Sonshine Counseling Services

03/28/2026

SonShine Counseling is pleased to announce that Meire Palmer, MA, MS, Board Certified Music Therapist, FL Registered Mental Health Counselor (IMH 2657) is accepting new patients. She is supervised by Kelly Beck, MS, LMHC-QS, CMHC, NBCCH. Meire is a dedicated and experienced board-certified music therapist with 20 years in the clinical field, working with various populations. She holds a degree in mental health counseling. Ms. Palmer's genuine ability to build rapport with her clients is a corner stone of her practice, allowing for meaningful experiences that help clients navigate their challenges and achieve personal growth. She integrates holistic concepts into her work, focusing on the strengths and uniqueness of each client. Her background is working with military with TBI’s (Traumatic Brain Injuries) and PTSD. She will be providing reduced rates. Please call 850-243-0095 for more information or to schedule with Meire.

03/07/2026

Come join us!

✨ A new chapter for our community is about to begin. ✨

Advanced Sacred Hope Academy is preparing to open its doors, and gratitude fills every part of this moment.

What began as a vision for a place where children can grow, learn, and be supported has expanded into something much bigger | A mission made possible by the generosity, encouragement, and belief of this incredible community.

Because of the people, families, and businesses who stepped forward, the dream now has space to grow. The expansion of this mission creates room for infinite possibility: for students, for families, and for the future of education in our area.

🎀 Join us for the ASHA Grand Opening
📅 Wednesday, March 18
📍 106 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach

Ribbon Cuttings: 9:00–10:00 AM (Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview)
Community Celebration: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Expect a joyful day with:
🎪 Carnival-themed Vendor Village
🍴 Food trucks
🏰 Bounce house
🎨 Face painting
🎁 Giveaways and community connection

This celebration belongs to the entire community that helped bring it to life.

Thank you for believing in the mission of Advanced Sacred Hope Academy. The journey is just beginning. 💙

Destin Chamber of Commerce Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce

02/27/2026

Denmark is officially moving away from the cry it out method after a nationwide study revealed it was still being taught in most municipalities. More than 700 psychologists signed a unified statement urging immediate discontinuation of the practice. They emphasized that prolonged crying without comfort elevates cortisol and affects how the infant brain forms emotional and stress regulation pathways. This national push reflects growing scientific awareness of early neural sensitivity.
Researchers highlight that when babies cry alone, their stress signals rise sharply. Without caregiver response, the brain begins wiring for self protection rather than trust. These early patterns influence later attachment styles emotional stability and even learning behavior. Denmark’s decision aligns with decades of neuroscience showing that infants depend on caregiver regulation to build healthy neural circuits.
Despite this, the cry it out approach continues to be recommended in parts of the U.S. where outdated models of infant independence remain common. Scientists argue that babies do not learn self soothing through isolation. Instead they learn through repeated experiences of comfort which stabilize heart rate breathing and emotional processing. This helps form long term resilience.
Denmark’s shift highlights a global conversation about infant well being. The science is clear. Responding to a baby’s distress supports healthier development than leaving them to cry alone.

02/07/2026

We want to take a moment to remind our community about an important resource that can make a real difference during emergencies.

We made a post today about, our deputies who responded to a tragic incident involving a non-verbal adult who was unable to communicate critical information in a moment of crisis. This heartbreaking situation reinforces our commitment to being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

💙 The SAFE Program was developed right here in Santa Rosa County and is gaining national recognition for its impact and effectiveness. This voluntary program helps first responders better understand and assist individuals with special needs or vulnerabilities when seconds matter most.

✔️ Supports individuals who may have difficulty communicating
✔️ Provides vital information to deputies, firefighters, and EMS
✔️ Promotes dignity, understanding, and safer outcomes for everyone involved

When a SAFE sticker is displayed, first responders know to approach the situation with added care and awareness.

➡️ Learn more or sign up for the SAFE Program:
🔗 https://santarosasheriff.org/safe-program/

Your voluntarily participation could help save a life. 💙

01/29/2026

✨🌙 Midsummer’s Night Dream 🌙✨
Saturday, February 7, 2026 4:30PM - 9:00PM
Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a-midsummers-night-dream

ASHA is inviting you to a night made for laughter, connection, and a little magic. 💫

Bring your partner, your best friends, or both, and enjoy an evening filled with dreamy vibes, fairy lights, and moments worth remembering. Dress up, feel cute, laugh often, and let the night be about togetherness and fun. ✨💕

We can’t wait to spend this magical evening with you. 🌸🌙

01/27/2026

🌿🧘 Tai Chi for Seniors
Improve balance, strength, and confidence through Tai Chi. Seniors of all experience levels are welcome.

📅 Tuesday, Jan 27 | 4–5 PM
📍 Meeting Room
📝 Registration required
📞 850-669-0579 | 📧 jennifer@wfahec.org
🤝 Community Event

11/15/2025