Finding Our Why — and Our Community — at The Climb

Earlier this month, our team at Speakeasy Therapy had the honor of serving as captain for The Climb: Team NW Chicago, Postpartum Support International’s annual event raising awareness for perinatal mental health.

For me, my “why” has always been about creating connection — spaces where parents, caregivers, and families don’t have to carry the weight of mental health struggles alone. As both a therapist and a mom, I’ve seen firsthand how isolation can take hold quietly, even in the happiest moments of new parenthood. Community is what helps us remember that healing doesn’t happen in silence — it happens together.

The Power of Community

Community isn’t just about showing up — it’s about feeling seen. On the morning of The Climb, seeing so many families, friends, and providers gathered at Hodges Park reminded me why we do this work. From story time and yoga to balloon twisting and shared laughter, the event embodied what true support looks like — imperfect, joyful, and deeply human.

If you’re still looking for your community, here are a few gentle ways to start:

• Show up once. Whether it’s a library group, a local event, or a support circle — the first step is always the hardest, but it’s where connection begins.

• Be curious. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Ask questions, learn, and give yourself permission to belong slowly.

• Lean into shared values. You’ll find your people where your purpose meets your heart — sometimes in the most unexpected places.

Thank You, Park Ridge

To everyone who walked, donated, or showed up — thank you. Together, we raised over $9,000 in less than two months, a reflection of how strong and caring our Park Ridge community truly is.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors, vendors, and in-kind donors, who made this day possible:

SuperStar Sponsors: Family Tree Chiropractor • Crescent Moon Therapy • Integrare Wellness • Flourish Counseling and Wellness • Thrive Postpartum Couples and Family • MotherGood Health

Vendors: Morgan Mullins Nutrition • The Motherhood Connection • Meridian Psychiatric Partners • The Mama Making Podcast • Kelly Murray Sleep Consulting • Arbonne • Trauma-Informed Maternal Health Network • Bloom Bright Books • Self-Care OT • Park Ridge Speech Therapy

Goodie Bag Sponsors: Maternal Sunshine • Embodied Healing Counseling and Yoga • Perinatal Mental Health Center of Chicago • Envision Pelvic Health and Wellness • LeVillage • Citrine Healing PLLC

Star Sponsor: Peace Pelvic Health

Entertainment: Sunny May Photography • Aaron • Ash + Willow

In-Kind Donors & Door Prizes: MPowerSmiles • Cookie Momster • Ash + Willow • Grateful Yoga • Jack and Jill • Athleta • GoldFish Swim • Orange Shoe Personal Fitness • Orange Theory Fitness • 2 Sisters Boutique • Gabriela’s Closet • Northwestern University • Mars Bars • Symmetrical Artistry • Arbonne • Kelly Murray Sleep • Rawr Books • LeVillage • Smiley Nails and Spa • Chicago Architecture Center • Kirsten Jacobsen • Trader Joe’s • Costco • Jewel Osco • Party 4 You Banners • Say it with Lelo Signs • The UPS Store Park Ridge • Sky High Sports Niles

Because of you, The Climb wasn’t just an event — it was a day of connection, compassion, and courage.

Park Ridge, you have a really strong core — and we’re so proud to be part of it.

Melissa