Florissa

12/22/2025

The holiday break is a wonderful time for families to reconnect, but it can also be tough for children when routines shift and familiar patterns change. To help kids adjust, maintain some structure and routines. For example, you and your child could create a flexible schedule for the day so they know what to expect (and what is expected of them). Incorporate fun traditions, creative activities, and family time together (games, conversations, movies). Supporting children through changes in routines helps them feel safe and calm, making the season brighter for everyone. Happy Holidays from Florissa!

12/17/2025

At Florissa, we view youth through a developmental and trauma informed lens. 🔍

Dr. Gabor Maté’s discussion on trauma and healing aligns with this approach as he highlights how early experiences impact emotional regulation, self-concept, and connection, as well as how compassion plays a central role in healing.

A meaningful listen for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting children’s emotional well-being. 🌱

🎧 Why You Feel Lost in Life: Dr. Gabor Maté on Trauma & How to Heal

Learn how early experiences impact your self-worth, relationships, and patterns like stress, addiction, and people-pleasing.

12/12/2025

Best Books about Kids Mental Health 2025!

https://childmind.org/article/the-best-kids-books-about-mental-health-of-2025/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=pub-ed-nl-2025-11-25&utm_content=the-best-kids-books-about-mental-health-of-2025-read-morelth

Explore our favorite 2025 children's books on mental health. Our list covers a variety of topics from ADHD to autism to body image.

12/11/2025

Mindfulness for parents - because even the kindest hearts need a reset sometimes 💖 (and hiding in the pantry isn’t a long-term strategy 😉)

Lauren Balkan, LCSW, will introduce parents to practical mindfulness tools they can use to reduce their own stress and support their child’s emotional regulation. Learn strategies to handle big emotions, reduce anxiety, and build connections and emotional strength at home.

This workshop introduces parents to practical mindfulness tools they can use to reduce their own stress and support their child’s emotional regulation. You'll learn how mindfulness helps calm the nervous system, decrease reactivity, and build resilience in the face of everyday challenges. Parents ...

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

Dr. Lauren’s talk is fast approaching. Join tomorrow!

A one-hour presentation and discussion with child clinical psychologist, Lauren Hauck, PhD.

12/03/2025

“…Expectations run high for holiday celebrations and family gatherings. But all that excitement — and the break from school — can be overwhelming for some kids, especially those with sensory challenges, ADHD, anxiety, or autism spectrum disorder. With a little planning, and a willingness to adapt, everyone in the family can feel their best and enjoy themselves.”

Here are some great ways to make your holiday celebrations kid friendly!

This time of year, expectations run high for holiday celebrations and family gatherings. But all that excitement — and the break from school — can be overwhelming for some kids, especially those with sensory challenges, ADHD, anxiety, or autism spectrum disorder. With a little planning, and a wi...

12/01/2025

Our very own, Dr. Lauren Hauck, is presenting virtually this Wednesday, December 10, from 7:00-8:00pm for Mental Health America of Illinois. Sign up is open!

https://www.mhai.org/event-details/house-rules-for-successful-parentingber

A one-hour presentation and discussion with child clinical psychologist, Lauren Hauck, PhD.

11/25/2025

We are excited too! We’re beyond grateful for the funding to support our community. 😌

In recognition of National Family Week, we are excited to highlight one of our grantees - Kreider Services, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing meaningful supports to people with disabilities to live, work and fully participate in their communities. TCI awarded Kreider Services with a $149,969 grant to expand Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) evaluation services at its Florissa Pediatric Development Center.

The Strengthening Families and Communities grant will also support training for healthcare and early childhood providers to recognize prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), refer children for evaluation, and implement the only evidence-based parenting intervention proven effective for children affected by PAE. For more information about Kreider Services, visit https://florissacenter.org/

11/21/2025

We’ve had a busy few weeks at Florissa! Our staff recently provided three community trainings to partners across the area, and we’re so grateful for every opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and learn together.

Ogle County Educational Cooperative
4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care
CASA - 15th District

Whether in person or virtual, part of a conference or small gathering, supporting our community is at the heart of what we do, and we’re thankful to be part of a network that cares so deeply about children and families!

11/17/2025

Help prepare your kids for Thanksgiving gatherings! Below is a social narrative created last year by the Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD). To use this story, sit together with your child when they are calm and attentive. Share this story with them before you gather with family or friends. Review it as many times as your child is interested in it. 😊 Or create your own narrative with real-life pictures that highlight the activities your family will engage in. Social narratives help prepare children for events, teaches them expected behaviors, and decreases their anxiety and distress.
Happy Thanksgiving!

11/13/2025

Our new sign is up and looks great! A reminder that our entrance is in the back of the building at 144 North Court in Dixon. 😉 Thank you to OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center for installing the sign!