News from Wheeler

John and Brian Pica-Sneeden always wanted a large family, and they began fostering children 27 years ago. Since then, they have adopted five of their foster children and recently renewed their license with Wheeler to foster LGBTQ youth.

Wearing a blue surgical mask, Sabrina Trocchi stood outside the Susan Walkama Health and Wellness Center at the Wheeler Clinic’s expansive Hartford campus, not far from the center’s COVID-19 testing site. Trocchi, a former chief of staff with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services a.nd previously Wheeler’s chief operating officer, was promoted to president and CEO in November 2019. Four months later, the coronavirus pandemic tested virtually everything she knew about leadership.

Many people talk about wanting to make a positive change in someone else’s life. Paula and Patrick Mills moved this quite literally into action 16 years ago becoming foster parents with Wheeler in 2004.

Wheeler is a 2020 Top Workplaces award winner from The Hartford Courant for the seventh time. In addition, Wheeler President and CEO Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, received “Top Leader” in the Large Employer category of the same survey.

The foster care journey: Two of our parents share their perspectives.

"This is an individual, organizational, community, national, and international issue, and it starts with a mirror." Letters to Wheeler's staff on June 1 and June 6 by Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, President and CEO.

As families everywhere prepare for the return to school amid the COVID-19 crisis, there are many issues to consider and address, including back-to-school anxiety on the part of children, adolescents, or teens. Kim Nelson, chief program officer, Wheeler, shares some strategies for addressing your child's anxiety amid the uncertainty.

Black Breastfeeding Week is approaching, which provides an opportunity to reflect on what we can do as partners, friends, and family members to increase support for black breastfeeding/chestfeeding parents.

Some of the clearest ways that private philanthropy saves lives at Wheeler is at our community health centers.

Now, more than ever, loving foster homes are needed for hundreds of children and youth in Connecticut. In a short video, Wheeler's Allison Casinghino, foster care specialist, and Sharon Pendleton-Ponzani, LCSW, director, Community-based Family Services, highlight the pressing need for foster families amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Pediatrician Barbara “Basia” Szajda, MD, IBCLC, (she/her pronouns) has joined Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Center at 43–49 Woodland Street, Hartford. In this role, Dr. Szajda provides pediatric medical care to infants, children, and teenagers for families in Hartford and the surrounding communities.

Community leaders, donors, friends, and staff gathered online for a virtual building dedication on June 25 in honor of former Wheeler President and Chief Executive Officer, Susan Walkama, LCSW. The primary five-story building at Wheeler’s flagship community health center at 43 Woodland Street in Hartford was renamed the “Susan Walkama Family Health & Wellness Center.”

Some children might be feeling worried or scared seeing so many people wearing masks during the current COVID-19 crisis. Melissa Mendez, LCSW, IMH-E, Director of Early Childhood Programs at Wheeler, shares some ideas for how to talk children and calm some of their fears.

While many of us remain at home, there are tangible steps we can take to manage our chronic health conditions and preserve our overall health and well-being. Wheeler's Dr. Rebecca Eleck-Bruce, offers some ideas.

Holidays such as Passover, Easter, and Ramadan are important observances during the early spring season. This year, the COVID-19 outbreak has changed how these holidays are celebrated in many corners of the world, prompting us to think more innovatively and creatively about how to foster connection with friends and loved ones.