January 2026 at Brightstone: Growth, Connection, and Forward Momentum
January is often a month of reflection and quiet momentum. At Brightstone Transitions, it’s a time when we look closely at how we’re showing up for our clients, our families, and our broader professional community, while continuing to strengthen the foundation that supports independence, confidence, and real-world growth for neurodiverse young adults.
This January is been especially meaningful, marked by important milestones, deeper conversations around mental health, and continued evolution in how we share our work with the world.
Supporting Independence Through Real-World Application
At the heart of Brightstone is our philosophy of Independence Through Application, the belief that meaningful growth happens not through theory alone, but through practice, connection, and everyday experiences.
Throughout January, our work with clients has continued to center on real-life skill building: navigating routines, managing responsibilities, strengthening communication, and building confidence through supported action. These daily moments — small, steady, and intentional — are where progress takes root.
As part of this ongoing evolution, we recently launched a refreshed website that more clearly reflects who we are today: steady, supportive, and forward-thinking. While our look has evolved, our purpose remains the same: to help young adults build skills, confidence, and independence in a community where they feel understood and valued.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Woven Into Daily Practice
January also invites reflection around mental health, a focus that is deeply embedded in Brightstone’s day-to-day work (not limited to a single month on the calendar).
Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, our team participates in staff trainings centered on trauma-informed care, relationship-based coaching, and best practices for supporting neurodiverse young adults navigating anxiety, depression, executive functioning challenges, and the emotional demands of independence. These trainings help ensure our staff remain aligned, supported, and grounded as they show up consistently for clients and families.
Within our houses and community spaces, January has sparked intentional client conversations around mental health, stress, self-advocacy, and coping strategies. These discussions are framed not as clinical interventions, but as real-world dialogue, helping young adults build insight, language, and confidence around their own wellbeing.
We believe mental health thrives when individuals feel seen, supported, and connected — both internally and within a broader community. This belief guides our work year-round.
A Milestone Moment: Brightstone and NATSAP
January also marks an important organizational milestone: Brightstone Transitions has been accepted as a provisional member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP).
Provisional membership reflects Brightstone’s commitment to nationally recognized standards of excellence, ethical practice, and continuous programmatic growth. It also represents a key step forward in our ongoing pursuit of CARF accreditation, reinforcing our dedication to accountability, quality, and long-term sustainability in service of neurodiverse young adults and their families.
We’re grateful to be part of a professional community that values thoughtful dialogue, collaboration, and shared commitment to best-in-class care.
Looking Ahead: Connecting at the NATSAP Conference
Building on this momentum, Brightstone will be attending the National NATSAP Conference this February in San Diego. Founder Tim McMahon and Director of Admissions Aleshka Szypulski will both be in attendance, with Aleshka participating in a panel discussion titled “Coaching in a Fishbowl”.
The panel will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:30am, offering a dynamic exploration of coaching practices within our field. We look forward to meaningful conversations, shared learning, and connecting with colleagues who are equally invested in ethical, relationship-centered work.
If you’ll be attending and would like to connect in person, Tim and Aleshka would love to meet. You’re welcome to reach out to schedule time together:
email: admissions@brightstonetransitions.com | text: 404-850-2004
Moving Forward, Grounded in What Matters
As January comes to a close, we’re reminded of what continues to guide Brightstone forward: progress over perfection, growth through relationship, and the belief that independence is strongest when supported with compassion, understanding, and trust.
We’re grateful for our clients, families, staff, and professional partners who make this work meaningful, as we look ahead with clarity, intention, and steady confidence.
Curious to learn more about how Brightstone supports young adults in building real-world skills, confidence, and independence?