03/18/2026
There’s something about a skating rink that stays with you.
The sound of wheels on the floor.
The lights overhead.
The smell of pizza in the air.
This week, I was at a pre-K event sharing about play therapy and nervous system regulation… but I found myself remembering all the different seasons of life that brought me to places just like this.
And this time, it wasn’t just about the memories—it was about the community.
I had the privilege of sitting alongside some incredible organizations doing meaningful work with kids and families:
đź’› Your Path Counseling Center
đź’› River City Inclusive Gym
đź’›Ashland Skateland in Ashland Virginia
đź’›Hanover County Public Schools
I’ve known the owner of Your Path for years, and it was so good to reconnect in this space. And RCIG continues to do amazing work creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to move, grow, and belong.
It was one of those moments where you’re reminded—
none of us do this work alone.
We each bring something different, but we’re all working toward the same thing:
Helping kids and families feel more connected, supported, and capable.
Kids were skating, wobbling, laughing, falling, and getting back up—
and all around them were adults and organizations committed to helping them thrive.
That matters.
At Heart and Mind Therapy, we talk a lot about regulation, connection, and play—through approaches like play therapy, FirstPlay®, and the Safe and Sound Protocol.
But moments like this?
This is where it all comes to life.
✨ Movement
✨ Connection
✨ Community
And sometimes… a little pizza and a lot of laughter.
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🎟️ Also grateful to be part of a community that supports one another—
we’ve loved contributing to events like this (and others!) through things like River City Escape Room gift cards for fundraising raffles.
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Sometimes supporting kids doesn’t look complicated.
Sometimes it looks like showing up—together.
