Mindset Connection Episode 11: Melissa Girkesh

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast!Thank you for listening to and watching our eleventh episode! As we move further into 2025, we hope you will continue to find time for self-care, remember to do hard things and of course-Pause, Breathe, and then Respond.  We have incredible guests lined up that are doing amazing work, and they are ready to share their knowledge with you. We hope they will keep you moving forward on your wellness journey, and help you find support and sense of community. We are grateful for all of you that listen and watch, and we would love to hear your feedback. The Changemaker for Cancer Awareness and for Parents Navigating the System for Adoption Melissa Girkesh - Assistant Director of the Atlantis Preparatory School, Enrichment Director, Summer Camp Director, and Preschool TeacherMelissa Girkesh has been working at Atlantis Prep for 25 years. She completed a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from Towson, a Masters Degree in Teaching Elementary Education from Monmouth, and a second Masters Degree in Administration and Leadership from Georgian Court University.  She also has her Post-Master’s School Supervision Endorsement. In addition to all of her responsibilities at Atlantis Prep, Melissa has been highly involved in raising money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, an organization that funds research and resources for Childhood Cancer. Melissa is also a cancer survivor herself, and has participated in many events to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Melissa received her cancer diagnosis while working full time, raising her son and navigating all of his activities, and going through the process of adopting a family member, which took years. Melissa became very skilled in dealing with various agencies that come with adoption, and had to devoteendless hours to therapy sessions, medical appointments, and meeting with case workers and staff from various legal agencies. In this episode, she shares what it was like for a parent to navigate the stressors and pressures of having a child with mental health needs, as well as the personal and professional scrutiny it took to complete the process of adoption. Contact Information for Melissa [email protected] Media:@atlantisprep, tacsummercampContact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell:Jenwww.mindsetnj.com -Website@mindsetjen-Instagram@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTokCindywww.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website@mindfulnssconnection-Instagram@mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok@theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation PrinciplesThe Elevation Principles is available on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dpPodcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTubeThis podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.