When tragedy struck at age 15, Jesse Kohler found himself surrounded by a supportive community that helped him navigate grief and eventually discover post-traumatic growth. This formative experience set Jesse on a path toward becoming a passionate advocate for trauma-informed systems change.
As Executive Director of the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP), Jesse brings a unique perspective to our conversation. While many organizations focus on direct trauma services or training, CTIPP recognized a critical gap: the need for coordinated advocacy to transform policies at every level of government. Their innovative approach creates a "coalition of coalitions" that connects national policy efforts with state, local, and grassroots initiatives—creating a bidirectional flow of information and resources.
Jesse breaks down the core principles of trauma-informed approaches, and helps us understand how these principles can be applied across healthcare, education, justice systems, and even climate resilience efforts. Through partnerships like the International Transformational Resilience Coalition, CTIPP is helping communities prepare psychologically and socially for extreme weather events and environmental challenges.
Our conversation explores the messy but rewarding world of coalition-building and the crucial distinction between community-based and truly community-led approaches. Jesse emphasizes that evaluation must empower communities rather than extract from them, challenging traditional models that measure impacts and then depart without sustainable engagement.
Ready to join this movement? Visit ctipp.org to connect with advocacy networks, communities of practice, and resources designed to build momentum toward a trauma-informed future where healing, resilience, and community-led change become the foundation of healthier systems for all.
Guest Bio
As CTIPP’s Executive Director on loan, Jesse Kohler is in charge of organizational administration and HR, fundraising, strategic planning, public engagements, and working to create conditions of safety and empowerment for the board, staff, and volunteers in their roles with the organization. Jesse is on loan from The Change Campaign, which is a nonprofit organization Jesse founded. The Change Campaign is a multi-pronged initiative to build community and systemic capacity by facilitating the application of the science of developmental adversity and its progression through the lifespan and generations to enable initiatives that improve holistic well-being and provide strategic support to government agencies and organizations focused in aligned areas. Jesse has always had a strong vision for change that woul
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Dr. Jimmy Smith Jr., a dynamic leader in public health, reveals the transformative journey from family medicine to becoming the Director of the Macon-Bibb County Health Department. Dr. Smith shares his passion for influencing communities on a large scale, highlighting his mentorship at Mercer University and as the president of the Georgia Public Health Association. His inspiring story is packed with insights about the challenges and triumphs of public health, painting a vivid picture of the dedication required to make a significant impact.
Like other public health departments, the public health department in Macon-Bibb County performs vital tasks, from food inspections to vital immunizations. Facing the reality of a community where 24% live below the poverty line, Dr. Smith discusses the universal importance of public health, dispelling misconceptions that it is only for the underserved. His insights on handling recent health concerns like flu, RSV, and COVID-19 and the critical role of vaccinations. He offers a compelling narrative on managing public health services in a diverse community.
Dr. Smith shares his philosophical approach to public health prevention strategies. Using creative metaphors, he illustrates the importance of primary and secondary prevention efforts and the crucial role of leadership and collaboration in fostering healthier societies. With a focus on resilience and mentorship, Dr. Smith shines a light on the future of public health careers, emphasizing the importance of nurturing emerging leaders to create lasting change. His optimistic outlook invites listeners to engage with public health initiatives, advocating for a future filled with progress and opportunity.
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Darice Oppong's joins me today to share her journey working in community leadership and trauma-informed practices. We explore the vital role of collaboration in fostering resilient communities and the importance of celebrating small victories as coalition members work together to address societal challenges.
• Darice’s background in community service and leadership
• The significance of trauma-informed care in supporting individuals
• Strategies for building and sustaining coalitions effectively
• The development of onboarding processes to enhance member engagement
• The challenge and necessity of community collaboration
• Insights into the future goals for Resilient Middle Georgia
If you found this conversation helpful and want to dive deeper into creating impact in your community, I invite you to visit my website at communityevaluationsolutions.com/resources. You're going to find free tools, guides, and templates to support your work to build stronger community organizations.
Darice's Bio
Darice Oppong is a passionate leader, speaker, advocate, and lifelong learner currently pursuing her Master’s in Organizational Leadership at Mercer University. With a heart for service and community, Darice wears many hats, including her role as Coalition Coordinator for Resilient Middle Georgia (RMG), where she empowers leaders to embed trauma-informed care practices into their organizations across the region.
Over the past five years, she has focused on creating meaningful impact, particularly in rural and underserved communities. In her role with Resilient Middle Georgia (RMG), Darice has contributed significantly to building the coalition’s capacity.
In January 2024, Darice’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through Judah David Creations, a crochet shop on Etsy inspired by her son’s legacy. Her motto, “Crochet is a metaphor for life. You just need to take it one stitch at a time, and eventually you’ll make something beautiful,” reflects her commitment to resilience and creativity.
When she’s not coordinating coalitions or crafting new designs, Darice serves as the Praise and Worship Leader for Kingdom Life Church. She treasures quality time with her husband, friends, and family, finding joy and purpose in building connections and inspiring others to embrace their journeys.
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Preventative legal advocacy is reshaping the future of child welfare, and Emily Cook is at the forefront. As a Senior Staff Attorney at the Barton Child Law and Policy Center, Emilie Cook shares her journey from traditional legal practice to becoming a champion for systemic change. This episode explores how neglect, often rooted in poverty, not abuse, constitutes a significant issue within the child welfare system. We unpack the racial disparities faced by marginalized communities and how preventive measures can address these injustices by offering legal support early on, tackling social determinants of health, and redefining systemic approaches for a more equitable future.
We discuss the effectiveness of the current child welfare system, highlighting the unnecessary trauma caused by child-parent separations. Emily shares insights into the barriers families face, such as housing and resource instability, that can perpetuate involvement in the system. Our discussion is a call to action for community and nonprofit leaders to embrace community-based solutions, fostering resilience and stability rather than perpetuating cycles of trauma and poverty. Emilie's work in Georgia and around the country exemplifies the power of collaboration, as she builds networks to advance preventative advocacy and support families before they reach crisis points.
Emilie's transformative work isn't just theoretical; it's a practical approach to reimagining support systems that serve families better. We explore her efforts in creating a learning cohort dedicated to preventive legal advocacy and discuss the importance of evaluating program outcomes to secure sustainable funding. With a focus on effectiveness, Emily's initiatives demonstrate how legal interventions can address systemic issues like housing instability, proving that change is not only necessary but also achievable. Join us for an episode rich with insights and strategies that challenge the status quo and advocate for a more just and supportive child welfare system.
Guest Bio
Emilie Cook is Senior Staff Attorney at the Barton Child Law & Policy Center at Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia, where she works on projects to promote and protect the legal interests of children involved with the child welfare, juvenile court, and juvenile justice systems. Through her work in the preventive legal advocacy space, Emilie works with interdisciplinary legal teams and advocates across the country to promote and support the provision of high-quality legal advocacy and upstream support services designed to address the
social determinants of health and protect against the effects of poverty, systemic racism, and other forms of discriminatio
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Dr. Donna Beegle's remarkable journey from the depths of generational poverty to achieving a doctorate in educational leadership offers a powerful narrative of resilience and hope. Through her story, we unravel the systemic barriers that perpetuate poverty and the transformative power of education and community support. Dr. Beegle's insights challenge us to rethink our approach to poverty, highlighting the critical need for poverty-informed communities and improved communication across social classes.
Join us as we explore the transformative power of language and empathy in dismantling poverty barriers. Through Dr. Beegle's work with the Poverty Immersion Institute and insights from successful initiatives like Amarillo College's poverty-informed mindset, we uncover strategies for fostering a culture of caring and empowerment. From training community leaders to equipping non-profits with evaluation skills, this episode provides actionable insights for creating supportive environments where individuals and communities can thrive.
Guest Bio
Donna Beegle grew up in generational, migrant-labor poverty and was essentially homeless the first 26 years of her life. She is the only member of her family who has not been incarcerated. At 15, she left school to get married and start a family. She had six pregnancies and—with emergency rooms as her only access to health care—only two survived. At 26, she found herself with two children, no husband, little education, few marketable job skills, and no affordable housing. With the help of Community Action and a pilot project, she received stable housing and was able to achieve her GED and—10 years later—her doctorate in Educational Leadership—studying poverty, communication, and education. Dr. Beegle brings an insider perspective of poverty as a health determinant combined with 34 years of working with health providers in all 50 states to increase access to health services and break poverty barriers.
Since 1989, Dr. Beegle has across the nation with people and organizations who want to assist people in moving out and staying out of the war zone of poverty. As president of Communication Across Barriers, a consulting firm dedicated to building poverty-informed communities, Dr. Beegle has designed models and curriculum to directly impact people currently in poverty, as well as professionals who want to make a difference for our neighbors. She has authored four books and training curriculum kits, including See Poverty...Be the Difference, An Action Approach for Educating Students in Poverty, Breaking Poverty Barriers to Equal Justice, and If Not Me, Then Who? Empowering Our Neighbors.
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Dr. Dawn X. Henderson makes research accessible for marginalized communities. From her beginnings as a middle school science teacher, to founding We Claim Research, Dawn's journey is filled with inspiring stories and groundbreaking work. Dawn’s commitment to amplifying the voices of racially and ethnically marginalized groups offers a fresh perspective on fostering environments where all narratives are valued.
We share our identities as community psychologists, spotlighting system change and community engagement. Join us as Dawn shares her innovative approach to research collaboration, emphasizing community initiation and leadership. Dawn describes her work with Black mothers who, during the height of COVID-19, reshaped research protocols and presenting their findings at a major conference. Dawn emphasizes humility, openness, and a healing-centered lens. We invite you to embrace the wisdom of communities and the healing potential of curiosity in creating spaces where everyone thrives.
Guest Bio
Dr. Dawn X. Henderson is a Community Psychologist, founder of WeClaim Research (weclaimresearch.com; https://weclaimresearch.com/), and the Director of Participatory Research, Power Building at Village of Wisdom, a nonprofit in Durham, NC. She models making “science and research” accessible to those who have been the most underrepresented and marginalized. As a research scientist, she has used an interdisciplinary lens to position the narratives of racially and ethnically marginalized communities and young people at the center of how science and research happen. Her research has focused on identifying the ecological systems and structures that support and promote positive development for young people and adults. She is the recipient of the American Evaluation Association Graduate Education Diversity Internship, Faculty Select with the Expanding the Bench Initiative sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Fellowship, Division 27, Society for Community Research and Action Leadership Development Fellowship, Division 27’s 2023 Distinguished Contribution to Practice in Community Psychology Award, and 2023 Research-to-Policy Collaboration Scholar Award, Research-to-Policy Collaborative with Pennsylvania State University. As a Community Cultivator and Space Creator, she envisions creating more dream cultivators so that Black and Brown people, their children, and communities thrive.
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Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!
Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Karie Terhark joins us in an enlightening conversation on community empowerment, revealing how her journey as a Technology of Participation (TOP) facilitator has transformed her approach to inclusivity and stakeholder engagement. Her experiences in youth development and working with drug-free communities have shaped her passion for creating spaces where every voice is heard.
Karie transitioned from a directive leader to a facilitative one, using ToP methods to turn conventional meetings into meaningful collaborations. By bringing together diverse groups, Karrie emphasizes the essence of patience and small victories in fostering sustainable community ownership. She shares the strategies that have helped her navigate challenges like turf guarding and resistance, ensuring each community member feels respected and valued.
Learn about the importance of preparation, strategic planning, and the role of environmental scanning in setting a unified organizational direction. Karie's insights into the art of facilitation inspire individuals to lead with authenticity, fostering an environment where communities can thrive. Tune in to learn how you can harness these facilitation techniques to create empowered, inclusive spaces in your community.
Bio
When Karie Terhark reflects on her career, she sees a journey shaped by her deep desire to foster connections and build strong, empowered communities. Her early work in youth development gave her firsthand insight into how vital it is to create spaces where every voice can be heard. This experience ignited her passion for facilitation, which led her to dedicate herself to helping organizations and communities collaborate and achieve their goals.
For Karie, facilitation isn’t just a job—it’s her way of driving meaningful change. Whether she’s working with a small group or facilitating a large-scale public forum, she’s committed to creating brave, inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed but are valued and feel a sense of belonging. Her work in community engagement has been instrumental in helping people feel empowered to shape their environments positively.
Becoming a Certified Technology of Participation (ToP) Facilitator, and later a ToP® Mentor Trainer, has allowed Karie to not only hone her skills but also to share them with others. Her personal mission is clear: to Empowering individuals to lead through action, unlocking their potential to create lasting impact.
It’s not just what she does, but why she does it that drives her—helping others find their own voice and power through the art of facilitation.
Connect with Karie: https://www.karieterhark.com
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
What if health was a guaranteed right, accessible to everyone regardless of race or background? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Brandon Wilson from Community Catalyst as we unpack the concept of health equity. Dr. Wilson's journey from Louisiana's Cancer Alley to being a leading advocate for equitable vaccine access is nothing short of inspiring. His personal experiences, including his HIV diagnosis at 17, have fueled his unwavering commitment to public health. Together, we imagine a healthcare system where equity and justice are not mere ideals, but everyday realities.
Dr. Wilson shares why authentic community engagement requires humility and trust and how traditional power structures must evolve to recognize the spaces where real community discussions happen. Dr. Wilson highlights the power of lived experiences and the necessity of multidirectional learning in fostering true community partnerships. His insights are a roadmap for anyone looking to bridge the healthcare gap for marginalized communities.
We also tackle pressing issues such as the decline in public trust within the healthcare system and the essential role of caregivers, especially those in home and community-based services (HCBS). From innovative delivery models to the impact of the pandemic on public health initiatives, this episode outlines strategies for promoting equity and access. We discuss how states can build on existing foundations to improve HCBS and explore how community organizations can be better resourced to sustain their vital work.
Dr. Brandon Wilson
Dr. Brandon G. Wilson, DrPH, MHA, is a transformative leader in health innovation, public health, and equity. Dr. Wilson serves as the Co-Interim President & CEO, alongside Dana Clarke. Dr. Wilson oversees the organization’s health system innovation and community-first public health work and leads the Center for Community Engagement in Health Innovation. This center conducts community-based research to understand how inequities in the U.S. health system drive poor health outcomes for historically excluded communities and drives practice and policy change strategies based on its findings. As a recognized public health advisor, he has made significant contributions to health equity and innovation.
He received a master’s degree in health systems management at George Mason University, and a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at Morgan State University. He holds a faculty appointment at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health.
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Dr. Nicole Bowman joins me to talk about the rich tapestry of traditional knowledge and Indigenous ways of knowing. Nicky, known as the "Blue Collar Scholar," shares her transformative journey as an advocate for culturally responsive and Indigenous research, policy, and evaluation. We dive deep into the necessity of challenging norms and advocating for marginalized communities and the critical need for Indigenous representation and diversity within editorial boards and thought councils. Nikki’s insights on "speaking into the listening" and the balance between radical advocacy and strategic communication are inspiring, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s positionality amidst prevalent white privilege.
We delve into practical tools for fostering cultural sensitivity and her Seven Directions model, rooted in Indigenous wisdom, serves as a powerful framework for leadership and policy development. Nicky emphasizes the critical role of decolonizing author agreements and integrating language and culture preservation into policy and practice.
Dr. Bowman's Bio
Nicole is a traditional Ndulunaapeewi Kwe (Lunaape woman) and an evaluation innovator whose academic lodge sits at the intersection of traditional knowledge, Tribal sovereignty, and evaluation. She is the President of Bowman Performance Consulting and an Associate Scientist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Nicole is a subject matter expert in systems (Nation to Nation), culturally responsive, and Indigenous research, policy, and evaluation. She is AEA’s 2018 Robert Ingle Service Award winner (first Indigenous awardee) and serves on numerous global evaluation or educational journal review boards. including as co-chair of AEA’s Indigenous Peoples in Evaluation Topical Interest Group and a Global Member of both EvalIndigenous and AEA’s International Work Group. Her dissertation is titled Indigenous Educational Policy Development with Tribal Governments: A Case Study.
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- BPC’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bpcwi/
- BPC’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bpcwi/
- BPC’s You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bpcwi
- Nicky’s Twitter: @nbpc1
- Nicky’s LinkedIn:
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Sarah Winograd Babayeuski is a relentless advocate for families involved in the foster care system. Sarah joins me for the second time on the show to update us on the latest transformation of the nonprofit she founded. Together With Families (TWF) harnesses grassroots efforts and community resources to prevent family separations due to poverty.
Sarah's shares the evolution of Together With Families, emphasizing the importance of equity, justice, and active family participation in decision-making. We'll dive into the significance of trusting relationships and the harmful effects of pathologizing poverty and trauma. TWF groundbreaking initiatives like the Parent Ally and design team programs, supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, empower families to navigate crises and reduce unnecessary Child Protective Services involvement.
Lastly, we'll tackle the formidable challenges that low-income families face, from housing affordability and inadequate wages to bureaucratic obstacles in accessing essential services. Sarah's is an unexpected journey as a nonprofit executive director. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that promises to deepen your understanding of the complexities and solutions in family advocacy.
Guest Bio
As a missionary kid, Sarah grew up amongst poverty and oppression in the former Soviet Republic of Belarus. After returning to the states with her husband and daughter, she completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Kennesaw State University.
A former Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in the Cobb County Juvenile Court, where for two years Sarah advocated for the best interests of children involved in dependency hearings. SheI was heartbroken to see so many children separated from loving parents for underlying issues of poverty. She is the founder of Together With Families, a nonprofit working to prevent family seperation due to poverty.
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Emily Ann Ball and Audrey Itikata of Resilient Georgia join us to talk about their work with the organization marking its fifth year of dedication to trauma-informed approaches, child wellness and early brain development.
Resilient Georgia combats mental health stigma and supports trauma-informed practices through partnerships with 16 regional coalitions spanning 120 counties. We discuss the varied mental health challenges across urban and rural areas, emphasizing innovative strategies to prevent mental health challenges. Emily and Audrey provide a comprehensive look at the organization's mission, highlighting successful initiatives across Georgia.
We discuss the transformative power of shared language in trauma care and the significance of building resilience through positive childhood experiences. Emily and Audrey stress the importance of community partnerships, accessible resources, and the role of social connections and play in trauma work.
Guest Bios
Emily Anne Vall became Executive Director of Resilient Georgia where she leads the creation of a statewide coalition of trauma-informed organizations by convening diverse private and public partners to create a birth through 26 year old integrated behavioral health system. The statewide coalition includes over 700 stakeholders working to prevent adverse childhoodexperiences (ACEs) and supporthealing through integratedbehavioral health resources andservices. Vall earned her PhD in Physical Education and Health Pedagogy with a cognate in Diversity Studies from the University of South Carolina. She completed her undergraduate teaching degree at Florida Southern College before attending the University of South Florida focusing on physical education and special needs populations.
Audrey Idaikkadar has worked with communities to strategically improve health
and wellness for more than a decade. She believes coalition building and elevating the voices of those most impacted by disparities can help create thriving communities for all. Audrey supports grantees in their coalitional work to prevent and heal childhood adversity, advance trauma informed awareness and care, and promote resilience with children and their families in their communities. Idaikkadar earned her Bachelor of Arts in American Studies with highest honors from the University of California at Berkeley and her Master of Public Health from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health. She is also a trained oral historian and recently completed her master’s degree in history at Georgia State University.
Resilient Georgia's website.
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
What happens when you prioritize authentic relationships over financial gains in community work? Join us in this enlightening episode of Community Possibilities as we sit down with the inspiring LaDonna Collins. Fresh from her role as executive director of the Rome Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth, LaDonna now brings her transformative vision to the National Family Support Network. LaDonna's story is not just about resilience but the power of meaningful connections in professional growth.
She shares her unique perspective on community work and nonprofit leadership and discuss the significance of building genuine relationships. Her innovative initiatives like "Books, Barbers, and Beauticians" and the engaging "Little Black Dress" event demonstrate how a heart-centered approach can foster thriving, collaborative communities. These stories aren't just feel-good moments; they offer actionable insights for anyone involved in community building, emphasizing that the best outcomes often arise from the most authentic interactions.
Our conversation also delves into the transformative power of strong community partnerships and the crucial role of Family Resource Centers. Learn about the five protective factors that support families and how these centers are making a difference across states and even internationally. LaDonna discusses the challenges and rewards of community leadership, touching on common misconceptions about nonprofit funding and the importance of changing that narrative. This episode is packed with valuable lessons, stories, and the kind of inspiration that can help you make a lasting difference in your own community.
LaDonna's Bio
LaDonna Collins, a native of Rockmart, Georgia serves as the Sr. Training and Standards Implementation Manager for the National Family Support Network which serves as the national coordinating body for Family Resource Centers within the United States & Canada. Until recently, LaDonna served as the Executive Director of Rome Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth.
She is also the owner of Pinnacle Developmental Services, a youth development and mentoring organization. LaDonna is heavily involved in her community. She served on the most recent SPLOST Committee in her community, was the moderator for her local city commission candidate forum, serves on an advisory board for a local university and was recently awarded, Heart of the Community through a local nonprofit. aDonna is married to Eric CollinLs and they have an 8 year old son, Parker, who will be starting 3rd grade this fall at the Montessori School of Rome.
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Join us on Community Possibilities as John Silver, a registered nurse, shares his vision of a future where healthcare operates as a hybrid public utility, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary approaches and political advocacy to address systemic issues like access and resource distribution.
John and his collaborators establised Nurses Transforming Healthcare, an organization rallying the nursing community to tackle systemic challenges head-on. The mission of Nurses Transforming Healthcare is "to transform healthcare to a model based on wellness and disease prevention which is affordable and accessible to all." John shares his vision for a future with accessible, well-funded community health centers. Innovative initiatives like the "Flip the Zip" campaign highlight the potential for community engagement to create enduring health improvements. Tune in to learn how individual commitment and community-driven solutions can pave the way for a more equitable and efficient healthcare system.
Bio John Silver
After 24 years in healthcare, including 14 years as a Registered Nurse, Dr. Silver was drawn to the essential problem facing nursing- Why couldn’t Nursing ensure safe levels of practice in facilities, and why was the healthcare system we had so dysfunctional in terms of Public Health outcomes and the neglect of so many communities. John soon realized that the problems were linked. If nursing could not ensure safe levels of practice, and were not actively engaged at the decision tables as to where resources were allocated in the systems, how could Nursing ensure the maximum benefit for our patients would be realized?
The answer lay in the political relationship of nurses to the facilities, and Nursing to the political process. Embarking on a journey of research and discovery in his Public Intellectual Ph.D in Comparative Studies, John published a book just a union…of nurses (2013) about the history of how the California nurses brought about staffing legislation, which he hoped would provide an example of how nurses could become politically effective in their states. He advised several nursing groups on this, including NP’s as they worked towards independent practice and prescriptive authority.
He traveled abroad to study other healthcare systems and developed what he thought the goals of a healthcare system must be. From there he began advocating for the only system design that truly met those goals and addressed the needs of providers, patients, and all our communities- an adapted Public Utility model. Dr. Silver has been working with an innovative interdisciplinary team of people forming Nurses Transforming Healthcare and working to implement the model in the
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
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· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Have you ever stood at the crossroads of career and calling, unsure of which path to take? Christa Barfield didn't just stand at that crossroad; she blazed a trail from a decade-long healthcare profession to revolutionizing urban agriculture. Our latest episode charts Christa’s remarkable pivot, capturing her transformation from burnout to beacon of change. With the birth of Viva Leaf Tea Company and FarmerJawn, Christa has rooted herself deeply in the mission to heal communities through sustainable living and the power of food as medicine.
The seed of inspiration can come from the most unexpected places – for Krista, it was a trip to Martinique. She recounts her pivotal encounter with local Black farmers to establishing FarmerJawn, a name that has become a rallying cry for inclusivity and empowerment within the agricultural scene of Philadelphia. Christa shares some of the challenges and triumphs of intertwining food sovereignty with community development, and the importance of equipping future generations with knowledge to cultivate their own sustainable success.
In this episode, Christa shares FarmerJawn's next step, CornerJawn, which will sow seeds of health in food deserts. The first CornerJawn will open in summer 2024 in Germanton in Northwest Philadelphia. Her approach intertwines business savvy with a profound social impact. The plan is to create partnerships with medical schools, integrating food education with health screenings, to reshape community health one zip code at a time. Tune in as we uncover the layers of Christa Barfield's extraordinary journey and the legacy she is cultivating for urban communities.
Christa's Bio
Christa Barfield is a health-care professional turned farmer and lifelong Philadelphia resident. It was 10 years into her career in health-care administration when her life led her to pursuing health and happiness in a more sustainable way. After a solo trip abroad in January 2018, she returned home inspired to connect with the land, plant life, and social issues that heavily impact Black and brown communities and all people’s perception of food. Her business is a reincarnation of her healthcare career with a focus on regeneration and nutrition security. Now with 128 acres across 3 counties in PA, she has built FarmerJawn with an equitable focus on Food is Medicine and she is leading conversations nationwide on how to take a Farm First approach to America’s relationship with food and health."
Website: https://www.farmerjawn.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmerjawn_/
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· Speak at your conference or event.
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Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
On this episode of Community Possibilities, Kali Thorne Ladd, Executive Director of the Children's Institute joins me. Kali shares her journey from passionate classroom teacher to a visionary leader, driving policy change to bolster the well-being of children and, subsequently, Oregon communities. I first learned about the Children's Institute when I saw a video sponsored by the Ford Family Foundation about the transformation of the Yoncalla Elementary School. Yoncalla School District leaders and community members, including parents of young children, worked together to reinvent the elementary school’s approach to family and child support. The school now is thriving, drawing families from across the region.
By nurturing genuine partnerships in communities like Yoncalla, the Children's Institute has catalyzed impressive strides in school attendance and literacy rates, demonstrating the unique power rural areas hold in shaping the future of young children.
We talk about the synergies of health services and education through shared leadership and the innovative concept of universal home visiting in Oregon. Kali shares insights on integrating healthcare into schools and strategies for overcoming obstacles that hinder a child's ability to thrive in school. We reflect on the power of cross-sector collaboration and the universal appeal of early childhood issues to unify across political divides. Tune in for an episode that's not just a conversation but a call to action, one that champions the collective responsibility we share in nurturing the potential of our youngest community members.
Kaili's Bio: Previously, Thorne Ladd was the co-founder and executive director of KairosPDX, a culturally specific organization dedicated to eliminating educational opportunity and achievement gaps for historically underserved children. Through that work, and as a visionary leader in multiple capacities in the region, Thorne Ladd has a long track record of working to transform early learning and healthy development for children and families in Oregon. This has included serving as the chair of the board for Portland Community College, serving on Governor Brown’s Early Learning Council, and serving on the board at the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation based in Portland. Kali worked on education strategies in the mayor’s office in the City of Portland and at the Oregon Department of Education. She holds a MA in education policy from Harvard University and a BA in elementary education and psychology from Boston College.
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· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
In this episode of Community Possibilities, Dr. Tasha Parker shares her story and work as community psychologist and liscenced clinical social worker. Tasha's personal story influences her approach to collaborative systems change, challenging the popular yet insufficient concepts of 'resiliency' and 'grit'. Our conversation navigates the intersection of equity, trauma-informed community development, and intersectionality, unveiling the necessity for spaces that dismantle hidden power structures and champion genuine inclusion.
This episode for anyone devoted to community engagement and equity, offering practical strategies for community collaboration. We discuss how to maintain a trauma-informed lens and advocate for equity across all community engagement phases. Dr. Parker provides insights for creating trauma-informed communities that redistribute power, ensuring those affected by policies are leading the charge in decision-making processes. Join us and be part of the conversation that reshapes how communities foster resilience, equity, and transformation.
Dr. Tasha Parker's Bio
Dr. Tasha Parker is an experienced professional based in Wichita, Kansas. With over 17 years of experience in mental and behavioral health, social justice, and youth development, she is the founder and principal community consultant at the Institute of Development, LLC. Her specialties include trauma-informed, resiliency-informed, liberatory, cultural responsiveness, and equitable approaches. She is also privileged to spend one day a week sitting and supporting clients on their personal journeys, providing clinical therapy. Dr. Parker holds a Ph.D. in Community Psychology, a Master of Public Administration focused on Nonprofit Management and Finance, and a Master of Social Work.
Dr. Parker's diverse skill set includes research and evaluation, group facilitation, prevention, program development, and implementation. She is passionate about collaborative systems change rooted in equity and cultural humility. Believing that the true currency for sustainable systemic changes is rooted in equity, liberation, cultural and intellectual humility, and harm reduction.
Contact Dr. Parker:
https://www.tashaparker.com/
The quickest way to reach Dr. Parker is: tashap@tashaparker.com
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· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
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Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Following a car accident at 16, Addis Alemayehu Gonte's life changed forever. Eventually he recovered from multiple traumatic injuries. Addis shares the challenges of living with visable and invisible disabilities. While in college he founded a nonprofit, ABLE Mindset, that works to uplift and empower lives through the creative arts. Addis reflects on the isolation often felt by individuals with disabilities and how we can bridge those gaps. We reveal the personal journeys that have led us to understand the significance of vulnerability and the importance of suspending assumptions.
His work with ABLE Mindset, particularly the rhythm workshops and creative arts programs is supported from partners incuding the University of North Texas, the YMCA and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
Addis Gonte's Bio
Addis Gonte is a highly motivated and dedicated community outreach specialist with a passion for creating positive change in underserved communities. After a life-threatening car accident at 16, Addis Gonte was left with traumatic injuries. He was determined to continue his education, completing high school and college, graduating with a B.A. in Sociology and Rehabilitation from the University of North Texas. He is a certified peer and family support mentor for the Christopher and Dana Reeve organization and United Spinal Association, and is dedicated to supporting newly injured individuals and their families with this difficult transition in life. While in College, he founded his nonprofit, Able Mindset, dedicated to empower persons living with disabilities utilizing creative arts to have an enriching life experience.
Contact Addis at: https://ablemindset.org/
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· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
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Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Shen Chefalo's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of healing. Our conversation highlights the profound impact how our own lives can lead us in unexpected places. We delve into the heart of what it means to create trauma-informed communities, addressing root causes in health and social challenges, and the power dynamics within organizational environments, offering a fresh perspective on cultivating empathy and fostering supportive workplace relationships. Shen guides us through the intricacies of building trauma-informed organizations, conflict resolution, and the foundational importance of establishing safety.
We also dare to reimagine a foster care system that upholds family preservation, advocating for a shift in policy that emphasizes mental health support and the cruciality of maintaining familial bonds to prevent generational trauma.
Shen Chefalo's Bio:
Shenandoah Chefalo is a sought-after speaker, award-winning author, and expert
trauma-informed specialist with over 20 years of leadership consulting
experience with governmental, public, and private organizations across various
sectors, including health care, human services, education, and nonprofits.
As the Founder and Lead Strategist of Chefalo Consulting, Shenandoah
provides trauma-informed organizational change management and workforce
development services to improve outcomes for individuals, organizations, and
communities. Her lived experiences of poverty, homelessness, foster care, and
juvenile justice inform her approaches, which provide effective, equitable, and
inclusive systems change frameworks that transform organizations.
Links for Shen:
Connect with Shen at https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/
Grab her book! Garbage Bag Suitcase
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
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· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Johann Jacob and Helen Kinsella, two residents of Co-Habitat Quebec's, join me to share their community in Quebec, Canada. I met Johann at the Canadian Evaluation Society and he and his partner graciously hosted me and another friend for dinner at their community. I was excited to learn about this way of living in community. Johann and Helen share the history of Co-Habitat Quebec's and how the architecture of daily interactions shapes a thriving community.
Co-housing communities, as I learn, are not unique in the world or even the U.S. In this episode we learn how shared responsibilities underpin these intentional spaces, from group meals to collective cleaning. I ask Johann and Helen about practicalities, like how the community naviagtes things like personality clashes.
We reflect on the transformative power of strong community ties for personal and societal well-being. We end by discussing how communal values could be infused in our own lives.
Guest Bios
Helen Kinsella has lived at Cohabitat Québec for five years with her partner Marc and her two daughters aged 13 and 10. A native of Ireland, she spent 12 years living in London, working in media and for non-profit organizations, with a particular interest in feminist and environmental issues and minority rights. She speaks several languages, and currently works part-time as a community interpreter and translator for Quebec City's health and social services. She was vice-chair of the Women's Environmental Network in London, a feminist charity with a particular concern for the environmental issues that affect women and minority communities. She believes that co-housing initiatives, coupled with strong and vibrant local communities, are a crucial way to achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Johann Lucas Jacob holds a Ph.D in measurement and evaluation from Université Laval. He is a research professional at the Quebec’s Observatory on climate change adaptation (Observatoire québécois de l’adaptation aux changements climatiques) (OQACC), a research center dedicated to the M&E of climate change adaptation. He is also a lecturer in evaluation at the faculty of medicine of Université Laval. Johann is the author of two books, as well as fifty scientific articles and evaluative research reports.
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· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
What does it mean to be an advocate, a parent, and a community leader? Angela Masden is all of those things. In this episode, Angela shares her story and shares her lessons learned. She shares her inspiring journey as single parenthood who found her voice advocating for her son in a system riddled with systemic biases. We cover a myriad of topics from Angela's impactful community work to the pivotal role of parent involvement in the education system.
Our conversation explores the deeply troubling biases in early intervention, spotlighting Angela's experience with her son's overlooked needs due to his race and insurance status. Angela's spirit is undeterred as she continues to champion advocacy and community engagement. We hope you will listen and be empowered to make a difference in your community.
Angela shares her powerful call to action: to amplify voices, empower parents, and tirelessly work towards creating a better world for our children.
Angela's Bio:
Angela believes in the power of collective action and constantly encourages others to join her in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society. She is a passionate and dedicated community change maker. Born and raised in Louisville Kentucky, Angela developed a deep love for her community and a strong desire to create lasting change from a young age.
Education played a significant role in shaping Angela's journey as a change maker. She pursued a Bachelor's degree in Education, and a Master’s in Higher Education where she gained valuable knowledge and skills to address social issues effectively. Angela's academic experience fueled her passion for social justice and equipped her with the necessary tools to make a meaningful difference.
Angela designed and implemented programs focused on mentorship, skill-building, and advocacy, creating a safe and supportive environment for young individuals to thrive. Angela's dedication and innovative approach garnered recognition as the 2020 Blue Door Hero, and her programs became models for other organizations striving to make a similar impact.
She is the Director of Civic Engagement with Play Cousins Collective. She also is co- founder of a organization called "The Prophecy Foundation ". Angela ability to articulate the concerns of marginalized populations and propose practical solutions earned her respect and credibility among decision-makers. She is the owner of Rose Dove Consulting. Angela is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2022 Black Women of Excellence and 2022 Trailblazer Award. She sits on numerous boards such as Project Community Center and Kentucky Black Festival.
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· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
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· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
How do you usually great veterans? Do you nod and thank them for their service? In this episode, Dr. Qwynn Galloway Salazar, an Army veteran and military spouse, joins me for a second time to revisit her work with veteran and military communities. Her role as an end-of-life doula, educator, and facilitator uncovers unique perspectives on addressing trauma, suicide prevention, and end-of-life care.
We discuss the sensitive, yet crucial topic of death, bridging the divide between the veteran and civilian communities. Dr. Quinn's work as an end-of-life doula is inspiring, and the ripple effect of her commitment to supporting veterans and their families through this profound journey is truly moving. We wrap up by shedding light on the creative side of advocacy. We reflect on the potential of creativity in addressing tough topics and inspiring change. We invite you to explore how we can collectively confront social, economic, and political challenges.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Link to Episode 10, my first conversation with Qwynn
- Connect with Qywnn In Their Honor
- Caring for Veterans Through the End of Life, PsychArmor and In Their Honor
Dr. Gallow-Salazar's Bio:
Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is the Founder of In Their Honor. As an Army Veteran, Spouse to a Combat Veterans, End-of-Life Doula, and Educator, she has devoted over two decades to enhancing the quality of life for military and Veteran communities. Driven by her deep commitment, Qwynn has delved into crucial topics such as trauma, behavioral health, end-of-life care, and suicide prevention, gaining profound insights into the enduring impact of military experiences on Veterans and their loved ones.
As a Compassionate and Creative Innovator, Qwynn passionately unites diverse communities, states, academic institutions, and end-of-life organizations under a joint mission: to ensure that Veterans and their loved ones receive unparalleled care and support throughout life's final journey. She served as the Lead Advisor for the groundbreaking launch of the "Caring for Veterans Through the End-of-Life Collection" by PsychArmor Institute. This 3-part collection, infused with profound wisdom and empathy, stands at the forefront of end-of-life education for Compassionate Communities, Caregivers/Loved Ones, and Healthcare Providers alike, offering invaluable guidance and support.
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· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
From a career in banking to fortifying families against child abuse, our guest today is a testament to the power of following your passion. Jennifer Stein, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, joins us to share her inspiring journey and the transformative work her organization is doing to safeguard children. She sheds light on the critical role her team plays in strengthening Georgia’s families and the impact of their first family resource center in Northeast Georgia.
In our discussion, we also touch on the innovative approaches that Jennifer and her team are using to prevent child abuse. Hear how they’re leveraging non-traditional partnerships and emphasizing the role of community support for parents.
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia www.PCAGeorgia.org
Jennifer's Bio:
Jennifer Stein is the Executive Director for Prevent Child Abuse Georgia (PCA Georgia) in the Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development a Georgia State University Research Center located in the School of Public Health.
Jennifer joined PCA Georgia in 2021 after seven years of leading Prevent Child Abuse Habersham where she identified the need for and launched the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia.
With more than two decades of management experience collectively in compliance operations, sales, and nonprofit management, Stein has a gift for discerning organizational capacity and implementing a collaborative vision for excellence.
As PCA Georgia serving as one of three key partners for Georgia’s Essentials for Childhood initiative, Stein partners with the Division of Family & Children Services to lead the implementation of the state’s Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Plan (CANPP). Additionally, as the implementing agency for Strengthening Families Georgia (SFG), and the Georgia Family Support Network (GFSN). Stein serves on both the governance and strategic planning committees within SFG’s leadership infrastructure as well as GFSN’s steering committee and communications workgroup.
With the support of its Board of Directors and strong staff, Stein scaled the organization to increase its potential and tripled its funding within five years, cultivating local and regional support, and expanding its service sector from one to five counties via grants, state contracts, and direct investments from donors.
Additionally, Stein plays an integral role on Georgia’s Supreme Court Committee on Justice for Children, Georgia’s Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act Panel (CPSAC), and Child Fatality Review Prevention Subcommittee; she previously served globally in the Supervised Visitation Network as a board member and officer.
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· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Join us as we journey alongside Dr. Alie Redd, Executive Director of Covenant House, Georgia. "Dr. A" was raised in the 70's as a 'parentified kid' and faced homelessness during her undergrad years. Alie's life story is one of grace, resilience, and self-reflection. Today, she is dedicated to supporting young people who have suffered trauma and are homeless as a result.
We talk about the experience of today's youth - violence, foster care, homelessness, and struggles with mental health. We examine the hurdles encountered when trying to connect these young people with the community resources they crucially need. A spotlight is thrown on the pivotal role of mental health services and community volunteers in breaking the crisis cycle and weaving a safety net around the most vulnerable children in our society.
Dr. Redd emphasizes the power of unconditional love, respect, and support for Covenant House youth. We delve into the immense potential of community collaboration, and how it fuels the progress and hope of these young individuals. Further, Dr. A shares how other we can lend a hand to their mission - from participating in sleep out events, to donations and volunteering. This episode is a call to action - a challenge to create more opportunities for our young people, to pay closer attention to our community's youth. Join us on this journey, and let's make a difference, together.
Dr. A's Bio
Dr. Alieizoria Redd (“DrA”) joined Covenant House Georgia as the Executive Director in March 2018 and comes with 30+ years of experience as a servant leader in social services. Previously, Dr. Redd served children and families while employed at as the Vice President of Housing and Placement Services at CHRIS 180, Adjunct Professor at Tulane and Clark Atlanta Universities, Vice President of Programs at Inspiritus, and in private practice. She has served various populations as a direct service provider, clinician, clinical supervisor, advocate, advisor, administrator, professor, and executive leader. Dr. Redd supports the LGBTQ+ community as a co-chair of the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board Co-Chair and is a member of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2023, “Rowdiest Class Ever.”
Dr. Redd earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Memphis, an MSW and PhD in Social Work Policy Planning Administration and Social Science with a cognate in Public Administration from Clark Atlanta University. She has been continuously licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2000. Her areas of concentration include: non-profit leadership; social and child welfare policy; commercial sexual exploitation of children; secondary trauma of social workers; refugee and immigration services; racial identity;
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· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Join me as I sit down with Nonet Sykes, the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Atlanta Beltline Inc., who reveals the many changes brought about by the Atlanta Beltline project. Nonet describes how the Beltline, beyond its identity as a walking and biking path, is striving to reconnect 45 previously segregated neighborhoods and foster racial and economic equity.
Nonet delves deep into how the Beltline is not just shaping the city's skyline but also promoting job creation, driving economic development, and safeguarding affordable housing. We tap into the often ignored social determinants of health and how projects like Atlanta Beltline are transforming transportation, housing, healthcare, and food access.
Rounding off our conversation, we look into Atlanta Beltline's commitment to transparency and accountability. Nonet gives us a glimpse into how the Beltline is implementing equity in their practice and policies. Be it their equity audit, their legacy resident retention program, or even their initiatives in affordable housing, the Beltline's approach is holistic and future-focused. Hear the vision for the Beltline's future and the invaluable lessons Nonet gathered along the way.
Guest Information and Links:
Nonet Sykes, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Atlanta BeltLine Inc.
nsykes@atlbeltline.org
www.linkedin.com/in/nonet-sykes-8796a413
Nonet's Bio
The first to hold this position, Nonet leads the development and implementation of the Atlanta BeltLine’s comprehensive equity and inclusion vision, strategy, and action plan. As a member of the Executive Team, Nonet leads an organization-wide effort to operationalize the BeltLine’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and implement strategies that stabilize communities, increase housing affordability, spur job creation, and ensure economic opportunity.
Nonet was previously director of racial equity and inclusion at the Annie E. Casey Foundation where she led the organization’s equity and inclusion strategies and invested resources to identify, implement, and promote the most effective approaches to increase equitable opportunities and outcomes for children, families, and communities of color. Nonet’s 20 plus years of experience spans the areas of racial equity and inclusion, community and economic development, strategic leadership, nonprofit capacity building, and change management.
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· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.
Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com
Join us on this enlightening convo with Catherine Cote, founder of Project Empathy. A college study abroad experience to Melbourne, Australia, changed her life. Catherine's story is one of personal growth and social awakening.
Catherine's passion project, Project Empathy, is her remarkable initiative that aims to open up dialogue and understanding through the power of storytelling and unique empathy exercises. The Black Lives Matter movement and the 2020 election greatly influenced the project, underlining the crucial role of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding. Catherine's shares who the Project creates a safe space for dialogue and the transformative impact of shared story. Catherine shares her insights on the profound power of empathy and connection in bridging societal divides.
We explore the inner workings of Project Empathy - the rehearsal process, final performance, and the pivotal role of the audience in the narrative. If you seek a deeper understanding of humanity and are intrigued by the potential of storytelling to change hearts and minds, this conversation with Catherine Cody is one you won't want to miss.!
Catherine's Bio:
Catherine Cote, founder of Project Empathy, is a Boston-based creative, marketer, and entrepreneur with a passion for human connection. Catherine graduated from College of the Holy Cross in 2018 with a psychology major, education and Mandarin Chinese minors, a certificate from the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, & Society, and a habit for theatre. Her interests and studies all boil down to a passion for understanding people and the way we communicate.
In February 2017, while studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia, Catherine created Project Empathy as an experimental answer to the social division and lack of deep conversation she was experiencing. After directing the first cast of six people at the University of Melbourne, she brought the Project back home to the US for its American premier at Holy Cross. To expand the Project’s reach and impact, Catherine developed the Performance Package and founded Project Empathy, LLC in October 2020.
In addition to running Project Empathy, Catherine works in higher education marketing. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her hiking with her family and dog, picnicking with friends or a good book, or singing in her Subaru.
Connect with Catherine:
- Website: https://www.officialprojectempathy.com/
- Email: OfficialProjectEmpathy@gmail.com
- Instagram/TikTok: @ProjectEmpathy
- Facebook/LinkedIn: Project Empathy
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