Category: Uncategorized

For Mike Sinclair, giving back has always been rooted in perspective. Born and raised on Des Moines’ south side, Mike attended Dowling Catholic High School before heading to Iowa State University. His career eventually took him to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he spent 30 years building both his professional life and his family. But in 2011,…

The need for children’s mental health care is growing, and the resources to meet it are not keeping pace. Nicole does not shy away from that reality. She speaks about it plainly because she has seen what is at stake. When children are navigating trauma or challenges without support, they cannot fully show up at…

At Orchard Place, mission impact is not just about the work we do. It is about the people who show up every day ready to grow, lead, and make a difference. Lindsay Porter is a powerful example of that commitment in action. Lindsay’s journey with Orchard Place reflects both dedication and purpose. She began her…

At 13-years-old, Norah was frequently self-harming. Her parents Randy and Amanda Wanke said she lost motivation and, at times, the will to live. “Trying to parent a child through mental health challenges is extremely lonely and difficult,” shared Amanda. Five years ago, that loneliness defined the Wanke family’s reality. Today, at 18-years-old, Norah is in…

Patience is a quality Genna Kern-West says is a guiding principle when supporting children and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. “You never know what that family is going through, but we are here to help,” she said. As the Orchard Place Director of the Central Intake Program, Kern-West serves as one of…

In 1886, Mrs. L.M. Mann and her friends came together with a shared belief that children deserve care, safety, and love. From that meeting, the Des Moines Home for Friendless Children was born – a refuge for orphans and abandoned children who had nowhere else to turn. What began as a small act of compassion…

You notice your child pulling away, spending more time alone, becoming more irritable, or saying things like, “It doesn’t matter,” or “I don’t care anymore.” Maybe they’re not sleeping well, or they’ve lost interest in activities they used to love. Then a worrying thought crosses your mind: Could this be more than just a bad…

“More than anything else, I am passionate about mental health because I’ve been there,” shares Matthew Lanasa, an Orchard Place volunteer and mentor and the Chief People Officer at Aureon, a long-standing partner with Orchard Place and children’s mental health. From his late teens through early 20s, Lanasa battled anxiety and depression. Initially, labeling it…

Back-to-school means saying hello to the classroom and goodbye to summer vacation. It also opens the door to anxiety for some students. Whether they don’t have a solid routine, have trouble focusing on schoolwork, or dealing with other stressors, it’s important to know the common signs that your child is anxious. “Those can include irritability,…

Out of all the nominees, only one stood out. Sakshi Lawande, a Milieu Treatment Counselor with Orchard Place, has won the IMHCA 2025 Emerging Mental Health Professional Award – a distinction that not only showcases her personal achievements, but shows her promise and growth to becoming a dedicated leader of the counseling profession. “I feel…