Caregiver
There’s No Place Like Home
By Angela Kwasny, Foster Care Recruitment Specialist Throughout life, we encounter times when we must step outside of our comfort zone and be away from…
Empowering Transitions
Occupational Therapy’s Role in Supporting Youth Aging Out of Foster Care By Juliet Thomas, OTS, and Ashley Wagner, OTD, OTR/L Growing up and moving out…
St. Louis Resources Within the Black Community
St. Louis boasts a range of community resources designed specifically for Black youth, offering vital opportunities for connection and a strong sense of belonging. Explore…
Beating the Winter Blues
Written by Gillian Jones, OTR/L Does your child have “cabin fever” during the winter months? You’re not alone! Wintertime presents unique challenges for caregivers and…
Supporting Your Family Through the Winter Doldrums
Written by Lisa von Wahlde, MSW, LCSW, Director of Therapy It never fails. In the fall, we settle into the rhythm of school, enjoy cozy…
Navigating Loss During the Holidays
The holiday season can be particularly challenging, especially when it’s the first one following the loss of a significant loved one or, for children in foster care, the first holiday without their family.
Put Me In, Coach: Strategies to Prepare for Success with Extra-Curricular Activities
Occupational Therapy CornerAshley Wagner, OTD, OTR/L, Director of Occupational Therapy at FamilyForward Occupational therapists (OTs) specialize in problem-solving how clients can successfully participate in various…
The Power of Peers – How Group Therapy Helps Kids and Teens Heal
Lisa von Wahlde, MSW, LCSWDirector of Therapy Often, when discussing psychotherapy, individual, couple, and family counseling come to mind. Although “group therapy” has been a…
What Can I Expect from My Child?
Child development is tricky. Each milestone—from learning to walk to mastering social skills—requires patience, practice, and sometimes setbacks. It’s crucial to respect each child’s unique journey, providing support and guidance tailored to their individual needs without pushing beyond their current capabilities to foster healthy development.
Should I Expect My 6-Year-Old to Do Their Own Laundry?
When parenting school-aged children, we tend to think about if we are preparing them for independence in adulthood. Hear from Ashley Wagner, Director of Occupational Therapy at FamilyForward on how she has gauged a child’s readiness, interest, and capability to determine appropriate developmental expectations.