Stephanie Cantu
I am a former educator that is passionate about helping our youth
develop healthier habits that support mental and emotional well-being leading to lives of limitless potential and resilience. I spent my own childhood avoiding situations that were challenging or anxiety provoking as I lacked the tools to cope properly. As a young adult, I developed a pattern of spiraling into severe anxiety every time I had a significant life adjustment like a new job, relationship, or a move. While therapists suggested self-care activities and meditation, I always felt too busy or that it didn’t apply to me or wouldn’t work for me. I did take medication, but never took the time to learn healthier coping skills along with it. After having my first child, I went into a state of post-partum anxiety and depression that impacted my ability to work and properly care for my child that I loved so dearly. It was devastating to say the least. With my body being in such a sensitive state, I experienced an adverse reaction to the countless medications I tried, so I went on a long and bumpy journey to find an alternative method to find stability so I could be the mother, wife, and woman I so desperately wanted to be, and knew I could be.
I spent two years experimenting with every modality you could imagine along with every natural supplement under the sun with limited success, until I stumbled across visualization. I heard a few success stories and it was enough for me to really apply myself and give it a try. Within one month, my anxiety and depression lifted, I could sleep soundly, and I was able to look at the outside world again without feeling fear or disconnect. I even healed from stress-related physical ailments. I went on to have another child and had a peaceful and gratifying post-partum experience, thanks to visualization. While the results took time, I have learned that all the quick fixes our society turns to do not offer lasting results or true change. I am grateful to all of the parents, therapists, coaches, and doctors that are implementing Happy Spots to empower young people to care for themselves and reach for their wildest dreams.
With Gratitude,
Stephanie
Kristin Fara
I am an eighteen year educator with a masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I have earned an endorsement in English as a Second Language and am a certified Youth Mental Health Aid First Responder as well. I have spent the majority of my career teaching at the intermediate level.
I have a passion for helping children with emotional needs. My journey in education has taken me through 4 different schools and three grade levels. Over the years, I have seen many changes in our students’ social and emotional needs. It has become my mission to help our youth find ways to encompass a happy and fulfilled life. After having children of my own, I have continuously reflected on how to be the best parent to them and teach them how to be in charge of their own minds. We know the stressors that come from social media, news outlets, relationships, family hardships, and even school can bring on to our youth. Our kids need ways to balance life in the same way adults need to do things to find the balance.
Being a classroom teacher, I see how so many students struggle first hand. My desire to help these students find a healthy balance in this ever evolving world has become my passion and priority. I was provided with the opportunity to write the program for schools and the decision was a no brainer for me. Working with students to find their Happy Spots brings me so much joy. When our youth feel empowered, we feel powered.
With Gratitude,
Kristin