Dr. Tim Thayne Presents:
Fire drills. From preschool through high school, at least once a year, a fire drill broke the monotony of class—the anguish of a test for which I was ill-prepared, or the pleasure of a casual conversation with a good friend. Fortunately, schools made sure these drills were on sunny days and, unfortunately, never during final exams.
When the “all clear” bell indicated that it was safe to return to the classroom, we entered the building as our teacher patted our heads, counted us off, and told us to return to our seats. We were excited about what came next—a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog. Sparky was a Dalmatian that accompanied the fire chief around the school and, while Sparky’s energy (and rapidly wagging tail) channeled our focus, the fire chief’s deep voice resonated through the classrooms: “In case of fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL.”
When we recited the words back to him in a manner that convinced him we were listening, the chief gave each of us a bright, shiny, red plastic firefighter’s hat. As honorary firefighters, he commissioned us to tell others: “In case of fire: STOP, DROP, and ROLL.” Fortunately, I never had to. Or did I?
Twenty-five years later, the tension, pain, and conflict in our family created anguish at a level for which I was ill-prepared. I found myself parenting in situations I never thought would enter the pages of my story and longed for the monotony of a “boring” day and the pleasure of a casual conversation with a good friend. The rainy days followed the sunny days and, sadly, we knew what came next.
On these days, parenting and self-help books scattered across the flat surfaces in my house served better as kindling for the consuming stress and fear of what would be left when the dust of the most recent test settled. My family was “on fire” and I choked on the smoke no one else could see. Repeatedly, I longed to hear the ring of a bell indicating it was “all clear” to go back into my home. One day, while on the porch searching for hope, the bright red fire hydrant in our front yard cued the distant memory of a shiny, plastic firefighter’s hat and the commission that accompanied it: “In case of fire: STOP, DROP, and ROLL.” (Amazing I could remember something from years earlier while having no idea where I put my car keys, wallet, or sanity.)
I was gasping for air and wondered how long I had been holding my breath. I did that often. It was time to get back to the basics and focus on what the average person does at least 17,000 times a day—
Inhale…Exhale…Repeat.
Simple, Safe, and Satisfying.
STOP holding my breath.
DROP what I am doing
And BREATHE.
In case of fire: STOP, DROP, and BREATHE.
– Allison Posell
Allison Posell is a voracious learner who discovers the world and people in it by asking questions, seeking and offering perspective, and sharing the dust on the road of life! Visit her on Facebook (Allison Hamill Posell) or Instagram (@mommypo).
Dr. Tim Thayne Presents:
Mike is one of those brilliant, self-taught, back end developers that you always hear about. As a youth he could trust that “My mother would love me no matter what . . .” When he isn’t cranking out new code, Mike keeps up on the newest technologies and every Tuesday and Thursday nights he trains SpeedSoft with his team.
Rafael has his degree in Marketing and Advertising and years of experience with our dev team. As a teen he could trust that “The most important thing in life is love, and the most valuable things are our family and friends.” When he isn’t working on making the website and mobile versions of Trustyy seamless and functional, he unwinds by exploring nature. His favorite activities are climbing mountains, camping, going to the beach, swimming, playing the harmonica and always learning new things.
Afton’s experience is in marketing and bookkeeping. As a teen she could trust that with her parents “Feeding the horses and milking the cow each day before school–not after–was a must.” When she isn’t busy with keeping Trustyy’s lights on, you’ll usually find her baking up a new treat or working on a sewing project.
Nicoli has a degree in Multimedia Production. She has worked with our team of developers for three years. She learned to trust her own parents when they taught her “Things won’t come easy and that working hard will bring me great blessings!” When she isn’t putting together beautiful marketing pieces for the Trustyy App she likes to take pictures, play the guitar, piano, and drums, and meet up with her family to laugh over the silly things they did as kids.
Adriano is certified in Analysis and Systems Development. In his family he could trust the fact that “One difficult experience teaches me that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity for growth and learning.” When he is away from his work in making sure the Trustyy App buttons and bells and whistles are working properly, he likes to go to the gym, to the beach to surf, on walks with his dog, or go out with his girlfriend.
Lucas’s work experience is in User Experience, Interface Design and Product Management. As a teen he could trust that “In my home honesty was highly valued and lying was not tolerated.” When he isn’t at work making sure the Trustyy App is easy on the eyes, Lucas likes hiking, gaming, going out for dinner, and spending time with family.
Cadu has his education in Analysis and System Development. While growing up he could always trust that “My parents would be there to support from playing soccer at the park to learning to ride a bike.” When he isn’t making sure things are easily navigated for our Trustyy App users, he likes to play beach soccer and enjoy music of any type, but specifically rock, country, R&B, and pop.
Mike is one of those brilliant, self-taught, back-end developers that you always hear about. As a youth he could trust that “My mother would love me no matter what.” When he isn’t cranking out new code, Mike keeps up on the newest technologies and every Tuesday and Thursday nights he trains SpeedSoft with his team.
Roxanne received her bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education. She has worked in publishing and marketing for the past 14 years. In her family Roxanne says she could trust that “Her grammar and posture would be consistently corrected, to help her to become a lady.” When she isn’t busy writing and beautifying things for the Trustyy App, you can find her reading biographies, practicing yoga, or gathering the family to talk business, celebrate wins or just plain hang out.
Sidney has a bachelor’s degree in Web Development and has worked in technology for 16 years, building apps for the last 10 years. Growing up he could trust that “It was always expected that I would fix anything related to technology.” When he isn’t managing the development of the Trustyy App, you will find him spending time with his wife and kids. He loves to make Brazillian BBQ with his family.
Jim has a degree in Design and over 25 years of experience creating SaaS products and managing talented product and development teams. In his years at home as the oldest of five he could trust that “Each child got a weekly ‘night-up’ where we got to stay up late with a parent and do anything we wanted with them.” When he isn’t looking 10 miles down the road for what will come next on the Trustyy App, you will find Jim canyoneering, doing photography, watercolor painting, or keeping up on the latest gadgets and technologies.
Eric earned his degree in Communications, Public Relations and Advertising, then added on an MBA. He says he could trust that “His parents were honest people who kept their commitments–especially to their kids.” When Eric isn’t keeping everyone at Trustyy on task, he is an outdoor enthusiast, year around, rain or shine, cold or hot, with biking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Tim earned masters and doctoral degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy, and has 30 years of experience working with families. While growing up Tim says he could trust that “My mother would love me no matter what, and that my dad would require that I respect my mother.” When he isn’t busy guiding the vision for the Trustyy App, you can find Tim working around the house and yard, taking care of his sheep, dogs and horses, or enjoying a game of Corn Hole with the family.
