Join me today as I speak with David Barko, the director of the Family Resource Center at Dignity Health – Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Prescott Valley, Arizona. David is an advocate for early childhood in numerous ways and has been a critical voice in moving the prenatal care team for woman with substance abuse issues forward across many barriers. We know from decades of research and studies that the first five years of life are the single greatest amount of brain growth an...

How do you handle the loneliness and isolation that comes with foster care and adoption? Can we talk about big behaviors and how to help redefine success? And could we please all agree that adoption does not erase trauma? Today's podcast contains some humor and honest words from a foster and adopt mom, me....your host who is now sitting on the other side of the interview table.

This was such a fun two-part episode to record! During these episodes my husband Darren and I share our experiences as a man and a woman serving as foster and adopt parents. In this episode, I interview my husband Darren Gagnon about his experiences as a foster and adoptive father. Hear about his perspectives and strengths that he brought to our partnership as parents and caregivers over the past 20 years. Next week, I will share Part 2, where Darren interviews me. I hope you enjoy both persp...

For young men and women aging out of foster care at age 18 the odds of becoming thriving, successful adults aren’t very good. In fact, statistics show that 50 percent have no high school diploma, 60 percent have been convicted of a crime and 50 percent will be unemployed by the age of 24. The Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation wants to improve those odds through its Keys to Success (KTS) program. This one-of-a-kind program offers career, education, and employment development servic...

David J. Pope draws on more than forty years of experience in the addiction and mental health fields as a licensed mental health/addiction therapist in Nebraska, Iowa, and Arizona. On today's podcast he provides you with practical tips and guidelines for better understanding trauma and addiction. You will love his approach to supporting those who are struggling and his guidance in understanding the myths of trauma.

Our children live in a time of prosperity, yet we are seeing teens experiencing high rates of anxiety and depression. Join me for part 2 with clinical psychologist, Dr Adam Dell as we discuss possible root causes and practical ways to protect our kids.

Our children live in a time of prosperity, yet we are seeing teens experiencing high rates of anxiety and depression. Join me with clinical psychologist, Dr Adam Dell as we discuss possible root causes and practical ways to protect our kids.

Join me for PART 2 with the Rapping Dad Meet Derek Clark, an international motivational speaker, 250 million views on his Rapping Dad videos and author of the critically acclaimed "I Will Never Give Up" book series and "Never Limit Your Life: From Personal to Professional". Derek Clark’s life is one of resilience and redemption. As a child he suffered unthinkable child abuse, abandonment and emotional distress before being turned over to the psychiatric hospital at age five. His 13 ye...

Join me with the Rapping Dad Meet Derek Clark, an international motivational speaker, 250 million views on his Rapping Dad videos and author of the critically acclaimed "I Will Never Give Up" book series and "Never Limit Your Life: From Personal to Professional". Derek Clark’s life is one of resilience and redemption. As a child he suffered unthinkable child abuse, abandonment and emotional distress before being turned over to the psychiatric hospital at age five. His 13 years in the ...

Join me as I spend time with Jodi Spataro speaking about childhood adversity and the keys she accessed to build resiliency. Jodi is a nonprofit industry leader with over 27 years of working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector. She is a recipient of the Woman of the Year from the Greater Elkhart Chamber and the Woman to Watch from the YWCA. She has presented nationally on fundraising and board governance topics. But best of all, Jodi has an incredible story of hope and endurance. ...

The judge looked at her and said, "The system has failed you". This episode was not without tears. Jessica's story will move you and open your eyes to generational drug and alcohol abuse, systemic child welfare issues and the need for us to listen to the words of those who have survived their childhoods, in spite of our interventions. Jessica's story is one of the most powerful things I have ever heard. Trigger Warning - child abuse

Here is episode # 2 of Empathy versus Enabling How do we know when we are being empathetic in our relationships with others or just enabling bad choices? Join Doug Dolan and Stacey as they discuss a concept that is universal to all relationships; the fine line between helping and hurting.

How do we know when we are being empathetic in our relationships with others or just enabling bad choices? Join Doug Dolan and Stacey as they discuss a concept that is universal to all relationships; the fine line between helping and hurting.

(Episode note - I would recommend finding a quiet space to listen to this episode. This is Pt 2, so make sure you have listened to Pt. 1 first.) This podcast episode is probably the most important episode I have recorded. By the end of Pt. 2, my producer and I were in tears. It is a profound look at caregiver fatigue and burnout that is full of application for those who are daily pouring into a bottomless hole. The work we do is costly and even the best of people are people at best. D...

This podcast episode is probably the most important episode I have recorded. By the end of Pt. 2, my producer and I were in tears. It is a profound look at caregiver fatigue and burnout that is full of application for those who are daily pouring into a bottomless hole. The work we do is costly and even the best of people are people at best. Dr. Dell helps us to look at compassion satisfaction which is found in heaps and piles when we start and its the driver and motivator in helping us...

Listen in as the Zielaskos talk about the "guts" of adoption. Married for almost 21 years with 5 children ages 10-16, the Zielaskos are well versed in the field of adoption and trauma. Tyler is a mental health counselor and part owner of the Human Wellness Collective, while Kari is an administrator in Student Affairs at Grace College. The three of us talk about the guts of adoption and the things that we wish we had better understood.

Listen in as the Zielaskos talk about the "guts" of adoption. Married for almost 21 years with 5 children ages 10-16, the Zielaskos are well versed in the field of adoption and trauma. Tyler is a mental health counselor and part owner of the Human Wellness Collective, while Kari is an administrator in Student Affairs at Grace College. The three of us talk about the guts of adoption and the things that we wish we had better understood.

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." - Mr Rogers Join me as I speak about play and learning with Jonna Watson. As a school psychologist and a mother, Jonna is a play expert. Today she will help us take some time to understand the power of play and how we can incorporate that into our daily lives.

You won't want to miss this story. Amy struggled with substance-use disorder for years. It culminated into Department of Child Services stepping in to remove her children. Her story is one of hitting rock bottom and finding freedom from her past and her pain.

Join me as I discuss the new face of Child Trafficking with Captain Tom Boelts. We unpack how technology has played a role in changing how our children are targeted. This podcast will give you information on how to keep your kids safe from those who are looking to target your child. Tom Boelts is a Captain with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office in the Law Enforcement Services Division. Captain Boelts has served his community for over 25 years. He has presented around Arizona and the ...