Alexander Youth Network

08/29/2025

🍎 Back to School with Heart: Celebrating Our Day Treatment Staff and Teachers

As a new school year begins, we celebrate the heart of our Day Treatment Schools—our incredible educators and staff. You do more than teach. You listen, support, and advocate for the mental health and well-being of every child in our care.

Your patience, compassion, and commitment create safe spaces where kids feel seen, heard, and understood.

You’re often the first to notice when a child is struggling—and the bridge to the healing and hope they deserve.

08/28/2025

🌟 Welcome to Our Charlotte Team! 🌟

We are excited to welcome several amazing new colleagues to Alexander Youth Network in Charlotte:

◽Elena Hall
◽Lauren Watkins
◽Addi Wieberg
◽Brian Ferrell
◽Nurta Hade
◽Regina Ware
◽Demetria Pruitt
◽Artreese Brown

Each of you brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that will help us strengthen the support we provide to children and families in our community. At

Alexander, we believe teamwork, compassion, and dedication make all the difference, and we know you will continue that tradition.

Please join us in celebrating our new hires and wishing them the best as they begin their journey with us.

08/27/2025

Recently our PRTF kids had a visit from one of our guest readers, Mikayla! Thank you for spending some time with us reading 💚

Guest readers visit our Charlotte campus to read aloud to one (or more!) of our PRTF or Day Treatment classes. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to interact with our kids, but can't commit to a weekly visit. There are morning and afternoon opportunities for guest readers.

If you would like more information on how to become a guest reader, please email Ashley Nieves, Volunteer Engagement Officer, at anieves@aynkids.org or visit our website: https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/make-a.../volunteer/

08/27/2025

At Alexander Youth Network, we believe in celebrating the people who make a difference every single day. Our Employee and Manager of the Quarter awards recognize team members who go above and beyond in their roles, uplifting both their colleagues and the children we serve.
Staff are nominated by their peers and leaders, making these awards a true reflection of the respect and appreciation felt across our organization.

✨ Employee of the Quarter
Courtney Pizzino, Behavioral Health Counselor, FBC Greensboro
“Courtney is one of the best BHCs I have ever worked with. She does great work with the kids at FBC and is always calm and level-headed during stressful situations.” – Patrick Brown

✨ Employee of the Quarter
Maggie Cook, Philanthropy Officer, Greensboro
“Maggie exemplifies the heart and mission of Youth Focus in every aspect of her work. She is the epitome of a team player—always the first to raise her hand to help and the last to leave.” – Youth Focus Team

✨ Manager of the Quarter
Kathryn Wilson, Manager of Access Services, Charlotte
“Kathryn has been an outstanding leader and partner. She provides thoughtful feedback, guides her team through change, and always stays solutions-focused.” – Josh Santos

👏 Congratulations to Courtney, Maggie, and Kathryn for leading with heart and impact!

08/26/2025

Welcome to the foster parent family, Teresa Anderson!💚

Licensed on June 10, 2025, Teresa has opened her heart and home to provide safety, stability, and love to children in need. Her commitment to making a difference reflects the very best of our foster care community.

Thank you, Teresa, for stepping into this journey and helping create brighter futures, one child at a time.

If you’ve been thinking about fostering, now is the perfect time to start. Our next Pressley Ridge Training Class begins September 8 and runs through October 9

◽10 sessions, every Monday and Thursday from 6–8 PM.

Start your application here: https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/fostercare

08/25/2025

Mental Health Matters: A Simple Morning Routine for Busy Families

We all know how hectic mornings can get when balancing work and family life. However, even just a few mindful moments at the start of the day can make a significant difference in focus, calmness, and connection.

Try this quick mental health morning routine designed for busy families:

• Wake up 10 minutes earlier to create some breathing room
• Practice deep breathing together
• Share one positive thought or something you’re grateful for
• Set a simple intention for the day
• Play calming music while getting ready
• Check in emotionally with each other
• Choose an easy, nutritious breakfast
• Finish with a family hug or high-five

These small steps build resilience and strengthen your bond, both at home and beyond.

What’s one thing your family does to start the day on a positive note? Share your ideas below!

08/25/2025

08/22/2025

💼 We’re Hiring: Mental Health Counselors

Alexander Youth Network is seeking passionate and dedicated Mental Health Counselors to join our Day Treatment Programs.

In this role, you will:
✅ Manage the behavior of clients in our Day Treatment Program
✅ Track and record treatment progress
✅ Assess the needs of children and families and connect them with appropriate services
✅ Lead group activities that support treatment goals

At Alexander Youth Network, you’ll be part of a supportive team committed to empowering children and families through compassion, structure, and care.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today:
Shelby: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=195773&clientkey=8B83CD323386DA9CBC7F2B55E2425C29

Fayetteville: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=195585&clientkey=8B83CD323386DA9CBC7F2B55E2425C29

Yadkinville: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=189750&clientkey=8B83CD323386DA9CBC7F2B55E2425C29

Charlotte: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=182663&clientkey=8B83CD323386DA9CBC7F2B55E2425C29

Greensboro: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=192518&clientkey=8B83CD323386DA9CBC7F2B55E2425C29

08/21/2025

At Alexander Youth Network, our Day Treatment Program blends the structure of a school day with the compassionate support of therapeutic mental health care.

Designed for children with serious emotional or behavioral challenges, Day Treatment offers a safe space to learn, grow, and build coping skills—while staying connected to academics.

💬 Here’s what makes our program unique:
✔️ Therapeutic group sessions integrated into the daily schedule
✔️ Licensed mental health professionals onsite
✔️ Individualized treatment plans tailored to each child
✔️ A focus on emotional regulation, resilience, and connection

This isn’t just a school alternative, it’s a healing environment where students are seen, supported, and empowered.

💡 Know a child who may benefit?
Referrals are open, and we’re here to help: https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/day-treatment/

08/20/2025

Meet the newest members of our Greensboro team!

We are so happy to welcome a phenomenal group of professionals who are stepping into their new roles with energy, compassion, and commitment to serving kids and families.

Say hello to:
🌟 Kayla Kaplan
🌟 Chakiya Bernard
🌟 Paige Alexander
🌟 Tanisha Hansley
🌟 Emonte Jones
🌟 Sade McLean
🌟 Rondeshia Wallace

This group represents fresh ideas, diverse skills, and the drive to make a difference. Over the next few weeks, they’ll be learning the heart of what we do and joining our mission to provide hope, healing, and support to every child in our care.

We can’t wait to see the impact each of you will make. Welcome to the Alexander Youth Network family!

08/19/2025

💬 "You are making a difference, even on the days you feel exhausted. Keep going."
💬 "Take care of yourself, for you cannot pour from an empty cup."
💬 "Your work is important, and your impact is immeasurable."

Children who have experienced trauma often enter the classroom carrying invisible burdens. Without the right support, these challenges can impact focus, behavior, and emotional regulation. Trauma-informed strategies help create a safe, consistent environment where students feel valued, understood, and empowered to learn.

4 Trauma-Informed Strategies for the Classroom
1️⃣ Create safe spaces for feelings – Give students outlets like journaling, music, or a “cozy corner” where they can calm down and feel heard.
2️⃣ Build relationships first – Meet students where they are with trust, patience, and individualized support like brain breaks, small groups, and extra time.
3️⃣ Use restorative consequences – Replace punitive discipline with natural consequences, fresh starts, and opportunities to learn from mistakes.
4️⃣ Lead with compassion over judgment – Consistent empathy strengthens connection and builds the foundation for growth.

These strategies, rooted in our NMT model of positive relationship building, remind us that every interaction is a chance to heal and empower.

— Kate Zalewski, MAT, Education Supervisor