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Monthly Message: WonderTree joins Orangeville community

November 14, 2024   ·   0 Comments

Hello, Orangeville! We’re Dr. Michelle Fardella and Dr. Stephanie Lavoie, co-founders of WonderTree Child, Adolescent, and Family Practice in Orangeville. Our clinic is dedicated to supporting families through the unique challenges and joys of raising kids today.

As psychologists and parents, ourselves, we know how challenging it can be to find the right support for children when they’re struggling. That’s why we’re here—to be a safe, welcoming space where families can find the wrap-around care children and teens need to thrive.

We’re excited to connect with you regularly in The Citizen, sharing our insights and answering some of the most common questions and concerns we hear from parents. Whether you’re here to understand your child’s development better, explore ways to support resilience, or feel a little more supported yourself, we look forward to being on this journey with you.

Introducing WonderTree

WonderTree is dedicated to providing families with quick access to a range of services tailored to each child’s unique needs. We’re a team of psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, and developmental specialists who work together to support children from all angles. We want kids and their families to feel understood, supported, and empowered.

Our services include comprehensive psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological assessments, which help families understand their child’s strengths and challenges. With customized recommendations, we work to support success at school and home. For children needing help with sensory, motor, or daily living skills, our occupational therapist and developmental service worker bring hands-on strategies to help kids thrive.

When it comes to preparing for the future, we’re here to help neurodivergent teens and young adults develop job skills, along with providing executive functioning coaching to build essential skills like organization, time management, and focus. These are often crucial for kids’ success in school and life — especially those who struggle with attention or staying on task.

Therapy is also at the heart of what we do. Our compassionate team provides individual therapy for children and teens, helping them build emotional resilience and learn effective coping skills. For parents, we offer coaching sessions that equip caregivers with practical tools to manage stress and foster a nurturing home environment. We believe that parents are key partners in a child’s development, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

For families considering medication as part of their child’s care, our team provides thoughtful, balanced medication management for mental health concerns like anxiety, OCD, depression, and ADHD. We’re here to work alongside you, ensuring every aspect of care is carefully tailored to what’s best for your family.

WonderTree also offers educational consultation services, which include advocacy and help with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), to guide families as they navigate the school system. We know this process can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Together, our team works to consider the whole child — not just one part of their needs.

Current Trends in Children’s Mental Health

In recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 lockdowns, there’s been a steady rise in children and teens experiencing mental health concerns. More kids are facing challenges like anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties, and we know that parenting today isn’t easy.

As the world becomes more complicated, kids often feel pressure in ways we might not have experienced growing up.

It’s important for parents to be aware of signs that their child might need extra support. Some things to watch for include mood swings, changes in sleep or appetite, avoiding friends or family, or struggling with schoolwork. Even physical symptoms, like frequent stomachaches, can sometimes signal emotional distress.

Building a partnership with teachers and other school staff can also provide valuable insight into how your child is doing outside of the home.

Everyday Strategies for Parents

Supporting children’s mental health doesn’t have to be complex. There are simple ways to help your child every day. Creating a predictable routine, for example, can reduce anxiety — kids thrive on consistency and knowing what to expect.

Taking a few minutes each day to talk with your child about their feelings can also make a big difference. Even if they’re not ready to open up right away, knowing you’re there to listen without judgment is reassuring.

Encouraging physical activity, healthy sleep habits, and time for unstructured play are also great ways to boost mood and build resilience.

Sometimes it’s the little things, like family meals or bedtime stories, that help kids feel secure and valued.

A Warm Welcome to Our Clinic

At WonderTree, our goal is to create a warm, supportive environment where families feel cared for. We know that reaching out for help isn’t always easy, but we’re here to make that first step as comfortable as possible. Whether you’re seeking support for your child’s mental health, need guidance with academic challenges, or simply want to better understand your child’s unique strengths, we’re here for you.

As we continue this column on a monthly basis, we’ll be addressing common questions we receive from families. Expect insights and practical strategies on topics like supporting emotional regulation, what to do if a teacher raises concerns, and how to help youth with ADHD.

We look forward to being part of your child’s journey and supporting the Orangeville community as a whole.

If you’re curious to learn more or would like to meet with one of our team members, please reach out! We’d love to discuss how we can support your family.

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