“When it looked like the sun wasn’t going to shine anymore, there’s a rainbow in the clouds.”

– Maye Angelou

 

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, my heart guided me to the field of counseling.  My journey began in 1998 when I received a Master’s Degree in Elementary School Counseling from the Pennsylvania State University.  I have worked as an elementary school counselor in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

During a workshop for school counselors, I was informed of the Safe Harbor Program at Abington Hospital in Willowgrove, PA.   It was essential for me to be a part of this amazing program, so I completed a grief facilitator training in 2004.  Safe Harbor is a center that facilitates support groups for children/teens who are grieving a significant loss.  The center also offers a week-long camp in the summer called Camp Charlie.  Currently, I am a volunteer facilitator for a 6 to 7-year-old group.  The children at Safe Harbor inspire me to look for the rainbows in the sky.

Children experience many different losses throughout their lives.  Change is inevitable.  Moving, the death of a pet or loved one, a breakup of a friendship, illness, divorce, and natural disasters are examples of losses.  Children grieve in different ways than adults.  My blog will provide information on helping the emotional, social, and academic needs of children.

Please take the opportunity to follow my blog and receive posts through e-mail.  Writing books for children is also a passion of mine.  It is my hope to make a positive difference in their lives with my stories.

You can also access my blog by going to http://www.jonihaypatras.com

 

Sincerely,

 

Joni Hay Patras

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