Families often have important questions when looking for the right kind of support — and they should.

At Anchored Haven Services, I believe families deserve to be informed, comfortable, and confident in the care they choose for the ones they love. Below are answers to some of the questions people ask most often about my services, approach, and experience.

Frequently asked questions

Explore the answers to our most frequently asked questions about respite care and Anchored Haven Services.

About My Approach

Families often ask what makes my approach different. I bring over 15 years of frontline experience, professional training as an SSW and ACSW, and both professional and personal insight into trauma, mental health, addiction, and resilience. My work is guided by the Belonging Pyramid Framework™ — a model I developed to support people through safety, regulation, belonging, and care. I offer trauma-informed, person-centered, relationship-based support that helps children, individuals, and families feel seen, safe, and genuinely supported.

The Model I Use

Our work is guided by the Belonging Pyramid Framework™ (BPF) — a model I developed to help create environments where people can feel safe, regulated, connected, and empowered to grow.

At the heart of this model is a simple belief:

Safety comes first. Belonging matters deeply. Care must be relational.

 

The Belonging Pyramid Framework™ shapes the way I respond to behavior, distress, relationship-building, routines, and support planning. Rather than asking, “How do I control this behavior?” I ask:

  • What is this person communicating?

  • What is underneath the behavior?

  • What does safety look like here?

  • What will help this person feel supported, regulated, and connected?

This means I focus on:

  • emotional, relational, and physical safety

  • co-regulation before correction

  • understanding the “why” behind behavior

  • building trust before expecting change

  • person-centered planning

  • connection, dignity, and belonging as the foundation for growth

"I believe behavior is communication, and that meaningful support begins with relationship." 


To learn more about the Belonging Pyramid Framework™, visit www.belongingpyramidframework.com

Who My Services Are For

A common misunderstanding is that respite is only for people with a formal diagnosis or families who qualify for outside funding. That is not the case with my services.

At Anchored Haven Services, I support children, youth, adults, seniors, and families who need compassionate, individualized help — whether that need is ongoing, occasional, crisis-based, or simply part of maintaining a healthier balance at home.

My services may be a good fit for:

  • families under high stress

  • single parents

  • caregivers who are overwhelmed or burnt out

  • families with limited support systems

  • children or adults with exceptionalities

  • individuals affected by trauma, anxiety, neglect, or family addiction

  • families navigating conflict, emotional dysregulation, or sibling stress

  • people who feel isolated, lonely, or struggle to connect socially

  • caregivers who understand that self-care helps them show up better for their loved ones

How I Handle Challenging Behavior

Families often want to know how I respond when a child or individual is overwhelmed, escalated, or at risk of harming themselves.

My approach is to stay calm, regulated, and present.

I do not shame, overpower, or abandon people in hard moments. I work from a trauma-informed lens, which means I understand that behavior often comes from distress, fear, overwhelm, sensory needs, frustration, or an unmet need — not simply “bad behavior.”

For example, I supported a child who became extremely distressed in public when he was reminded that this was not the agreed-upon time to purchase a toy he liked. He dropped to the floor and began hitting his head. Instead of reacting to the crowd or the pressure of the moment, I dropped down to his level, stayed calm, used my arms safely to block injury, and spoke to him gently and simply so he knew he was not alone. My focus was not on appearances — it was on safety, connection, and helping him through the moment.

That is how I work:
calmly, relationally, safely, and without judgment.

If a situation ever falls outside my scope or I feel I am not the right fit for a specific need, I will always be honest about that. I believe trust includes transparency.

What Families Can Expect From Me

When I begin supporting someone, I take the time to truly get to know them. I do not use a generic formula.

I typically begin by connecting with the parent, caregiver, and the person receiving support to understand:

  • strengths

  • interests

  • routines

  • stressors

  • triggers

  • support needs

  • goals

  • what helps them feel safe

  • what helps them feel encouraged and connected

From there, I create a person-centered plan that reflects the real needs of the individual and family.

Families often tell me they appreciate that I am:

  • nurturing

  • non-judgmental

  • knowledgeable

  • calm

  • creative

  • flexible

  • accommodating

  • fun

  • compassionate

  • deeply relational

They also appreciate that I look for what a person already loves, then build meaningful experiences around that while gently introducing new opportunities for confidence, growth, and joy.

Structured Support Through Anchored Haven Services

In addition to individualized support, I also operate from a dedicated program space Monday to Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

During those hours, I offer structured programming that may include:

  • emotional regulation support

  • life skills

  • creative activities

  • art-based therapeutic experiences

  • connection-based mentoring

  • positive social interaction

  • shared meals and community dinner

  • meaningful routines that support safety, belonging, and care

Any staff or volunteers involved in supporting this work are carefully screened and personally trained by me through the Belonging Pyramid Framework™ (BPF). They are supported in using a relational, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach that aligns with both the values of Anchored Haven Services and the structure of the program space.

My goal is to create an environment where youth and families feel welcomed, supported, and genuinely connected in ways that are intentional, nurturing, and grounded in safety, belonging, and care.

Do I need a diagnosis to access your services?

No. My services are available to anyone who could benefit from individualized support, caregiver relief, mentorship, emotional support, or structured care. A diagnosis is not required.

Who do you support?

I support children, youth, adults, seniors, and families. My experience includes working with individuals affected by trauma, addiction, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges, family stress, and community reintegration needs.

Is respite only for families in crisis?

No. Respite can absolutely help during crisis, but it is also valuable for preventing burnout, supporting single parents, helping families through stressful seasons, and giving caregivers space to rest, work, attend appointments, or reset.

"Respite is not just for crisis. Sometimes it is what helps prevent crisis." 

What kinds of activities do you offer?

I offer individualized support, community-based activities, mentorship, life skills, emotional support, structured activities, shared experiences, outdoor opportunities, art-based activities, and meaningful outings that match the interests and needs of the person being supported.

Ready to learn more?

We are here to provide the support your family needs. Explore our services, read testimonials from families we've helped, or reach out to us directly to discuss your specific needs.