Welcome Back
This month, as we reflect on the things we achieved together in 2024, we are filled with the promise of what's to come. We are celebrating our new Executive Director, highlighting internships for providers, and sharing a heartfelt story on perinatal loss as seen through the parallels between humans and Orca Whales in grief.
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2024 was a record-breaking year. Our Parent Support Warm Line saw some of its busiest months ever from July-December, along with a 13% increase for the full year, with no sign of slowing yet. In fact, the Warm Line fielded over 1,000 inquiries in 2024 and we are projecting another increase in 2025. We also provided over 3,000 therapy sessions, held more trainings, and recruited more volunteers and interns. It's been very busy, but we are meeting the demand of our open door model where we never turn anyone away. We are incredibly thankful for your support in our continued growth year after year.
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We are proud to welcome our new Executive Director Emma York-Jones to the PS-WA team. Emma comes from a long tenure in direct service and nonprofit management and is a parent who is championing parental rights and well-being. From building strong community partnerships to translating data into actionable insights, Emma excels at driving sustainable growth and delivering high-quality services. She envisions a future where every parent feels seen, heard, and supported, allowing them to thrive and nurture the next generation. Read more about Emma and the rest of the PS-WA team with the linked button below.
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What Tahlequah Can Teach Us About Perinatal Loss
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Our latest blog post is written by Elizabeth Moore Simpson, our PERC Program Manager, and is a beautiful piece on loss and grief, and how the natural world intersects with ours. While Tahlequah the Orca Whale's calf was born at the end of December, it died just days later. In her pain she carried the dead calf thousands of miles. Eizabeth writes "Her loss is palpable and akin to that of other ‘loss parents’, as she makes visible an often invisible experience by literally carrying her grief and her calf. Perinatal loss encompasses miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death and impacts a sizable, but hidden part of the population."
| | Looking for Professional Perinatal Mental Health Experience? | | |
Our Parent Resilience Program is seeking a Peer Support Specialist Intern. This part-time intern will work with pregnant and parenting families that are at-risk for or are experiencing a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). Interns are not mental health providers, and will be trained in culturally respectful screening, evidenced-based behavioral health support, wellness planning, and resource and referral navigation. They will support families to create culturally specific emotional wellness plans, introduce and discuss mental health care, listen and support families with barriers/reservations about mental health therapy, and walk with families as they navigate formal mental health care or other services as needed. An ideal candidate will be a parent who is a member of their community and has personal experience with perinatal mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, birth trauma, and perinatal loss, etc. Contact elizabeth.mooresimpson@perinatalsupport.org for details.
Our Warm Line provides support for parents when they need it most. Interns answer the phone and provide emotional support, information, resources, and referrals. Interns work with parents for up to 1 week on our Warm Line, and possibly longer for parents seeking ongoing support. This opportunity is designed for first-year MSW students who want to develop their skills in supporting individuals in the perinatal period. The internship is open to students who identify as peers (parents who experienced a PMAD) and those who do not. Warm Line Interns are provided 20+ hours of training to learn about perinatal mental health complications, how to support parents during this time, and some counseling skills.
For more information or to submit your resume and cover letter, please email victoria.cherniak@perinatalsupport.org. Please put Warm Line Intern in the subject line.
| | February marks Black History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history. It is an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our society and to celebrate Black Excellence. Check out the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement's 28 Day Anti-Racism Challenge to get daily opportunities to reflect, learn, and act. | |  | The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance's list of 2025 Maternal Mental Health Conferences is here! Topics cover maternal mental health, maternal health, maternal-child health, and more. | | | Check out this article from Seattle's Child that features our very own Parent Resilience Program Manager, Elizabeth! “There’s this term called matrescence,” says Seattle therapist Elizabeth Moore Simpson as she describes the physical, psychological, and emotional changes that characterize motherhood. “We refer to it as the mom equivalent of puberty. It accompanies a huge overhaul of one’s identity.” | | | Make this the year to partner with us! Did you know we offer sponsorships that support our mission AND include great benefits? We would love to showcase your business to our network of parents and providers. We partner with doctor's offices, holistic healing businesses, therapists, and more! Sponsorship levels start at $1,000 and can include custom trainings and more. To get started read more below. | | |
Parent Support Warm Line 1-888-404-7763
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| | With your support, we can shine a light on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and give families the care they need. Please support our lifesaving services. | | | | |
