‘The Dance of Empathy’ Empowers Peer Supporters of New Moms

“We can gain deeper understanding and connection to our own experience when receiving empathy,” said Devin McKinley, speaking at “The Dance of Empathy,” a free workshop put on by Step Up for Kids at the Prescott Public Library. “The act of receiving empathy can be a bridge to connect us to our soul’s deeper longings.”



Participants share their stories at “The Dance of Empathy” workshop

“The Dance of Empathy” was organized to give participants the tools to strengthen their capacity to empathize with others, especially new mothers.

When new moms feel supported, babies do better. Through a Mom-to-Mom peer support program, Step Up for Kids connects new moms with experienced moms so that new mothers can receive the empathy, nonjudgmental listening ear and practical support they need during their first few months of motherhood. “The Dance of Empathy” workshop helped current and potential mom-to-mom peer supporters strengthen their ability to support new moms.

At the workshop, Devin McKinley, Postpartum Support Specialist and Step Up for Kids Board Member, opened a discussion on the vocabulary of empathy, helping participants to explore words describing emotions, needs and desires. McKinley then led the group through an ‘exercise in empathy’ in which individual participants shared personal stories and others in the group practiced asking questions using empowering and empathy-related terms.

“This helped me practice a new way of thinking to improve my empathy skills,” said Colleen Reckrow, speaking after the workshop. “This will strengthen my ability to reach out to other moms.”

Kylea Wise, a single mother who recently moved to Prescott, also attended the workshop. She expressed her appreciation for the supportive environment Step Up for Kids cultivates. “I didn’t have a community of other moms until I moved to Prescott,” Wise said. “All moms need this.”

Step Up for Kids is all about supporting new moms, and holds workshops on a monthly basis. The next one will be held on April 22^nd from 1:30 PM – 3 PM at the Elsea Room in the Prescott Public Library. Anyone interested in joining the Step Up for Kids network of moms and mom-supporters is welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Salli Maxwell at sallimaxwell@gmail.com.