Last September, Stacey Samoei knew she was running out of options. Her son, Matthew, was on the verge of suspension after his third behavioral incident, putting his high school graduation at risk, which was only months away.
Matthew lives with high-functioning autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a sensory processing disorder. Finding the right support was no longer optional. It was urgent for his future, for her safety and for the well-being of those around him.
Accessing Intensive In-Home (IIH) Services for Youth in Crisis
Searching for answers, Stacey made a familiar trip to a hospital in Charlotte. This time, instead of another short-term solution, she was introduced to Monarch’s Intensive In-Home (IIH) services — a program designed to provide structured, in-home support for children and teens facing significant behavioral or emotional challenges.
As an occupational therapist, Stacey was familiar with behavioral health care, but IIH was new to her. “The hospital recommended IIH services, and I thought it was the best thing ever,” she said. “I had heard of it, but I had never experienced it firsthand.”
How IIH Services Provide Personalized, Team-Based Support
Shortly after the referral, Monarch’s IIH team leader, Roxanne Wilson-Miller, visited the Samoei home and took an approach that immediately stood out to Stacey — focusing not on diagnoses, but on Matthew himself: his interests, his sensory needs and who he was as a person.
As trust developed, Matthew was supported by a whole Monarch team of IIH professionals working alongside him in his home, including IIH Associates Ashley Garris and Amber Evans. Together, they created a personalized approach focused on building practical, real-life coping strategies.
Building Coping Skills Through In-Home Behavioral Support
Matthew, a visual learner, responded best to hands-on activities. Through interactive sessions, he practiced techniques like putting his hands in his pockets or using Play-Doh to stay grounded. Activities such as card games, cut-and-paste exercises and whiteboard work helped reinforce when to pause and regulate his emotions in the moment.
“The biggest thing was trying to get his emotions under control. That’s what Monarch is doing with these tools,” Stacey said. “These coping skills are allowing him to learn things other than anger.”
Supporting Independence Through Mental Health Services for Teens
While building coping skills remained central, the team also focused on helping Matthew grow more confident and independent in his daily life. He began taking a more active role in his care, building confidence and a stronger sense of ownership over his decisions.
Transitioning to Adulthood with Continued Support and Education
While challenges have been part of the process, Matthew’s progress is clear. With stronger coping skills and growing confidence, he is now preparing for what comes next.
He is set to graduate high school and continue his education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College through the Skills, Opportunity, Awareness and Readiness (S.O.A.R.) program, which focuses on building literacy and life skills that support greater independence.
How Family Support Services Create Lasting Impact at Home
For Stacey, the impact of IIH has extended beyond Matthew. “Working and taking it seriously to make better choices and where to put his anger instead of on me or the wall has made my life so much easier,” she said. “Not even just easier, but more enjoyable.”
Although IIH services are short-term, typically lasting about six months, the skills learned are designed to last far beyond that. “They’re training and educating them to become a new person,” Stacey said. “Monarch is basically the teacher, giving them the tools so they learn how to react in the moment.”
Long-Term Benefits of Intensive In-Home Mental Health Services
To Stacey, Matthew will always be her “gentle giant.” But today, she sees something more — growth, confidence and a renewed sense of direction.
Matthew shows his appreciation for the team who supported him, often creating handmade cards, a small but meaningful reflection of how far he has come.
“It’s like a Monarch butterfly,” Stacey said. “You take him from the beginning and help him learn to fly again.”
Matthew’s story reflects how Monarch’s IIH services help families build skills, confidence and a stronger foundation for the future.
Learn more about Monarch’s IIH services by clicking below.