Why we created it
Through our work with communities, professionals, parents and families, we became aware that there was a need for better support for how to develop resilience in our homes and workplaces. Resilience is the ability to bounce “back” or “forward” from life challenges including adversity, trauma, threats or other sources of stress that accumulate over time. These stressful experiences can negatively impact our relationships, health, and personal well-being as well as workplace productivity and success. Through evidenced-based services, we educate and guide our clients to tap into their strengths, support systems, and internal resources to overcome personal challenges and strengthen relationships with those around them.
Meet the Team
Sarah Shawesh
Sarah Shawesh, M.A, a founder and the CEO of B.R.I.C.K. Consulting, is an adjunct professor, lecturer, early childhood educator and development specialist. Her masters degree is in Human Development with a focus on authenticity in relationships. Ms. Shawesh has spent most of her career helping families, teachers, young adults and children understand development in a way that allows everyone to find joy in the day-to-day. She strives to break down development in a way that makes sense and increases positive outcomes and resilience for all!
Melanie Mallers
Melanie Mallers, Ph.D., a founder and lead consultant for B.R.I.C.K., is a professor and researcher. She received her doctorate in Family Studies and Human Development, with specialized training in the mechanisms by which stress influences emotional and physical health across the lifespan. Early on in graduate school, she was a lead researcher for the Institute for Children, Youth, and Families in Arizona. Dr. Mallers has presented her research at national conferences and has published many book chapters and journal articles. Her research has appeared on CNN. Dr. Mallers currently has two main areas of research: (1) understanding how parent-child relationships impacts daily stress responses; and (2) the roles of social support and technology on the well-being of aging adults and their care providers. Given her commitment to applied community-based research, Dr. Mallers implements resilience-based parent-child education classes at local for- and non-profit schools. Additionally, she has led caregiver support groups for aging adults as well as served as an advocate/educator for the Alzheimer’s Association. She has also consulted for architects, banks, museums, and marketing firms about comprehensive, holistic strategies to reduce stress and enhance program and product delivery to families and clients. Dr. Mallers also has a strong background in research design and evaluation; she has provided consult to multiple entities regarding the effectiveness of programs on clients.
Kate Bono
Kate Bono, Ph.D., a founder and lead consultant for B.R.I.C.K. Consulting, is a developmental psychologist, professor, leader, and researcher. She received her doctorate in Applied Developmental Psychology with specialized training in child development, community-based intervention, and program evaluation. She has spent her career focused on promoting resilience in adults and children in a variety of settings. In higher education, she has mentored college students, faculty, and leaders as a professor and administrator. In her community-based work, she has been an advisor, board member, and elected leader for multiple organizations serving children and families and was recognized in 2020 by the Orange County Child Care and Development Planning Council as Advocate of the Year. Dr. Bono’s research and intervention work is focused on resilience in children with a specific focus on the role of parent-child relationships. Dr. Bono has presented at national conferences and published multiple journal articles on these topics and she has developed multiple parenting programs for parents of infants through teens. Dr. Bono has also been a consultant and speaker for multiple community-based organizations including Head Start, multiple school districts, and the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children, on the topics of leadership, stress, resilience, and how to support development in children.