Send us a text 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 an ..read more

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 mis ..read more

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 discu ..read more

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 i ..read more

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 Tea Leaf and the FarmerJawn initiative, 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 mos ..read more

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 elem ..read more

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 e ..read more

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 i ..read more

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 o ..read more

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 ef ..read more