This Way Up
Join us as we dive into the world of caregiving, parenting and mental wellness.
This Way Up podcast brings inspiring personal stories and informative conversations to you.
We learn from each other and even laugh together, creating a supportive community and valuable mental health resources.
Recent Episodes
When Strep Triggers OCD, Rage, and Tics
For 1 in 200 kids, a simple strep throat infection can trigger PANDAS —a devastating autoimmune condition that causes sudden-onset OCD, tics, rage, and anxiety. In this episode, Ethan shares his deeply personal journey: from ...
Beyond Fear- The Energetic Shift for Relationships and Parenting
Ever notice how the energy you bring into a room can shift everything—good or bad—without saying a word? In this episode, Annmarie Chereso invites us to rethink how we show up in our most important relationships—whether that’...
Planning for Their Future: Special Needs Trusts
Who will make sure your child with special needs or mental health challenges — even as an adult — is cared for when you no longer can? In this episode of This Way Up, Andrea sits down with Sara Ecklein, a fiduciary specializing in special needs trusts, to tackle this critical question. They unpack …
How Parenthood Changes Us- Preserving Your Relationship
Parenthood messing with your mind or relationship? Psychologist Marcella Kaplani reveals the truth about Matrescence & Patrescence—and how to survive the emotional shifts. With 15+ years of experience, she breaks down the rea...
Family Dynamics and High Needs Children
Parenting is never easy—but when you’re raising a high-needs child, the challenges can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we sit down with Michelle McVittie, a seasoned child life specialist and parenting coach, to unpack th...
The Power of Emotions and Art on Mental Health
Emotions shape everything we do—how we think, react, and connect with others. In this episode of This Way Up , I sit down with Matt Sandoval, CEO of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, for a deep, thought-provoking conv...
Recent Blog Posts
When Strep Throat Turned Our Lives Upside Down: Understanding PANDAS …
Ten years ago, our family’s world was turned completely upside down. My son was just 11 years old when he came down with what seemed like a routine case of strep throat. But within a week, he began showing signs of obsessive-compulsive disord…
How One Simple Question Changed Everything – A Guest Blog by Annmarie…
In one pivotal parenting moment, Annmarie Chereso found herself overwhelmed by her young daughter’s emotional meltdown—ready to react from fear and control. But a simple pause and the question “Where am I?” changed everything…
Planning for the Future: How a Special Needs Trust Can Protect Your L…
When you care for a child — or an adult child — with special needs or mental health challenges, your role goes far beyond the everyday. You're not just managing today; you're constantly thinking about tomorrow.What happens when you're no…