My Philosophy
"Each child comes to us. It is up to us to solve their mystery. Week by week, day by day, hour by hour."
-S
I believe in working with the whole child. I believe that when the mind and body are connected the systems in the body are supported. When a child feels seen and heard everything else organically falls into place.
I specialize in working with children on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, ADD, and Down Syndrome. I also work with children dealing with anxiety and high levels of stress. By combining different techniques and modalities through Art and Play, as well as Craniosacral Therapy, a unique experience is created for the child, designed with with their specific needs in mind. Through my approach, I can discover what systems are not quite working for the child and find ways of supporting those systems. Which can help the child - physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I believe in using a gentle, holistic approach that honors your child whatever point they are at. Supporting the whole child allows them grow more confident in their own abilities. So they can learn to fly...
Art and Play
"What if I fall? Oh but my darling, what if you fly?"
-e.h.
art
I believe that imagination is an amazing gift and should be treasured. Through art, children can create, imagine and make discoveries about themselves. I have worked with many children who at first didn't think they liked art. Usually, and sadly, it's because they had a bad experience with art in the past. It is a joy to watch these children discover their own creative voice and point of view through their own process, to watch their imagination take off truly is a gift. And for children who already have a love for art, to be a part of their growth is rewarding.
Art lends itself to support social-emotional skills, as well as supporting systems in the body that deal with fine motor, right and left brain, tracking, and following instructions, just to name a few. Art can help build confidence and stamina and learn to work through times when things don't quite work out as they would like. If you were to ask my students I've worked with for years, they would all tell you, "There are no mistakes in art... you're just going in a different direction."
Play
My approach to play is sensory based. It is a holistic approach to neurodevelopment learning efficiencies based on my training with the HANDLE Institute. Just as no two fingerprints are alike, no two people have the same arrangement of neural pathways that carry messages to, within, and from their brains. Each of us requires slightly different neurodevelopment patterns. All behavior is communication and taking a "systems" view of the body and mind through which human behaviors can be seen as the expression of the functioning and of the various parts of the body, especially of the nervous systems and the brain. These systems interact with each other dynamically, and when one is stressed, another may reflect the stress. For example, eyestrain can cause a headache.
Using the HANDLE approach together with play can strengthen the systems without stress through "gentle enhancement." An understanding of the connections and interactions between components of a system helps the brain to create efficient pathways naturally and gently.
Oftentimes, a child will come into my space and go for exactly what they need. I watch and listen to see what they are showing me, what their body language is telling me, and we build on this.
Importantly, children will also learn techniques to help support themselves at home and at school, in their daily lives.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
The human body's craniosacral system is fundamental to good health - physical and emotional. The cerebrospinal fluid is the key to the central nervous system and the source of the rhythm which is at the core of our body's pulse. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, nonevasive technique.
I incorporate craniosacral techniques in a very gentle and subtle way. Children on the Autism Spectrum especially have rarely experienced, if at all, a fully relaxed state, because their bodies and nervous systems have been on high alert much of their lives.
Craniosacral work also helps to balance the right and left brain, and helps with anxiety and stress. Craniosacral can be combined with practiced mindfulness which helps to create techniques and tools for children to self-regulate and be in tune with their bodies. I start and end each session combining these two techniques.
Craniosacral Therapy
signs of stress
" The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it."
-j.m. Barrie
When we are in a state of anxiety or stress and experience feelings of being overwhelmed or misunderstood, or not seen for who we are but for who or what someone else believes we should be, in my view these are candle-snuffing feelings. They prevent us from finding our own wings.
When I am working with a child, I'm on the look out for signs of stress. Red ears, dark circles under the eyes, closed fists, agitation, etc. If a child shows these, we back away and redirect to an activity that will help de-stress them.
If a child comes into a session already upset, stressed, or agitated. I invite them to lead and let them guide me to what they need at that moment. As I become more familar with each child, I will have techniques in place that I know will help them get what they mentally and emotionally require. Then and only then can a child move forward and grow.
A Space for Parents
"Behind every young child who believes in him or herself is a parent who believed first..."
It was important for me to create a space for parents and caregivers. As a parent of a child with Autism, I know how precious it is to have a place where you feel welcomed and supported. My hope when you walk into my space is to serve as an invitation for you to take a breath. To give yourself permission to relax and to take a moment. To let any worries slip away, if only for a little while...
Testimonials
"Kelly is passionate about serving others and working to find the best possibility for each person using holistic approaches that meet individual needs in the process. Caring and compassionate are two words that are synonymous with who she is and it's why she is respected in her field."
-Theresa D.
"Kelly Mehr taught art to both of my daughters. They enjoyed her company just as much as the art lessons and they often talk about how amazing her classes were. She has talent for making everyone feel included and her enthusiasm is catching.
Later, I had the pleasure of working with Kelly for aproximately 7 years in a school setting. She is supportive, compassionate and is an incredible mentor for children of all abilities. In addition to teaching art, she also ran sensory classes. I wish you every success Kelly, you deserve the very best."
-Lisa W.
"Ms. Kelly is loved by children and adults alike! Your child will be treated with professionalism, kindness, and tenderness. Everyone is welcomed and given individual attention. Spaces are inviting, warm, and very comforting."
-Lisa O.
"Kelly has years of experience working with kids of all ages and abilities. She can build rapport with kids easily and has the ability to meet then where they're at, on both their good days and their bad days. She takes a strengths-based approach when working with children, demonstrating a natural ability to see the strengths in every child and making them feel seen and loved for exactly who they are.
Kelly's big heart and compassion, coupled with her extensive experience with art and sensory play, offers children a unique learning opportunity. Children in her care feel safe to try new things and grow through exploration in a positive and caring learning environment. Every child on my caseload that has worked closely with Kelly has not only shown growth with her support, but has thrived with the care that she has shown them. In my opinion, every child should have a person like Kelly in their life. I cannot recommend her service enough."
-Andrea L. OTR/L.
My Story
My story starts when my oldest son was seven years old. I had always known he was quirky and experienced the world in a different way. He was intelligent, and his attention to detail was amazing. I remember that at four he could recite all the really complicated dinosaur names and would correct me if I pronounced them wrong. He seemed to have a photographic memory for what he was interested in.
At seven, however, he began to hide under his desk at school and lock himself in the classroom closet. He told me that his brain didn't work right and that he wanted to die. I was devastated and terrified for him. I didn't know what to do. I only knew that my son was in pain and I needed to help him.
I first went the traditional route of taking my son to a child psychiatrist which resulted in a Zoloft prescription. The psychiatrist diagnosed him with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I watched as the medication snuffed out the light from my son's eyes, I knew there had to be something more. This was not the answer. I never wanted to change my son, I only ever wanted to find a way to help him be in this world.
On the recommendation of a good friend, I took my son to the Regional Center, where he was diagnosed with Autism (specifically, Asperger's Syndrome) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), because he experenced "intrusive thoughts."
I started to learn about sensory and found an amazing Homeopathic Doctor who helped get my son safely off Zoloft and to help his body begin to heal. I also found a wonderful Craniosacral Therapist and Play Therapist. All of these amazing people came into our life when we needed them most. They helped my son heal and grow into the amazing man he is today - and without changing who he was meant to be and all he brings into this world.
When he was little, I would sometimes sit on the floor by his bed until he fell asleep. We would have these magical moments and special conversations. One in particular comes to mind. He told me, "You know, Momma, the world is made of bumps. Some people walk over the bumps, while others stay on them." He was four years old.
Because of my son, I figured out who I was, and who I was meant to be. I started to see people in an entirely different light and appreciate and see the world in a completely different way. He inspired me to learn not only how to help him, but to help and work with other children.
I will leave you with one more anecdote. When my son was seven, and going through all that he was at the time. For Valentines Day the teacher asked all the children what LOVE means. The teacher then wrote the children's responses along with drawings the children created. Most of the kids answered my dog, grandparents, my mom and dad. My son's teacher came and got me and told me I needed to see his response. He wrote "LOVE means what comes first from the HEART"...
Experience and Training
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
I have been a Craniosacral Therapist for over 20 years. My Craniosacral training was with the Healing Arts Institute in Thousand Oaks, California.
Art
I have been an art teacher and have taught many children typical and with special needs from preschool to high school for over 11 years.
Handle
HANDLE is an acronym for Holistic Approach to Neuro-Developmental Learning Efficiency. I am certified as a Level 3 HANDLE screener. The HANDLE program is very intense and each level of training can take several years to complete.
other
Several years ago I worked with Sulphur Springs School District to educate teachers and teacher's aids about Autism. Over the years, I have created many sensory spaces, physical spaces for children. I've also attended many different trainings on Autism, ADD, ADHD, and children's health and well-being.
Make an appointment
Kelly Mehr
661.373.1358 call or text
healing@kellysretreat.com
24509 Walnut Street, Ste 204,
Newhall CA 91321
connect with me
@healing4children
A Conversation
My consultations are a little different. I like the child and parent (or caregiver) to be present, but I address the child as my client. The initial consultation typically lasts about 30 minutes. First, I engage the child and get to know them. Then I ask the child to explore the space while I ask the parent (or caregiver) some questions. If the child isn't comfortable with this, we can arrange another time to speak. This is, of course, part of the initial consultation and at no additional charge.
My schedule
Monday
10a - 6p
Tuesday
10a - 6p
Wednesday
10a - 6p
Thursday
10a - 6p
Saturday
9a - 1p