Alicia Svonavec: Alicia’s Angels Artwork

PEP Talks: People Empowering People

Kasey Crawford Kellem is a school counselor, author, yoga instructor, motivational speaker, former business owner and special ed teacher, and now, podcaster. She is a beacon of resiliency as she continues through her journey dodging hurdles but still dancing all along the way! The creator and author of Mind Over Matter Books, Kellem’s first five books, “Believe,” “Love,” “Laugh,” “Relax,” and “Dream” teach children the resiliency tools necessary to overcome obstacles. After her husband died from cancer, Kellem wrote, “Bella-Eve the Bounce-Back Dog” a book she has shared with thousands of children helping them cope with their challenges in life. Her adult memoir, “Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer” was written to help encourage others coping with a terminally ill family member or widowhood believe they can overcome the grief. She has spent her thirty-plus year career in education helping others overcome their hardships so they can live longer, happier quality lives.

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PEP Talks: People Empowering People

Alicia Svonavec: Alicia’s Angels

July 06, 2020 • Kasey Kellem and Greta Fechter • Season 1 • Episode 19

Alicia is a French teacher who is on parental leave to care for her two little girls who were each born with serious health conditions. Her oldest daughter, Penelope (PeeWee) was born prematurely and lives with apraxia of speech, a neurological disorder, and autoimmune neutropenia which has caused her to be isolated most of her life. Her youngest daughter, Gwendonlyn (GiGi) who is 1 ½ year old, survived open-heart surgery at just 24 hours old and experienced more hospital care in her first month of life than an average person does all of their life. Alicia has had to learn how to take care of these two fragile children while learning to balance taking care of herself, as well!

We learned from Alicia:

*It’s ok to feel how you feel: How you feel is natural. It is ok to be worried, sad or disappointed.

*There is something to be learned in every situation-Give it time and you will find the lessons.

*Mom’s need support: Take time to take care of yourself and find yourself again so you can be the best parent for your kids.

*Always look for the silver linings!

*Trust in God: With God all things are possible!

*Advocate and ask questions repeatedly not only for your children, but also for you. A good doctor will encourage and support your advocacy. You know your child best.

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