Asking Is Caring
Asking Is Caring is a collaboration between RSD parent leaders, district and school administrators and the University of Washington School Mental Health Assessment Research & Training (SMART) Center.
Parent leaders conduct trainings with interested district parents on how to support their children when they are in crisis, from identifying when they are struggling to what to even say to show their children they can reach out for help. Participants also receive resources, such as a workbook for parents to consider proactive steps they can take to help their child while they are in crisis.
Ted Robbins
Parent Trainer
Tasha Bunnage
Parent Trainer
Dr. Jennifer Stuber
University of Washington SMART Center
Michelle Sorensen
District Wellness Coordinator
Parent Trainers
Tasha Bunnage
I am a mother of three children in the Richland School District and a founding member of the Asking is Caring Organization. With a degree in Psychology, my passion for mental health did not fully evolve until after spending years trying my best to support my children through emotional and educational hardships. Our journey through these challenges took us through incredibly hard times, but we are stronger because of this. We have gained a greater understanding of mental health and how critical it is to reach out for help. Besides our child's healing, the most valued lesson was understanding we are not alone. With that comforting realization, I promised my son and myself I would do whatever it took to try to help as many children and families feel supported through mental health challenges. Asking is Caring is that promise. It's a family-to-family network offering support, education, and a network of families who have been there and are here to help.
Ted Robbins
I am a husband and father of three children living in the Richland School District. I am a founding member and Master Trainer of the Asking Is Caring Organization. I am a very passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention after losing my son to suicide in 2020. Providing this needed educational training for our community allows me to help prevent another family from going through this loss and help families to feel like they are not alone. If I had been given this training prior to Christian’s death it would have bought us more time to find the right treatment and he still might be here.