First Five & Beyond, LLC

10/05/2025

💜 Domestic Violence Awareness Month 💜

Domestic violence doesn’t just affect the person being abused. It deeply impacts the children who witness it.

Even when children aren’t physically harmed, they often see, hear, or feel the tension, fear, and instability in their environment. This can lead to:

Increased anxiety and depression

Sleep disturbances or regression

Aggression or withdrawal at home or school

Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe

Challenges in emotional regulation and attachment

Children learn from what they see and when violence is present, their sense of safety and understanding of love can become distorted.

When caregivers experience abuse, their ability to be emotionally available to their children can also be affected. Healing must include both the survivor and the child, rebuilding safety, connection, and trust one day at a time.

If you or someone you know needs help:
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
💬 Text “START” to 88788
🌐 thehotline.org

You are not alone. Support is available. Healing is possible. 💜

09/30/2025

✨ To all my former child clients ✨

Back then, many of you were told I was a “tutor.” We played, laughed, worked on homework, talked about school, home, and life. Years later, you’ve probably realized 😊 I wasn’t just your “tutor,” I was your therapist. 💚

To my clients: I hope you’re doing well. You are always in my heart. 💫

To the parents who showed me kindness along the way — thank you. Your support meant the world.

And to the parents who may not have understood the reasons, the modality of prevention, as well as intervention — please know I always led with compassion and curiosity, and I’ve never held anything against you.

Much love, always. 🌿
Love & light ✨

Picture 📸: Unknown

09/28/2025

Babies learn by watching and listening.
Your words, your tone, your calm, it's all teaching.
Every moment is a chance to model empathy, respect and love.

They’re not just listening.
They’re becoming.

08/14/2025

🌿 Rooted Like Bamboo 🌿

Last Friday, I had the privilege of providing a training for two amazing preschools here in Florida on Strengthening Culture, Professionalism, and Wellness in Early Education.

We explored:🔎

Building a Positive School Culture

Professionalism and Work Ethics

Respectful Tone and Communication

Mental Wellness for Educators

Conscious Discipline Strategies

Positive Behavior Support Approaches

Each participant received a gift of bamboo, a living symbol of strength, flexibility, and resilience along with a pocket-sized journal.

✏️ Using plant picks, we wrote down qualities that we share with bamboo and reflected on this question:

What kind of energy, mindset, or habit do you want to plant in your work this year?

🌿 Bamboo reminds us that even when growth isn’t visible, strong roots are forming beneath the surface. With patience, care, and the right environment, we can flourish in ways we never imagined.

My hope is that each educator left feeling rooted, inspired, and ready to grow as they step into the new school year. 🌱

Personalized Labels:

08/06/2025

Saturday 👇🏾

What Every Parent and Early Childhood Professional Needs to Know About Trauma and Healing

07/24/2025

✨ Exciting News! ✨

I’m proud to share that I am now officially an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist (I/ECMH-E®) through the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health (FAIMH)! With Funding from the Florida Blue Foundation.

I’ve been part of FAIMH since 2018, growing through multiple levels of their endorsement process. Each step has deepened my dedication to supporting infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families through culturally sensitive, relationship-focused mental health care.

For many, infant and early childhood mental health is an unfamiliar concept, but it’s vital. These early years lay the foundation for a child’s emotional well-being, relationships, and resilience. Supporting the bond between young children and their caregivers can prevent future challenges and help families thrive.

As a licensed therapist, this milestone is deeply meaningful. From a young age, I’ve been passionate about working with children, helping them grow, 🌱 empowering caregivers, and creating spaces where connection and emotional wellness can flourish.

FAIMH’s Endorsement® reflects a commitment to high standards, reflective practice, and the power of relationships in early childhood mental health. I’m grateful for this journey, proud of the work we do, and excited to continue supporting families during these foundational years 👏🏽 .