What do the United States and Papua New Guinea have in common?
According to the United Nations, they are the only countries in the world without any sort of paid time off for new mothers.
Meeting The Needs
We’re burned out.
We’re tired.
We’re overwhelmed.
We’re not alone.
Parents today struggle with a lack of support and resources. A study shows that up to 5 million U.S. parents experience burnout each year. We face an expensive world, demanding schedules, and mental and physical exhaustion. While other developed countries like Norway, Sweden, and Germany have parental support systems on a National scale, the U.S. lacks similar systems. Systems such as paid parental leave, affordable childcare, and family benefits. It’s no wonder that we are feeling the pressure on all sides.
This is what the community at High 5 Thrive is here to change.
Strong families are the foundation of a strong society. Supported families create stronger communities, more resilient economies, and a brighter future for generations to come. At High 5 Thrive, we’re not just offering resources; we’re building a movement. We’re empowering parents to create the change they want to see, advocating for policies that level the playing field, and fostering the connections that make us all stronger. Join us, and be a part of the change. Because when families thrive, we all thrive.
The Value of Family
Empowering Families: The Ripple Effects of Support
better social skills. Research from the
Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology
indicates these children exhibit a
25% improvement in social competence.
of Michigan, supported parents experience a
40% increase in family stability and cohesion
compared to those without support.
services have 35% more positive interactions with their children.
the American Community Survey.
access to support resources experience a 30%
decrease in stress levels.
that supported parents have a 25% lower risk
of developing depression.
shows that parental support can reduce anxiety
levels by up to 28%.
supported parents report a 22% improvement in overall mental well-being.
support services can boost workforce participation among
mothers by up to 15%.
productivity among employees with access to family
support benefits.
reduction in absenteeism, according to a study
by the Society for Human Resource Management.
businesses offering parental support experience
up to a 20% decrease in employee turnover costs.
and Prevention (CDC) reports that supported parents
are 20% more likely to ensure their children receive
regular health check-ups and vaccinations.
found that supported parents experience a 15%
decrease in chronic pain and related health issues.
25% more likely to provide their children
with healthy meals, according to research from the
American Academy of Pediatrics.
as found by the National Sleep Foundation.
for Education Statistics reports that children with
supported parents score up to 30% higher on
standardized tests.
the Education Commission, students with involved
parents have a 15% higher high school graduation rate.
University of Chicago shows that students with
supportive parents have a 20% lower rate of absenteeism.
25% increase in their children's engagement with learning activities,
as per a study from the National Education Association.
GET INVOLVED
Support for you, support for us, strong together.
Who you are, your skills, ideas, thoughts, time, and resources are invaluable. Your contributions make a difference!
Donate today or contact us to get involved!
OUR BOARD
Cristina Ally
Cristina Ally, LMHC, NCC, and Qualified Supervisor, owns Flourish Counseling Co. in Central Florida. A Palm Beach Atlantic University graduate with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology (Marriage & Family), she specializes in resolving traumatic memories and helping families connect and thrive. Trained in EMDR, ART, RTM, and DBT (Levels I & II) and certified in Play and Sandtray Therapy, Cristina is passionate about mentorship, supervision, teaching, and networking to support others in their gifts. Cristina brings a wealth of knowledge to High 5 Thrive, empowering families the guiding them toward growth and healing.
Robert Bagley
Robert is a dynamic leader with an extensive background in corporate sales, leading large sales teams across the country. He is also experienced in the world of publishing, currently with 3 books ranking in the Top10 in multiple categories on Amazon. Robert is known for his passion in helping others thrive, both personally and professionally. Outside of his professional life, Robert is a trained preacher and lay-pastor which he does voluntarily for churches across the country. He is also a devoted husband and father of two, and his family plays a central role in his life. Robert’s personal and professional values underscore the values of High 5 Thrive, making him an invaluable member and a compassionate advocate for families in need.
Alyssa Brade
Alyssa is a dedicated Maternal Wellness Advocate, award-winning author, and entrepreneur, committed to supporting modern mothers. As a mother of two toddler boys, she understands the pressures of mom guilt, burnout, and the challenge of balancing family with career aspirations. Through her personal experiences, Alyssa has conducted extensive research on maternal wellness, which culminated in her award-winning book, Mommy Needs a Minute: From Burnout to Empowerment. Over the past two years, Alyssa has connected with and impacted hundreds of women globally, offering practical strategies for self-care, mental health management, and balancing family with personal goals.
Flo Bueno
Flo is a seasoned leader at Universal Creative, where he plays a pivotal role in bringing innovative entertainment experiences to life. His extensive and international experience in leadership, project management, and creative development has made him a respected figure in his field. Flo’s leadership style is heavily influenced by the values instilled in him by his parents, who he often credits for his work ethic and for shaping his approach to business and personal relationships. As both a parent and a son, Flo believes that a family unit serves as the bedrock for individual growth, emotional well-being, and financial stability. It is this belief that fuels him to grow and support programs that empower parents to build a strong family unit.
Terri Mandigo
Terri is an accomplished healthcare professional with research, audit, and operations management experience working at insurance companies and hospitals over the past 40 years. Within the healthcare industry, she is regarded as an industry subject matter expert and a major contributor of innovative programs. Terri is also a successful business woman who advocates for wellness and the use of natural healing medicine. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Terri is also a proud mother and grandmother, roles that fuel her passion for supporting families. Her personal experience offers invaluable insight into the challenges faced by working mothers, making her an empathetic and understanding leader within High 5 Thrive.
Leah Milan
Leah serves as a director for High Five Thrive, bringing years of leadership training and experience, entrepreneurial spirit, financial and marketing knowledge to the organization. Raised by a single mother whom she deeply admires, Leah understands the unique challenges, pressures, and stresses that many families face. Her personal experiences have shaped her professional career, instilling a strength, resilience, and commitment to uplifting others. Leah channels this drive into her role at High 5 Thrive, managing the team and projects.