Penfield Wellness Week Brings Staff Together Through Self-Care, Learning, and Connection 

At Penfield Children’s Center, supporting the well-being of our staff is an important part of supporting the children and families we serve. This week, Penfield’s Wellness Committee hosted Wellness Week — a weeklong series of activities focused on self-care, mindfulness, personal growth, and connection. 

Throughout the week, staff had the opportunity to participate in a variety of engaging wellness experiences designed to encourage health, reflection, and healthy habits both in and outside of the workplace. 

The week kicked off with breathing workshops led by Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee (SWIM), where staff learned simple breathing techniques to help reduce stress, increase energy, and promote relaxation throughout the day. 

On Tuesday, staff members enjoyed a Plant Open House hosted by Penfield’s own Martina Stevens. Team members decorated flower pots, took home edible flower seeds, and connected over gardening tips and plant care in a relaxed, open-house environment. 

Midweek, staff participated in yoga sessions led by Parisa Shirazi, who previously facilitated mindfulness activities during Penfield’s annual staff retreat. The sessions welcomed all ability levels and offered staff the opportunity to recharge through movement and mindfulness. 

Thursday’s programming focused on financial wellness with presentations from Amy Crowe of Summit Credit Union. Staff learned about the connection between financial stress and overall health while gaining practical tools to support long-term financial wellness. 

The week concluded with the launch of Penfield’s Wellness Book Club, led by Lori Woolverton. The group introduced the book Real Self Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin and explored the difference between surface-level self-care and meaningful practices that support overall well-being. 

In addition to the daily activities, healthy snacks were provided throughout the week to encourage staff to take time to recharge and connect with one another. 

Penfield extends a heartfelt thank you to the Wellness Committee for organizing such a thoughtful and impactful week, as well as to all of the presenters and community partners who shared their time, knowledge, and support with our staff. 

Creating a workplace culture that values wellness, connection, and personal growth helps strengthen our team and ultimately benefits the children and families we serve every day.