The Heart of Youth Sports in East Meadow
A family is the foundation of society. When two people come together, they bring not only love but also their past experiences, beliefs, and unspoken wounds. Over time, these unhealed parts can show up in the relationship, sometimes in subtle ways—through words left unsaid, emotions left unprocessed, or patterns that seem to repeat without explanation.
Even with the strongest love, old pain has a way of resurfacing. This is why healing as a couple is about more than just the relationship itself—it’s about breaking cycles, deepening connection, and creating a future that isn’t bound by the past.
During our private couple’s retreat, we witnessed something truly transformative. As each person turned inward—acknowledging their own emotions, fears, and history—they began to reconnect with their partner in a way that was deeper than words. Not through logic or reasoning, but through compassion, presence, and understanding.
What became clear was that much of the tension couples experience isn’t really about the other person. It’s about the past. And when both partners are willing to see that, something shifts. Walls come down. Defenses soften. The focus moves from blame to healing, from frustration to possibility.
By the end of the retreat, the journey wasn’t just about resolving conflicts—it was about love, forgiveness, and gratitude. It was about remembering why they chose each other in the first place and seeing new possibilities for the life they’ll continue to build together.
We were honored to guide this experience and witness such deep transformation.
If you and your partner had the opportunity to reset, heal, and reconnect—would you take it?
💛 Learn more about our private retreats here.
It's a special feeling to be the director of the same youth football program that started my journey.
It’s an important task that I take seriously, because one positive or negative experience can change the trajectory of these kid’s lives.
So the intention was to create an environment where everyone is growing through the camp — that includes the players, coaches, and even the parents.
The success of the camp doesn’t happen without the coaches.
And I’d like to thank Coach Lizzi for sending the high school football players to support as staff.
For many of them, giving back to the youth brings their journey full circle and makes the experience extremely meaningful.
Their guidance, direction, and ultimately energy create the atmosphere for the kids to come into their own.
The uplifting vibe makes space for the kids to use their energy without hesitation.
Interestingly, this is when the kids make the most MISTAKES.
…But it’s when they LEARN the fastest and are able to get to the next step.
Without parents understanding these key principles, it’s hard for them to reinforce the lessons at home. That’s why I made it a point to speak with them directly about the guiding principles being taught.
This camp was sponsored for the community thanks to the East Meadow PAL program. Big thank you to President John Spirou, Vice President Andy Spirou, and Officer in Charge Bobby Valera.
Thank you as well to everyone working behind the scenes — including the parents and my wife Michelle Moon for taking photos and helping with production.
Community events like this are so needed in today’s day and age, and I’m grateful to the L.I. Herald for covering the good news and publishing this news article.
This is only the beginning and we can’t wait to see everyone next year.
We Led a Private Couple’s Retreat—Here’s What Happened
A family is the foundation of society. When two people come together, they bring not only love but also their past experiences, beliefs, and unspoken wounds. Over time, these unhealed parts can show up in the relationship, sometimes in subtle ways—through words left unsaid, emotions left unprocessed, or patterns that seem to repeat without explanation.
Even with the strongest love, old pain has a way of resurfacing. This is why healing as a couple is about more than just the relationship itself—it’s about breaking cycles, deepening connection, and creating a future that isn’t bound by the past.
During our private couple’s retreat, we witnessed something truly transformative. As each person turned inward—acknowledging their own emotions, fears, and history—they began to reconnect with their partner in a way that was deeper than words. Not through logic or reasoning, but through compassion, presence, and understanding.
What became clear was that much of the tension couples experience isn’t really about the other person. It’s about the past. And when both partners are willing to see that, something shifts. Walls come down. Defenses soften. The focus moves from blame to healing, from frustration to possibility.
By the end of the retreat, the journey wasn’t just about resolving conflicts—it was about love, forgiveness, and gratitude. It was about remembering why they chose each other in the first place and seeing new possibilities for the life they’ll continue to build together.
We were honored to guide this experience and witness such deep transformation.
If you and your partner had the opportunity to reset, heal, and reconnect—would you take it?
💛 Learn more about our private retreats here.
A family is the foundation of society. When two people come together, they bring not only love but also their past experiences, beliefs, and unspoken wounds. Over time, these unhealed parts can show up in the relationship, sometimes in subtle ways—through words left unsaid, emotions left unprocessed, or patterns that seem to repeat without explanation.
Even with the strongest love, old pain has a way of resurfacing. This is why healing as a couple is about more than just the relationship itself—it’s about breaking cycles, deepening connection, and creating a future that isn’t bound by the past.
During our private couple’s retreat, we witnessed something truly transformative. As each person turned inward—acknowledging their own emotions, fears, and history—they began to reconnect with their partner in a way that was deeper than words. Not through logic or reasoning, but through compassion, presence, and understanding.
What became clear was that much of the tension couples experience isn’t really about the other person. It’s about the past. And when both partners are willing to see that, something shifts. Walls come down. Defenses soften. The focus moves from blame to healing, from frustration to possibility.
By the end of the retreat, the journey wasn’t just about resolving conflicts—it was about love, forgiveness, and gratitude. It was about remembering why they chose each other in the first place and seeing new possibilities for the life they’ll continue to build together.
We were honored to guide this experience and witness such deep transformation.
If you and your partner had the opportunity to reset, heal, and reconnect—would you take it?
💛 Learn more about our private retreats here.
The Parent’s Playbook
It all begins with an idea.
Cultivating Success for Student-Athletes
The Trinity of Success
The journey of a student-athlete is a collaborative endeavor involving a dynamic trio: the student-athlete, the coach/teacher, and the parents. This relationship is pivotal for the student-athlete's success and requires harmony and concerted effort from all parties. Establishing a solid foundation where each member understands and fulfills their role is crucial for fostering an environment conducive to success.
The Role of the Student-Athlete
Student-athletes carry a multifaceted responsibility that extends beyond personal achievements. Representing their team, school, and community, they must embody respect and pride, particularly at East Meadow High School. This representation is a testament to their dedication and the values they uphold, both in and out of competition.
Academic Success: The Core of a Student-Athlete
At the heart of a student-athlete's identity is academic achievement. Education is not secondary to athletic pursuits; rather, it is integral. Being a student-athlete is a privilege that comes with the dual responsibility of excelling in academics and athletics. Neglecting academic responsibilities undermines the very essence of being a student-athlete.
Holistic Well-Being for Peak Performance
Managing the demands of both academic and athletic commitments is a formidable challenge. Essential to navigating these responsibilities is the maintenance of one's physical and mental well-being. Fundamental practices such as proper nutrition, effective communication, and adequate sleep are non-negotiable for achieving optimal performance. These basic habits, when consistently applied, set the foundation for a student-athlete's long-term success and distinguish them from their peers.
The Long-Term Impact of Good Habits
The significance of cultivating positive habits cannot be overstated. The cumulative effect of these habits over time can place student-athletes in a markedly better position than those who do not prioritize such practices. This makes the opportunity of being a student-athlete not only valuable but also a transformative experience that can shape their future.
Conclusion
In summary, the parent's playbook for supporting student-athletes involves fostering a collaborative environment, emphasizing the importance of academic and athletic excellence, and encouraging the development of healthy habits for holistic well-being. Together, these elements form a comprehensive approach to guiding student-athletes towards success.
By: Alex Rivas
March 18, 2024
Spotlight on East Meadow's Finest
A Prelude to Meet the Coaches Night —
It's been an incredible privilege to work closely with these four outstanding student-athletes who are representing East Meadow High School.
Matt Rodriguez
Brooke Vislocky
Kevin Canto
Melia Campbell
We put the final touches on our presentation for the parents during the upcoming Meet the Coaches Night.