The Beehive Alliance

"My professional background is in teaching and behavior analysis, specifically working within the Autism community. I have always felt inspired by not only the kids with whom I have worked but the opportunity I had to work for Nationwide Children's Hospital at their Autism Center. When I left to stay home with my children, I longed for a way to give back to the hospital and community with whom I had worked so closely. We are so fortunate to have Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Behavioral Health Pavilion here in Columbus serving our children when they need its services. With the emergent pediatric mental health crisis, now is the time for our community to come together and support this incredible hospital and the many programs they have developed to combat this crisis."

"As a former 4th grade teacher, I watched students struggle with anxiety and other behavioral and mental health challenges. Not only was it difficult at times to find the resources these children and their families needed, but the stigma often prevented them from seeking help. After losing a former student, I realized that mental health challenges don't discriminate - even the outwardly happiest children from the most loving families need support. Now as a parent of 3, pediatric mental health feels even more personal. My children and my former students are the fuel behind every thing I do for the Beehive."

"As a former preschool aid and teacher who worked directly with students with behavioral health needs, I saw firsthand what a deep support system can do for not only the child but for the parents. Creating environments for children and families to get the resources they need, surrounded by unwavering support and reduced stigmas, can change the trajectory of a child's life. Beehive Alliance supports and funds easy access to these life-changing resources and I am so proud to be a part of this movement!"

"I was involved in a pediatric non-profit throughout high school & college and was looking for something that filled this passion in my adult life. The Beehive Alliance has done just that! With all that has happened over the last two years, pediatric mental health seems more relevant than ever and I am proud to be a part of an organization that focuses its efforts on this. My favorite thing about the Beehive Alliance is it's "grassroots" nature and how much of an impact we are making within the greater Columbus community and beyond in such a short amount of time! I am excited to see what 2022 has in store!"

"I was introduced to the Beehive Alliance through a friend from work and I immediately joined after learning about their mission. As a parent who has navigated mental and behavioral health needs for my own children, my heart was drawn. I love how our partnership with the Nationwide Children's Behavioral Health Pavilion encourages children to feel their feelings and through a holistic approach supports them in their journey. The efforts of the Beehive Alliance are first and foremost about awareness but also focused on the funding needed for care and programming. I truly believe the work we do positively impacts those who deserve it most, our children!"

"Beehive Alliance was the exact thing I’ve been waiting to be involved with. As a former elementary educator, I had watched our young students show up with increasing levels of anxiety that was leaving them uncertain and lacking confidence. It was time for mental health to come to the forefront of children’s overall health. 

Last year I loved watching my three children share my passion through the Lemonade Stand. They helped raise nearly $400 for our mission."

"Having 3 young children and seeing the range of emotions they go through on a daily basis really got me paying closer attention to pediatric mental health. When I saw the work that was being done by On Our Sleeves in 2018 it resonated with me, so I sent an email inquiring on how to get involved. A few weeks later I was connected with Taylor, as she shared a similar passion and desire to get involved, and the idea of The Beehive Alliance was born. I love the small, but mighty, group we have formed and the positive impact we are having on pediatric behavioral health in our local community!"

As a new mother of two young kids, both born during a global pandemic, my curiosity of mental health impacts on children continued to rise. My sister is also a pediatric psych nurse and one of my personal role models for the impact she makes in her field. I want to be part of a movement that changes stigmas around mental health and works to provide resources to children and families in need. The Beehive Alliance helps fulfill me in more ways than I knew possible & I'm so excited for the bright future ahead."