Meet Sue: An Interview with a MINDgarden Volunteer
January 27, 2024

Meet Sue: An Interview with a MINDgarden Volunteer


In the heart of a vibrant community garden stands MINDgarden, a sanctuary where the healing powers of nature intertwine with mental health support. Here, amidst lush greenery and blooming flowers, volunteers like Sue dedicate their time and energy to creating a space that nurtures not just plants but also the minds and spirits of those in need.


As we sit down with Sue, her warm smile and infectious enthusiasm immediately put us at ease. She's been volunteering at MINDgarden for over three years now, and her passion for the organization's mission is palpable.


"MINDgarden is truly a special place," Sue begins. "It's more than just a garden; it's a community, a safe haven where people can connect with nature, with themselves, and with others who understand the challenges of mental health."


Sue's own journey with mental health has been a winding road, one that has taught her the importance of self-care, compassion, and the transformative power of nature. "Gardening has always been my escape," she says. "There's something incredibly grounding about getting your hands in the soil, nurturing new life, and being surrounded by the beauty of nature."


At MINDgarden, Sue's role extends far beyond tending to the plants. She's a listening ear, a supportive presence, and a guiding force for those who seek solace within the garden's walls. "We have regular gardening sessions, but we also offer workshops, support groups, and even art therapy activities," she explains. "The goal is to create a holistic environment that nourishes the mind, body, and soul."


One of the most rewarding aspects of her volunteer work, Sue shares, is witnessing the transformative impact MINDgarden has on its participants. "I've seen people come in feeling defeated, overwhelmed, and disconnected, only to leave with a renewed sense of hope and purpose," she says. "There's something incredibly powerful about the simple act of getting your hands dirty and nurturing new life."


As our conversation draws to a close, Sue's infectious enthusiasm leaves us feeling inspired and hopeful. "MINDgarden is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of nature," she says. "I'm honored to be a part of this incredible community and to play a small role in helping others find their way back to themselves."


In a world where mental health challenges can often feel isolating, MINDgarden stands as a beacon of hope, a reminder that we are all connected, and that healing can blossom in the most unexpected of places – even in the fertile soil of a community garden.

Meet our Social Worker, Amber Donahue!

By MINDgarden • October 8, 2025
Hi, My name is Amber Donahue, I am a Mental Health Therapist at Mindgarden. I’ve had the opportunity to witness the development of MINDgarden from an abstract idea to help children and families to its fruition of a welcoming, unique, safe, and serene place of help and healing . From the calmness of reading under the Magnolia tree in the library to playful excitement of exploring the life skills room; each space has been perfectly curated to invoke a different emotion and address a specific need or challenge. As a therapist, my first visit to the building was very inspiring and rejuvenating, as I saw each room as a new way to connect with my clients and reach them in ways that are impossible in a regular office setting. As a mother, I see MINDgarden as a place that nurtures children and families. There is a warmth to the building and the staff that puts me at ease knowing that my child would feel comfortable and safe spending time here. I was thrilled when I was asked to join the team at Mindgarden. It is a privilege to work in such a beautiful space for people who value family, community and mental health. It is rare to be in a like-minded workplace where everyone truly loves their job, is committed to their work, and is excited to make a difference. I look forward to being here to see and help the vision for Mindgarden become a reality. Amber's Bio Amber Donahue is a licensed mental health therapist with a Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University, where she also earned a dual title in Infant Mental Health. Her clinical experience includes supporting mothers with postpartum depression, young children (ages 0–6), adolescents, families, and individuals coping with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Her style is laid-back and supportive, but she’s also not afraid to gently challenge when it helps with growth. She believes the relationship between therapist and client is central to healing, so she strives to create a safe, trusting space where you feel comfortable showing up as yourself. Because she sees mental health as something that extends beyond the individual, she works to support the whole family system. Whether she is helping a new mom postpartum, children build emotional regulation skills, or adolescents navigate complex challenges, her goal is to empower families to strengthen connections, build resilience, and find balance together. Mental Health Focus Areas Postpartum and Perinatal Disorders Infant Mental Health Parenting support Separation Anxiety Anxiety & Depression Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ADHD Stress Management Self-Esteem Issues Social Anxiety General Behavioral Issues Mood Disorders Life Transitions Relationship & Family Stress School or College Stress Family Conflict Women's Issues Therapeutic Approaches Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Attachment Approach Family Systems Approach Person-Centered Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Strengths-Based Approach Populations Served: Inclusive therapy for people of all identities, backgrounds, and relationships.

Meet our Counselor, Christine Glasper!

By MINDgarden • September 2, 2025
Hello, Marhaba! My name is Christine Glasper. I have been a school counselor for 15 years, a private therapist for 9 years and an administrator for 8 years. I am a wife and a mother of 3 beautiful kids. A counselor deeply impacted my life in middle school and my love for working with school age kiddos and young adults was born. Over time that has developed into a drive to open doors of opportunity for my students, to provide a safe space to explore oneself and make life improvements to my clients, and to support teachers, parents and the community at large in our collective efforts to make the world a better place. I am a huge believer in “teamwork makes the dream work”, “be[ing] the change you wish to see”, the Serenity prayer and the golden rule. I’m blessed and thankful to be working with MINDgarden and the Kalasho Education and Youth Services because there are so many mission aligned people here; and only great things can happen when you put a lot of good people together in one place. I look forward to meeting you, dear reader. Have a good day!