Transforming Trauma into Triumph: Tiffany’s Journey with Starr Behavioral Health

Tiffany was a bundle of energy at seven years old when she walked through the doors of Starr Behavioral Health. Born with a heart defect, she came from a family who loved the outdoors, including camping, horseback riding, swimming, and more. But her mother, Beth, noticed that Tiffany was beginning to lag behind. Their adventurous spirit was curbed by a tiny heart that just couldn’t keep up.

Preparing for the monumental event of a heart transplant, Tiffany and her family sought help at Starr Behavioral Health. Not long after her therapy began, it was time for Tiffany’s life-altering surgery. Her physical recovery was paramount, thus her progress with Starr Behavioral Health continued in the hospital.

The journey thereafter was far from easy. Tiffany’s family had to remodel their home to accommodate her post-transplant needs and suspend their outdoor escapades temporarily. The heart transplant, while crucial, was a traumatic experience for the young girl. However, at Starr Behavioral Health, a team of dedicated clinicians were ready to help Tiffany navigate her emotional and physical recovery.

Amidst these massive changes, Starr’s therapists embarked on a therapeutic approach that included occupational therapy. Recognizing Tiffany’s need to regain control of her life, her therapists took note of her limitations and leveraged them, creating personalized care plans.

The therapy was transformative. Tiffany began to see herself not just as a patient, but as a fighter. With every session, she took on more challenges, building her resilience and strength. Occupational therapy was a vital part of her recovery; it provided her with the tools to understand and manage her situation, helping her regain her independence.

The transformation has been remarkable, not just for Tiffany but her entire family. Beth noted the drastic change in her daughter’s emotional control, a key accomplishment thanks to Starr. “We really appreciate what Starr Commonwealth has done for Tiffany and our family,” Beth said. “We were dealing with what we now know are trauma responses to Tiffany’s challenges. Thanks to her and her clinician’s hard work at Starr, we’ve noticed a dramatic change. Even family and friends are saying ‘Wow! Things are really changing!’ She is in so much more control of her emotions. This would not have happened without Starr.”

Tiffany’s journey has been a testament to resilience and determination. Through the exceptional care at Starr Behavioral Health, Tiffany is not only healing physically but is also learning to navigate her emotions post-trauma, reclaiming her childhood and steadily getting back to the outdoor fun she so dearly loves.

Piloted in the spring of 2022, the Student Resilience and Empowerment Center has touched the lives of close to 100 students throughout Calhoun County who needed it most. This immersive, halfday program builds on existing collaborations between Starr and local schools, who together with the Battle Creek Family YMCA, and Calhoun County’s public mental health provider, Summit Pointe, are implementing a model that integrates behavioral health care into the school day. A year after launch, Starr is delighted to celebrate the dedicated staff who makes true transformation possible.

"The Student Resilience and Empowerment Center’s early success is due in large part to an incredible team whose expertise and competence has been instrumental," said Sarah Wasil, Senior Director of Programs. "Their unique knowledge in emotional awareness and regulation strategies has helped our middle school students to learn, practice, and master new coping strategies. Our staff's commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment is unmatched, ensuring our students have the best tools to improve their health and wellbeing. Their outstanding ability to connect with and uplift the students truly exemplifies our mission of empowering young people and communities to flourish."