Consider Yourself Hugged - A Place for Women

Hi we are Tami and Michelle, your hosts for Consider Yourself Hugged: A place for women! Do you find yourself thinking, "Life can be so overwhelming! I feel so frustrated all the time! I worry about everything! I wish I could speak up more and not be a doormat!" If you're looking for improved mental and emotional well-being, please join us every Wednesday as we talk about how to make positive choices in your life.

About us: Tami West, MS, PhD In 1995, Tami West was admitted to a psychiatric hospital after 2 traumatic student teaching experiences (well, also being pre-disposed to mental illness, tough childhood, being bullied!). She understands what it's like to grow up with mental illness and the many opportunities she missed in school during a time where understanding was minimal. Because of this, Tami became a PhD just so she could understand how to help others live happier, more fulfilled lives. Tami’s work experiences in hospitals, physician’s offices, research labs, public schools, and corporate sales provide her insights that she uses to help others find solutions to their challenges. Her undergraduate degrees in science and education, as well as her doctoral research in human development, uniquely equip her to teach audiences new information – not the same old stuff. Along with school-based groups, Dr. West’s clients come from all walks of life, from Danbury Federal Prison inmates (the setting of the Netflix Emmy-winning series Orange is the New Black) to executives at Social Security Administration. Her publications include The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters, and A Woman’s Guide to Personal Achievement and Professional Success. She has spoken for groups in 48 states across the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. When she’s not speaking or writing, you might find her traveling with husband & family, reading historical fiction, or watching The Big Bang Theory.

Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), running (slowly), and Crossfit.