"Last year my mom was stressed and angry all the time. A lot has changed between us. Our home feels more peaceful now."

Amy’s mom was the first in the family to connect with the Wheaton High School Wellness Center, joining “Café Para Mamas,” a group where parents talk openly about parenting challenges and share ideas. She definitely had a challenge in her relationship with Amy and felt it would be good for her daughter to participate in the social and emotional skill building programs and activities offered by the Wellness Center.

Amy, then in 9th grade, says she had a tense relationship with her mom but eventually took a chance with the Wellness Center. She says it took months before she could trust the staff and other students enough to open up. When she finally shared that she and her mom were constantly fighting, the staff stepped in to help them both learn new ways to communicate and show respect.

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“Last year my mom was stressed and angry all the time,” Amy says. “ A lot has changed between us. Our home feels more peaceful now. I feel more valued and respected, and I worked to improve my attendance and grades so my mom would worry less.”
Now a 10th grader, Amy is very active at the Wellness Center, joining programs and field trips as well as stopping by each day to check in with staff and hang out with friends.

Amy hopes the Wellness Center will be there for teens like her for years to come.

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Amy, her mom and younger sister participate in a Wellness Center family picnic with arts and mindfulness activities guided by a therapist to make the most of the healing powers of nature.

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