The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Repose

Mother’s Day Tribute to Local Mompreneurs

by

Celebrating Power Moms: Local Mompreneurs Turned Dreams into Reality

This Mother’s Day, we honor 4 incredible women who balance motherhood and entrepreneurship with unwavering determination. In our local communities, a group of empowering moms have turned their passions into thriving businesses, proving that with hard work, resilience, and creativity, anything is possible. Join us as we celebrate their inspirations, challenges and successes in this special tribute to mothers who dared to dream big. – Elise trainor

Hip-Kid’s, Trisha Kallman, Chappaqua Momprenuer

Your Business

Photo By Carolyn Simpson

As my three boys grew older, I considered what it would take to open my own store and how such a venture would impact my life. I envisioned creating a vibrant retail space that not only offered beautifully curated clothing and gifts but also prioritized ethical manufacturing, and ways that brands give back. It was important to me that hip-kid would also feature our own unique in-store giving back initiative involving our community, with “The Giving Wall” and “Lemonade Stand…for a cause”, supporting various charities.

Your Inspiration

With three kids, I wanted to ensure I wasn’t working too far from home, given the demanding schedule of running a retail store. Initially, I hadn’t planned to carry toys, but when two local toy stores were closing, it felt like an opportunity. I am deeply grateful to the residents of Chappaqua and the surrounding towns for their unwavering loyalty. While there are more convenient ways to shop, they truly understand the importance of supporting local businesses.

Work/Family Challenges

This type of business doesn’t exactly allow for clocking out at the end of the day. Most evenings, I would spend working long hours at home after my kids were in bed. I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible team over the years, which has allowed me to be present for my kids’ activities, appointments and other important moments.

Mompreneur Rewards

Opening hip-kid has allowed me to meet so many incredible people. Many of my customers have become close friends, and some have even joined the team. The joy and energy that fill the store when customers walk in is such a rewarding experience. It’s also been truly fulfilling to have offered jobs and internships to individuals with disabilities over the years. This is something that is close to my heart.

I’m also so grateful for the trust my customers place in me when it comes to coordinating gifts both personal and corporate. It feels amazing every time someone comes in and refers to hip-kid as their “happy place” – I love hearing that!

Future Plans

We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 10th anniversary this summer! It’s been an incredible and fulfilling journey over the past decade. To mark this milestone, we’re refreshing our look with a new logo and website, making the online shopping experience even more seamless and enjoyable. As part of this update, we’ll be highlighting specifically how our brands give back, prioritize sustainability, use eco-friendly materials, and support ethical working environments. Every effort, big or small, makes a difference.

Sugar Hi’s, Elissa Weinhoff & Hilary Assael, Armonk Mompreneurs

Your Business

Sugar Hi is a destination sweet shop. We are a bakery, candy, ice cream and chocolate store. It’s a happy place for kids and adults! We also offer super fun kids’ birthday parties in our private party room.

Your Inspiration

My twin sister, Hillary, is a talented cake designer who was making cakes out of her home for 20 years. She wanted to take her cake business to the next level and open up a bakery in Armonk. I agreed to be her partner. I was a substitute teacher in Byram Hills at the time as well as a volunteer EMT at Armonk Fire Department. It took about a year of planning and we opened Sugar Hi in October 2017. It has been a hit since day one!

Work/Family Challenges

Our biggest challenge was the long hours we worked for the first few years. We were open seven days a week and we were there from open to close. At the time, our kids were in high school, and we didn’t see them much. It was especially difficult around holidays as we worked even longer hours. It has gotten much better since we have amazing employees whom we trust and work very hard. Holidays are still difficult because it’s all hands-on deck, but we are a well-oiled machine.

Retail, especially the food business, is notoriously a revolving door of employees, which is challenging. We invest a lot of time and money into training managers and our teenage employees with the hopes they will stay. Without a consistent staff, running the business can be difficult. Our excellent team makes all of the difference.

Mompreneur Rewards

The most rewarding part of being a mompreneur is how proud we are of our business. We have worked so hard and been great role models for our kids. We have shown them that hard work and determination pays off. Sugar Hi has been a family affair! All of our kids worked at Sugar Hi in high school. During the pandemic, our kids and husbands worked with us around the clock. That was a difficult but rewarding time. While most families were in lockdown, our family was making people happy with cakes and treats! We were busier than ever delivering birthday and anniversary cakes, cookies, balloons and gifts.

It is also rewarding owning a shop in the town you live in. We know so many people in our community, and they have supported our business since we opened. We love being a part of their happy occasions by providing them with their celebratory cakes. We really enjoy our customers and strive to give them a truly happy experience.

Future Plans

Great news! Sugar Hi Boca is opening in 2025! Our plan for the future is to open many locations because everyone needs a “Sugar Hi”!

Repose’s, Mary Breen, Pleasantville Mompreneur

Your Business

Repose began in NYC in 2019, pivoting to virtual care during the pandemic before finding a new home in Pleasantville in 2022. Our vision has always been to create a warm, intentional therapy practice attuned to our clients’ needs. We recently expanded back into NYC with a beautiful Union Square office and are now reimagining our somatic studio which was once fully virtual.
In Pleasantville, our boutique space at 351 Manville Road includes therapy rooms and an intimate studio for small-group movement and stationary practices. We specialize in therapeutic yoga – yin, nidra, restorative, breathwork, and sound baths – designed to regulate the nervous system and support emotional processing. As stress, anxiety, and isolation reach all-time highs, we’re honored to offer our community a space for true restoration.

Your Inspiration

Repose was born out of a deep desire to make somatic therapies the gold standard in mental health treatment. I’ve spent nearly two decades as a trauma therapist, but my deepest understanding has come from my own experiences. I know what it is to carry deep grief and to mistake the tension in my body for a sense of control.

The trauma-focused modalities that have shaped me – EMDR, Somatic Experiencing™, breathwork, and restorative yoga – changed the way I understood healing, both for myself and for the people I work with, which is why they’ve become the foundation of our work at Repose. These practices offer powerful pathways to transformation, but at its core, it has always been about helping people come home to themselves. It felt natural to bring something I value so deeply to the community that has given me so much.

Work/Family Challenges

Balancing the demands of running a business while showing up for my family and friends is no small feat! The emotional weight of holding space for clients, leading a team, and building something with integrity doesn’t just disappear at the end of the workday – I’ve had to learn, that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Creating structure, setting boundaries, and allowing myself the same care and restoration I offer to others isn’t just important – it’s necessary.

Mompreneur Rewards

It’s deeply fulfilling to show my children what it looks like to build something meaningful from the ground up. They see the dedication, the passion, and the challenges – but also the joy of creating something that truly helps people. The flexibility to be present for them while pursuing my calling is something I never take for granted.

Future Plans

We’re excited about expanding our somatic offerings beyond psychotherapy, deepening our presence in NYC and growing into Connecticut, where many of our therapists are licensed. We envision Repose continuing to evolve, where therapy and embodied practices come together in a way that feels natural, intuitive and transformative.

Preparing Emotionally for the School Year

by

As summer draws to a close, the anticipation of a new school year begins. This period can be both exciting and stressful for families.

Mary Breen, LCSW, founder and clinical director of Repose, a therapy practice in Pleasantville, offers valuable tips to prepare for a successful school year.

One effective way to prepare for school is to establish consistent routines well before the first day. “Creating a predictable routine can help ease the transition,” Breen advises. This means setting consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, establishing regular meal and homework schedules. Having a set schedule can reduce anxiety and help children adjust better.

Open communication is key to addressing your children’s concerns. Breen emphasizes the importance of listening to your child’s feelings and validating their emotions. “Allow your children to express their feelings about going back to school and provide reassurance,” she suggests. This approach helps children feel understood and supported, making the transition less daunting.

Suggested Discussion Topics:

  • Daily Schedule: “Reviewing the daily schedule can help children know what to expect,” says Breen. Talk about their activities to create a sense of predictability.
  • Classmates and Friends: Breen suggests discussing their existing friends and new classmates they might meet. “Talking about social aspects of school helps children feel more comfortable and excited about reconnecting with peers,” she notes.
  • School Supplies: Involve your child in choosing their school supplies. “Allowing children to pick out their supplies allows them to feel more prepared and enthusiastic,” says Breen. This is also an opportunity to discuss organization.
  • New Subjects and Learning Opportunities: Encourage your child to share their thoughts on new subjects. “Discussing what they are excited about can shift the focus from anxiety to anticipation,” Breen advises.
  • Transportation and Safety: Review how they will get to and from school. “Discussing this can alleviate worries about getting to school on time,” Breen says.

Setting realistic expectations for both academic performance and extracurricular activities can prevent burnout and promote a healthy balance. Celebrate small achievements to build confidence in your child.

A well-organized study area can significantly enhance a child’s focus and productivity. “Designate a quiet, organized space for homework,” Breen recommends. Ensure this space is equipped with necessary supplies and free from distractions, creating an optimal environment for learning.

Structuring time before and after school is crucial for maintaining a balanced and stress-free routine. Breen suggests incorporating time for relaxation, activities, and bonding into your child’s day:

  • Morning Routine: Start the day with a calm and organized morning routine. A smooth morning sets a positive tone for the day.
  • After-School Downtime: Allow some downtime for your child to relax. Children need time to decompress after a busy school day.
  • Screen Time Management: Manage screen time by setting clear limits. It’s important to enforce balance with other activities.
  • Bonding Time: Schedule regular bonding time that is not related to tasks or other stress-inducing activities. Spending quality time together strengthens your relationship and provides emotional support.
  • Evening Routine: Establish a calming and consistent routine to help your child wind down. This can improve sleep quality and reduce bedtime struggles.

Encouraging organizational habits can reduce daily stress. From where shoes go to putting dirty clothes in the laundry, these small habits make a big difference. “Helping to pack snacks and lay out clothes can instill responsibility and accomplishment,”

Monitoring stress and anxiety in your child is essential. If these signs persist, consider seeking professional support. “Look for changes in behavior, sleep patterns, or appetite, as these can be indicators of stress,” advises Breen.

Repose offers several support strategies for families navigating these challenges. Teaching children mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help them manage stress and anxiety. This could include simple breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation sessions to help children harness the tools they need to stay calm and focused. Providing extra help for organizational strategies can boost your child’s confidence and improve their performance.

Family counseling can improve communication and resolve conflicts. “Family counseling provides a safe space to discuss and address family dynamics and conflicts,” Breen explains. “Regular check-ins with your child can also be beneficial and show your child that you are interested in their well-being.”

Breen shares a personal strategy to foster connection and reflection. “At the end of the day, whether during dinner or bedtime, we each share one challenge, two positive things, and something we look forward to,” she says. This practice helps process the day, connect, and encourages a positive outlook.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit byrepose.com. Repose
offers in-network mental health services with Aetna and out-of-network solutions for other insurance types. They are committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care to support families through life’s challenges.

During Times of Stress: Reasons to Turn to The Therapists at REPOSE

by

Megan Kordenbrock, LMSW, at Repose
Photo by Donna Mueller

It goes without saying, the holiday season can be a very stressful time. For some, the psychological trauma of world events may be deeply felt. But the reasons can also be more mundane. Between all the commitments. overbooking and family drama, anyone can feel overwhelmed. Add in the daily stressors already in our lives and some may find the need to reach out for some professional guidance. This is where Repose can help.

The Repose practice started early in the pandemic as a remote option for those seeking therapy. Now with an office space in Pleasantville, Repose provides clients with a holistic approach to therapy, honoring the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Its mission is to help people gain clarity, heal, and overcome challenges so that they may live with greater ease. As their website states, “Although we cannot cure our wounds, we can heal them.” Repose is here to help those who seek it and in a gentle and inclusive way.

One of their therapists Megan Kordenbrock, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), explains here how therapy can help and how to begin the process and wellness in general–whether it’s during this busy end-of-year season, or whenever the time feels right to you.

Megan joined the Repose team in July 2023 and has been a LMSW since 2011. She works with clients remotely as well as in the Pleasantville office, and having the option of either is very helpful for many clients. “People enjoy the flexibility of therapy online but also enjoy using the office in person. Being together in the room is awesome. However, for some people, it’s hard to get out of bed, but they can still go to therapy, and can do trauma-processing work online as well.”

Repose is always adapting to people’s needs whether they prefer remote or in-person sessions. Megan’s practice has mostly been in interpersonal violence work–domestic violence and sexual assault, helping those victimized as both children and adults. She works with survivors of trauma and has seen the ways in which people can heal and develop new ways of being and coping with their feelings. “With trauma and suffering with mental health: you think you are your symptoms. But I explain to people, there is nothing wrong with you. Something happened TO you. Your mind and system adapt with ways of dealing with it. We are taking the shame out of it and helping people find ways of coping with it.”

As the world has changed, so has our approach to seeking therapy. “We lived through a shift in how our world functions.

I work with a lot of college students who had a lot of losses–big and small. It was just how life really changed during pandemic–it was a lot to deal with, but we’re ready to move on as a culture.”

On Processing Feelings

One of Megan’s main philosophies is that of feelings. “You can’t heal what you can’t feel.” As a society, we tend to try and intellectualize situations and sometimes brush our feelings aside. The practice of being able to ‘sit in’ your feelings and really recognize them and give them a voice is an important part of any healing journey. “Being able to slow down in a way that’s safe and notice that feelings are just feelings–they just want to be felt. Can you slow down and step out of the back and forth of your mind. Ask yourself–’what am I feeling?’ I find that men and boys especially are socialized not to be in the feelings’ realm. Therapy is a safe space to feel what you’re feeling. The relationship element with the therapist is the most important ingredient for change and growth.”

Although therapy has become such a wide-spread part of how people work through their feelings and trauma, for some, there is still an apprehension towards trying it out. “It’s normal to feel a mix of both curious and anxious. People have often developed sound coping mechanisms to get by and not feel what they’re feeling. It can be overwhelming to take those feelings out. Trauma-informed therapy is so important –it’s a pacing thing. Going at a safe pace not to avoid but to say ‘we can do this together’ in a way that’s not overwhelming. You go slow. Especially for those that experience a lot of hard things–it can be scary.”  As both the world and our personal lives become more stressful seemingly by the day, the holiday season can be one that exacerbates our daily stresses. Megan shared some very helpful tips for coping and thriving through the new year.

“Whatever season of life you’re in, your relationship to the holiday season will change. There’s always a lot of expectations–spending time with others, rituals, travel, feeling the joy of the season. There’s a lot of transitions that are happening. Routines go out the window and it can be very disorienting–especially for kids in college kids who are navigating their new independence.” People grieving a loss or dealing with loneliness may find difficulties come up. “It can be a really painful time–do I celebrate or not?” Megan suggests planning ahead to help alleviate any unnecessary stresses.

“Know yourself. What season of life am I in and find a way to come up with a goal or mantra. Maybe it’ connection or rest. What are your priorities and how can they ground you? Consider what to say yes to or not. Have intention around a plan and how you want to spend your time.” She also suggests leaning on others so that not everything is fully on you. “Think ahead–there’s a big mental load that comes around during this time.” And don’t forget about prioritizing yourself–which we all know can be difficult. “What fills your cup? It may be time with friends, time alone, exercise, cooking, etc. It’s easy to lose these things first but make sure they’re a part of your time too so you’re not always just giving, giving, giving.”

Most importantly Megan says, just allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling. “It’s ok to have a rest day or a hard day or even feel like you’re having a good time when you thought you wouldn’t.” Your feelings are constantly shifting, but remember: your feelings belong to you and are always valid.

Local Experts Share Strategies for Being Happy in your Relationship

by

With 40-50% of marriages in the United States ending in divorce, it makes one wonder about the reason for that shockingly high statistic, and what can be done to keep a marriage happy and healthy.

Michelle Obama’s book The Light We Carry focuses on navigating relationships, sharing what she has learned from her own marriage. In an interview with National Public Radio, she continuously highlights that all marriages take work. She refutes the common philosophy that a marriage should be 50/50 at all times. Instead, emphasizing that at any given moment, it is more than likely that one person will be giving more. Over time, these compromises should go both ways, but it is unrealistic to expect an equal share of work to be a constant. Michelle Obama’s vulnerability opens the discussion of what a genuine long-term marriage looks like and what skills are vital in preserving a healthy relationship. She fears that by avoiding this discussion, it causes people to bolt the instant they face a period of discomfort. So, let’s talk about it. Because a marriage can never be perfect, but there are mindset shifts, skills, and tools that can be utilized to try and help make it work.

Cartoons by Michael Gyory

Jane Winfield, a clinical social worker at Repose, which has recently opened an office in Pleasantville, shared her insights on how a happy marriage can be sustained. First, she shared the importance of not running from conflict, and letting go the common misconception that anger is a negative emotion. In reality, anger is inevitable, so avoiding it will only increase tension.

“Healthy and happy couples are just as likely to get angry at each other. It’s more about what we do with anger. Are we able to remain respectful, supportive, and loving? Are we able to maintain our closeness and intimacy even if we’re angry?”

And when anger and conflict do arise, which they will, Winfield highlighted that it is not about “looking at the content of the conflict as much as the process of it. So, it’s not about what we are arguing about; what’s more important is how are we arguing. Are we arguing in ways that are gentle, that are respectful, and that make our partner feel heard and seen?”

Winfield also often recommends that each member of a relationship should see their own individual therapist before embarking too deeply in couples’ therapy. In individual therapy, couples can explore how their own past is bleeding into their current relationship. For example, they will examine the types of conflict they experienced in their own households as “people have often learned a lot of unhealthy communication patterns growing up.” By examining old wounds from past relationships, it helps each individual heal so that “those wounds don’t just keep getting replicated in the present.”

Sharon Okun, life coach and energy healer in Armonk, also spoke of the importance of caring for yourself “to more effectively show up in your relationships.” Okun “helps people calm down, get centered, and be present in their bodies.” When we slow down, breathe, and try to find little moments of joy throughout our days, we are happier, calmer, and less irritable. If we don’t take the time to assess our own emotions, we are likely to take something personal out on our partner before we have even had the ability to process it. By teaching people how to get grounded, Okun therefore helps them be calmer in their relationships as well. After all, we must be able to show up for ourselves before we have the capacity to show up for someone else.

Perhaps a bottom line is that to have a happy and healthy relationship with another person, one must also have a happy and healthy relationship within themselves. Jodi Baretz, a psychotherapist and mindset and relationship coach in Chappaqua, says that it is vital that each partner maintains their individuality and personal life for a marriage to be sustainable. “When you rely too much on the other person it puts too much pressure on them. You need to have your own friends and your own life because one person can’t be everything to you,” explained Baretz. She provided the example that if you really enjoy traveling, but your partner does not, you can find a friend to travel with rather than either forcing your partner to go with you or abandoning your passions–both of which would only lead to resentment for the other person.

Baretz also suggests prioritizing making time for each other and having fun together: “It’s not just about the to-do lists and the kids. “Try doing an activity together where you laugh together and just have fun,” she said. And this may require a couple to expand their horizons past a dinner date, and rather try something new and exciting.

Baretz also spoke on the importance of acceptance of the other person. She often finds people coming to her complaining about their partner and how they wish that they would change. Trying to change someone else to be happy in the relationship is most often unachievable–and will only build resentment. Baretz explained that “true power isn’t controlling the other person, but being able to control your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.” If we focus on what we can control, like how we respond to the other person, it can in turn shift their behavior.

Indeed, when we stop fixating on someone’s flaws, it also allows us to truly listen to what they are saying. Throughout Baretz’s experience helping people with their marriages, she has found that a common theme amongst struggling couples is someone not feeling heard, or seen. She shares that “one of the quickest ways to get a relationship back on track is to really acknowledge, appreciate, and validate the other person.” And the only way to make your partner feel heard, is to genuinely listen, and more importantly, to listen without becoming defensive. Rather than rushing to justify your actions when your partner talks about how what you do is making them feel, accept that the behavior you are being accused of is probably not something that they are making up out of thin air. When we take our ego out of the equation, an argument with a partner can be productive, serving as a clue as to why the relationship is having issues.

When you check your own behavior, you can evaluate how you can be a better partner before placing blame on the other person for the relationship’s faults. Baretz advises that anyone in a marriage should ask themselves: “would you want to be married to you?”

About our cartoonist: Michael Gyory is the third of three only children reared in the idyllic woods of Katonah. He graduated from John Jay High School and holds a Master’s degree in Communication from U. Penn. He is the son of Hungarian survivors and proudly serves as Chair of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center. Michael currently lives in Irvington, and has one son who, he says, is a much better artist.