BY: SONJA PIERSON, MBA, LMHC

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and gratitude, observed in the United States to honor the brave men and women who have lost their lives while serving in the military. Originally called Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War as a way to honor fallen soldiers. Over the years, it has expanded to recognize all military personnel who died in service to the country, and it is observed on the last Monday of May each year. Memorial Day is not just about barbecues and sales; it’s a solemn occasion to reflect on the sacrifices made by countless individuals to protect the freedoms we enjoy.

On Memorial Day, people across the country participate in various ceremonies and traditions to pay their respects. Many visit cemeteries, where flags are placed on graves of veterans, and participate in parades that feature military honors and veterans marching in tribute to their fallen comrades. In Washington, D.C., the most well-known ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery. There, the president or another high-ranking official lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, symbolizing respect and remembrance for all unaccounted-for service members.

The day also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting veterans and their families throughout the year. While Memorial Day focuses on those who have died, it also brings awareness to the struggles faced by living veterans who may be dealing with physical injuries, PTSD, or other challenges. By honoring their memory and supporting those who have served, we help ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten, and we foster a culture of respect and gratitude for our nation’s heroes.

The post Memorial Day appeared first on Pillars of Wellness.

By: Suzanne Hedrick

We’re excited to share a special story from one of our own team members, Suzanne Hedrick. After spending over three decades in a previous role, Suzanne made the leap to join Pillars of Wellness just over two years ago. In this blog, she reflects on her journey, what it’s been like to find a true work family, and why Pillars has been such a life-changing experience for her.

I joined Pillars of Wellness just a little over two years ago, and let me tell you it has been life-changing! Before coming here, I worked at the same job for 32 years, and honestly, it was tough. I carried so much stress, and towards the end I never felt like I had the support I needed. Making the decision to leave was scary, but looking back now, it was absolutely the BEST decision I could have ever made.

From day one at Pillars, I felt something different, something special. This isn’t just a workplace, it’s a family. I can feel the support flowing from every direction: my coworkers, the directors, and everyone in between. No matter what comes up in my day, I know I’m not handling it alone. We truly work together as a team, and that teamwork makes all the difference in fulfilling our purpose.

And can I just say – I LOVE my job! I LOVE Pillars! The heart of this company is incredible. Every single person here cares so deeply, not only for our clients but for each other and our whole community. You can feel it in the way the admin team works tirelessly, in how the therapists pour themselves into their clients, and in the leadership’s constant commitment to making sure staff are supported. It’s not just words—they really show it in everything they do.

I’ve never seen a company that cares about its employees the way Pillars does. They value us as people, not just workers. And because of that, there’s this ripple effect you can feel the love and care from the top all the way down to the client level. It’s such a beautiful thing to be part of, knowing our efforts contribute to a larger purpose.

After 32 years somewhere else, I didn’t even realize a workplace like this could exist. Pillars is truly amazing. It is hands down, the BEST place I’ve ever worked. Every morning, I wake up excited to be part of this mission and this team. And that, to me, is priceless.

Stop looking, your work home is right here at Pillars of Wellness! Come be part of the BEST team ever and see why we all LOVE what we do!

The post Discovering Support, Growth, and Purpose appeared first on Pillars of Wellness.

The post Finding My Therapy Home appeared first on Pillars of Wellness.

By: Jessi Kiefor, LMHC-A

I used to swear I’d never work in outpatient therapy. It felt boring. Predictable. I had this image in my head of the work being like Groundhog Day: the same clients, same topics, same four walls every single day. I was worried I’d burn out fast, or worse, feel stuck.
But somewhere along the way, Pillars of Wellness completely changed my mind.
What started as a curiosity, maybe even skepticism, turned into one of the most fulfilling and dynamic chapters of my career.
What made the difference? First, it wasn’t cookie-cutter outpatient. I got to pick clients based on my clinical interests, which helped keep the work fresh and exciting. Instead of getting boxed into one area, I was encouraged to stretch into different projects like taking on intakes, creating CEU trainings, stepping into a leadership role, even collaborating with local sports teams.
That variety didn’t just keep me engaged; it helped me grow. I’ve had the chance to present to mental health professionals in the community, build programming from scratch, and dive deep into my passion for OCD treatment. All with the kind of encouragement and support that’s actually genuine, not just talked about in a handbook.
And then there’s the flexibility. I’ve been able to build a schedule that actually fits my life—not the other way around. I can plan around family events, personal responsibilities, or even just time I know I need to recharge. It’s allowed me to be a better therapist and a more balanced human.
Plus, the people? The kind of coworkers who show up to the office in full costume on Halloween. That kind of energy matters more than people realize.
If you had told me a few years ago that outpatient work would be what reignited my passion for this field, I would’ve raised an eyebrow at you. But I’ve come to learn something really important: how we mentally characterize a situation has a profound impact on how we respond to it emotionally. That “framing effect” was true for me. Once I stopped viewing agency work as something limiting and started seeing it as something that could be versatile, supported, and meaningful—everything changed.
I’m really glad I was wrong.
If you’re looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, and actually enjoy coming to work, I’d encourage you to consider joining our team at Pillars of Wellness: Join Our Team

The post I Swore I’d Never Work in Outpatient. Now, I Can’t Imagine Leaving.  appeared first on Pillars of Wellness.

By: Sonja, MBA, MS.Ed., NCC, LMHC

Since 2006, May has been a time to acknowledge the importance of children’s mental health. It is an opportunity to emphasize that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development from birth. This month also promotes youth development, resiliency, and recovery, as well as the transformation of mental health service delivery for children, adolescents, and their families.

Children’s mental health is just as important as their physical health, yet it often goes unnoticed. Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and stress can affect kids in many ways, from their behavior and school performance to their ability to form relationships. Just like adults, children need emotional support and understanding to navigate difficult feelings. Early intervention can make a huge difference in helping children develop healthy coping mechanisms, build resilience, and feel safe expressing their emotions.

Raising awareness about children’s mental health is crucial for creating a supportive environment at home, school, and in the community. By encouraging open conversations about feelings, teaching kids how to recognize and manage their emotions, and reducing the stigma around mental health, we can help children grow into confident, emotionally well-adjusted adults. When children know they’re not alone and that it’s okay to ask for help, they’re more likely to reach out when they need support—setting the foundation for better mental well-being throughout their lives.

This summer, we’re putting these values into action through our mental wellness-focused summer camp for children.
Our camp combines fun, connection, and emotional growth, helping kids learn how to manage big feelings, build healthy friendships, and gain confidence in a safe, supportive setting.

📩 Spots are limited—reach out today to get your child signed up and give them the gift of mental strength this summer!

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