Healthy Connections
Healthy Connections Community Mental Health Center has been providing mental health services for children and adults for 18 years, but during the past five years, the center has focused primarily on children from K-12.
Healthy Connections was founded by two psychotherapists: Prince Drago and Beatriz Martinez-Peñalver. Together they have more than 50 years of experience in the mental health field. They are passionate about introducing emotional literacy into the school curriculum. Is it their dream to make emotional literacy an integral part of the education system. Beatriz believes that in addition to learning about history, language arts, science and math, children need to be taught how to find fulfillment and truly be happy. Only two states have introduced emotional literacy classes into their curriculum. Beatriz and Prince both hope to see that number grow by leaps and bounds. This is an important step in order to prepare a child’s mindset for happiness and success in life.
A Step in the Right Direction
With this in mind, in 2015 Beatriz developed Triumph Steps, an innovative eight-step program that brings emotional literacy and mental wellness to all students. Most importantly, Triumph Steps focuses on giving children the tools they need to be happy. Check out the video below to learn more.
The idea is that “triumph” will be earned by following this program. The plan also includes a student workbook and audio and visual components. It’s an easy to follow program that will benefit your children for years to come.
Now that the school year has come to an end and summer is in full swing, this is the ideal time to learn more about Triumph Steps and get your children set up for success before the new school year begins. Families can complete the coaching sessions in 4-6 weeks and keep the other tools to use the rest of the year.
Achieving Unlimited Potential
The team at Healthy Connections wants to arm parents with the tools they need to better understand the connection between children’s thoughts and emotions. By empowering parents, they can make sure their children acknowledge their unlimited potential.
The ultimate goal is for children to thrive and be happy.
One simple step parents can implement to help their children is to end the day with a GLAD gratitude list, Beatriz says. Just keep a notebook or journal handy and at the end of each day, you and your kids write down the following:
- G) Something you take for Granted that you should be grateful for.
- L) Something you Learned that you should be grateful for.
- A) Something you Achieved that you should be grateful for.
- D) Something that Delighted you that you should be grateful for.
Healthy Connections recently became one of Miami-Dade County Public School’s official mental wellness partners where they refer children who need help. Beatriz and her team also work with school PTA’s to lead one-hour workshops and introduce school-based therapeutic services to help children find happiness. In addition, they offer Triumph parties for Moms in the comfort of your home.
The center is located at 2780 SW 37th Avenue. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 305-646-0112 or visit www.healthyconnectionscmhc.org or www.triumphsteps.com.
