Cairn Guidance

In October of 2016, I hired Samantha Lowe. She had recently graduated from Morehead State University with a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology. She was, in fact, the only candidate that seemed very comfortable with the idea of some of our work- sexual health education, substance use prevention, suicide, adolescent risk behaviors and many other health needs. Sam started as an executive assistant. Her tasks included creating binders for training events, organizing materials in the Read ▸ about Happy Birthday to our New Chief Operating Officer!

By: Jess Lawrence, Director of Cairn Guidance Edited by: Amanda McMullen of Polished Pear Creative Editing Nini Mohamed and I met at WorldFest in Louisville in July 2023 during a soccer clinic hosted by the LouCity & Racing Foundation, where I’m privileged to serve on the Board of Directors. I cycled to the event. Nini noticed my orange bicycle covered in stickers and a bead zip-tied to the head tube.  “Did you bike here?” he asked.I nodded. “This is my touring bike Read ▸ about The Impact of Partnerships

By: Jess Lawrence, Director of Cairn Guidance Just a short few weeks ago, we launched the first of two systems thinking simulations. Sales have been great, and we appreciate the support of our education community around the US!  These simulations were developed years ago with United States Department of Education funding to a nonprofit in New England. We purchased the intellectual property of the simulations a few years back, both Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™ and Making Read ▸ about Interactive Learning Experience about Change in Schools!

Today is a very exciting day! For the first time since 2001, the Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™ is available for purchase! I was introduced to the Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™ simulation during my time as the Health Education Curriculum Specialist at the Oregon Department of Education during 2003-2006. I fell in love with the simulation, as I know many of you have! I observed genuine learning, growth, networking, and effective communication, all things both simulations hope to Read ▸ about Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™ Is Available for Purchase!

By Antionette Meeks of Cairn Guidance, a Dove Self-Esteem Project Partner Growing up can be quite the adventure for today’s youth. Some of us, reading this blog, grew up prior to or just as the cell phone or the internet came to be in existence. Then there is the explosion of social media platforms. Today’s youth are growing up surrounded by all kinds of technology. They “game” with people they do not know who may live in another country, inviting them into their personal spaces. Youth are Read ▸ about I Want To Look Like That: The Era of Media and Social Media and Its Impact on Appearance Ideals

Fall is amongst us, and with that comes pep rallies, Friday Night Football games, and bonding with family and friends who cheer on their favorite team, band, and supporting cast! As fans, parents, and students we give our utmost energy and support trying to rally our teams to victory on the field, and we should also continue our encouragement off the field. In this blog, you’ll read of students who exemplified what it meant to be the #1 fan of mental health awareness and education in their Read ▸ about Plainville Pep Club Shines Light on Depression During Football Matchup

In a story about equity and inclusion, Professor Richard Lapchick, Founder of the Institute of Sports and Justice, uses the “huddle” as a metaphor for communities that care about all’s needs.The huddle in sports is when teammates and like-minded individuals gather to share the game plan, congratulate each other, or gain encouragement for the next play.The huddle is an environment that accepts all, with an understanding that those surrounding each other have sacrificed for each Read ▸ about Creating the huddle: Healthy School’s Manager Sterling Ta’Bon, shares insights on Center of Equity and Inclusion facilitator intensive.

Many educators across our country can understand the weight of having to manage academic, emotional, physical, and social development within their classrooms. Implementing curriculums and changing a school‘s culture can be a daunting task, but  Shine Light on Depression can be used to fill in the gap. Tim Johnson, MSW is the Behavioral Health Services Coordinator for Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines Iowa. In this role, he supports initiatives that create school environments that Read ▸ about Breaking Down Barriers to Spread Awareness Around Mental Health for School-aged Children and Adults.