A pretty blond with a shy smile, Kayla is a survivor. Her graduation from High School in Spring of 2009 was a milestone and a celebration; not only of academic achievement but of triumphing over years of crisis.
The victim of severe trauma, Kayla developed unhealthy coping skills that included cutting and eating disorders. At her lowest, she was in crisis several times a week, often requiring hospitalization. Brought into the care of Kitsap Mental Health Services she was designated a high intensity services client which enabled her therapist to work with her in her home, school or hospital as needed and to assist in crisis situations.
“At KMHS, I felt that people really began to hear my story and I was removed from my existing environment,” says Kayla. The first client of the Multi-Dimensional Treatment Foster Care program, Kayla blossomed in a new home situation that was peaceful, restful and restorative, while she learned to deal with trauma in a healthy manner.
Kayla is typically seen in the company of her best friend, Stella, a Border Collie German Shepherd mix. At the suggestion of her therapist, Stella was acquired through the Purdy Prison Pet Partnership Program that matches people with special needs to dogs with appropriate skills. Selected for her perceptive abilities, Stella recognizes when Kayla is suffering a panic attack and either alerts someone to help or sits on her until any danger is passed. “I noticed a huge change in Kayla when Stella entered her life,” said Jill Forsberg, KMHS Clinical Supervisor. “Having Stella to rely on, Kayla immediately became more relaxed.”
People who knew Kayla 5 years ago might be surprised at the young woman she is today. Determined to put her past behind her, she graduated High School with 13 credits towards her college degree. During High School she worked in a day care center and realized her passion for helping children. Today, she has her own apartment, and works as a waitress to raise the money needed to attend Olympic College to study Early Childhood Education with a goal of earning a degree in Special Education. Rather than focusing on her past, she plans for her bright future of helping others.
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