At The Mental Health Lab

10/22/2026

🙌Yay!! Charlie passed the Therapy Dog Certification Test! I couldn’t be happier with this Accomplishment! It was a goal that seemed so far away at one time! 🫶

At almost 16 months old now, he is still a pup with lots of energy! We still have a lot of work to do before he’s at work full time but he’ll be there a little more often once I work on my schedule. 💙

10/03/2026

10/03/2026

MOVE YOUR MIND- Park Run-Walk is happening now!

09/24/2026

👟 Put on your Walking Shoes and Let's Walk Together next Saturday, Oct. 3rd.

🚶🚶‍♀️Get Outside, Feel the Air, Take in All the Amazing Things and People Around, Participate in the Mental Wellness Stations, Learn about Community Resources, Say "Hi" to somebody you know or Meet Somebody New, Pet a Therapy Dog... All Great Things to Feel Good. Do It For YOURSELF!

😍After All.. Walking is one of the SIMPLEST and MOST EFFECTIVE Ways to Support YOUR MENTAL HEALTH! 💚

✋See you There..

07/20/2026

First time sponsoring the Poweshiek County Fair and the Extreme Bull Riding Event! Growing up in 4-H, I learned the value of community, hard work, and supporting one another. As a mental health professional, I’m honored to be able to give back and to support what can bring families together! 🐴 💚🍀

05/14/2026

It’s been awhile since Charlie’s been at work. I think he’s excited! 😍

05/07/2026

Attending IMHCA’s Annual conference! This 2 Day Conference is always a great way to gain some continuing education credits while learning about different topics and to meet some other great professionals!

💚Sessions I choose to attend this year includes:
*Ethics in Private Practice: How to NOT Lose Your License!
*Awakening the Therapist:Embodied Presence as a Tool for Transformation
*Protecting the Public: Avoiding Licensing Violations
*Advocacy and the National Landscape
*CCBHCs in Iowa: Changing Iowa’s Landscape for Improved Behavioral Health Care
*Keynote: From Survival to Connection- A Polyvagal Map for Human resilience.
*Polyvagal in Practice: Applied Skills for Clinicians
*Legislative Update

04/24/2026

💛🐾 Charlie (9.5 months/41 wks., 67lbs) continues to rock training classes! Last night he passed the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC) and the United Kennel Club’s Socialized Pet Obedience Test (SPOT)!! 🙌🥇

🐕 To pass he had too: walk with a loose leash, leave it, show doorway manners, load and unload, move with other dog distractions, show manners with distractions, greet an approaching stranger, sit and down on command, pass the grooming exam, come on command and stay in place! Whew!! 🤩
💛Nice work Charlie!

🐾 ❤️He has done such an Pawesome job!
Next up is therapy dog training but we’re going to take a break from class to support and watch youth sports, enjoy Summer and practice our skills..

💚Therapist in Training!

03/02/2026

Charlie’s Intermediate Graduation pictures and celebratory pup cup! Doesn’t he look so dapper? 💙🎓🥳

02/20/2026

⭐️Charlie is 33 weeks old now and around 60lbs. He’s growing so fast and we continue to work hard towards his therapy dog certification!
It’s Definitely not a fast process, some weeks are better than others and patience continues to be MY test of time! 🤣
Here are some pictures of his training in the Intermediate Obedience class at Who’s Leading Who, right here in Grinnell! We will be wrapping this class up soon, I’ll post graduation pics! 🤪❤️🫶
Charlie also goes to doggy daycare there 2-3 times each week to play and socialize 😍
Next we will start the AKC Canine Good Citizen Class! 🙌