Dr. Tomasula presented to a local Celiac Support Group about coping with their chronic disease.

On January 16, 2024, I had the opportunity to spend time with Girl Scout Brownie Troop 638 to help them earn their Mental Health Awareness patch. The girls enjoyed learning about parts of the brain and how important it is for us all to take care of this critical part of our body. We chatted about emotions and their impact on our mental health. I led the girls through different strategies to calm their bodies and brains, such as grounding (5-4-3-2-1), progressive muscle relaxation (robot to ragdoll), and deep (square) breathing. The girls all came up with wonderful ideas on how they can take care of their brains and mental health, as well as ways to stay calm and relaxed when in situations that may evoke feelings of anxiety or stress.

On November 14, 2023, I navigated a busy book fair to engage with the Harris Creek Elementary School PTA to celebrate PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month. Strategies to address important topics like sleep hygiene, screen time, physical activity, and emotion regulation were discussed.

On Monday November 6, 2023, I engaged in a lively discussion with the Parent-Teacher Assocation (PTA) at Durant Road Elementary School to celebrate PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month. Different strategies to improve mental and physical health in youth and adults were presented as well as how untreated mental health difficulties can directly be related to the development of chronic physical health conditions and vice versa.

On Saturday November 4, 2023, the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Teen Arts Council and I offered a free event which aimed to increase awareness of the intricate relationship between social media and body positivity among adolescents. Through an interactive art project and insightful discussion, we aspired to equip adolescents with some of the tools they need to cultivate a healthy, positive body image in today’s digital landscape.

On Friday October 27, 2023, I had the distinct pleasure of working with WakeMed’s Spiritual Care team to discuss the importance of self-care in helping professions, like hospital chaplaincy. Reflection and permission-giving exercises were essential in moving beyond identifying strategies to creating individual plans to avoid compassion fatigue.