The Detroit News - Op-Ed published, August 27, 2023 Author: Marisa Nicely - Chief Program Officer at Starfish Family Services In recent years, Michigan, like much of the country, has grappled with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the most pressing challenges is the strain on our state's public mental health system, which was already stretched thin before the pandemic hit. As we navigate the post-pandemic world, the emergence of telehealth has provided a vital support system for countless Michiganians. Telehealth has bridged gaps in care, allowing mental health professionals to connect with those in need. Recent data shows that its effectiveness is undeniable. Especially for residents in rural areas and those facing transportation challenges. It also stands as a testament to our capacity for innovation. And it has ensured that critical services remain accessible to those who need them most. However, the state sees things differently. … [Read more...]
MOMMY & ME YOGA: Join Us Next Time!
By: Sinziana Luchian; Marketing Intern Starfish has been fortunate to have Courtney Conover teach MOMMY & ME YOGA classes at our Hiveley location. This week Courtney put on another great class, which resulted in an amazing outcome once again! The moms who attended, truly experienced the benefits of the spiritual art of yoga. The little ones had an enjoyable time as well, practicing various poses along with their moms. Courtney is very committed to her practice and teaching others about the wonderful advantages that yoga can provide. This practice is not only beneficial to the body by increasing strength and relaxing the muscles, but most importantly, it works miracles for the mind and soul. Courtney’s passion resides in teaching children how to utilize the power of Yoga to deal with daily emotions. Children can benefit tremendously by simply learning how to control their breathing, an important aspect in yoga. The practice of yoga helps children relieve anxiety … [Read more...]
MOMMY & ME YOGA: What You Should Know?
By: Courtney Conover; Certified Yoga Instructor, RYT 200 I had been practicing yoga with my son, Scotty (age three), for about four months when my husband and I took him to the barber to receive his first professional haircut. (Those botch jobs I had been doing on him with a pair of dull shears were no longer passing muster; but that’s a different story for another day.) The point here is that the mere notion of having to sit still while getting his curls chopped by a stranger scared the bejesus out of him – so you can only imagine how bad things got when Scotty heard the buzz and felt the vibration of the electric clippers. It was bad; really bad: tears, incoherent pleading for it to stop. The whole nine. And then I told Scotty to close his eyes…and breathe. I told him – quite pointedly – to breathe just like we do when we practice yoga; to simply focus on his breath as he counts to ten and then back down to one again. It took a minute. But, no … [Read more...]