First Five & Beyond, LLC

01/28/2026

So proud to see the powerful work of Camile Gayle, LCSW (Florida & New York) featured in Palm Beach Mom Collective 👩🏿‍🦰👩 👩‍🦰👩‍🦳

Her article, “The Art of Protecting Your Energy While Caring for Others,” speaks directly to so many women who give endlessly, to their families, partners, careers, and communities often at the expense of themselves.

Camile beautifully explores sustainable self-care, co-regulation, and the importance of releasing what is not ours to carry. (Woo, let's say this again 🗣 This is an important reminder that caring for others does not require self-abandonment and that protecting your energy is not selfish, it’s essential ✍️🏽

If you are someone who holds a lot for others, this piece is absolutely worth the read ❣️

Protecting your energy while caring for others is not only possible, it is transformative. By prioritizing self care, practicing co-regulation, and regularly observing and replenishing your own energy, you can better care for yourself, your colleagues, and your loved ones in ways that are sustainabl...

01/27/2026

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01/24/2026

🌻

Today was such a meaningful day 💖 I had the honor of presenting at a local Elementary School with an incredible group of 5th-grade girls as part of the Girl Power Group created and led by Ms. Chambers.

🗣 We had open and honest conversations about what healthy friendships look like, how to recognize unhealthy friendships, the importance of boundaries, using words of affirmation in friendships, believing in yourself, and the real dangers of gossip and group chats.

Every single girl participated, shared, and showed so much insight, courage, and kindness 💚.

It was truly inspiring to witness their voices, confidence, and willingness to learn and grow 🌻

I had an amazing time with this powerful group of young women, and I’m so grateful to be part of spaces that help girls build confidence, self-respect, and strong relationships. The future is in great hands ✨

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 👏🏽 .

07/06/2025

Community, Service and Family Values 🥰

04/30/2025

💚 May 2025 💚

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Here I am wearing my green "Children’s Mental Health Matters" shirt from the Florida Association of Infant Mental Health to show my support and advocacy for a community that’s close to my heart.

👶🏾 I will also be wearing my shirt on May 7th for National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.

Green is the official color of Mental Health Awareness because it represents new life, growth, and hope. And what better place to nurture that growth than in our children?

As an early childhood mental health clinician and therapist, I believe that children’s mental health is just as vital as their physical health. Early experiences shape the way young minds develop, how they form relationships, and how they learn to cope with life’s challenges.

When we support children’s mental wellness, we’re investing in healthier families, stronger communities, and a more emotionally resilient future.

🧠 Let’s break the stigma. 🌱 Let’s speak up for the little ones who can’t yet speak for themselves. 💚 Let’s wear green for growth, healing, and hope.

02/05/2025