Vision Behind the Logo

The Next STEPS logo is a butterfly. Dr. Schwalen consciously chose the butterfly as our logo as it represents the transformation that we lead clients through. Just as the butterfly must struggle to break through the cocoon, it is only through these intentional actions that the butterfly gains the ability to fly once it is free. The process of releasing itself from bondage leads to its greatest achievement: freedom. Without the struggle, the wings of the butterfly cannot perform the very function for which they were designed. The process of freedom takes time, work, effort and even can be a struggle for clients – which is why our clinicians are here to provide guidance and tools for triumph all along the way. The hope is that through the struggle, the client gains the ability to soar. And the result? They become the beautiful butterfly they were always destined to be. And even though we have developed a life-changing relationship with each and every client, once their transformation is complete, they no longer need us.

The wings of the butterfly consist of footprints. These footprints hearken back to the classic poem “Footprints in the Sand.” Dr. Schwalen believes that like in the poem, when she reflects on her life, she can see where the two sets of footprints in the sand did become one set as difficulties arose. Ultimately, she believes God carried her through those challenges.

The white space within the left wing is a small child’s handprint. The small handprint within the footprint/left wing is a symbol of Next STEPS’ focus on families. Not only does the NSWW team have a love for children because many of the team are parents themselves, but the small handprint represents the many children and families we serve. The evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of children as young as infants all the way through the formative years is a specialization of our clinicians. And just as the fingerprints on that handprint are unique, the approaches utilized by the clinical team are just that – specific and specialized for each child and family. All the treatments at NSWW have an emphasis on healing based on evidence, as well as linking systems of care so the whole child in all his/her paradigms is considered. We are always here for the entire family.

Finally, the butterfly’s antenna actually are the Greek symbol for psychology – which is the crux of our foundation and practice. Because we believe in the science behind our comprehensive assessments and data-driven treatment, it was important to us that our logo has a scientific representation. 

The color palette of green and blue was chosen by Dr. Schwalen because her husband has one blue eye and one green eye. This anomaly is something she specifically wanted to reference in her logo because they founded NSWW together. He has been and continues to be her biggest support, and each time they look at the logo they are reminded that they are indeed better together. Because there are no coincidences, the green and blue hues fade to represent the water and land of the globe, which are illustrative of the global scope and mission of Next STEPS Worldwide – even though that was not the initial purpose in choosing those colors.

Our vision is to reach clients, families and peers around the world via conferences and technology and give back to charities and organizations throughout the globe through our Next STEPS Give Back program. Click here to learn more.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”

– Unknown