Introducing Holding Hope: Our New Podcast on Mental Health
Boundaries and Balance: Redefining Self-Care
We are thrilled to announce the launch of Holding Hope, a podcast designed to support families, child care providers, and communities across Washington State. This exciting new platform is dedicated to sharing meaningful conversations, practical strategies, and resources focused on mental health.
Our very first episode dives into the transformative power of shifting how we view self-care. Often, our own needs take a backseat to the demands of caring for others, leaving us feeling drained and out of balance. This episode challenges the common belief that rest and boundaries are indulgences, reframing them as essential disciplines that allow us to care for ourselves and, in turn, better care for others.
Meet the Team Behind Holding Hope
This podcast would not be possible without the dedication and expertise of our incredible mental health consultants, who bring diverse perspectives and deep knowledge to each conversation:
- Elena Carrasco: Statewide Bilingual Spanish Holding Hope Mental Health Consultant, CCA of Washington
- Sonya Shine: Mental Health Consultant, CCA of Southwest (ESD 11)
- Erika Larson: Early Learning Mental Health Consultant, CCA of Eastern (Community-Minded Enterprises)
- Andrea Garcia: Early Learning Mental Health Consultant, CCA of Eastern (Community-Minded Enterprises)
These consultants are passionate about creating meaningful connections and offering guidance that resonates with the realities families and providers face every day. Their unique insights and dedication to mental health make this podcast a valuable resource for our community.
What to Expect
With Holding Hope, we aim to bring conversations that matter to the forefront. Each episode will tackle topics that are often overlooked but essential to maintaining balance and well-being. Our mission is to create a space where listeners feel heard, inspired, and equipped with tools to navigate challenges.
We are committed to making this podcast a resource for all communities in Washington State, and we hope to bring you many more episodes in the future. Whether you’re a parent, a child care provider, or someone invested in mental health and early learning, there will be something here for you.
Listen Now
The first episode of Holding Hope is now available on Spotify and Youtube Podcasts. Don’t miss this chance to join the conversation and start your journey toward a healthier, more balanced approach to self-care and mental health.
We’d love to hear from you! After listening, share your thoughts, feedback, and topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community for families and providers across Washington.
Click here to listen via Youtube Podcasts
Click here to listen via Spotify Podcasts
Resources
| Rocking and Rolling—It Takes Two: The Role of Co-Regulation in Building Self-Regulation Skills | https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/jul2015/rocking-rolling |
| How-to: 5 Steps for Brain-Building Serve and Return | https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/how-to-5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/ |
| Why Boundaries Are Essential Self-Care | https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/buddhist-psychology-east-meets-west/202405/why-boundaries-are-essential-self-care |
| Learn more about our Active Calming Center! | https://youtu.be/scdIntlh7pw?feature=shared |
| I Can Calm Book – Teach Composure and Increase Literacy! | https://youtu.be/qMvrK_8alOE?feature=shared |
| Balloon Breathing – Conscious Discipline | https://youtu.be/6EfZTT4l3T8?feature=shared |
| Reflection And Forgiveness Breathing Exercises | https://www.gonoodle.com/videos/b2aNbw/bear-breath?sourcePage=share&sourcePageType=share&sourceName=share&sourceElement=share |
