Dr. Stacie Herrera

04/15/2026

There are some things you don’t realize you needed… until you look back.

If I’m honest, I would have benefited from something like Camp Mariposa as a child.

A place where kids impacted by addiction in their family can feel seen, supported, and not alone.

That’s why this work matters so much to me.

Through Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast (JFCS), programs like Camp Mariposa are giving children tools, connection, and hope—at a time when it matters most.

💙 Right now is the Giving Challenge, and every donation of $25+ is matched.

I believe deeply in lifting up youth by supporting the organizations—and the people in their lives—who help them thrive.

This Giving Challenge will positively impact so many organizations in our community, and I am truly grateful if you choose to support JFCS.

🔗 Link in bio to give

Help. Hope. For All.

11/25/2025

Honored to be collaborating with William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Resilient Retreat to bring this pilot program to life 🥰

Last week Dr. Stacie Herrera presented the pilot mental wellness program she designed for our Selby Scholars at the Selby Foundation’s board of directors meeting. With an investment from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation through Resilient Retreat, Dr. Herrera is helping students get comfortable with mental health plans to take the best care of themselves so they can continue succeeding in school and in life. Her work is based on data, human connection, and personalized support for students in understanding mental wellness.

We are grateful for the network of people and organizations that care so deeply about young leaders. Thank you for all who are making this possible!

10/11/2025

✨ Weekends are made for short, soul-filling reads.
I just finished Diary of a Confused Educator: Part One by Ashanti Branch — an incredible story of how one educator transformed his own pain into purpose.

His journey is a reminder that education is more than academics — it’s about creating spaces where students and staff feel seen, heard, and valued. 💛

If you’re passionate about transformative education and psychological safety, this one will speak to your heart.

08/29/2025

07/31/2025

Building resilience through play, art and fun! So proud of my team 🥰

Our Youth Resiliency Program empowers young minds to overcome challenges, build confidence, and shine their brightest.

DONATE TO our Youth Resiliency Program!
https://www.sunshinefromdarkness.org/donate/ #

The spark within you holds unlimited power. Ignite resilience. Build strength.

07/24/2025

So excited about the collaboration between Herrera Psychology and Sunshine from Darkness. So proud of all of the great work Brittany and Kristy put into this weeklong workshop!

At Sunshine from Darkness, we meet youth where they are - emotionally, socially, and developmentally.

Through our Spark-powered Youth Resiliency Program for middle schoolers and The Resilience Collective for college students, we create safe, guided spaces where young people learn to navigate big emotions, build vital coping skills, and connect with others who understand.

Led by trained facilitators and informed by trauma-sensitive practices, these programs promote emotional regulation, self-awareness, and personal growth.

They benefit all youth - and especially support those facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.


Your Support Makes It Possible!
Because resilience isn’t built alone.

https://www.sunshinefromdarkness.org/donate/ #

07/17/2025

💥 She did it. And I couldn’t wait one more minute to share it… because that’s what big sisters do. 😉

🎤 Yesterday was Sandi’s birthday, and today I’m celebrating her voice, her heart, and this powerful TEDx Talk:
“How the System is Breaking Teachers”
📺 https://youtu.be/Lz2xYc8iPTQ

⁣
In just 12 minutes, Sandi Herrera (my sister + co-founder of ) names what so many educators feel but rarely say out loud.

This is more than a TEDx talk—it’s a truth bomb wrapped in hope. It’s fuel for the HumanizEDU movement to redesign schools with wellbeing, connection, and consciousness at the center. 🧠💛⁣
⁣
✨ Teachers matter. Culture matters. Humanity in education matters.
⁣
Please watch. Please share. And if you’re an educator—come join us in the Conscious Educator Playground on Facebook for weekly wellbeing support.⁣
⁣
Let’s create a future where every educator feels supported and every student can thrive. 🌱⁣
⁣

07/17/2025

💥 She did it. And I couldn’t wait one more minute to share it… because that’s what big sisters do. 😉

🎤 Yesterday was Sandi’s birthday, and today I’m celebrating her voice, her heart, and this powerful TEDx Talk:
“How the System is Breaking Teachers”
📺 https://youtu.be/Lz2xYc8iPTQ

⁣
In just 12 minutes, Sandi Herrera (my sister + co-founder of ) names what so many educators feel but rarely say out loud.

This is more than a TEDx talk—it’s a truth bomb wrapped in hope. It’s fuel for the HumanizEDU movement to redesign schools with wellbeing, connection, and consciousness at the center. 🧠💛⁣
⁣
✨ Teachers matter. Culture matters. Humanity in education matters.
⁣
Please watch. Please share. And if you’re an educator—come join us in the Conscious Educator Playground on Facebook for weekly wellbeing support.⁣
⁣
Let’s create a future where every educator feels supported and every student can thrive. 🌱⁣
⁣

Every day, teachers across America walk into classrooms carrying invisible weight—trauma, exhaustion, and a system that expects them to be superheroes withou...

07/15/2025

We’re uplifting the next generation by providing tools and strategies to manage anxiety and uncertainty. Sign your child up by 7/16 and invite a friend for free.

😌 Anxiety Relief Lab for Kids & Tweens

A one-day, hands-on workshop that empowers children to manage anxiety and build emotional strength in a supportive setting.

🧠 Two Age Groups:
👧 Ages 6–10 | 🧑 Ages 11–14
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 17
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
💲 Cost: $250 & Bring a Friend for FREE

🌟 What They’ll Learn:
Tools to calm anxious thoughts
Breathing and grounding techniques
How to face fears without avoidance
Coping strategies for home, school, and social settings
Confidence-building activities and peer support

🎨 Includes creative exercises, games, movement, and mindfulness—tailored by age group.

🎓 We are FES providers! The Unique Abilities Scholarship may fully cover the cost.

📍 Space is limited – don’t wait to register!
📞 813-395-9049 | 📧 info@herrerapsychology.com

07/12/2025

🎤 Caught mid-conversation — lit up by a topic close to my heart: youth mental health.

Every time I get to speak about the work we’re doing, I’m reminded why we show up every day. Our kids are navigating a complex world, and they need spaces that are safe, connected, and conscious.

I’m on a mission to uplift the next generation through connection, collaboration, and consciousness — because when young people feel seen, heard, and valued, they begin to believe in their own power to thrive. 💫

06/27/2025

🧠✨ BREAK FOR MOOSE! ✨🧠

While driving to the NHASP Conference in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I spotted a sign that said, “Break for Moose.” I asked ChatGPT to help me turn that into something meaningful for educators. The result? A powerful new acronym for emotional intelligence in education. 💡

🐾 MOOSE stands for:
Mindfulness – Stay present and self-aware to respond, not react.
Ownership – Take responsibility for your emotions and their impact.
Optimism – Cultivate hope, even in hard moments.
Social Awareness – Tune into the needs of students and colleagues.
Empathy in Action – Lead with compassion, always.

I created this visual to anchor educators in EQ strategies that are both practical and powerful. Because sometimes… inspiration comes from a roadside sign and a curious moment of pause. 🚸💭

Drop a 🫎 if you’re ready to lead with heart and MOOSE up your EQ!

06/03/2025

This is the second summer that we have partnered with Sunshine from Darkness to support youth resilience! Thank you for sharing this great photo 🥰

🌟The power of the Spark: June Youth Programs Spotlight! 🌟

We're thrilled to kick off summer with two exciting youth partnerships bringing creativity, education, and connection to our community!

Su
June 16–20 (no program June 19)
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
🎨 Weeklong workshop
💬 Includes quarterly check-ins to maintain momentum
🎥 Staff Orientation Workshop + Professional Development

June 23–27
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Includes 2025/2026 quarterly check-ins

These programs help empower our youth through creativity and brain-based learning — and we’re just getting started!