the story of Lily and Leif

by Alison Mayer with illustrations by Michael Miller

This book is dedicated to the kids of catalpa

And this is my older brother Leif. He’s 16.

Hi!Hi, I’m Lily! I’m 10 years old.

When the weather is nice, Leif bikes with me to school.

Even though he’s a teenager, he still makes time for me. Sometimes he gives me

a ride to my piano lesson and even lets me listen to the music I like on the way there!

I like going to school, but Leif doesn’t.

I do notlike school.

Sometimes we race!

Hey Leif! wait up!

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A couple of years ago, my mom and dad tried to make an appointment for Leif to see a counselor, but they were told there was a really, reeeeeally long wait.

office

You see, Leif isn’t like his friends. He has trouble paying attention in class and doing homework.

Sometimes he gets mad in the classroom and is sent to the school office. Even though he has us

and lots of friends, he often feels lonely.

Mom, dad and I wanted the best for Leif. We were sad to see him so blue all the time.

appointment reminderpatient name: Leifhas an appointment in:six weeks time: 2:00with: Counselor Twig

There are three healthcare organizations in the Fox Valley – Affinity Health System,

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and ThedaCare – but it took weeks and months (that’s a lot of days!) for Leif to get in somewhere and see a counselor.

They created a special place called Catalpa Health. It is where Leif attends group therapy

and has one-on-one visits with his therapist, who Leif can see whenever he needs to without

having to wait for a long time.

idea!

But one day, the three healthcare organizations and local advocates realized there was a great need for counseling services and support for kids like Leif.

They worked together to come up with a solutionso kids can get the help they deserve.

There are many people that work at Catalpa who give us hope that Leif can be healthier! Leif

received psychological testing to determine why he was having trouble concentrating. A psychiatrist

also prescribed Leif medication to help him feel better. Mom and dad even met with a case manager who connected our family to other resources in the community. All these providers are under one roof!

Sometimes, after his appointment ends, he stops in the resource library

and borrows a book so he can learn more.

living with your

Nowadays, my brother smiles more, and his good days outweigh the bad. We are so proud of him!

444 N. Westhill Blvd. Appleton, WI 54914

Main: 920.750.7000

For more information visit us at

w w w . c a t a l p a h e a l t h . o r g

Catalpa Health is dedicated to improving pediatric mental health. Our experts

provide seamless, compassionate careto Fox Valley area youth and their families.