Burnout, Boundaries, and a Bumpy Start to the Season (we all have baggage!)

Sometimes we experience chaos, and we just have to keep going! We all have baggage!

A few weeks ago, I was on my way to present at the SHAPE Conference on one of my favorite topics—Burnout and Boundaries—when I was involved in a pretty bad car accident. Thankfully, I walked away physically okay, but it served as a powerful reminder that even when the work is meaningful, self-care must come first.

This week, I was also scheduled to present at the Vermont Department of Mental Health Conference on Mental Health Literacy, but due to delays in my car repairs, I had to pull out of that event too.

As someone with a background as a professional swing and understudy, I was trained to never miss a moment—to always be “on.” Stepping away from scheduled events doesn’t come naturally to me. But over the last decade, I’ve done a great deal of personal work to release the pressure to push through at the cost of my well-being. This was one of those moments when I had to practice what I teach.

Now, with repairs underway and spring on the horizon, I’m starting to feel the momentum of the season returning—and I’m excited to share what’s coming up.

💡 Upcoming Events & Exciting News

🗓️ May

I’ll be presenting at the Vermont Substance Use Conference, hosted by the Vermont Collaborative for Practice Improvement & Innovation (VCPI) at VTSU, where I am also serving on the conference planning committee. Registration is now open—come join us!

🌿 Spring & Summer Across Vermont

My work travel season will take me to places like the Woodstock Inn & Resort, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Addison County Schools, Montpelier, Springfield, and various Chittenden County organizations. I am also excited to host a screening of Screenagers with UVM Extension for the second year in a row!

In July, I’ll spend a full week in Castleton and Central Vermont offering a variety of trainings while taking in some beautiful summer scenery in Vermont.

💻 Virtual Courses Continue

Even while traveling, I’ll continue to offer virtual Mental Health First Aid and related trainings. Looking for a lunch and learn? Reach out!

🌍 International Debut

In July, I’ll present at my first international conference—the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) in Montreal. A truly exciting opportunity to bring my work to a broader audience.

📬 Let’s Connect

📅 Now booking June through October

Many engagements are already on the books, and I’m currently setting up 1:1 meetings for May. If you’re interested in Mental Health Literacy, Communications Strategy, Storytelling Workshops, or tailored trainings, let’s chat!

I’ll also be debuting a new program based on client demand and updating all existing offerings, which I can’t wait to share with you AND we are bringing on our first in-house training consultant as we expand and grow! More to come on that soon!

Thank you for the continued support and understanding as I prioritize wellness alongside my work. I look forward to growing, connecting, and traveling across Vermont (and beyond!) this season.

Let’s set up a time to connect—because the work we do together matters.

→ Email me at sunny@sunshinesilverlining.com