SOUTHERNMARYLANDWOMAN.COM SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2020
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FOR NEW MOTHERS AT UM CHARLES REGIONAL’S RENOVATED BIRTHING CENTER
How to Choose
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in the Face of Fear LEAP FORWARD IN YOUR CAREER Southern Maryland’s new Professional Growth Program PHOTO BY IRVING HARRIS
Interview with Therapist & Life Coach
Kathleen Stark A Community Publication Proudly Inspiring, Educating & Connecting Southern Maryland Women Since 2007
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REMOVE limit belief systems? Are you ready to finally ELIMINATE your negative habits? Do you want a better MONEY mindset? Ready to stop SELF-SABOTAGING your dreams? Are you ready to identify OBSTACLES in your life? Do you want a roadmap to DESIGN your life? Are you ready to
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The Inner Pathfinder 5-week coaching program is an online program that will guide you to learn the tactics, techniques, and strategies for creating YOUR ideal lifestyle and the mindset, beliefs, and habits that support it. Learn how to build a successful mindset in FIVE weeks! For more information and to register, please visit kathleenstark.com.
Kathleen Stark is a licensed social worker in the state of Maryland. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Maryland, University College, and is a Master of Social Work from Salisbury University. Kathleen combines her years as a Social Worker and a psychotherapist with her experience as a cognitive behavioral therapist. She teaches concrete skills to assist women to own their value and create a positive outcome in their personal and professional lives. Kathleen is the founder and owner of Kathleen Stark, LLC and creator of the Inner Pathfinder online coaching program. Kathleen has 10 years of experience working with women in many capacities: trauma healing specialist, empowerment coach and cognitive behavioral therapist. As a therapist and life coach, she is passionate about connecting with women and guiding them through their challenges. Kathleen integrates her knowledge of women’s issues and her life experiences to guide them in increasing their overall view of self, to decrease struggles with imposter syndrome and gain a full loving relationship with self.
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Publishers Oda Solms-Baruth A Community Publication Proudly Melissa Solms-Baruth Inspiring, Educating & Connecting Southern Editor MarylandCopy Women Since 2007. R. Caren Bitar www.whizmarks.com
ON THE COVER
BER/ SEPTEM 2020 R OCTOBE
Southern Maryland Woman of
Do you struggle to design and achieve a vision for your life? We sat down with therapist and inner pathfinder coach Kathleen Stark for an enlightening interview into the depths of holistic mind and body coaching. Motivated by her own experiences, Kathleen guides women on how to choose love of self in the face of fear. Take a moment to learn Kathleen’s backstory and how she is helping women to break the cycle of negative self-talk, become unstuck, and find true happiness. Flip to page 28.
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IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial Assistant Graphic Design Rachel |Lytle Dave Schindler design760.com Dana Foody
Graphic Design Dave Schindler Photography Dana Irving Harris, IrvingFoody Harris Photography Photography Beth Graeme, boudoirbybeth.com
SOUTHERN MARYLAND WOMAN, LLC
Few days in a woman’s life will ever be more P.O. Box 1656 • Leonardtown, MD 20650 Sales & Marketing exciting or more memorable than the day (301) 904-3366 • Fax: (301) 475-2680 Megan Vereb, mvmarketingevents.com she welcomes a new child into the world. Oda@southernmarylandwoman.com Fortunately, University of Maryland Charles www.southernmarylandwoman.com Distribution Regional Medical Center recently completed a full renovation of its Birthing Center and added Christian Solms is available free of charge, by subscription, display stands in approved prinew breast health services to boost women’s The Woman’s Journal newspaper is published bimonthly and Carlisa Kent vate and public establishments and authorized distributors only. Trademark laws and U.S. copyright laws protect The Women’s Journal. routine health care and maximize overall No part of this paper may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Women’s Journal is not responsible for any submitted as camera ready or any reproductions of thanissue its own), typographical from advertisements wellness. Find out how UM Charles Regional is editorial comment (other Every produced in errors loving memory of Melissa Solms-Baruth advertisements submitted as camera ready. If an advertisement does not meet our standards of acceptance, we may revise or cancel it creating an enhanced experience for the women at any time, whether or not it has been already acknowledged and/or previously published. The advertiser assumes sole responsibility submitted copy and will protect and indemnify The Women’s Journal, its owners, publishers, and employof Southern Maryland. Read more on page 15. for all statements contained inSOUTHERN MARYLAND WOMAN MAGAZINE
ees, against any and all liability, loss or expense arising out of claims for libel, unfair trade names, patents, copyrights and proprietary rights, and all violations of the right of privacy orBox other violations resulting MD from20650 the publication by this newspaper for its advertising PO 1656,Leonardtown, copy. Publisher shall be under no liability for failure, for any reason, to insert an advertisement. Publisher shall not be liable by any 301.904.3366 reason of error, omission and/or failure to insert any part of an advertisement. Publisher will not be liable for delay or failure in performance in publication or distribution if all or any portion of an issue is delayed or suspended for any reason. The publisher will exercise Readadjustments us online atadvertiser where and when appropriate. The Women’s reasonable judgement in these instances and will make for the Journal assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or reproductions made by advertisers. This newspaper will be published Southernmarylandwoman.com by the 5th day of every other month. Representations by The Women’s Journal, copyright 2011. TM Publication of advertising contained Oda@southernmarylandwoman.com here does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Photos and artwork from iStockPhoto.com, Dreamstime.com and Vectorstock.com.
Page 7: What’s Your Emotional Achilles Heel? Page 10: Get to Know the Founders of 3 Notch Paranormal Investigations Page 22: LEAP Forward in Your Career with Leadership Southern Maryland Page 25: 6 Excursions to Try for Safe, Local Traveling
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Feature Writer Publisher Jennifer Reginald Oda Solms
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Southern Maryland Roller Derby Girls Pictured (L-R) Jacki Taylor - Beelzebruise, Tammy DePhillip - Buffy Shovers, Christina Simpson - Princess Sleia, Rachel Harris - Rach Against the Machine, and Letitia Clem-McClanahan - Rhapsody N. Bruise. Page 18
health&wellness By Deborah Duley, MSW, LMSW, Owner and Therapist at Empowered Connections, LLC
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: What is Your Emotional Achilles Heel? One of the things we love to do with our clients is to get really down and dirty with their emotional landscape. Well, duh right?! Isn’t that what therapy is for? Well yes, it is, but we love taking it many steps further to get extra familiar with your darkest, deepest secrets in all those nooks and crannies where anxiety and depression can live. What does this mean for you? Essentially it just means we will work to get super clear and comfortable with of all the things that make up your total self: the good, the bad and the ugly.
WHERE YOUR
story
IS OUR STORY! Empowered Connections is excited to announce their 2nd location, now in Dunkirk to offer more care and support for our community
To do so, our team loves to figure out your emotional Achilles heel. Physically, an Achilles heel is the tendon that connects your leg to your foot and from which you derive your ability to move. As many athletes may know, it’s a sensitive muscle, and if your Achilles heel is hurt or torn, it is very hard to function without crippling pain and limited movement. An emotional Achilles heel functions in the same manner and will also knock you on your butt if you’re unaware it’s coming (they love the element of surprise)! Those times when you have a sudden
WELCOMING NEW THERAPISTS Erika Keller, LGPC Seeing girls & teen girls in Dunkirk Mindy Hill, LGPC Seeing girls & teen girls in Leonardtown
Specialized counseling services for women and girls starting at 8 years old
strong, visceral reaction to an event is usually a clear indicator that an emotional Achilles heel is working behind the scenes. So, let’s take a look at how to know when this is happening. Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks) where you feel like a Mack Truck ran you over and you’re not sure whether you’re coming or going? A day when you just can’t stop crying or panicking? This is the mother of all red flags. This is your brain’s way of telling you to SLOW DOWN and figure this out before they get worse (as if it were that easy). Fortunately, knowing what the heck just happened will make ALL the difference in being able to manage your emotions and then eventually control them. To give you some ideas of common emotional Achilles heels we see time and time again, we made a quick list: • Fear of the unknown • Uncertainty • Feeling trapped • Being ignored • Feeling left out
Schedule a session by calling 301-690-0779 or emailing us at hello@empoweredconnections.net 25482 Point Lookout Road | Suite 201A | Leonardtown, MD 2972 Penwick Lane | Suite 101 | Dunkirk, MD
YES – these feelings are normal, and they are just a small sampling of all the different emotions you may hate having and want to do whatever you can to avoid them. Through working with hundreds of women, we have found most people have anywhere from five to 10 Achilles heels, so
taking some time to do recon on what they are will help you greatly in the future. We always tell our clients the more information you have, the more power you have. So why not take a few minutes and gather your own personal list of emotional Achilles heels in order to be prepared the next time your head spins around after a triggering event? Better yet, we are ready to help you do just that with one of our women’s therapists in our Southern Maryland locations in Leonardtown and Dunkirk, now also providing online sessions to the residents in the state of Georgia. If you like to do things easily and online, we have online scheduling set up, so jump on our client portal at empoweredconnections.net and get an appointment scheduled. Remember, we got you! Empowered Connections was founded in 2013 by Deborah Duley, MSW, LMSW, with a rebellious spirit and a big dream of connecting women and girls everywhere through specialized mental health therapy. We believe in connection, in the strength of women, that family (whatever that looks like for you) is our priority, in offering excellent customer service and that having the freedom to live the life we love, is paramount to everything else. We strongly believe that women need connection to heal and that where you have been, so have we. Where your story is our story! We believe that women are the future and that we have the power to change the world! We believe in the ripple effect of this change and are striving every day to help women and girls discover and empower their inner badass! Check us out at EmpoweredConnections.net or call us at 301-690-0779 ext. 700.
September/October 2020 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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Expert cancer care close to what matters most. Introducing MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center brings unmatched medical expertise, the latest therapies, and research to the region – providing the best possible care close to where our patients live and work. Our cancer specialists offer tomorrow’s treatment options today and work collaboratively to develop individualized care plans for each patient.
Meet our Nationally-Recognized Cancer Team Our experts include a diverse group of nationally and internationally renowned specialists for many forms of cancers, including but not limited to brain, breast, gastrointestinal, head and neck, lung, and prostate.
We work tirelessly to prevent, detect, treat, and cure cancer. Our Institute provides access to a wealth of groundbreaking treatment options all under the same roof that are designed to improve patient outcomes and more importantly, offer hope. From immunotherapy, to precision medicine and targeted therapies, our specialists use the latest advancements in cancer care, including: •
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To make an appointment, or refer a patient, please call 301-877-HOPE (4673)
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S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
region, serves as our research engine. Our clinical research studies allow patients to access the latest breakthroughs in cancer care. •
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health&wellness By Richard Cook, MD
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Dr. Richard Cook is a thirdgeneration physician from Annapolis, Md. He resides in Southern Maryland with his wife Betty and three children Liana, Sandra, and Marcus. Dr. Cook attended Howard University and received his Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Cook graduated from the Howard University School of Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine residency at the union Memorial/University of Maryland Program in Baltimore, Md, one of the nation’s top heart institutes. Dr. Cook is an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and serves on the International Board of Prostate Cancer Prevention and Awareness. He is President of the Charles County Medical Society, a member of the American Medical Association, American Association of Physician Executives, the American College of Physicians, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Cook currently serves as the official Team Physician for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Baseball team, is an Associate Program Member at the University Medical Center, holds a Courtesy Faculty Appointment at the George Washington School of Nursing, and is a Physician Peer Member for the State of Maryland Board of Physicians.
September/October 2020 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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Haunted Southern Maryland Series debuts on YouTube September 10 at 8 p.m.
Subscribe for updates!
HAUNTED Southern Maryland
QA &
WITH
3 NOTCH
PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS
Jeannie Carrico Founder and Lead Investigator
Tracy LeClerc Co-Lead Investigator
Tell us about your background and passion for the supernatural, scientific theory, and mysteries of the unknown: Jeannie: Like most people, I have suffered a lot of losses in my lifetime and have always been inquisitive as to what happens to people when they pass on. Their body stays here on the earthly plane and their soul goes where? Many cultures around the world believe in life after death, near death experiences, reincarnation, and
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S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
other planes of existence. There are many names like heaven, hell, paradise, hades, and nirvana, to name a few. I have always been so interested in other cultures’ beliefs. I’ve also had many experiences in my lifetime of unexplained happenings like déjà vue, premonitions, orbs and spirits. We are looking for the answers to life’s most profound questions. Of course, I am first and foremost a mom of two amazing children and “G-Maw” to two beautiful grandchildren. I am a dedicated paralegal by day AND a passionate paranormal investigator by night. With more than 25 year of experience in the legal field, I apply my critical thinking, observation, and para-forensic research skills to every paranormal investigation. Tracy: My passion for the paranormal and the mysteries of what happens when we die has always intrigued me for as long as I can remember. Where do we go when we pass on - is our soul reborn, are we reincarnated, or do we wander this world without anyone knowing? These are the questions I wonder on a daily basis. Now that I’m part of 3 Notch Paranormal Investigations with Jeannie and the team, I am in search of the answers to my questions. Why do we do it? We are trying to make contact and communicate with the unknown spirits who wander the Earth while trying not to disturb or disrespect any spirits. What motivated you to start 3 Notch Paranormal Investigations (3NPI) and your new web docuseries, Haunted Southern Maryland? Jeannie: Three years ago, my daughter Nicole Canfield, a published author, and I founded 3NPI with the goal of three like-minded women with different abilities and healthy skepticism. Prior to that I was involved on another team but was finally ready to branch out on my own. Nicole has been the team’s social media manager from the start. Last July we were contacted by Chay Deaver and Courtney Lough with Views/Sounds who saw compelling footage on our Facebook page and were interested in filming and documenting our adventures. We are all from Southern Maryland and appreciate the rich history and local legends, so it then grew into Haunted Southern Maryland.
Where can we watch your show and what can we expect? Jeannie: The series debut for Haunted Southern Maryland is on YouTube September 10 at 8 p.m. I encourage you to tune in at 7:30 to meet the team members while we answer some questions from our followers. Our first episode is called “A Witches Stone.” You can expect an exciting investigation of the Moll Dyer Rock in Leonardtown, Maryland, and maybe a cameo of Moll Dyer herself! What have been struggles and successes of being a small business owner in this unique industry? Jeannie: I have been working hard the past three years to build a stellar reputation as knowledgeable, skilled researchers and investigators. We have a lot of fun, but I run this as a business because it is. We’re here to help people who are experiencing unexplained phenomena, whether in their homes or businesses. Every investigation is confidential. In between
“AFTER AN INVESTIGATION, AND AFTER WE’VE REVIEWED ALL THE EVIDENCE OF AUDIO, VISUAL AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT WE USE, CLIENTS ALWAYS SAY THE SAME THING, ‘ I KNEW I WASN’T CRAZY’.” private investigations we’ve been focusing on local legends, monuments and historical locations. St. Mary’s County has an abundance of all! I’d say our struggles are most likely similar to most new businesses, however our field of service is also very different. Securing new clients can be a challenge. Many people are shy or embarrassed to contact us about what they’re experiencing for fear of judgment or people just thinking they are crazy (if I had a nickel for all of the times I’ve heard that)! But after the investigation, and after we’ve reviewed all the evidence of audio, visual and scientific equipment we use, clients always say the same thing... “I knew I wasn’t crazy,” and they are always very grateful. That is the best part of our success... how grateful people are, and we can sleep rest assured knowing we’ve helped someone. Do you have any advice to offer other women interested in entrepreneurship, forensics or the paranormal? Jeannie: Believe in yourself, vision, and dreams. If you are passionate and knowledgeable about something just go for it! Also surround yourself with like-minded people who share your passion and are ready for an adventure. What’s next? Jeannie: We have wrapped Season 1 of Haunted Southern Maryland and are already working on Season 2. We still have many places and more folklore in Southern Maryland to delve into. There’s so much involved in an investigation. People think we just show up with a flashlight and recorder and film for an hour. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into each investigation. We find and research a location; interview owners and witnesses; prepare a game plan as
The Legend of Moll Dyer
IN HISTORIC LEONARDTOWN, MD Legend has it that a seventeenth-century local woman named Moll Dyer was accused of witchcraft by the nearby villagers. The winter had been particularly bleak, and famine was taking lives, so they had to blame someone or something. Moll Dyer was known to be good with herbs and remedies, and so she must have been a witch, right? Well, an angry mob went to Moll Dyer’s cabin in the woods one cold, winter night and lit her home on fire. It drove the poor woman from her home in the bitter cold and ultimately led to her untimely death. Years later, a large rock with handprints was found in the Leonardtown woods. Was this the rock where Moll Dyer died that night? Frozen to death and leaving her mark on the cold stone? Join us to find out the truth. Credit: 3 Notch Investigations
to where and how to investigate the claims; and prepare the equipment. When the investigation is over, we must review each piece of equipment audio and visual frame by frame. Investigations can be eight to 10 hours long. If we have eight stationery cameras set up, amounts to 80 hours of footage to dissect and pour over. Then there is all the other equipment, K-2 meters, motion sensors, temperature gages, DVRs, Kinect SLS cameras, the Ovilus device, electromagnetic field detectors, laser grid pens, ghost boxes, Go-Pros, thermal imaging cameras, and this isn’t even ALL we use! After we’ve reviewed each piece of evidence, we prepare a written report and then sit down with the client to review what we found or didn’t find. We also offer services to clear a space of negative residual energy or remove and help a spirit to move on. We pride ourselves in our knowledge of the different types of spirits and hauntings.
3 NOTCH PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS www.3notchparanormalinvestigations.com 3NotchParanormal@gmail.com (301) 975-7733 3 Notch Paranormal Investigations 3NotchParanormal_1 Haunted Southern Maryland
September/October 2020 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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EVENTS To register for Chamber events or for more information, please visit
CalvertChamber.org
Vecteezy.com
SEPTEMBER 14
State of the County Town Hall ~ Virtual Event ~ Visit website for time. During this unprecedented time, we want our members to have access to important and up-to-date information from our community leaders.
OCTOBER 16
24th Annual Chamber Golf Classic Presented by Dominion Energy – Cove Point LNG Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Chesapeake Hills Golf Course Enjoy a fun day of golf and networking!
OCTOBER 16
2nd Annual Sip ‘N’ Swing Presented by Andrea’s WineShop At Home Visit website for time. Chesapeake Hills Golf Course Putting and driving lessons from a golf pro! Enjoy a variety of wines and learn about wine pairings!
410-535-2577 CalvertChamber@CalvertChamber.org www.CalvertChamber.org
health&wellness By Karl Smith, DDS, MS
Dental Care in the Time of COVID-19 It certainly is a trying time for many Americans in the wake of COVID-19. New procedures for entering businesses, wearing masks, and social distancing have all become commonplace measures used to try to limit the spread and keep us all safe. How are dental offices adapting and handling the new safety protocols? Our practice reopening has been slightly challenging but is working very well. Both new and returning patients are really appreciating the updates and added safety measures. In fact, as long as proper safety protocols are in place, it is actually a very safe time to visit your dentist. Some of the new features we are providing our patients, and you may also see in a dental office near
you include utilizing HEPA and UV air purifiers in treatment rooms and throughout the office. Many of these can turn and filter the air at least three times per hour. Handsanitizing or washing on arrival by every patient, every single time, in addition to the dental team’s normal hand-washing routines, help keep germs away. Pre-procedure rinses to reduce oral bacteria and room-fogging (with an all-natural, chemical-free, nontoxic, odorless, harmless solution of salt and water), face masks and hair coverings for clinical team members, including the administrative team, all support a healthy environment. It might be hard to recognize the office personnel you have come to know under all that new protective gear!
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Masks and temperature: Requirements include wearing a mask to the office and inside of buildings if your dental office is located inside of an office building. Many dentists can provide a disposable mask to you if you forget to bring one from home. Due to the added personal protective equipment, most dental office temperatures have decreased leaving them colder than normal. No matter the temperature outside, you may want to bring a little something to keep you warm and comfortable or ask about office temperature. Pre-appointment procedures: Text and email confirmations are safest right now and offer a great solution to provide contactless options for payments and appointment scheduling when available. Be sure to tell the office if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting COVID-19 test results. Also be sure to inform your dentist about any out of state travel. This helps keep you, other patients, and the team members well-informed and able to provide you the best care possible. Make sure you know what to expect on the day of your appointment to avoid any surprises. Update personal information such as phone numbers and email addresses so that your dental care provider can reach you in advance of your appointment. Appointments: Many offices are using a virtual waiting room or limiting the number of patients in their physical waiting rooms. New measures like calling or texting on arrival are helping to facilitate this process. Temperature screenings and COVID-19 questionnaires are being provided to keep patients safe. Offices have installed sneeze-guards to protect their administrative teams and patients from direct contact. Keeping your mask on in all office areas until
your dentist or dental hygienist is ready to serve you is a great idea. An opportunity to wash your hands, handle any payment necessary and/or schedule a follow up appointment, prior to treatment will allow faster checkout times at the end of your dental visit. Dental team members will hold the doors for you when possible to limit your contact. Due to the nature of dental and periodontal conditions, eliminating and/or delaying dental care for patients including high-risk patients is not a reality. Any patient who is aged 65 and over, has asthma, diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease, heart disease, blood disorders, obesity, or any other underlying health factors, would benefit from a discussion with your dental care provider about the best timing for treatments and dental cleanings.
Dr. Karl Smith has been in dental practice for more than 34 years. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1981 and immediately entered General Practice in the US Air Force Dental Corps. He successfully completed three years of advanced education in the specialty of Periodontics with additional training in IV Sedation and Dental Implants in 1992, at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio and Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center. He won the John Pritchard Prize for outstanding research which included looking for a vaccine against bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Year after year, Dr. Smith has been consistently voted Top Dentist by Washingtonian Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Virginia Living.
September/October 2020 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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WE’RE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THE CREATION OF THE MD SIERRA FILM CLUB, A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE SIERRA CLUB MARYLAND CHAPTER AND THE D.C. ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL.
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To learn more about your local Southern Maryland Group of the Sierra Club visit facebook.com/somdsierraclub and check out our monthly community forums with panel discussions about the issues that inspire you to take action to explore, enjoy and protect our planet!
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Women will also be able to count on the consistent and compassionate care available from the new breast health Patients lose an of 3.5 inches and Regional is services. It’s average just one more way UM Charles 1.6 liters of fat in a 32 minute treatment. growing to support women across Southern Maryland and provide easier access to better health that lasts a lifetime.
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UPDATES IN THE BIRTHING CENTER Each of these spacious, private new Birthing Rooms will provide a welcoming experience for new mothers, their designated support person and, soon, their new baby. The beds are adaptable to provide maximum comfort leading up to and during birth. The Birthing Center also features a fully equipped operating room for Cesarean section births. The experienced nursing staff is always available and can be contacted with the touch of a button. And an OB/GYN and a pediatrician are on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there is always an expert medical staff ready to provide excellent care. “We have an excellent group of nurses here,” said Monique Smalls-Dillard, the Nurse Manager for Women and Newborn Services. “They are compassionate and attentive,
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September/October 2020 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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Photo Credit: Irving Harris Photography
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Photo Credit: Irving Harris Photography
and their goal is to make sure that our new mothers have everything they need.” After giving birth, the new family will be moved to a room in the hospital’s Mother-Baby Unit. This new room, also private and spacious, is their home for the coming days while the family gets to know its newest addition. Before long, it’s time to bring the new baby home, happy and healthy. To learn more about the Birthing Center renovations and to watch a video virtual tour, visit UMCharlesRegional.org/BirthingCenter.
NEW STRIDES FOR BREAST HEALTH Women throughout Southern Maryland can now enjoy the peace of mind that accompanies our new Breast Health services. This specialized offering allows women to enhance their routine health care and maximize overall wellness. Our expert team will be able to provide the necessary support and assistance that a woman’s body needs — and it’s all conveniently close to home.
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S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
An array of minimally invasive procedures are offered through breast health services. Some of the available specialties include breast surgery, genetic counseling, chemotherapy, plastic and reconstructive surgery, radiation and more. A number of other services are also provided to ensure an easy and comfortable experience every step of the way. Before and after any procedures, women will have full access to pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation. Additional support groups, patient education, financial resource education and other supportive care methods are in place to give each woman the attention and security she needs. To learn more about available Breast Health services, visit UMCharlesRegional.org/BreastHealth.
Discover Our Enhanced Birthing Center Creating a Better Experience for Southern Maryland’s Growing Families From the large, private birthing rooms — equipped with TV, wi-fi and a comfortable, adjustable bed — to the dedicated staff serving you 24/7, our renovated Birthing Center is more ready than ever to ensure that Southern Maryland families have all they need to celebrate one of life’s most joyous moments. Visit our website today for a virtual tour!
UMCharlesRegional.org/BirthingCenter
301.609.4000 5 Garrett Ave, La Plata, MD 20646
financial By Carlisa Kent, Financial Coach
Get Your Finances Back on Track Life as we knew it changed in the face of the coronavirus. Now that things are slowly starting to open back up, some places (and people) are getting out of quarantine faster than others. Restaurants have indoor service, church services are resuming, and businesses are opening their doors to limited amounts of customers at a time. What does this mean for you? It means this is a good time to take a fresh look at your finances. During this recent crisis, you may have only been focused on your “Four Walls” – food, utilities, shelter, and transportation – but now is the perfect opportunity to look at your current situation with a renewed understanding.
A simple $1,000 starter emergency fund can change an emergency into an inconvenience. Conquering debt little by little is a huge accomplishment and will give you motivation to continue. Saving a fully funded emergency fund, three to six months of household expenses, will alleviate stress. Here is what you need to look at to determine what is next for you:
Are you still out of work, or feel like your income is not very stable? Fortifying your Four Walls until you get your financial situation sorted may be the path you need to take. Getting that starter emergency fund and creating a monthly budget will help you in this process.
Contact Me Today to Change Your Tomorrow Carlisa Kent | 240-528-1743 carlisacares@gmail.com Zoom Appointments Available
• Create a starter emergency fund • Pay off all debt • Save 3-6 months of household expenses • Invest 15% of your household income • Begin a college fund for kids CARLISA KENT Financial Coach • Pay off your home early
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S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
Are you working from home or have you gone back into the office and feel a little more secure in your situation? Stabilizing your Four Walls and attacking your financial goals will be the next step you want to take. Itemize your outstanding bills and start paying them down – trust me, this is a real motivational boost. Then moving on to that fully funded emergency fund… WOW! Less worries for the next life event. Either way, make sure your income is stable, you have established a steady foundation, and you are ready to look at your financial future. A lot of things have changed in the last few months and continue to change in the months to come. Let me guide you into financial peace.
Contact Me Today to Change Your Tomorrow 240-528-1743 @CarlisaCares carlisacares@gmail.com Zoom Appointments Available!
Financial Coach Carlisa Kent helps individuals and businesses conquer their finances in a smart and sustainable way. A graduate of Trinity College, Washington D.C., and a mother of four, Carlisa successfully lived through her own financial crisis and now wants to help others do the same. After a devastating car accident in 2008, Carlisa was able to keep her family financially secure while going through litigations and financial stress. Due to self-discipline and education, Carlisa never missed a bill and was able to continue a happy life although her family had no income for two years. Looking back on it, Carlisa knows she was successful because she stopped and evaluated her future before the crisis hit – and you can, too.
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financial By Stephanie Taubert Dali, Marketing Communications Specialist, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union
Is an 84-Month Auto Loan Right for You? Many 84-month auto loans are popping up at financial institutions across the country, and people wonder if this extended loan term could be the right option. There are many advantages to an 84-month loan, so read on to learn why an 84-month loan may be right for you.
Lower Monthly Payment One of the most significant benefits of an 84-month loan term is a lower monthly payment. Since payments are spread out over seven years, the monthly payment would be significantly less than the monthly payment of a more traditional 60-month loan. Having to pay less each month can help
free up cash flow and give you more flexibility in your monthly budget. However, remember that an 84-month loan is a longer commitment, meaning that you will be making those lower monthly payments for seven years. You’ll also be paying interest during that time, so finding a low interest rate is ideal.
manufacturer warranty. If you have a reliable vehicle, an extended loan term may be well worth it.
Your Credit Score May Have Improved
Looking to Refinance? When you refinance, you’re paying off your old loan with a new loan with new terms. Think of refinancing this way: you’ve already spent time paying down a portion of your auto loan, so the total amount of the new loan will be lower when you refinance.
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Second, if you have paid down your loan for several years, a lot of negative equity has already been paid off by your hard work. Extending the term could have less impact on increasing negative equity. Combine all of this with an 84-month term, and you may be on the road to big savings on your monthly payment. To take full advantage of a refinance, be sure to use a financial institution like Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, which consistently offers some of the lowest rates in the area.
Higher Disposable Income When you have a lower monthly payment, you can put the savings towards something else. For instance, perhaps you have highinterest debt you would prefer to pay off first. Or, maybe you could use a little extra money in your wallet for necessities. Whatever the reason, a lower monthly payment can give you more flexibility in your budget and increase your disposable income.
Vehicles Last Longer These Days Modern cars are built to be more reliable than ever. Some do not require a tune-up until 100,000 miles per their owner’s manual. Purchasing a more reliable vehicle means that it should last longer, have fewer maintenance expenses, and come with a strong
Your credit score changes over time, depending on your credit decisions. Having a good credit score offers certain advantages, such as access to better loan terms and lower interest rates. If your credit score has recently improved, you could receive a much better rate by refinancing to an 84-month loan. You have worked hard to achieve that credit score. Why not take advantage of its perks by refinancing your auto loan? Remember that borrowing money is an important decision, so weigh your options carefully and look for the best financial institution with which to do business. If you decide that an 84-month loan is right for you, consider visiting Cedar Point Federal Credit Union to discuss your options and submit an application. Cedar Point consistently offers low rates and is now offering 84-month loans on pre-owned vehicles three model years old or newer.
Stephanie Taubert Dali is the Marketing Communications Specialist at Cedar Point Federal Credit Union. She has lived in Southern Maryland for most of her life, currently residing in St. Mary’s County. Stephanie is an active member of the Newtowne Players, a nonprofit theatre group in Lexington Park.
September/October 2020 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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community By Kristine Wilcox, Leadership Southern Maryland, ‘15 graduate
LEAP Forward in Your Career Leadership Southern Maryland Launches New Program Aimed at Professional Growth for Emerging Leaders Young professionals and emerging leaders in Southern Maryland now have a new opportunity for personal and professional growth that will help accelerate their careers, companies, and communities. At the beginning of the year, Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM), a tri-county non-profit organization, launched the LSM Emerging Leaders Program, also known as LEAP, offering a six-month educational and networking opportunity for 25 participants who live or work in the region. Through a series of six “experiences,” LEAP participants facilitate, foster, and refine their individual leadership understanding and abilities via structured course curriculum and a focus on self-discovery, teamwork, and networking. The program includes a capstone project where participants apply their leadership by addressing a community issue and studying the leadership skills, behaviors, and styles exhibited by people leading in their topic area. LEAP was developed by LSM’s 2019 Executive Program alumni as part of their capstone project. The LSM board had been discussing a way to reach emerging leaders in Southern
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Maryland over the past several years, said LSM Executive Director Denise Foster. “When I started in 2018, I really loved the idea of reaching out to the emerging leaders and felt there would be a great market for it here,” Foster said. “Many professionals in our area are being recruited from other states or counties and have a difficult time finding personal and professional networks here, causing them to leave after a few years.”
on LEAP when COVID-19 struck the area. They took a four-month break but were able to extend the program to ensure that all participants had the full LEAP experience. “Taking the health and safety of our participants and speakers
into account, we were able to successfully pivot our July class into a fully virtual day, and are working to transition our experiences for the remainder of the 2020 program to a hybrid approach, allowing in-person connections alongside virtual interactions,” Johannsen said. “As
Christina Johannsen, LSM ’19 graduate and LEAP chair, has also been invested in the growth of young leaders in Southern Maryland. After launching St. Mary’s Young Professionals organization four years ago, she still saw a need for a formal program. “Being part of the founding team during my 2019 LSM class that created the mission, goals, and ultimate framework for LEAP, it was so gratifying to be able to see those initial discussions come to fruition in a tangible program that directly impacts not just the development and growth of our local emerging leaders, but also boosts the attractiveness of the Southern Maryland region from a recruitment and retention perspective.” Having just launched the pilot program in January, LSM was forced to hit the pause button
S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
LEAP session: LSM Emerging Leaders (LEAP) classmates work together to build a structure out of marshmallows during the February “mentorship, diversity and team building” experience.
LEAP orientation: LSM Emerging Leaders (LEAP) class participates in a panel discussion with Charles County officials during their orientation in January.
we are half-way through our first year, I can honestly say that it has been a resounding success even with some unexpected challenges thrown our way!” Participants of the inaugural class are already seeing benefits from the program. “LEAP has given me a better understanding of myself and how I operate in a professional landscape,” said Destiny Allen, St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Develop specialist. “How I perceive myself and how others perceive me could be completely different, so learning how to manage the relationships and how I manage working with other people has been one of the biggest things that’s helping me in my professional life.” As the COVID pandemic continues, LSM and LEAP are among the many organizations finding new ways to conduct business and stay connected with their teams. “The success of LEAP is based on the engagement of each of the participants, whether virtually or in person,” Johannsen said. “We have had in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences thus far and the flexibility of the participants, speakers, and
facilitators and their willingness to utilize multiple methods of communication for engagement demonstrates that regardless of the means by which participants join in each experience, LEAP will continue to offer high-quality development sessions that directly and immediately provide benefits to all.” Leadership Southern Maryland is designed to educate and inspire a diverse group of leaders creating opportunities for collaborations and partnerships impacting the community needs of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.
Are you a young professional looking for professional growth opportunities in Southern Maryland? Applications for the 2021 LEAP class are open until Sept. 15, 2020. For more information, go to leadershipsomd.org/leap. Contact Leadership Southern Maryland Email: info@leadershipsomd.org
Phone: 301-862-SOMD (7663) @LeadershipSouthernMaryland
September/October 2020 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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travel By Wendy Guth, Travel Coach
6 Excursions to Try for Safe, Local Traveling Hi, I’m Wendy Guth, founder of Rebel on the Go Travel. My family is new to St. Mary’s County. We moved to Southern Maryland in March of 2020 after spending two and a half years overseas and about two weeks before the pandemic shut us all down. Previously, we were in Anne Arundel County, and now we are very excited to be back in Maryland, even with our lives thrown into uncertain chaos. Upon moving home, my family and I grappled with how to connect to a new area while initially living in the local Navy lodge. Up until now, we have always pursued travel-related activities and experiences to get to know our new home. This time, during our first couple of months, “traveling” was all inside our heads. But society is starting to open back up. I began my career as an event planner. I planned thousands (and thousands) of retreats, conferences, and workshops
throughout 30+ years before realizing that my true passion was working with clients on personal transformation. I realized my calling is to create the space needed for real change to occur, and traveling can do just that. I am not only a travel advisor, but also a traveler myself… who can’t travel right now, at least, not the way I am used to. One of the greatest takeaways I’ve found from travel is building curiosity, passion, and strength, along with flexibility, tenacity and resiliency. I like to focus on connecting with surroundings, building lasting memories from each experience, and SAVOURING every moment throughout the journey. Travel is transformational. Travel is radical. Travel is lifechanging. As of recent, I’ve learned we can, and need, to apply each of these takeaways to local travel or non-travel as well, adapting our spaces to maintain sanity. Utilizing both my events
experience and life coaching certification, I use what I like to call the “SAVOUR” travel system with my Rebel on the Go clients who want to feel relaxed, in control, and experience joy while traveling. I have adapted the system to fit to our current state of staying home (or close to home). SAVOUR is designed to take these elements and bring them to where travel is today: S – Step out of your comfort zone A – Align your passions and interests V – Venture under your own power O – Open yourself to connecting U – Unwind with self-care R – Ritualize your gratitude Until we can travel anywhere and everywhere again, here’s my top list of SAVOUR excursions for those in Southern Maryland:
1.
Get away to Sagamore Pendry Hotel in Fells Point, Baltimore. It’s a resort in the middle of a city. Room with a water view. Pool jutting into Baltimore Harbor. Personal firepits. Poolside room service. Perfect for a quick dose of rest and relaxation.
2.
Spend a Friday or Saturday night at Generations Vineyard in Leonardtown. Enjoy a food truck, live music, great company, and of course delicious wine under the stars.
3.
Check out the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels for a special treat. Offering plenty of activities – golf, tennis, sailing, biking, lawn games, or walking through the gardens. Delicious food options and a full-service spa are also available.
4.
Try kayaking around the Leonardtown Wharf. A perfect combination of exercise and nature. There are plenty of streams and coves to explore. Need
to rent kayaks? PAC Paddle Sports is on-site and ready for you. Want to take a beautiful drive into the Virginia countryside for a romantic getaway? Check out Salamander Resort in Middleburg. Try a hands-on class in the Cooking Studio. Saddle up and explore 340 pristine acres. Unwind with a couple’s massage.
5.
6.
Have a hankering for crabs? Make the trip up to Annapolis (or better yet, sail up!) to Cantler’s Riverside Inn for bushels of crabs and buckets of beer. Outdoor seating is a must. Located off the beaten path on Mill Creek.
Please reach out to me at wendy@rebelonthego.com if you have any comments, questions, and to learn how to make the most of your surroundings. I would love to hear from you! Visit rebelonthego.com. Wendy Guth is the founder of Rebel on the Go Travel. Her vision is to create REAL. RADICAL. LIFE CHANGING. TRAVEL EXPERIENCES for her clients. As a Virtuoso Travel Advisor, she focuses on gatherings clients want, whether it be adventure travel, celebrations, and wellness travel. Wendy sifts through all the information and options in order to provide insider details, exclusive amenities (like upgrades and credits), and experiences (like private tours, sold out tickets, or unattainable reservations). As a Transformational Travel Coach, she strives to: 1) get you out of your comfort zone, 2) focus on your passions and interests, 3) connect you in the way you want, 4) allow for self-care AND, 5) travel under your own power. It’s all about PERSONALIZATION. CUSTOMIZATION TRANSFORMATION.
September/October 2020 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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law&finance By Colleen Sinclair Prosser, Estate Planning Attorney
4 Reasons it’s Important to Protect Your Future with Advanced Directives The attorneys at Sinclair Prosser Gasior can help you to identify and make use of legal tools that allow you to protect your future. One of the many important factors you need to think through is what happens if you get sick and cannot make medical decisions on your own. While no one likes to think about this happening to them, a serious illness or injury can occur at any age, so it is essential to make certain you are prepared.
What are advanced directives? Advanced directives are tools that give you the power to specify your preferences for medical care in advance. They include things like a living will, which gives you the ability to consent to or deny consent for specific medical procedures and tools. There are many reasons why it is so important for you to use advanced directives to control your medical care.
1.
Advanced directives give you the ability to make life and death decisions. You likely have
definitive opinions about how to weigh quality of life versus quantity of life, and you should express your preferences so that no one else must make these decisions for you. By using advanced directives, you maintain your autonomy on the most important medical decisions you will face in your life, so you get only the care you want.
2.
Advanced directives allow decisions to be made in a timely manner. If there’s a medical emergency and you have advanced directives in place, there will be no questions about how doctors should proceed and there will be no chance of delays occurring as medical professionals find someone with authority to give consent to important medical procedures.
3.
Advanced directives help you to protect your family from fighting. By creating advanced directives, you make your preferences known so your family does not have to guess who should be in charge of making your decisions or what your preferences would be with regards to those choices. This ensures your family members will not end up fighting over the kinds of care you would have wanted.
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Advanced directives allow you to protect your family from guilt. Very often, when life or death decisions need to be made, family members grapple with what choice is the right one. If your loved ones decide to withhold lifesaving medical treatment, they may feel guilt over the fact that they made this choice. By making your own decisions in advance, you spare your family from having to make tough choices that could haunt them.
The attorneys at Sinclair Prosser Gasior provide the personalized help and support that you need to make smart choices about what will happen if you become seriously ill or sustain a serious injury. It’s imperative that you are prepared in advance. To find out more about how our legal team can help you with advanced directives and with taking other steps to plan for incapacity, join us for a free webinar at www.spgasior.com.
FREE Estate Planning Webinars We are hosting our popular Estate Planning Seminar online so you can watch from the safety of your own home. Please visit www.spgasior.com to view the upcoming webinar schedule and register!
Colleen Sinclair Prosser, formerly the owner and manager of Sinclair Prosser Gasior, Colleen spent two decades at the helm of a busy practice and steered her firm with a guiding hand. Colleen continues to bring a wealth of Estate Planning and Estate Administration experience to the law firm through direct involvement with the clients of Sinclair Prosser Gasior. She has served on the Board of Governors Education Committee of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, on the Board of Trustees for By Their Side, Lifelong Advocates for Marylanders with Developmental Disabilities and as a Board Member of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County.
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“The one thing I tell all my clients is that they are the expert in their own life – I am just a tour guide helping them to see a new path. Together, we can create the concrete skills needed to align core values and develop a more positive outcome in your personal and professional life.”
PHOTO BY BETH GRAEME
HOW TO CHOOSE
Are you living out someone else’s dreams and visions? Do you struggle to design and achieve a vision for your life?
I
Love
OF SELF
IN THE FACE OF FEAR
Interview with Therapist and Coach Kathleen Stark BY ODA SOLMS
Showing women how to break the cycle of negative self-talk, become unstuck, and find their true happiness.
t is time to stop hiding and spinning around in circles, feeling lost and distracted. You have a vision inside of you, and now is the time to reconnect to your vision. As an inner pathfinder coach, Kathleen Stark works with women to discover the steps to unlock their true path and connect to their identity. She uses many different holistic mind and body coaching approaches to guide her clients to create a successful and loving mindset that involve all areas of your life. Motivated by her own experiences, Kathleen gallantly takes on the task to guide women on how to choose love of self in the face of fear.
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S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
What drives you? It’s my passion to help women create a healing path to move through in order to get to the other side of emotional wounds and self-doubt. I am driven to inspire women to find their voice, and by sharing their stories, we take a powerful step toward embracing a new empowered self. I believe with the right guidance many women can achieve a fulfilled life. When we have traumatic events in our lives either from childhood or adulthood, many of us struggle with guilt and shame. Guilt and shame will bring up fears that can lead to self-destructive behaviors. We begin to tell ourselves a story of being unlovable or not good enough, which leave many of us engaging in toxic and sometimes abusive relationships. My mission is to help women learn the steps it takes to get unstuck from negative self-talk and how to find their true identity through building a loving relationship with yourself, first and foremost. I understand what it is like to be stuck in harmful self-talk patterns, and I have the insight on how to move through the emotional walls healthily due to my own experiences. I love teaching women how to see their true identity without all the layers of selfdoubt, guilt, shame, and fear. What drives me, even more, is witnessing many of the women I work with finally breaking free and creating a life they can embrace. I believe when women are set free from limited beliefs that stem from emotional wounds, they embody more happiness in every area of their life—healthy relationships, wellness, work, finances, family, and more.
You were not always this sure of things, were you? No, I wasn’t. In fact, I was very much the opposite of who I am today. There was a time when I struggled with an unhealthy view of self that included lots of negative self-talk. I can remember having no self-worth, drowning in guilt and shame, not to mention always feeling in fear of failing and feeling not good enough for anyone. Self-love was not present in my life. Just 20 years ago, I was in an abusive relationship – I am a domestic violence survivor. For 14 years, I was in love with a man who emotionally, verbally, mentally, and physically abused me. No identity of self was even present during this relationship. The relationship was complicated with both love and fear, making it impossible to understand who I was at the time. People often misunderstand abusive relationships and wonder why women don’t leave or why they didn’t say anything to anyone. Let me share my experience to help readers understand why I didn’t leave this abusive relationship. In the beginning, my ex-husband was very loving,
“Learning the right steps to let go of guilt and shame was liberating. Surrounding myself with loving and healthy people as part of my healing journey was key; the other part was acceptance.”
charismatic, and very attentive to me. However, after just a year, the first experience of abuse happened, and he made me believe it was my fault. After the first physical abuse incident, many more events soon followed. I began to believe it was my fault when he got mad. I became too embarrassed to tell anyone in my family or circle of friends what was happening. The fear of being harshly judged weighed heavy on my shoulders. My self-worth was damaged. He made me believe I was no good and if I ever thought of leaving, no one would love me. One time when I did finally gain the courage to leave and went to my parent’s house to stay, I woke up in the middle of the night with him sitting in the corner of my room. I can still see the image today. He said, “I told you we will never be separated.” I feared him. I knew right then it was hopeless there was no escape. The fear of memories of bodily harm stayed with me. I was in fear of my ex-husband. The other side of this extremely complicated relationship which many people do not understand is that I had a deep desire to save him because he wasn’t always abusive. There would be months when he was loving. I struggled with the savior phenomenon. I thought if he received help, then there was hope. I believed if he got better, then everything else would get better. My children’s safety was another reason. I thought if he just abused me then he wouldn’t abuse my children. Unfortunately, this is never the case. The kids do suffer living in an abusive home. They do not walk away unscathed. I am grateful for the work that my kids and I have done afterward, but it took years and sometimes we still September/October 2020 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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work on our healing journey together. The day I gained the courage to leave was the day I found freedom for me and my kids. It took years of therapy to peel away the layers of emotional wounds. Building a loving relationship with myself is when hope came back into my life. Learning the right steps to let go of guilt and shame was liberating. Surrounding myself with loving and healthy people as part of my healing journey was key; the other part was acceptance. When I was finally able to accept the past, it gave me permission to heal. Receiving the right support opened so many doors and set me on my path towards helping other women to heal their emotional wounds, too. From this, my mission became to guide each beautiful woman to finally gain their freedom back and start living an unapologetic life filled with love, joy and compassion towards self and others.
How much does your own experience impact your ability to help other women work through their past? My life experiences allow me to guide women through their past stories with acceptance, love, and compassion. First, I provide a safe environment to help them share their story without judgment – to allow their voice to be heard. I understand the importance of feeling safe to open up without judgment. Secondly, my healing journey allows for a deep connection with women I work with on a spiritual level. I see them differently than the way they see themselves. However, once we walk through this journey together, they can finally connect to their true identity. It’s a beautiful experience. Two women walking together to heal, one story at a time.
What and who inspired you to become a therapist? I love this question. There is a wonderful woman name Gini, a licensed therapist, spiritual lightworker, and a healer of trauma. Gini guided me through many self-defeating moments. She guided through the ups and downs of the healing process. Gini would remind me that this was a journey, not a race. She used many different and alternative methods throughout our time together. She walked the path with me and guided me in the
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steps to align my mind, body, and soul together. Gini saw the real me – not the broken and damage me that I believed – but the beautiful, empowered woman that beneath all the junk was shining brightly. With Gini’s help, I learned how to fully connect with my inner self with love and compassion. She inspired me to go forward in becoming a therapist and life coach. A lot of the methods I use today with my clients come from the work Gini and I did together.
What do you think is the greatest commonality that you have seen among your clients? The greatest commonality amongst women is wanting to heal and get unstuck. Many of my clients recognize the need for guidance but lack the confidence to take the next step. Many women I have had the opportunity to work with understand self-sabotage behaviors, but rarely see the connection with how their belief system plays a role. The one weakness I often see in our thinking is limiting beliefs such as not feeling good enough, guilt and shame, people-pleasing, need for validation, perfectionism, the fear of failure or success, and rejection. Many of the women I see struggle with past stories that keep them stuck in old behavior patterns caused by limited belief systems. Once my client can name her limited belief system, this is when the healing journey starts to take form. She can name it, see it, and lovingly forgive it. She can create a new belief system that matches who she is and become brighter, healthier, and most of all, happier.
We understand you offer a variety of services; can you tell us about the ways you personalize coaching to your clients? I have different levels of services to ensure access for all women who are looking for guidance. My first service is to provide a one-hour free discovery call to help the potential client clarify what they want out of life coaching. The next level of service includes three different oneon-one coaching packages. Clients can choose to work with me for one month, three months, or six months, depending on the need. The prices are reasonable,
S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
with payment plan options to increase affordability. Once services are decided, the client will have access to unlimited emails during the coaching contract, 15 minutes support calls, and online 60-minute Zoom calls for scheduled appointments. My next level of service is an online program called the Inner Pathfinder 5-Week Coaching Program. This learning experience includes five modules, worksheets, two oneon-ones, and weekly online group coaching to share successes and challenges with other women. You can get all of this now for only $47 (normally a $149 value – I reduced the price during COVID-19 so all women will have access to this program). I also have a free Facebook group called the Inner Pathfinders, where members have access to a supportive community of women, free weekly trainings, and guidance on personal growth.
From your perspective as a therapist, how has the current pandemic impacted women in general and can you share any advice or words of wisdom? The novel Coronavirus pandemic has increased fear of the unknown. Many women are experiencing anxiety and do not feel in control. At this moment, it’s important to remember the only control we have is ourselves. It is also important to take some time for yourself and learn to meditate. There are many free apps to help you learn. The one I recommend to clients is a free app called Insight Timer. Another great way to help ease anxiety is to write out your thoughts and emotions about the pandemic. This will help you to release negative feelings and alleviate the heaviness. And lastly, stay connected to friends and family during this time through phone calls, video calls or Zoom calls, or meet at an outside park. Being connected with your loved ones will help you and them to get through this time together. Overall, meet yourself where you are at in this moment.
It’s time to let your light shine! To connect with Kathleen or learn more about her services, visit KathleenStark.com.
BRIDGE
CAN HELP.
PARENTING IS
HARD.
Are you worried about your young child’s development or behavior? “I wanted to help my child. But I didn’t know where to go, who to see, or what to ask.” Our experts will empower you and support your young child’s behavioral health, reduce family stress, or simply help you become the best caregiver you can be. Talk to a parent who has “been there.” Our specialists will talk with you about your child and family needs and then connect your family to a range of family and child-focused services to empower you and support your child’s behavioral health.
Call BRIDGE at 443.546.0617 or visit somdbridge.org
POW ER ED BY CO LLEG E O F S O UTH ER N MARYLAN D EXPE R T S I N TR AI N I N G AN D D EVELO PI N G YO U R B U S I N ES S ' N E E DS : • I n n ova t i ve l e a d e r s h i p a n d p rofe s s i o n a l d eve l o p m e nt co u r s e s • I T a n d cy b e r s e cu r i t y t ra i n i n g a n d ce r t i f i ca t i o n • S k i l l s t ra i n i n g fo r h e a l t h ca re, b u s i n e s s , t ra d e s , a n d t ra n s p o r ta t i o n • D i ve r s e l e a r n i n g fo r m a t s a n d co nte nt to f i t yo u r b u s i n e s s n e e d s Yo u r strate g i c p a r tn e r to i d e nti f y a n d d e l ive r fl ex i b l e a n d i n n ovative e m p l oye e tra i n i n g s o l uti o n s .
WO R K F O R C E .C S M D. E D U FO R M O R E I N FO R MATI O N , E- MAI L WO RK FO RC EC ENTE R @ C S M D. E D U