Welcome to the Fall edition of the Gooding Wellness Newsletter. As we reflect on the past few months, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to engage with our community in meaningful ways. This fall, we celebrated National Recovery Month, supported local high school students, and participated in a variety of events that reinforce our mission of promoting mental health and well-being. We are proud to share these experiences with you and continue our commitment to supporting those in need.
Gooding Wellness Celebrated National Recovery Month
At Gooding Wellness, we are deeply committed to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction. This September, in honor of National Recovery Month, our team took part in several community events to raise awareness and promote the importance of recovery. We joined the Town of Huntington Wellness Walk and attended the unveiling of the Hope and Healing Art Installation, an inspiring project that emphasizes the power of recovery and community support. Our team also participated in a candlelight vigil at Northport Park, standing alongside others in remembrance, hope, and solidarity. These events highlighted the resilience of individuals on the path to recovery and reinforced our dedication to this essential cause.
Annual Team BBQ at Gordon's House
In September, our team and their families gathered for our much-anticipated annual BBQ at Gordon’s home. This gathering was a chance for everyone to connect, unwind, and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed backyard setting. We’re incredibly grateful to have such a talented and dedicated team of mental health providers, and events like these remind us of the strength and camaraderie within our practice. The day concluded with our traditional group photo with Gordon’s famous gorilla statue – because no BBQ is complete without it!
"Screenagers: The Next Chapter" Screening and Panel Discussion
In September, Gooding Wellness was proud to sponsor a viewing of Screenagers: The Next Chapter at Northport High School, followed by a meaningful panel discussion. Gordon was honored to join a diverse group of panelists to address the impact of technology and smartphones on youth mental health, sharing insights and practical strategies for both parents and students. We’re grateful to Linda Oristano and the Northport-East Northport Drug and Alcohol Task Force for organizing this event, and we extend a special thanks to panelists Deborah Winters, Anthony Ferrandino, and the incredible student member Caitlyn, whose perspective added so much to the conversation.
Supporting Students at Local High School Resource Fairs
We were honored to take part in local high school resource fairs, connecting with students and staff to support their mental health journey. Our team had a busy and rewarding day on October 25th, with Liana Ross attending Cold Spring Harbor High School’s fair, and Peter Juliano and Julia Purcaro joining Northport High School for their RAP Week. It was a pleasure to engage with these amazing students, hear about their mental health priorities, and offer resources to encourage well-being. A big thank you to both schools for inviting us – we’re truly grateful for the opportunity to connect with and support the next generation!
Northport-East Northport Drug and Alcohol Task Force Color Run
Gooding Wellness Group was thrilled to participate in the Northport-East Northport Drug and Alcohol Task Force's annual Color Run on October 26th. This incredible event brought the community together in support of an important cause, promoting awareness and strength within our community. We were proud to have Peter Juliano representing Gooding Wellness, joining in the festivities and connecting with everyone who came out. A huge thank you to the Task Force for their ongoing commitment to serving and uplifting our community!
Witches Night Out in Cold Spring Harbor
We had an amazing time at Cold Spring Harbor’s annual Witches Night Out event! It was a joy to meet so many spirited participants dressed in their finest witchy attire, celebrating this annual community tradition. Our raffle, in collaboration with our friends at Yoga Blue in Northport, featured a custom Gooding Wellness Stanley tumbler and a week of yoga classes, emphasizing the importance of self-care. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat, participate, and share in the magic of the evening. We’re already looking forward to next year!
Father Peter Sweisgood & Gabriel's Giving Tree Healing & Recovery Breakfast
Our team attended the 2024 Father Peter Sweisgood & Gabriel's Giving Tree Healing & Recovery Breakfast, joining our friends from Water Gap Wellness. Held at the Heritage Club, this inspiring event brought together organizations dedicated to supporting families and individuals affected by substance abuse. We were honored to be part of this gathering, celebrating the impactful work being done in our community to promote healing and recovery.
Presentation at Fusion Academy: Supporting Students Through Trauma
Gordon and Liana had the privilege of presenting to the staff at Fusion Academy on the critical topic, "Supporting Students Through Trauma: Effective Strategies for Educators". This session focused on equipping teachers with practical tools to better support students navigating traumatic experiences. We are grateful to have such meaningful partnerships within the community that allow us to share knowledge and collaborate with dedicated educators. Thank you to Fusion Academy for the opportunity to engage with your incredible team!
Trainings, Trainings, Trainings
At Gooding Wellness, our commitment to clinical growth and excellence remains at the forefront of our work. Gordon, Peter, Liana, and Julia are actively pursuing their EMDR certifications to deepen their expertise in supporting clients who have experienced trauma. We’ve also introduced additional peer supervision opportunities within the practice, focusing on family counseling, marriage counseling, trauma, EMDR, and working with young children. These efforts are in addition to our ongoing monthly group supervision meetings and weekly clinical supervision sessions. By staying engaged in research-based training and collaborative learning, we ensure that our clients receive the highest quality care tailored to their unique needs.
Cooking & Connections with Gooding Wellness & Monte Nido
Gordon and Liana, along with Diana from Monte Nido, welcomed clinicians and nutritionists working in the field of eating disorders for an evening dedicated to sharing resources, learning about one another’s services, and collaborating to better support Long Islanders struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns. The event was a success, combining meaningful conversations with the fun of making pizza and desserts. It was a wonderful night spent with talented and passionate professionals committed to making a difference in their work.
As we wrap up this edition of our newsletter, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of these incredible experiences. Whether through community events, professional collaborations, or ongoing training, we remain dedicated to fostering wellness and supporting the mental health journey of those we serve.
As we approach the holiday season, a time that can be both joyful and challenging, we want to remind you that Gooding Wellness is here to support you. Whether you’re navigating stress, grief, or simply need someone to talk to, our team is ready to assist with the care and guidance you may need. Contact us anytime to to speak with one of our mental health professionals.
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