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A healthy portion of instruction, strategies and tips on wellbeing and mindful living was served to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) staff members during an in-person, pre-service session and workshop entitled Journey to Wellness on Thursday, Aug. 25 at the Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon. Nutrition and dietetics expert, empowerment and wellness influencer, public speaker and author Reshaunda Thornton was the featured presenter. 

“Our staff is dealing with effects of the pandemic, a staffing shortage, a change in the social landscape of our country, personal issues at home and other factors beyond their control,” said Lisa Tate, HS/EHS assistant program director/center operations. “If the staff is having problems with their own wellness, how can they be as effective as they need to be in their jobs? That is why this conference and workshop is critically needed and so important.” 

Throughout the day, Thornton encouraged the HS/EHS staff to prioritize their health and wellbeing. She offered information, sparked new ideas and played games that illustrated how a healthy lifestyle could be realized in increments, emphasizing repeatedly that it all begins with a mindset. 

In getting to know her audience, Thornton asked how the last few years had impeded upon their lives, and how they were feeling. Some of the responses included: “exhausted, overwhelmed, stressful, tired, frustrated and imbalanced.” 

When the wellness coach asked what words came to mind when the audience thought of wellness, some of the answers were: “healthy, peace, happiness, freedom, relaxation and joy.” 

“How can we strive for these benefits of wellness?” she queried. “We will discuss what to put in your body, how best to move your body and how to rest your body.” 

“The power of nutrition, movement and sleep are invaluable,” Thornton continued. “And how we think will determine how we respond. You change your mind. You change your life.” 

Also presenting during the session was Shameka Brown, HS/EHS special services program coordinator. Brown took a close look at previous staff surveys on wellness and discussed how staff could make practical changes in their HS/EHS centers to support and enhance wellbeing and mindfulness. 

“The overall goal of our program is for everyone to have an input when it comes to wellness,” informed Brown. “We are creating a program-wide wellness team, and each center will have a representative who will be part of it.” 

“I’ve already gained some good perspective from the morning session,” said Jenna Bartsch, an instructor with Home Based for the past four years. “The ability to apply some of the things we’re learning will help us grow throughout the year.” 

“This is an especially important subject,” said SIUE alumna Fahmida Rabbi, an EHS instructor at the Bluffview Center who has been with the program for 18 years. Rabbi received a bachelor’s in early childhood education in 2012.  “A lot of people have been stressed and depressed. This session has helped me. I feel relaxed. It was so good after two years, that we could all come together. It was great to see everyone.” 

“I love this topic, because this year has been rough for me,” said Celestine Stephens, a teacher at the Discovery Center for the past four years. “I’m on a mission for wellness in my life and making more time for myself.” 

“It is vital to re-center ourselves,” said Denise Brown, HS/EHS health services program coordinator, “so that we can be the best for our children, families, co-workers and ourselves.” 

The HS/EHS staff began its pre-service training on Monday, Aug. 22. Trainings, the majority of which have been online, will conclude on Friday, Sept. 2. HS/EHS classes will begin Wednesday, Sept. 7. 

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program serves more than 860 families and children birth through age five, including children with special needs, throughout St. Clair County. The program also provides services to expectant mothers. The program is housed in 12 early childhood centers, seven managed directly by SIUE staff and five collaborations. The program includes a rigorous school readiness program and provides comprehensive services, such as health/ dental screenings and family engagement and support activities.  

Photos:
Nutrition and dietetics expert, empowerment and wellness influencer, public speaker and author Reshaunda Thornton was the featured presenter at the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start “Journey to Wellness” conference. 

HS/EHS conference committee members are shown with Thornton (second from left). Committee members from left to right: Lisa Tate, assistant program director/center operations; Denise Brown, health services program coordinator; Shameka Brown, special services program coordinator; Adrienne Kaesberg, instructional services program coordinator; and Heidi Eichenseer, Discovery Center coordinator. 

HS/EHS staff enjoy their first in-person training in two years.