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

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 ch ..read more

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 resou ..read more

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 ..read more

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. Ca ..read more