The Friendship Garden
S U P P O R T G R O U P
A space where confidence grows, feelings find a voice, and friendships begin to bloom.
Bullying can shape how children see themselves, how they relate to others, and whether they feel safe being who they are.
Some children withdraw. Others become more reactive, anxious, or hesitant to connect. And some carry their experiences quietly, unsure how to put what they're feeling into words.
At ‘The Friendship Garden’, children don't have to figure it all out alone. Through play, creativity, and meaningful connection, we create a supportive environment where children can explore their experiences, discover their strengths, and practice building healthier relationships.
Every child deserves a place to feel seen
What will your child explore?
Navigating Difficult Moments
Developing age-appropriate coping strategies for challenging social situations, uncomfortable emotions, and conflict.
Experiencing Belonging
Learning to recognize, name, and express emotions in ways that feel safe and manageable.
Over eight weeks, we’ll support children in developing skills they can carry into their daily lives.
Understanding Their Feelings
Learning to recognize, name, and express emotions in ways that feel safe and manageable.
Growing Confidence
Exploring their strengths, developing a healthier sense of self, and remembering that someone else’s behavior does not define their worth.
Building Healthy Friendships
Learning what supportive friendships look and feel like, practicing communication, and recognizing the importance of mutual respect.
Finding Their Voice
Practicing boundaries, expressing their needs, and learning when and how to ask for support.
Is the Friendship Garden right for your child?
This group may be supportive if your child:
Has experienced bullying, exclusion, teasing or hurtful peer interactions
Has become more withdrawn, anxious or hesitant in social settings
Struggles with confidence or making and maintaining friendships
Has difficulty expressing their feelings or standing up for themselves
Would benefit from practicing social and emotional skills with other children
Needs a supportive space to connect with peers who may understand what they’re going through
What to Expect:
This group may be supportive if your child:
Has experienced bullying, exclusion, teasing or hurtful peer interactions
Has become more withdrawn, anxious or hesitant in social settings
Struggles with confidence or making and maintaining friendships
Has difficulty expressing their feelings or standing up for themselves
Would benefit from practicing social and emotional skills with other children
Needs a supportive space to connect with peers who may understand what they’re going through
T H E F A C I L I T A T O R S
Katerina Rojas, MHC
Katerina is a bilingual mental health counseling intern who believes meaningful friendships begin with feeling safe enough to be yourself. With warmth, curiosity, and a collaborative approach, she helps create a welcoming space where participants can build confidence, explore connection, and practice showing up authentically in relationships. She believes friendship grows when we feel seen, accepted, and free to be who we are.
Steve Strong, MHC
Steve is a mental health counseling intern who believes connection grows through trust, understanding, and shared experiences. Drawing from his background in education, community organizing, and cross-cultural experiences, he brings a thoughtful, inclusive approach to helping participants navigate social connections and build meaningful friendships. He is passionate about creating spaces where people feel a sense of belonging, recognize their strengths, and discover new ways to connect with others.
Let’s help their confidence BLOOM
Your child’s experiences matter. Their feelings matter. And so does their opportunity to experience friendship, connection & belonging.