Antonia Calabrese, LPC
As someone who has worked with children since the 8th grade, I’ve always been passionate about understanding what the world is like from the eyes of a child and helping adults understand a child’s world.
It It is my mission to team up with children, teens and adults to improve confidence, positivity and emotional regulation. As children, we are taught math, science and reading, but not how to feel or to express our feelings.
The Bloom Room has long been a passion of mine, and I’m beyond excited to share it with the world! I started The Bloom due to what I’ve learned working as a therapist. I’ve seen the shortcomings of the current school system (not the teachers, they are saints!) in fostering social and emotional learning among children and the internal messages that teaches many children. Many struggle to thrive in the classroom because they haven't learned to understand or express their emotions, impacting their overall development in areas such as learning, friendships, self-control, and even extending into adulthood.
Erin Givarz, MSSW
Erin Givarz, MSSW embodies a dedication to nurturing children's well-being and empowering families. As a parent, childcare provider, children’s yoga instructor, former play therapist, and parenting coach, Erin has fostered emotional and physical wellness in children and families across diverse settings, including preschools, elementary schools, and outpatient mental health centers. Her love for the work has grown through her time with The Phoenix Center & Camp Phoenix where for five years, she served as a child centered play therapist, facilitated yoga, art, nature/adventure & parenting groups.
A mom to a toddler herself, Erin believes that every child should be safe to express themself and given tools early in life to manage and communicate their feelings in healthy ways.
Maria Cavazos, BSW, M.Ed.
Maria Cavazos is an Austin native, who has her bachelor in social work with a minor in child development from TCU. She received her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Texas state, and after 3 years in the classroom she is excited to bring her passion for teaching, music, and social emotional learning to The Bloom Room!
Harley Wardlow, BSW, LPC Associate
For the 7 years of my life Harley’s life, she has worked with children in the foster care and adoption arena. She was born and raised in Texas, graduated from the university of Texas with a bachelors in social work (hook ‘em horns!). Following graduation, Harley spent a majority of her career working with children in various therapeutic settings. She is currently wrapping up her masters in social work program, while working as a counselor intern at the Phoenix Center and the Monarch Center where she enhances her play therapy knowledge.
When she’s not working or going to school, Harley enjoy being out in nature, reading, puzzles, yoga, legos and of course playing with my dogs. She empathizes the importance of seeing the whole child and helping little ones express their big feelings.