, school board members, the mayor and the superintendent, we were also joined by four Student Ambassadors from Pullman High School, who participated in all discussions and provided great insights about how young people think about the community and what we can be doing better. A thank you to Anayiah Passmore, Joram Tenywa, Kevin Chi, and Andrew Chen for making time in your busy schedules to be there!
The meeting began with overviews of the strategic plans, which demonstrated how much our missions overlap, and also highlighted one key area of difference: While a city government must prioritize and balance a long list of vital projects and goals, a school district’s goals all revolve around one central mission — student learning and success. The rest of the meeting focused on three themes, which we discussed in small groups and then shared ideas and insights with the full group: building lines of communication, community outreach and engagement, and future relationship and collaboration goals.
This was not a decision-making meeting, but there was consensus in the room that we should have a joint meeting at least once a year. Every meeting is either too long or too short, but this one ended up just about right for leaving us eager to continue conversations and see how these seeds of ideas can grow.
One theme that came through in all discussions was a genuine love of Pullman and eagerness to amplify all the great collaborations that are already happening. You have elected officials who want people to be involved — in governance, recreation, arts, business, all of it. City council members talked about how we can better celebrate our
The opinions expressed in Board Reports are those not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Schools.
The opinions expressed in Board Reports are those of individual school board members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the board as a whole or of Pullman Public Schools.
Photo of breakout discussion between Pullman School District Board member, PHS Student Ambassador, Mayor, and City Councilmembers.
PULLMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Aubrey Anderson Recommended for Pullman High School Assistant Principal
Aubrey Anderson, who currently serves as a Career and Technical Education Teacher and Dean of Students at Lincoln Middle School, was selected through an interview process to be recommended for hire as Pullman High School Assistant Principal beginning on July 1, 2026. The recommendation to appoint Ms. Anderson to the position of Pullman High School Assistant Principal will be presented to the Board of Directors during the regular board meeting scheduled for April 15, 2026.
Following a thorough application and interview process, Ms. Anderson brings a strong background in teaching and student support within our district. Since joining Pullman School District, Ms. Anderson has served in the following roles:
• 5th Grade Teacher, Sunnyside Elementary School
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher, Lincoln Middle School
• Dean of Students, Lincoln Middle School
In addition to her professional experience, Ms. Anderson earned her administrative credential from Washington State University, further preparing her for this leadership role.
Throughout her time in Pullman, Ms. Anderson has demonstrated a commitment to building positive relationships with students and staff, supporting student success, and contributing to a strong school culture. Her experience across grade levels and in both instructional and student support roles positions her well to serve the Pullman High School community.
We look forward to Ms. Anderson's continued contributions in this new position (pending board approval)!
Aubrey Anderson Recommended for Pullman High School Assistant Principal
Aubrey Anderson, who currently serves as a Career and Technical Education Teacher and Students at Lincoln Middle School, was selected through an interview process to be recommended for hire as Pullman High School Assistant Principal beginning on July 1, 2026. recommendation to appoint Ms. Anderson to the position of Pullman High School Assistant Principal will be presented to the Board of Directors during the regular board meeting scheduled April 15, 2026.
Following a thorough application and interview process, Ms. Anderson brings a strong background in teaching and student support within our district. Since joining Pullman School District, Ms. Anderson has served in the following roles:
5th Grade Teacher, Sunnyside Elementary School
National Board Certification is a voluntary and rigorous process that recognizes outstanding teaching practices. Educators who earn this certification—National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs)—have demonstrated that they meet the high standards set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. In Washington State, it is regarded as the highest level of professional certification for teachers, reflecting a deep commitment to student success and lifelong learning. Pullman School District is proud to have 18 National Board Certified Teachers, exemplifying educational excellence and dedication to our students and community.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher, Lincoln Middle School
National Board Certification is a voluntary and rigorous process that recognizes outstanding teaching practices. Educators National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs)
Dean
of Students,
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. In Washington State, it is regarded as the highest level of professional certification for teachers, reflecting a deep commitment to student success and lifelong 18 National Board Certified Teachers excellence and dedication to our students and community.
Lincoln Middle School
addition to her professional experience, Ms. Anderson earned her administrative credential Washington State University, further preparing her for this leadership role.
Throughout her time in Pullman, Ms. Anderson has demonstrated a commitment to building positive relationships with students and staff, supporting student success, and contributing strong school culture. Her experience across grade levels and in both instructional and student support roles positions her well to serve the Pullman High School community.
The Pullman School District Board of Directors and the Pullman School District shall provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities programs without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, participation in the Boy Scouts of America or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent, (509) 332-3144, compliancecoord@psd267.org, and Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Assistant Director of Special Services (509) 332-3144, compliancecoord@psd267.org. 240 SE Dexter Street, Pullman, WA 99163. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in the application process by contacting the Personnel Coordinator at (509) 332-3584. Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR): https:// www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html. Information about the nondiscrimination and sexbased discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint: https://www.pullmanschools.org/hib-discrimination
Arron Carter Director, District 1 acarter@psd267.org
Lisa Waananen Jones Director, District 2 lwaananenjones@psd267.org
2
Deena Bayoumi Director, District 4 dbayoumi@psd267.org
Stephanie Horn Director, District 5 shorn@psd267.org
look forward to Ms. Anderson's continued contributions in this new position (pending approval)!
Craig Nelson Director, District 3 cnelson@psd267.org
Everybody experiences different fears, worries, and stresses in life; kids are no exception. Children can exhibit stronger fears depending on their age and stages of development. Fears and worries are natural. However, persistent or extreme forms of fear could be due to anxiety. A great example is separation anxiety. Typically, toddlers become upset or distressed about being away from their parent(s), even if they're safe and being cared for.
It's common for a child to experience anxiety when starting preschool or grade school. From 2016 to 2019, nearly 10 percent of children ages 3-17 were diagnosed with anxiety, with that number continuing to rise. Yes, the unfamiliar feeling of separation from routine is uncomfortable for most people, but when that feeling of anxiety or fear overcomes a child to the point it’s limiting their life, it may be time to consult a doctor.
"Anxiety in children can hold them back from achieving their ultimate potential in life and definitely decreases their quality of life," says Dr. Mike Frostad (Dr. Mike), a pediatrician at Palouse Pediatrics. "If the anxiety is minor and not really disruptive to the child or the family, then it may make sense for parents to work with the child on the issues and monitor closely." With over 25 years of experience in pediatric care, Dr. Mike has seen and helped many children get the help they need when facing anxieties and fears that may be holding them back. He took time to answer general questions about anxieties and help parents understand how to best help their children:
1. Will anxiety go away on its own?
Most of the time, minor anxieties will go away as children become more familiar with an experience or situation. However, in some cases, when the anxiety doesn't go away, it may disrupt a child's daily life. Those hindrances may affect their education and learning ability, social interactions, and sometimes even their sleep schedule.
2. What steps should be taken if anxiety worsens or doesn't go away?
If left untreated, anxiety can significantly burden children throughout their lives. "Anxiety tends to wax and wane depending on life circumstances and stressors," Dr. Mike says. "Sometimes anxiety builds to the point of debilitation." Visiting a pediatrician to identify the issues and formulate a plan is a great place to start. The goal is to treat the anxiety before it becomes debilitating.
3. What should someone expect when visiting the pediatrician for their child's anxiety?
Counseling helps the child develop various coping strategies,
sometimes using medication. When visiting with a pediatrician one of the basic strategies that may be discussed or suggested is a referral for ongoing counseling. According to Dr. Mike, typically, there are "follow-up visits to check on progress and adjusting the treatment plan as needed."
4. How often does a child need medication to help with their anxiety?
While medication is sometimes part of treatment plans, it is not always used. "Recent studies show that if treatment consists of both counseling and medication strategies, the child is likely to have more rapid improvement," Dr. Mike says. "This also makes it less likely the child will struggle with the anxiety again in the future."
5. How long does a child typically take medication for anxiety once prescribed?
When medication is prescribed, it is most often used for 6-12 months. In that time frame, it helps gain momentum towards improvement and, in addition to counseling, where the child learns effective coping strategies. Dr. Mike explains, "After a sustained period of improvement, and with discussion with the patient and family, medication is discontinued carefully, and the team monitors the anxiety symptoms in the child." The medication will occasionally be resumed if the anxiety symptoms become disruptive. "Some children do so much better on the medication that they are kept on it long term," says Dr. Mike.
6. Are children with anxiety more likely to suffer from depression or other mental health issues?
Simply put, yes. "Children with anxiety are more likely to also struggle with issues like learning disorders, depression, attention problems, and social stressors," according to Dr. Mike. "That should be addressed as part of the child's overall treatment plan.” Anxiety symptoms can affect a child's sleep, increasing the chances of physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches. When watching for signs of anxiety, look for extensive fear or worry, but also watch for irritability and anger emotions. Sometimes, children can internalize symptoms like worrying, thus, making anxiety more challenging to detect.
If your child is exhibiting any signs of anxiety or if you are concerned about the possibility of your child having anxiety, please call Palouse Pediatrics to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians in Pullman, WA or Moscow, ID.
Pullman office: (509) 332-2605
Moscow office: (208) 882-2247
ArtWalk: The Art of Connection
Downtown Pullman Association: An All-Community Collaboration
Greek Week Sweeps Downtown
On March 30, downtown Pullman welcomed an energetic wave of 168 students from the WSU Interfraternity Council (IFC) as part of the annual Greek Week.
In partnership with the WSU Center for Civic Engagement, students had the opportunity to earn up to four hours of community service credit. While many contributed a solid hour before heading off to class (priorities—we understand!), their collective impact was impressive. Volunteers tackled a variety of projects to help refresh downtown for the spring and summer seasons. Their efforts included washing eleven storefront windows, sweeping and power-washing Pine Street Plaza, and cleaning part of the alley behind Vision Source and Neill’s Flowers, Gifts, Coffee & Ice Cream. Students also transported and set up all the tables, chairs, and umbrellas, in the plazas, creating a welcoming and vibrant environment for the community.
Beyond their hands-on work, IFC students demonstrated their commitment to giving back by raising over $10,000 through a golf tournament at Airway Hills Golf Center, tabling, and personal donations. The funds were generously given to the Downtown Pullman Association and we are most grateful to accept!
Good work and good fun go hand in hand with IFC, and their contributions make meaningful differences in the Pullman community.
Last year’s ArtWalk was an engaging and successful event, and this year is already shaping up to be just as exciting—with artists eagerly signing up to showcase their talents.
Join us on Saturday, May 16, from 10 AM – 6 PM, as downtown Pullman businesses host artists representing a wide range of media and styles. Stroll through downtown, explore unique works of art, and connect with the creative energy of our community.
In addition to artist displays, attendees can take part in Interactive Experience Stations.
Try your hand at painting a small canvas at Greyston Gallery, or paint a rock at Pups & Cups, join a sketching circle at Ricos, or even participate in a Terracotta Pottery throwdown competition in High Street Plaza—just a few of the creative activities currently being planned.
Whether you’re there to admire or create, ArtWalk offers something for everyone.
Promotion through social media, radio, and print will begin in early May—but now is the time to get involved if you’re interested in showcasing (and even selling) your art! Visit DowntownPullman.org and register as an artist under “Events.”
Conditions We Treat:
• Acne
• Actinic Keratoses
• Hair Loss
• Eczema
• Mole Check
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Skin Cancer
• Skin Tags
Filters are great, but great skin is even better!
Same Day Appointments in Pullman with Carolyn Shoemaker, PA-C
