This interview was conducted by email. It is a follow-up to the March 2025 newsletter article featuring the Hummingbird ABA therapy service provider. To read that back issue, among others, please visit
www.mhcccentre.com/newsletter.html

1. If you were to give two mental health tips for a reader of this blog, what would they be?

• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Mental health challenges can make you feel like you're falling short, but showing yourself the same understanding you would offer a friend can make a big difference. While Hummingbird ABA Therapy is not considered a mental health provider, we push a strong emphasis on self compassion and mental health and wellness for our staff and the families of our clients.
• Build strong support networks: Surround yourself with understanding, supportive people who care about your well-being. Whether it’s family, friends, or professional support, strong connections are key to resilience.

2. What is the view of mental health in the community? Would you say it has gotten better, the same, or worse since you started in the field?

• Mental health awareness has certainly improved over the years. People are becoming more open about discussing mental health struggles, and there's more access to support than before. However, there is always a need for more resources, particularly for specific groups like neurodivergent individuals and their families who are navigating parenthood differently. 

3. In brief, are there lifestyle choices that can help someone with their mental health?

• Yes, lifestyle choices such as regular physical activity, adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, practicing mindfulness, and limiting screen time can significantly improve mental health. A routine that prioritizes self-care and social connection can also play a major role in managing mental well-being. Many of our clients are working on developing leisure skills, which is not just teaching them how to play and do fun things, but also finding things that they can use as coping strategies to protect their mental health. 

4. What would you say is the best way for the community to be inclusive to those suffering from mental health challenges?

• The best way to foster inclusivity is by educating others, reducing stigma, and creating supportive environments. This includes listening without judgment, offering compassion, and actively including people in activities and conversations regardless of their mental health status. At Hummingbird, we work primarily with children with autism, but oftentimes parents and families struggle with mental health needs due to a lack of support and understanding for their experiences. It is so important to meet people where they are and not judge.  

5. About how many individuals do you help?

• At Hummingbird, we currently serve over 70 children with ABA therapy and/or pediatric occupational therapy with approximately 15% of our clients having diagnosed mental health disorders in addition to their primary diagnosis to qualify for our services. We also recognize that the research shows that autistic adults are more likely to struggle with mental health issues as they grow, and want to ensure that our clients have the tools needed to be successful and happy, even after they're discharged from our services. 

6. How does modern technology help mental health, or work against it?

• Modern technology can be incredibly helpful for mental health by providing access to therapy, resources, and support groups through apps, telehealth, and online communities. However, it can also work against mental health if it leads to overuse, social isolation, or contributes to unhealthy comparisons via social media. Social media safety is often a conversation we have with our middle and high school social skills groups. Technology can be a great tool for us as well, as it allows for our staff to complete virtual trainings, our supervisors to complete telehealth caregiver trainings and observations, and we can easily send information to and from families as needed. 

7. What are the top mental health issues facing youth today?

• While there are many mental health issues facing youth today, Hummingbird works with neurodivergent children, particularly those with autism, who are typically facing unique mental health challenges, such as social anxiety, sensory overload, or feeling left out or lonely. 

8. Can you briefly describe your therapy approach as if I knew nothing about it?

• We provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, primarily with autistic children, which works to increase communication, social skills, and independence. The field of ABA has a rich history, and Hummingbird ABA Therapy works to provide a neurodiversity-affirming approach, meaning we recognize and support each child’s individual needs, preferences, and natural abilities rather than attempting to “normalize” behaviors. We recognize that people may have their own quirks and needs, may need to stim or move differently, and may communicate in a way that is not the same as those around them. It's important within our approach that we honor these differences, focusing only on the reduction of harmful or unsafe behaviors, while increasing the positive behaviors through developing more skills. 

9. What first inspired you to start your business?

• I started Hummingbird ABA Therapy after gaining experience in a variety of connected roles- working as an early childhood educator, then a psych rehab specialist, and then an ABA Therapist. In addition to my professional roles, I was a parent to a neurodivergent child. From my work with adults who were missing critical skills, I saw firsthand the need for neurodiversity-affirming therapy services, and then later realized that there was not nearly enough for these children. My goal was to create a space where children could receive support in a way that respected their identities and needs, while also helping families navigate the complex world of therapy and resources. Hummingbird ABA Therapy became the first agency providing ABA Therapy that was owned and run by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and now runs the only ABA Clinic within Centre County. 

10. Who is your biggest inspiration?

• That's a really tough question. I have many inspirational people who I have encountered in my life, and honestly I can't say a single person has inspired my business model or therapy practices. Much of my inspiration comes from other BCBAs who have created similar ABA agencies in different parts of the country. I have a strong group of friends and mentors that support each other and we spend a lot of time learning from each other. 
  

11. What book are you currently reading?

• I have a very eclectic reading list and honestly I have to force myself to vary my reading to not always be autism or ABA therapy related!  Currently, I'm reading a memoir of a late-diagnosed autistic woman titled, "Drama Queen", by Sara Gibbs.  

12. What is a day in your life like?

• My typical day begins with getting my children ready for school and ensuring they have everything they need for the day. Once they are set, I take a moment to get myself ready, preparing for both personal and professional responsibilities. Before leaving the house, I check messages for Hummingbird to stay up-to-date on any urgent matters. Once I arrive at the center, I start by reviewing and responding to emails to address important communications. I then hold multiple meetings with the clinical and admin teams to align on goals and priorities for the day. I review treatment plans to ensure they reflect the needs of our clients, and create trainings and guides for staff based on what is needed to improve services and workflows. Throughout the day, I also review client updates and collaborate with our scheduling coordinator and admin director to meet scheduling and hiring needs.
  
  I make a point to do a few laps around the center, checking in with staff and offering assistance as needed. This helps me stay connected with the team and address any challenges that arise. At the end of the day, I return home to my children, where we enjoy time together. I make dinner and play with them until it’s time to get ready for bed. As the weather warms up, I’m looking forward to spending more time outside, including walking to the park after dinner. This balance of work and family keeps my day fulfilling, and I’m excited for the opportunities that spring will bring.

You mean the world to someone!

Coming up is September, which is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Every year during the month of September, communities, organizations, and individuals around the world observe World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. In the United States, this day marks the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Week (September 10th-16th), with the entire month of September recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This month provides an important opportunity for advocacy, education, and outreach in line with the recurring theme of World Suicide Prevention Day, “Creating Hope through Action."

Would you like to include your first name? If yes, ____Kenneth____.
Would you like to say you are a Clubhouse member? (Circle yes or no) YES NO
If yes, would you like to say how long you have been a member? ____7_____ years.
Would you like to include your age? (Circle yes or no) YES NO.
If yes, you are ____63_____ years old.
 
q. At what age did you first notice symptoms, and how long did it take to receive treatment?
a. Age 40
 
q. What is some advice you would give to someone newly diagnosed who is starting their recovery journey?
a. Do not give up
 
q. If you have achieved recovery, how long did it take to get there and were there any major barriers? What are some things that have helped you achieve recovery?
a. 3 years, and talked about it.
 
q. If you feel stable, what factors do you attribute to stability? Are there some things you avoid doing that aren’t helpful?
a. Going to Clubhouse, Church, talk to other people
 
q. Have you encountered questions about mental health while involved with employment, and if so, how did you react?
a. No
​
q. Why is mental health awareness important?
a. Reduce stigma

Would you like to include your first name? If yes, ____Gregory____.
Would you like to say you are a Clubhouse member? (Circle yes or no) YES NO
If yes, would you like to say how long you have been a member? ___5___ years.
Would you like to include your age? (Circle yes or no) YES NO.
If yes, you are ____26_____ years old.
 
q. At what age did you first notice symptoms, and how long did it take to receive treatment?
a. 20 years old, I got treatment right away starting with therapy
 
q. What is some advice you would give to someone newly diagnosed who is starting their recovery journey?
a. Surround yourself around people who are supportive. Support is the first step to recovery.
 
q. If you have achieved recovery, how long did it take to get there and were there any major barriers? What are some things that have helped you achieve recovery?
a. Mine took 5 years to get there, going to Clubhouse helped a lot and going to the gym did too.
 
q. Have you encountered questions about mental health while involved with employment, and if so, how did you react?
a. No, I never did.
 
q. Why is mental health awareness important?
a. It is important because like our body our mind is fragile and needs work to improve. Mental Health is a universal thing and there is nothing wrong with having mental health problems; we’re all human beings.

Would you like to include your first name? If yes, ____Anonymous__________.
Would you like to say you are a Clubhouse member? (Circle yes or no) YES NO
If yes, would you like to say how long you have been a member? ____2_____ years.
Would you like to include your age? (Circle yes or no) YES NO.
If yes, you are ___22______ years old.

q. At what age did you first notice symptoms, and how long did it take to receive treatment?
a. I was 18 when I first noticed symptoms. I was in college at the time and as such my friends encouraged me to seek treatment. About a month later I received treatment.
 
q. What is some advice you would give to someone newly diagnosed who is starting their recovery journey?
a. Do not be afraid to talk to trusted others about your symptoms.
Always be willing to ask for help if you feel you need it.
 
q. If you have achieved recovery, how long did it take to get there and were there any major barriers? What are some things that have helped you achieve recovery?
a. For me in particular I have reached a point where I am relatively stable.
​Some major barriers were managing symptoms and setting a consistent med routine. My support network was a huge help.
 
q. If you feel stable, what factors do you attribute to stability? Are there some things you avoid doing that aren’t helpful?
a. My symptoms are at a minimum, and I feel happy with where I am at mentally. Some thing I avoid are helping others at a detriment to my mental health.
 
q. Have you encountered questions about mental health while involved with employment, and if so, how did you react?
a. Yes, and personally I had to just smile and accept that I was going to be held to a different standard than my coworkers, and over time that gap lessened for the better.
 
q. Why is mental health awareness important?
a. There are so many people who suffer because of ignorance around mental health. People NEED to be educated on this matter for the betterment of society.

We're pleased to bring you an interview with Laura Gardner from Skills of Central PA! Laura oversees all of Skills' mental health programs, and has been in the mental health field since 1999. We recently sat down with her to discuss the ways she's seen the mental health field evolve, advice she has for people struggling with mental health challenges, and much more!

Interview with Laura Gardner from Skills
q. What is your job title?
a. My current job title is Clinical Administrator.

q. What is your background in mental health?
a. I have worked in mental health since 1999. I started out in a psychiatric facility hospital in Lancaster County and worked there for a while, then went on to work in an all-boys school for the youth.
Then I got my Master’s degree in Human Services and started working at The Meadows as a case manager. From there I went into outpatient therapy, and I was an outpatient therapist from 2005 up until I took this job at Skills last year in 2022.

q. Do you think stigma has improved since you started? Why?
a. I have seen it improve a lot since I started.
When I started in the mental health field, it was very much the what they consider the medical model, where the physician or the professional told you what the treatment was going to be, and there wasn’t much collaboration at that time. I’ve watched it change to be much more of a collaborative treatment for folks.
With mental health and stigma in particular, I’ve seen that change a lot. In the past, people didn’t talk about their mental health, but now, we’re at a point where people feel very empowered to talk about it, and other people respond to that. It’s been a very positive shift. Not to say there’s not still some stigma, because there is, but in the years that I have worked I’ve watched it really change for the positive.

q. Has anything else changed?
a. The biggest thing that I’ve seen is the collaboration between mental health providers and the people they support. Today, people are getting diagnosed, knowing what their diagnosis is, understanding why they’re being prescribed a particular mediation. Just people being more empowered. When I first started in the mental health world, that wasn’t always the case.
There has also been a shift where more people with mental illness are working in and integrated into their communities. And that shift has really been huge, I think.

q. Why is mental health awareness important?
a. As a therapist, I think mental health has two pieces. There’s a situational component for some folks, where something happens in someone’s life, and then that results in mental health issues for them. And there’s the genetic component, where someone has a family history of mental health issues. Either way, I think mental health is something that every human being deals with on some level. And I think it’s important for people to be able to recognize when they are struggling, and to know how to get the support and treatment and help that they might need.

​q. What are some important factors for recovery?
a. I think one of the most important factors for recovery is self-identification–people identifying what is going on with their own mental health, and seeking help when they need it. A lot of times, the process of getting help starts with a person’s Primary Care Physician, who then directs them to other services.
And the second biggest, which goes hand-in-hand with the first, is support. Whether that’s family support, community support, support through a caseworker, peer support worker, or therapist or a psychiatrist. Just having a support network to know when something is wrong or to help out when someone needs a little support with something.

q. How would you suggest a person explain their diagnosis to their employer, family friends, and people they know?
a. I tell people to decide how much information to share based on their relationship. You may tell your close family and friends a whole lot more about your diagnosis and symptomology and things that you are experiencing than you would share with your employer. You might tell your employer enough so that you can get accommodations that you might need for the position you are working. But you may not go into great detail about symptoms and things like that. I think it is based off of the relationship that you have with the individual that you are talking to.

q. Are there any resources (book, videos, websites, etc.) you would recommend to someone interested in mental health?
a. There is some really good stuff on SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website. There are a lot of Federal websites out there as well. Like for LGBTQ+ folks, the Trevor Project is a really big website that provides a lot about resources and support for folks who are struggling with mental health.
Your County mental health offices tend to have a lot of resources; so those are a great place to look. YouTube has some really good videos and talks from people struggling with mental health.

q. Are there any hobbies or coping activities you would recommend to someone suffering?
a. Absolutely. One of the biggest things is, especially when you are struggling with depression, the last thing you feel like doing is moving. We always tell people to exercise. But when you tell someone to exercise, that’s a big word that can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. So, I encourage them to find things that they enjoy. If someone really likes dancing, look on YouTube and find some things there that you enjoy. I encourage people to find an activity that they really like and to try to do that activity a couple times a week.
Another one of the things I encourage people to do is to change their environment. Get outside, get in the sunshine, even if it’s just sitting for ten minutes in the sun. This tends to help all of us feel a little bit better.
I definitely encourage people to utilize hobbies, because even when you don’t feel like doing something, when you walk outside and you sit for 10 minutes in the sun, that generally just helps you to feel a little bit better.

q. How common is mental illness in our County? Has it increased? How common is recovery?
a. I would say that mental illness is pretty common in our county. I don’t think that’s any different than any other place in the country.
Has it increased? I think yes. There are some things that have caused it to increase, such as the pandemic really isolating a lot of people.
I think social media is another area that really increases mental illness for folks who are already struggling, because when people look at, say, Instagram or Facebook, and see everybody else’s lives and the things they are doing, and they evaluate themselves based off of that, I think that that can increase mental health symptoms for people. Social media makes them view life through a very small lens, and they look at what other people are doing and feel somehow that they’re not at the same standard. For kids, it’s also very easy to bully people via social media. I’ve seen that happen quite a bit.

q. And then how common is recovery?
a. I think recovery is very common when people seek support and help.
As a therapist, I would recommend therapy because I have seen in the past how helpful it is to be able to talk to someone else. And as strange as it sounds, talking to a stranger that doesn’t know anything about you is very helpful. To have somebody else to look at what’s happening in your life and to help support you in that way.
So, I think for people who reach out and get support, recovery is very common.
People can and do recover from mental health challenges, and they move forward to live relatively normal lives just like everyone else.

q. How would you define recovery?
a. I would define recovery as the energy and willingness that takes to improve, if that makes sense. In my mind, a person has to be willing to put themselves out there when they recognize something is wrong. Sometimes just therapy, sometimes it’s just having a peer to talk to, sometimes it’s medication and therapy. There are all different kinds of combinations of things that can go together with recovery, but I think it’s the willingness to just take that first step.

q. Is there anything you would say to people struggling with their mental health?
a. I would say that the biggest thing is that people can and do recover from mental illnesses.
I do a lot of support for suicide prevention. And it's very disheartening to me that we lose people to suicide, because there is support and there is help.
There are challenges along the way, and it might take you a little while, but you just have to keep moving forward.

​q. What is your favorite part about working in the mental health field?
a. My favorite part is watching people achieve recovery, and change and grow from where they were when you first met them, or where they first came into the mental health field and started to get services. Seeing them grow and recover and go off to live relatively normal lives. I think that’s amazing to watch.
 
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If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, please check out our list of service providers here, or our crisis resources page here.

Remember that there is no wrong way to start your recovery journey -
any service provider listed on our website will be pleased to help you!

If you don’t know where to start, reach out to Centre County’s MHIDEI at
(814) 355-6786 and ask for Mental Health Intake services.