Anna Richardella, M.S. BCBA
Owner, Lead Family Support Specialist
Hi, I'm Anna! My most important title is “mama”. My two toddler boys have changed my life’s path and healed my heart in so many ways. The idea for Anchor Family Solutions was born when I was “reborn” and became a mom to my older son. In the thick of postpartum rage and anxiety, I was doubting my formal training and knowledge of behavior, and just could not grasp why I felt like a terrible mom. I felt like I was failing my baby– we struggled to breastfeed, I hated pumping. My husband was sleeping soundly at night while my baby and I were both crying through feedings and diaper changes. Sometimes the days were even more isolating than nights. The village that I was told I would have…they weren’t the help I needed. Through this experience, I was called to create a village for moms. I wanted to step away from what I had always thought was my calling– supporting families and children with autism– and support moms in all phases of their parenting journey.
Throughout my life, I have experienced trauma and anxiety and my calling is to provide holistic parent support. Now, I’m not talking holistic in the voodoo sense, but rather looking at the whole picture. From birth, evaluating an infant or toddler’s ability to meet milestones, transitioning to solid foods, working through picky toddler eating habits, creating and maintaining healthy sleep routines. Recommending support for mom and baby through a variety of practitioners such as chiropractors, feeding therapists, pelvic floor therapists, counselors, and more. Navigating challenges with daycare drop off, biting or hitting peers, and ensuring a good fit in the childcare setting. Each of these areas comes with the potential for anxiety or trauma, whether a mom has experienced trauma herself or indirectly. I have completed training and continuing education in trauma informed therapy and utilize this within my holistic and sensitive approach to parent coaching.
I know from personal experience that the medical model can be scary. I experienced a traumatic pregnancy and birth, as well as a number of other experiences that have left me with uncomfortable feelings toward medical doctors. But as with all things in life, I believe in balance. Having a great pediatrician that you can trust is so important. Sometimes, medication is necessary whether for your safety, your mental health, your child’s safety, or just because you need it. Most importantly, education, research, and advocating for yourself and your child are what I value most.
