Practical Ways to Build Faith and Courage in Difficult Seasons

Episode #027

Sendy Mom Karissa Dodds Elementary School teacher, mother of 4, and fitness instructor

Have you ever felt stuck—like fear, anxiety, or overwhelming challenges were holding you back from moving forward? In this week’s Sendy Mom Podcast, I sat down with Karissa Dodds, a mom of four, teacher, and business owner who knows firsthand what it means to walk through struggle and still choose courage. Her story is a reminder that while life’s challenges may knock us down, resilience and faith can help us rise again.

Growing Up in a Homeschooling Home

Karissa’s journey began in a homeschooling environment, where she developed a love for learning and teaching. Contrary to common stereotypes, her experience showed that homeschooling can create confident, connected children. This early foundation would later inspire her career as a kindergarten teacher, where she now pours her heart into helping children thrive with both love and structure.

Facing Life’s Turning Points

Life hasn’t been easy for Karissa and her family. When her husband was in chiropractic school, financial struggles weighed heavily on them, forcing them to rely on faith and prayer in ways they never had before. These trials, while painful, became the foundation of their resilience. Karissa shared that it was during these difficult seasons that her faith deepened and her courage grew.

They also made bold moves—literally. Moving to new places, starting new ventures, and even beginning a food blog all required courage to take risks and trust the process. Some choices worked out beautifully; others felt like wrong turns. But Karissa learned that even missteps can lead to unexpected growth. This helps us to “fall upward”.

Anxiety, Faith, and Healing

One of the most powerful parts of Karissa’s story is her honesty about anxiety. High-stress situations left her overwhelmed, but she discovered that exercise, meaningful work, and daily spiritual practices helped her manage it. She learned that small daily habits (like gratitude and prayer) can make a profound difference in building resilience.

Karissa also embraced holistic and spiritual approaches to healing, finding strength not only in her own determination but also in leaning on her faith. Her journey reminds us that healing is not always instant, but it is always possible when we commit to the work of change.

Collaboration and Growth

As a teacher, Karissa also highlights the importance of collaboration. Whether in education or family life, recognizing each person’s strengths and working together leads to greater success. Her classroom, and in her home she exhibits her belief that we are stronger together.

Key Lessons from Karissa’s Story

Passion fuels meaningful work.
Gratitude and daily practices build resilience.
Courage often comes through hardship.
Collaboration makes us stronger.
Faith helps us rise when life feels impossible.

Choosing Courage in Your Own Life

Karissa’s story is more than just inspiring—it’s practical. She shows us that resilience is not about avoiding struggles but about facing them with faith, grit, and hope. Whether you’re homeschooling, juggling financial challenges, or simply battling your own self-doubt, there is power in small daily choices to move forward.

If you’re in a season of fear or anxiety, Karissa’s story is a reminder that you are not alone. Growth often comes from the hardest moments, and courage is built one step at a time. You have the strength to rise, to change, and to create a life filled with meaning and joy.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Karissa Dodds on the Sendy Mom Podcast to hear her journey of resilience, faith, and hope.

Ever felt stuck—like anxiety, money struggles, or big life changes are holding you back? In this episode, I talk with Karissa Dodds, a mom of four, teacher, and business owner who has walked through financial stress, self-doubt, and tough transitions—and discovered resilience along the way. Her story is full of faith, courage, and practical daily habits that will inspire you to find strength in your own challenges.

Meet my Guest

Karissa Dodds teaches a classroom full of kindergarteners in St. George, Utah, where her love for children shines through her mix of warmth and discipline. At home, she and her husband juggle raising four kids while running their business, Red Cliffs Chiropractic—a journey that has included both joy and deep challenge.

Karissa’s life reflects resilience: growing up homeschooled, navigating financial stress, overcoming anxiety, and rediscovering her passions through teaching, design, and creativity. Her story is a testament to faith, grit, and the everyday practices that keep her moving forward with courage and heart.