The Counseling and Wellness Institute of Western New York

My favorite line from the poem by Amanda Gorman today: We lift our gazes not to what stands between us but what stands before us. She is amazing. #inauguration2021

Why a Playa Grande vacation (and other beach destinations) are good for you!

Frederick Law Olmsted School #64 will soon be home to the Bocce Club Pizza "Calming Room". School #64 Social Worker Mary Jo Gervase made a recent appeal to out...fit a room at the school in which she could de-escalate students, or work with students prior to a behavioral incident to teach coping, self-soothing, and calming techniques that students can carry over into every aspect of their lives. Then, Gervace took her former high school friend, Marcia Pacciotti, on a tour of the school, explaining her concept. Marcia was so impressed by the unique aspects of the school and Gervase’s Calming Room concept, that she called on Bocce owner Jim Pacciotti to help. Through Marcia, Jim Pacciotti donated $1,500.00! Gervase says this more than covers the creation of the room and provides extra funding for supplies throughout the entire 2017/2018 school year. Gervase’s wish to provide a small space, decorated with calming colors that affect mood, processing, functioning, learning and behaviors is soon to be a reality. I have researched the therapeutic outcomes of how the different textures, lighting, sounds and aromatherapy have profound therapeutic benefits, Gervase says. Both Marcia and Jim went above and beyond to partner with and support our school and our Calming Room. Gervase notes that, as a Pre-K through 4th-grade Early Childhood Center, the Bocce Club Calming Room will have lasting positive effects on the students at School #64. The interventions that are provide at an early age, says Gervase, will have a profound lifetime impact on the child's social emotional well-being, quality of life, and academic success. Another reason to love Bocce Pizza!

Breathe in slowly, gently, and deep ......... and breathe out. Reflect on the good, not the bad. To enjoy what you have, not what you don't have. To appreciate... what you can control and not stress over what is out of your reach. To remember the good times, not the bad. We wish you all happy thoughts. See more