05/30/2026
Wow! Thank you for this lovely article and for sharing the importance of taking care of your mental health at all ages 🌟
This month for our Community Spotlight, I had the opportunity to sit down with Pietruck Therapy Services founder Lindsay Bailey. As we talked, one of the things that stood out almost immediately was just how many similarities there were between the work they do in the world of therapy and the work we strive to do each day here at CMSAA.
One example we discussed was something as simple, yet deeply meaningful, as the very first phone call. For many families, reaching out to a therapy practice can feel vulnerable and emotional. Lindsay shared how intentional their team is about creating a welcoming and compassionate experience from the very beginning, recognizing the courage it often takes for someone to ask for help or support. In many ways, we related to that deeply as a school community. When families call CMSAA for the first time, they are entrusting us with one of God’s greatest gifts, their children. That first interaction matters. Feeling seen, heard, and cared for matters.
Lindsay’s path into the field of therapy began with a natural love for connecting with people. After earning her Master’s in Social Work, she spent time working in home-based therapy, school social work, and even teaching within the University of Michigan’s Social Work program. Over time, the desire to build something of her own continued to grow. When the opportunity finally presented itself, she stepped forward in faith and launched what would eventually become Pietruck Therapy Services.
This year marks the practice’s 10-year anniversary. What began as a single shared office space has steadily grown into multiple locations filled with like-minded professionals who share the same heart for client-centered care. Lindsay shared that one of the biggest priorities throughout that growth has been maintaining what she described as a true “wow client experience.” From the first phone call to ongoing care, the team works intentionally to meet people where they are emotionally, mentally, and practically. Every detail matters, from creating a peaceful, home-like environment to thoughtfully pairing clients with therapists who are the best fit for their needs.
As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we also spent time talking about the changing conversation surrounding mental health. Lindsay reflected on how far society has come in reducing stigma around therapy and mental health support. She shared that therapy does not always have to begin because of a major crisis. Sometimes it is simply about processing the “noise of life,” navigating transitions, exploring personal growth, or having a safe sounding board during difficult seasons. Some people benefit from short-term support, while others find value in longer-term care and reflection.
One particularly meaningful part of our conversation centered around children and emotional development. Lindsay emphasized how important it is for adults to validate children’s emotions before immediately moving into problem-solving mode. Statements like, “I hear you, and that must feel frustrating,” help children feel safe, understood, and emotionally grounded. She also encouraged adults to model emotional regulation openly themselves, even verbalizing moments of frustration or the need for a break. Children learn so much from observing how trusted adults respond to emotions in healthy ways.
We also discussed the important role schools can play in helping normalize conversations around mental health. Just as we teach children to care for their physical health, emotional and mental health deserve the same attention and openness. Creating environments where feelings can be expressed safely helps remove shame and stigma while building lifelong emotional awareness and resilience.
Lindsay also shared a perspective that I found especially impactful: seeking support is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes our minds and bodies alert us that something deeper needs attention long before we fully understand it ourselves. Therapy can be an investment not only in the present moment, but also in one’s future well-being, relationships, and personal growth.
When asked about some of the most rewarding moments in therapy work, Lindsay smiled and explained that they celebrate both the large and the small victories. Sometimes progress looks like finally speaking aloud about something that once felt impossible to discuss. Other times it may simply mean responding differently to a situation that previously caused overwhelming emotional reactions. Those quiet “ah-ha” moments matter deeply.
Lindsay gave me a tour through the different therapy spaces, and once again I found myself noticing strong parallels to Montessori education. Each room had its own unique feel and personality, carefully and intentionally prepared to create comfort, peace, and safety for the people who would spend time there. In many ways, it reminded me of the intentionality we place into preparing Montessori environments for children. Even small details communicated care and purpose. One room even overlooked a bald eagle’s nest visible through the window, offering a quiet reminder of the beauty, calm, and sense of reflection that intentional spaces can provide.
By the end of our time together, it was clear that the heart behind Pietruck Therapy Services aligns closely with many of the values we hold dear at CMSAA: intentional care, respect for each individual journey, meeting people where they are, and creating environments where growth can happen safely and naturally.
