Meet Our Staff - Lauri

Introducing Lauri Arzola, RHS Quality Assurance Manager and Board Clerk

I attended Taft College in California and graduated with my Associate’s Degree. I studied Psychology and Social Studies. From there, I raised my two children and then when they got a little older I went back to school to become a Surgical Technologist Assistant. I worked in various hospitals and surgery centers. Currently, I work for RHS as a Quality Assurance Program Manager, Clerical Supervisor, and Board Clerk. I love working for RHS as I believe in the wide array of services that we provide, and enjoy working with great people who work to make a difference in people's lives. I enjoy developing the processes in each program RHS offers and making sure that we are compliant. Every day I learn and develop in my career with RHS.

Where did you grow up? (Family, schools, town)

*I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley of Taft California. I attended Taft College, San Joaquin Valley College, Bakersfield College and CSUB. My family made their living in the Oil Fields and we rode pumping units for fun and chased tumble weeds. :)

What does your currently family look like? (children, spouse, grandchildren)

*I have two great kids. Tori and Brydon. I became a Grandma last year to a beautiful little girl Ellla. She is the light of my life!

What do you do in your free time?

*In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible. I like to fish, camp, and ride quads or 4 wheelers as Idahoans would say.  I also enjoy taking drives in my jeep and climbing hills. I'm planning on taking up guitar lessons this year.

Biggest accomplishment?

*One big thing I’ve accomplished is that I used to be in a symphony orchestra and we produced two records. I played first chair violin.

What are your retirement goals?

*I love traveling. I would love to just make plans with family and friends and go on extravagant vacations. Enjoy life to the fullest!

What is one motto you live your life by?

*Life is unpredictable, ADJUST ACCORDINGLY!

What was your most memorable vacation?

* I have a few, but probably the Hawaiian Vacation I took several years ago with my kids. It was so great to enjoy that time with just them and we had so much fun!

Meet our Staff - Oly

Meet Our Staff:

Introducing Ohlaina Steed “Oly”, RHS’s new Peer Support Supervisor:

Where did you grow up?

*I grew up primarily in Idaho Falls. I lived in Casper, Wyoming and Jackson Hole for a combined six months with my ex-husband. His family was from Wyoming and he had a job opportunity. I was a stay at home mom with no money and no family and really hated being there so I decided to move back to Idaho Falls without him.  

What is one thing in this world that you are most proud of?

*I am most proud of my two girls. Both of them are in college now and have accomplished so much. They have come so far in life. They’re good people, productive, smart, and enjoy helping others.

Do you have any hobbies?

*I love to cook and bake. Some of my favorites are; fried chicken, chicken noodle soup, and banana bread.

I’m also interested in photography. I like taking pictures of nature, mountains and everything else.

What is your favorite cuisine?

*Sushi. I first tried it about two years ago and fell in love. Blue Hashi is my favorite sushi restaurant and I try to go at least once a month, sometimes more.

If money wasn't an issue, where would you travel? 

*I would travel everywhere! My first choice would be Italy. I want to learn about the history and see the old buildings.  

What are a few things on your bucket list?

*I want to go Skydiving! I struggle with Bipolar and when you get to that manic state you can become an adrenaline junkie.

I also would love to go on a cruise through Alaska. I think that would be an amazing adventure.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

*Within my Career, my coworker, Jane Hymas. She has been a great role model and mentor to me. She is supportive of the Peer Support program and encourages me to do well. She is professional and I have a lot of respect for her. Jane has been an incredible inspiration for me.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

*People that do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom

People that do not say please and thank you.

People that feel they are entitled and feel they deserve things in life that they do not work for.  

Do you have any pets? 

*I have two grandpuppies. One is a Papillion, and one is Chihuahua Terrier mix.

What is your favorite kind of music genre? 

*I love classic rock. I keep my Pandora station on Classic Rock majority of the time. I also love listening to books on tape while driving for work.

Thank you Oly!

Meet our Staff - Kayla

Introducing Kayla Binggeli

Kayla has been with RHS since February 2010, 5 1/2 years as the front desk receptionist. Her responsibilities include; scheduling appointments, getting all new referrals set up for services, answering questions, and helping all employees with documentation and appointments. She loves getting to know our clients and meeting new people. Since Kayla is the first person our clients meet, we thought it would be a good idea to get to know her a little better.

Where did you grow up?

* I was born in Idaho Falls.

What is one thing in this world that you are most proud of?

* I am most proud of working in the mental health field. 

Do you have any hobbies?

* I love to go camping, concerts, scrap-booking and crocheting.

What is your favorite cuisine?

* My favorite cuisine is Mexican food.

If money wasn't an issue, where would you travel? 

* I would travel to Switzerland.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

My mother is the most influential person in my life.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

* I have many pet peeves. I think my worst pet peeve is when someone leaves seconds on the microwave.

Do you have any pets? 

* Yes I have one chorkie. She is 1 year old.

What is your favorite kind of music genre? 

* I love many genre's of music. I have only been to two concerts and both have been Country.

The Art of Control

The Art of Control

Often time’s young adults come into my office and say things like “no one cares about me” “I feel controlled by my parents” and “I never have a say in what happens in my life.”

As kids are reporting this to me during sessions I start to wonder “Is this really happening or are they making it up to hopefully get what they want”. What I have found is that parents and or (adults) tend to seek and gain ALL control of those whom they are responsible for.

Sharing control with your kids is an art that takes time, patience, love and lots of empathy. Some people may say things like “If I don’t tell my kids what to do and how to do it then they will never do anything right. This technique sounds good and may work from time to time however, it is important to CONSULT with your kids and allow them the opportunity to think for them self’s.

Parents who consult with there kids create a open door for communication that will develop an even playing felid in which the child will feel comfortable expressing there true thoughts and emotions. Kids want to be heard and know that what they have to say is important. What may seem trivial for you as the parent maybe huge or life changing for your child.

As parents, a goal should be to understand and know are children’s true feeling so we can help them with issues or difficulties they may face in there life’s journey.

Brett Hampton LCSW

Therapist at RHS

Mental Disorders Are More Common Than You'd Think!

Mental disorders are common. In fact, statistics show that the likelihood that you will experience some sort of mental illness in your lifetime is over 45%.

Such illness include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many others. Sometimes, it seems that we feel extreme compassion for someone who finds out they have a debilitating physical disease such as cancer, heart failure, diabetes, or stroke, and yet we often misunderstand that mental illness can be just as debilitating, life changing, and out of our control.

The causes of mental illness are complex. They are usually the result of problems in brain functioning, genetic vulnerability, trauma, chronic thinking patterns, or other emotionally difficult experiences. People with mental illnesses cannot just will themselves to get better. Blaming the person or others for the illness is harmful. When others respond with compassion, it can help the person feel more comfortable. When you are diagnosed with a mental illness, it’s easy to wonder if you caused it yourself. Close family members may also blame themselves. No one is immune from mental health problems. It is not a moral weakness or a flaw in your character. Just like a physical illness, people can experience a mental illness anytime. Jeffrey R. Holland said, “These afflictions are some of the realities of mortal life, and there should be no more shame in acknowledging them than in acknowledging a battle with high blood pressure or the sudden appearance of a malignant tumor.”

Many people are frightened by mental illness and do not know what to say or how to respond to an individual with such a disorder. It may seem easy to turn away from those who are afflicted and their families, but this only increases their suffering and isolation. Take the time to listen, include them in our activities, be there for them in times of crisis, and treat them as we would want to be treated helps lift their burden and shows our love for them.

There are simple helps that all of us can do for those who are experiencing mental health problems:

• Treat the person with understanding and compassion. Realize that a mental illness cannot be overcome by willpower alone. It does not indicate that a person lacks faith, character, or personal worth.
• Do not take problems that are a result of the illness personally. People with mental illness may feel frustrated and upset because of the illness. 
• Consult with the person, family members, and others who know the person well to identify limitations as well as strengths.    
• Do not argue with delusional ideas or pursue topics that increase agitation. Be aware that stress can make the illness worse.

While it may seem too simple, sometimes words of comfort, support, and love can be life-changing for someone who doesn't feel needed. Sometimes those suffering with depression and suicidal thoughts don’t even need words. They just need someone to sit with them. They need someone to be there for them. They need to feel loved and valued. We all need more words of encouragement and less words of judgment.

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This article is brought to you by Cindy Quinn, LMSW. To learn more about Cindy and our other wonderful counselors, check out the counseling information page on our website HERE.

If you need help or are seeking services, please don't hesitate in contact our office at 208.523.5319 or email questions@rhscares.com.