Recognizing and Managing Farm Stress with Colleen Stegenga

Welcome to the second season of Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm women from around the world! Episode forty-one features Colleen Stegenga of Embracing Change Counseling Services, LLC as we discuss: • Making the decision to see an animal-assisted therapist for your farm stress • Understanding farm succession planning stress • Choosing to take time for yourself so you can be the farmer, partner, parent, etc. that you want to be • Recognizing the signs that you or a farmer you know need a little extra support • And much, much more… You will love this compassionate and supportive farmer! #IYWF2026 A GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Are you a farmer looking for an opportunity to connect with other farmers just like you? Join Midweek Refuel, where we focus on increasing the time, energy, and abundance in your purposeful farm life. Try us today. Use code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount: https://www.penlightfarmers.com/servi... About Colleen: Colleen Stegenga is no stranger to change—and she's living proof that embracing life's transitions can lead to profound purpose. While she preferred the comfort of animals over people as a child, adulthood awakened a deep love for human connection that would shape her calling. After twenty years in business administration and trading small-town South Dakota for Sioux Falls, Colleen discovered her true passion in the most unexpected place: an elementary school office. What began as a secretary position in 2006 became a nine-year journey of profound connection with children whose basic needs often went unmet. Day after day, Colleen found herself drawn into meaningful conversations with students, witnessing their struggles and recognizing their deep need to be heard, valued, and understood. She realized that these children needed someone who would listen without judgment, help them find their voice, and remind them that they mattered. This revelation sparked Colleen's biggest life change yet. In 2013, she enrolled in the University of South Dakota's Master of Social Work program, following her heart toward a career dedicated to healing and empowerment. Her educational journey led her to a mental health agency where she honed her counseling skills with individuals and groups, preparing for the day she would launch Embracing Change Counseling Services. Today, Colleen brings her unique blend of business acumen, educational insight, and genuine compassion to her therapeutic practice. She specializes in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, family dysfunction, and negative self-esteem, while her heart remains especially drawn to empowering young girls and women to discover their authentic voices and unshakeable worth. Colleen's passion lies deeply in helping farmers and ranchers navigate the unique challenges of agricultural life—a calling that feels even more personal as she prepares to return to farm life herself this summer. She understands firsthand the distinctive stresses, seasonal pressures, and family dynamics that come with dedicating your life to feeding our communities. Her work with agricultural families is matched by her love for helping women of all ages conquer daily obstacles and learn to love themselves wholly, spanning from adolescence through middle age. At the core of Colleen's practice is her unwavering belief that every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and empowered. She creates a warm, family-like environment where clients can explore their deepest thoughts and feelings without judgment, always reminding them that their feelings are valid and they can still go out into the world and do amazing things. When she's not in the office, Colleen can be found exploring the great outdoors with her two beloved pups, Callie and Skye, traveling to warm, sunny destinations, and cherishing time with her husband, two daughters, son-in-law and grandson and their small herd of animals—a reminder that her childhood love for animals remains as strong as ever. Connect with Colleen at: • Website: https://embracingchangecs.com/ • LinkedIn:   / colleen-stegenga-14344438   Connect with K at: • Website: https://www.penlightfarmers.com • YouTube: @k.castrataro3466 • Facebook and Instagram: @penlightfarmers • Podcast (audio): https://www.penlightfarmers.com/podcast • Podcast (video):    • Food, Flowers, & Fun: Visits with farm wom...   • Buy K’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kcastra...