Wild Ember Psychiatry & Therapy

10/09/2026

💚 Today is World PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day. 💚

No child should have to fight a battle within their own mind and body, especially one they cannot understand, control, or put into words.

For children living with PANS/PANDAS, childhood can change seemingly overnight. Laughter, joy, and carefree moments may suddenly be replaced by overwhelming anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD), emotional outbursts, fear, and struggles that leave both children and their families searching for answers.

We believe that behind every behavior is a child who deserves to be seen, heard, and understood.

These children are not choosing their struggles. They are not simply being difficult, defiant, or overly emotional. They may be experiencing symptoms of a complex medical condition that deserves recognition, appropriate evaluation, and compassionate care.

And behind every child is often a family fighting an invisible battle of their own: searching for answers, advocating for their child, and holding on to hope.

Awareness matters. Early recognition matters. Compassion matters.

Sometimes, understanding that a sudden change in a child’s behavior may have an underlying medical cause can be the first step toward getting them the help they need.

10/07/2026

For those who have been following our newest journey, the ladies are officially home. Meet Polly Pocket and Lady Luck. 🤎

These first 24 hours have been bittersweet as they settle in. We don’t know how long they’ve gone without consistent handling and care, but their hooves tell part of the story. Our mini can barely walk because her feet are so overgrown. She’ll meet the farrier tomorrow, and we’ll begin working on a plan. With our mustang, we’re still figuring out the safest place to start.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get them safely loaded for their vet appointment this morning. Given their condition, Marc and I weren’t willing to push them beyond what they could handle. Their physical safety and emotional wellbeing come first.

After four hours of simply sharing space with them this morning, I was finally able to pet Lady and she rested her head against mine. It was a small moment that meant so much.

We’ll keep moving at their pace, earning their trust and showing them what love, patience, and a safe home can look like.

Thank you to everyone who has offered kind words and financial support. We never expect anything, and the outpouring of care has meant more than we can say. Thank you for being part of their new beginning.

10/06/2026

Marc and I rescue animals. That’s our thing. It brings us joy to help animals in vulnerable situations and give them the care, comfort, and love they deserve.

We stepped back from rescuing for a while because the emotional weight became too much. Then, recently, a plea came through for two bonded mares in a kill pen. At the last minute, I decided to step in. All I knew was that one was a miniature pony, the other was an older BLM mare, and they had been together for years.

**Today, they come home to us.**

The older mare has significant medical and dental needs that Marc and I are prepared to take on. We understand the financial responsibility that comes with rescue. For us, knowing we can help them spend their remaining days, weeks, months, or years comfortable and loved makes it worthwhile.

We rarely ask for help, but this time, we’re reaching out. We are able and prepared to provide their care, and contributions would help offset the cost of their veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.

If you’d like to help, we would be grateful for any contribution toward their care. If donating isn’t possible—or simply isn’t something you choose to do—that is completely okay. There is no expectation. We made this commitment, and these girls will receive the care they need.

Sharing their story is another way to support us, and we would appreciate it just as much.

Thank you for being part of our community and welcoming these two girls into their next chapter. ❤️

Photos of the mare are from the kill pen they are being rescued from. … Ashleigh McDonnell needs your support for Support Our Rescue of Two Bonded Mares

10/06/2026

Help us help them...

09/29/2026

We’re happy to share that we’re gradually reopening our equine services, beginning with groups!

Groups will restart Wednesday, October 14, and continue every Wednesday from 6:00–7:00 PM.

Individual equine sessions will reopen in the following weeks. We’ll share more information about scheduling those sessions soon.

If you would like to join a group, please contact Cristine at 623-352-2297 or email [email protected] to let us know.

09/24/2026

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply pause. 🌿

09/21/2026

✨ I have officially completed my Level 3 Coaching Certification through Equimotional - Trauma Informed Training , Resources & Home Education Hub.

While I am already certified in equine assisted therapy, completing this additional certification was about continuing to grow, expand my training, and deepen the range of modalities I can bring into this work.

Each training has added something meaningful: a new lens, new tools, and a deeper understanding of how horses can support connection, regulation, awareness, and growth.

Grateful to keep learning, expanding, and bringing this work forward in a way that feels aligned, intentional, and true to who we are. ✨

09/13/2026

BrainMD is releasing this tomorrow and it will go on the top of my supplement recommendations.

From BrainMD:

“Relaxing Lavender + L-Theanine is designed to help calm your nervous system, ease everyday stress and physical tension, and support relaxation without drowsiness or brain fog.* It also helps support focus and mental clarity, so it works whether you take it during the day or at night.* It's especially well suited for anyone who feels tense, wound up, restless, overstimulated, or physically "on edge" and wants to relax without losing focus.*

It's fast-acting. Research suggests L-theanine may begin supporting relaxation in as little as 30 minutes.* And no, it won't make you sleepy, it's formulated to promote relaxation without sedation or brain fog. L-Theanine supports relaxed brain activity while helping you stay alert and focused, which is exactly why it works for daytime use too.*”

I’ll be ordering some to the office. Let me know if you would like to give this a try!

09/10/2026

PANS and PANDAS are conditions we do not talk about nearly enough.

Too often, children are labeled as “behavioral,” “defiant,” “anxious,” or “out of control,” while the underlying cause goes unrecognized. Families may spend months or even years searching for answers, knowing something changed in their child but not knowing why.

For some children, sudden changes in mood, behavior, sleep, learning, sensory needs, eating patterns, tics, anxiety, or OCD-like symptoms may be connected to an immune or inflammatory response.

This does not mean every behavioral change is PANS or PANDAS. But it does mean we need to ask better questions, look at the whole child, and recognize when symptoms may be more than “just behavior.”

At Wild Ember Psychiatry & Therapy, we believe everyone deserves to be heard.

09/08/2026

Parenting can leave you with plenty of information—and still wondering what to do next.

Wild Ember Psychiatry & Therapy is introducing two 6-week, self-paced virtual parent programs to help families turn learning into practical next steps.

PANS/PANDAS Parent Education & Support Program
For families who already understand the basics and want a deeper look at functional and integrative care considerations, symptom and flare tracking, school advocacy, and working with their child’s treatment team.

Founding Family Rate: $247 per family
Future enrollment: $297

Steady: A Wild Ember Parent Training Program
For parents and caregivers navigating big emotions, meltdowns, anxiety, ADHD, sensory overwhelm, and challenging transitions. Explore what’s underneath behavior, co-regulation, boundaries without power struggles, and ways to reconnect after hard moments.

Founding Family Rate: $197 per family
Future enrollment: $247

Both programs include six educational modules, a downloadable parent toolkit, and practical resources to use at home. Each enrollment includes access for up to two parents/caregivers in the same household.

Modules open October 5, 2026.
Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule.

For more information, send an email or text:
[email protected]
623-352-2297
www.wildemberpsych.com

These programs provide parent education and skills training and are not a substitute for individualized medical care, psychotherapy, crisis services, or other clinically indicated treatment.