From Heartache to Healing and Hope

A Very Special Podcast Release Celebrating the One Year Anniversary of The Telephone of the Wind: Oneonta Connection located at Lower Wilber Park, Oneonta, NY, a special community project in collaboration with The City of Oneonta, Oneonta Parks and Recreation, BOCES and sponsored by The Alzheimer's Association Executive Producer: Bernadette Winters Bell, LMSW, PLLC Produced by Beatrice Georgalidis, BGCA Phone Calls for Healing and Hope (Oneonta, NY) One year after the ribbon-cutting, we are celebrating the anniversary of The Telephone of the Wind; Oneonta Connection located in Lower Wilber Park in Oneonta, New York. We have heard from countless organizations and individuals of all ages and backgrounds about how The Telephone of the Wind has supported them during emotionally challenging experiences and events. Community members have shared their stories of finding comfort and consolation as they express feelings of grief, sadness anger and confusion. Some have asked, "Why would a phone connected to nothing be helpful?" Winters Bell offers that a sacred space allows the opportunity for private, personal conversations with others who cannot (or will not) respond. The release of concealed emotions and private thoughts can offer relief for many. This relief is similar to that of expressing ones self through poetry, music, and other art forms. Winters Bell, committed to ensuring that the Telephone of the Wind could be accessible by as many as possible, installed two phones at different heights. An unplanned bonus was that the two phones made "conference calls" possible! This special installation podcast features personal experiences with the Telephone of the Wind by Oneonta and Cooperstown residents, as well as an interview with Ann Thayer, Associate Director of Programs & Services at the Alzheimer's Association Northeastern Chapter, who shares her thoughts on how the Telephone of the Wind can support the loved ones of those suffering from Alzheimers.

Big Hats, Big Voice, True Shine Season three, From Heartache to the Art of Healing, features “triple threat” actor, singer, dancer (and so much more) Gabrielle Lee, in conversation with podcast host and life, loss and grief master therapist Bernadette Winters Bell, LMSW PLLC about how the art of theatre brings healing to audiences and performers alike. Gabrielle Lee, Theater Graduate, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Performance Scholar recipient, is at home in Orchestra/Big Band/Cabaret performance, theater, TV, film, popular music, American Songbook; commercial, print and hat modeling. New Year 2022, Gabrielle made her NY Feinstein’s 54Below debut with her original solo show, A Tin Pan Alley Black History Celebration which acknowledges and celebrates the legacy of African American contributors of the Tin Pan Alley American Songbook Era. Gabrielle was recently seen in film festivals around the country in the HBO Max nominated dramatic short 27 Candles starring the amazing Michael Potts. Her most recent Guest Star roles include Bull, God Friended Me and FBI. Gabrielle has made previous co-star appearances on Madam Secretary, The Affair, Difficult People, The Good Wife, Law & Order and the film- Twelve. Gabrielle has performed title roles in theater companies around the country -she most recently reprised the role of Ada “Bricktop” Smith in Bricktop: Legend of the Jazz Age once again. Prior to that she performed the role of Mrs. Dickson in Lynn Nottage’s warm, heart wrenching drama, Intimate Apparel. Other roles/theaters include: Broadway at Music Circus, Meadowbrook Theater, Wang Theater, The Fabulous Fox, The Greek Theater, Riverside Theater, Crossroads Theater, Shubert Theater(s), Paper Mill Playhouse, Gretna Theater and more. The productions have been as varied as the locations: All Night Strut, (Broadway World Winner), Once On This Island, Ain’t Misbehavin, Little Shop of Horrors, Smokey Joe’s Café, Blackbirds of Broadway, Dreamgirls, Showboat, Man of La Mancha and more. Gabrielle portrayed the legendary Doyenne of Paris Cafe’ Society -Ada Bricktop Smith in the World Premier of Bricktop: Legend of the Jazz Age which debuted at the National Black Theater Festival’s 30th Anniversary. Gabrielle has worked as a backing vocalist and made special appearances with: Natalie Cole, Steely Dan, Marvin Hamlish and friends, Michael Bolton and Harry Belafonte. Gabrielle leads backing vocals for Harry Belafonte’s birthday celebration concerts, with the Harry Belafonte Alumni Band; most recently at New York’s Town Hall Theater and the legendary Apollo Theater -backing such R&B Artists as Common, Sheila E., Usher, Aloe Blacc, Alice Smith, Angelique Kidjo, Sweet Honey in the Rock among others. She is a thriving solo Guest Artist globally, recurring in such countries as Switzerland, France, Holland, Germany, Asia and more. In the U.S. she has appeared as a guest vocalist with notable orchestras including the New York Pops, Cab Calloway and Ray Charles Orchestras. Extending life beyond the mainstage Gabrielle focuses on leading benefit performances and campaigns in service to communities around the world, with the Barry Levitt Foundation in Jazz Cabaret, Broadway Runners with Broadway Cares, Sing For Your Seniors (SFYF),Mentorship with CRU, entertaining troops and veterans, and happy to be an International Ambassador granting wishes with Make-A-Wish Foundation Int’l. Gabrielle co-established the educational scholarship fund “RiseHaiti” that provides books, learning materials, and college tuition to graduating Seniors at ICCV School in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Gabrielle provides virtual book reads with Scholastic Inc. and is an active supporter of NABU -a fantastic organization that provides access to literacy Globally. Learn more at https://www.gabriellelee.com/

NY Goat Yoga takes place at the gorgeous wedding venue Gilbertsville Farmhouse, where our host Bernadette Winters Bell visited to experience Pip and Squeak, and fabulous conversations with goat yoga instructor and marketing queen Vanessa Pellegrino and the wise and kind owner Sharon K. Boustani. Sharon talks about the importance of acceptance - the root is to receive! and Bernadette experiences what it's like to practice with the goats.

A look inside the Process of Lake Arts Project and how they build bridges through bereavement ™, filmed on location at The Visionary during their residency, Summer 2022, interview hosted by Bernadette Winters Bell,LMSW PLLC. Annually, Lake Arts Project (2013 - present) brings together community groups and arts educators to workshop, cleanse, share, and then create. Collaborators include Feast of Crispian, a non-profit organization that brings professional actors and veterans together to strengthen the emotional resources they need to overcome trauma and reintegration issues. Lake Arts Project also works with high school art students, including THE ALLIANCE SCHOOL OF MILWAUKEE, a year-round school and a safe place for students regardless of sexuality, identity, appearance, ability, or beliefs. During the BECOMING WHOLE Visionary Retreat, the founders and directors of Lake Arts Project (Karl von Rabenau, Creative Director of the Minnesota Ballet) and his partner, Jennifer Miller, Milwaukee Ballet Faculty Master Teaching Artist) immersed themselves in the unique process that they have created for those around them, and record their actions, step by step, to create a digital manual for their process, which became their final performance on June 18, 2022 on The Visionary stage. Long time collaborators, dancers Barry Molina and Lizzie Tripp joined Lake Arts to explore and perform the final presentation of work. Bernadette also joined the final performance as a guest speaker. Lake Arts Project’s co-founder and co-director, Karl von Rabenau is also Artistic Director for Minnesota Ballet Company. He began his dance training at Duluth Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Boston Ballet School, and San Francisco Ballet School. Mr. von Rabenau danced for Boston Ballet, Omaha Ballet, Pittsburgh Theater, and Milwaukee Ballet. Mr. von Rabenau is also a passionate dance educator. For the past 21+ years, he has taught throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States. He has been a faculty member at Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, including his work with the second company, MBII. Mr. von Rabenau has also taught for many years at Point Park University’s International Summer Dance in Pittsburgh, PA, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Carlisle, PA. As a choreographer, Mr. von Rabenau has created works for Point Park University’s International Summer Dance Program and had works performed in Regional Dance of America Festivals in the Northeast Region and Southeast Region. In 2002, Mr. von Rabenau was invited to choreograph his pas de deux, Speranza, for a Milwaukee Ballet presentation at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Jennifer Miller, Lake Arts Project’s co-founder and co-director, received her dance training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Ms. Miller also studied at Joffrey Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. Ms. Miller danced 16 years for Milwaukee Ballet Company, retiring as Principal Artist. In summer of 2005, Ms. Miller danced for Trey McIntyre Project, performing in Vail International Dance Festival and Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. Ms. Miller, currently Ballet Master for Minnesota Ballet and School of Minnesota Ballet faculty, has also been on the faculty of Milwaukee area schools: Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, Danceworks, Dance Arts Center, and Steps of Grace. For many summers, Ms Miller has taught at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and Point Park University's International Summer Dance. As a private coach, she works with pre-professional dancers of all ages and levels including Youth America Grand Prix performers, ballroom dancers, gymnasts and Irish step dancers. As a choreographer, Ms. Miller created works for Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet II, Central PA Youth Ballet, Point Park University's International Summer Dance, Dance Arts Center and Erie Dance Conservatory. She received the Monticello award for emerging choreographers. PERFORMERS: Barry Molina is originally from Minnesota, where he started dancing at age six with the St. Croix Ballet in Stillwater. He went on to train at New York City’s School of American Ballet year-round, after which he joined the Nancy Einhorn Milwaukee Ballet II Program. As a member of the program, he was called in, at the last minute, to perform as Peter’s Shadow in the world premiere of Michael Pink’s Peter Pan. Since being promoted to the Company in 2011, Molina has performed many featured roles in Michael Pink’s repertoire, including Jack in Cinderella, the Bell Boy in Dracula, Pied Piper in Beauty and the Beast, Benno in Swan Lakeas well as Fritz, Jack and Chinese Principal in The Nutcracker. He was recently featured as Vaslav Nijinksy in Timothy O’Donnell’s world premiere of Sacre, and Puck in Bruce Wells’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream. ---------------------------------- Lizzie Tripp trained at Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy (MBSA), and attended the Summer Intensives at American Ballet Theatre and Houston Ballet. In MBSA, Tripp performed lead roles in many ballets choreographed by Rolando Yanes and danced alongside Milwaukee Ballet’s corps in Michael Pink’s Swan Lake. She joined the Nancy Einhorn Milwaukee Ballet II Program in 2014, where she danced in Michael Pink’s Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Dracula, and performed in contemporary works by Timothy O’Donnell, Nadia Thompson, Lee-Wei Chao, Ilya Kozadayev and Petr Zahradnícek. Since being promoted to the Company, Tripp originated the role of the Enchantress in the world premiere of Michael Pink’s Beauty and The Beast, and danced in Pink’s Mirror Mirror and contemporary works by Enrico Morelli, Mark Godden and Garrett Glassman.

In Season 2, Episode 9 of From Heartache to Healing and Hope, Bernadette chats with Korey Rowe, Founder/Owner/Creative Director of Otsego Media (Oneonta, NY) about the four things he does every day to help to cope with PTSD and seasonal affective disorder. Korey Rowe was born and raised in the Oneonta area. Korey trained as a producer in the Los Angeles film industry, and brings over 15 years’ experience in all forms of media. A military veteran with a passion for a job well done, Korey founded Otsego Media to help his hometown’s hard-working business owners succeed with the most effective and cost-efficient marketing possible. He’s also an active board member at Film COOP. Learn more about Korey and his work at https://otsegomedia.com/

Hope Podcast with host Bernadette Winters Bell featuring her mentor, special guest Cathleen Fanslow, MA, RN | SSN II| Episode VII in a fascinating conversation about her advancements in the field of death, dying, bereavement and pre bereavement. "From the beginning of the journey, until the end of the journey," this deep look into how we cope with loss amd grief is not to be missed. Cathleen Fanslow, MA, RN, is an internationally acclaimed expert in the fields of death, dying, grief, nursing, and hospice care who developed the "Standards of Care for the Dying Patient," which is used throughout the U.S. Veterans' Administration Hospital System. An acclaimed pioneer in the field of hospice, she created the Hospice Program for New York's Visiting Nurse Service and the first free-standing hospice in Switzerland, worked at the first certified hospice in Long Island, and was director of nursing at Calvary Hospital in New York, considered by many to be the first hospice in the United States. She is the recipient of the National Hospice Organization's President's Award, the Award for Excellence from the National Hospice Association, the Healer of the Year Award for outstanding achievement in the field of healing from the Nurse Healers Professional Associates, and an award from the New York State Hospice Organization in recognition of extraordinary service to the New York Hospice movement. She lives in Langley, Washington.

From Heartache to Healing and Hope Podcast Weathering The Storm; Cultivating Kindness | Season Two | Episode IV "How to Photograph Your Life... and Buddy Holly's Glasses" Featuring Special Guest Nick Kelsh Nick Kelsh (Treadwell, NY) is a renowned photographer and author of nine books, including the bestselling Naked Babies and Siblings (co-authored with Pulitzer Prize winning writer, Anna Quindlen) and three how-to books for amateurs, How to Photograph Your Baby, How to Photograph Your Family and How to Photograph Your Life. He has appeared Oprah and The Today Show, and has been featured in Time, Life, Newsweek, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Forbes, and Fortune. He illustrated Rachel Carson’s classic The Sense of Wonder, and wrote and photographed two gift books: How to be Santa Claus and How to be Dad. He also wrote the popular column "Great Shots" for Creative Memories’ Lasting Moments magazine.. Nick is releasing his new iPhone course, How to Photograph Your Life with Your iPhone and Your Heart in Fall 2021. This podcast features the first glimpse of Nick's revolutionary new series of instructional videos and tutorials, not yet released. For more information please visit howtophotographyourlife.com. To book Nick for a portrait or family session please email beatrice@bgcagency.com.

The podcast From Heartache To Healing and Hope with host Bernadette Winters Bell, LMSW PLLC launches season two, Weathering The Storm; Cultivating Kindness Episode II, "The Magic Man" on Monday, September 27 at 9 AM. Season two of the podcast will highlight how guests practice and cultivate kindness as we collectively endure the second year of the pandemic.

The season two premiere episode, "Twenty Years of Kindness, Bees, Moose, and The Good Life in Delaware County" features special guest Jennifer Finkle, and her story of how twenty years of journal entries written by Andes Central School teachers came to be published, and subsequently inspired The Kindness Project, a partner program founded by Bright Hill Press and Literary Center executive director Beatrice Georgalidis, in collaboration with Finkle and Andes Central School. In February 1999, Finkle, a teacher at Andes Central School (1990 - present) wrote on the first page of an empty journal: Kindness Chain Key: “Remember you as a human being are very powerful and challenges teach us about the elasticity of the human spirit.” Use this journal to record a random act of kindness that you do for someone else. Pass the journal to the recipient and have them do the same. I hope you’ll be surprised to see how good random kindness can feel and hope it will continue within our school community.  The first of hundreds of entries by faculty and staff followed, filling two large journals by 2019. Finkle was inspired by an episode of the Oprah Show in which she spoke of random kindness and how it can be just as fulfilling to the giver as it is to the receiver. The journals contain small, heartfelt and uplifting acts of random kindness, in written form. A retired administrator, John Bernhardt, who now helps with teacher evaluations, received the book and was so moved he recommended Finkle should get it published; “a lasting tribute to our unique school and all of the people who work so hard to make Andes Central School such a special place.” Finkle partnered with Bright Hill Press to begin planning for the publication and circulation of The Andes Central School Faculty and Staff Kindness Journal, as well as the partner program “The Kindness Project.” Beatrice Georgalidis, executive director at Bright Hill (pictured left) created and produced the project and promotional campaign, with her associate producer Sophie Bille. Bertha Rogers, Bright Hill Editor-in Chief, edited the manuscript. Five hundred copies of the Andes Central School Faculty and Staff Kindness Journal have been printed; one copy will be mailed to each of the 69 schools in the Delaware County and Otsego County BOCES school districts, including the gift of an empty journal, and a letter detailing the “The Kindness Project” with the hope that every school will begin their own kindness journal, and archive the kindness of their respective faculty and staff for years to come. A video, email and social media campaign will launch to publicize the publication of the journal, and the Kindness Project.

Episode twenty-two features Bernadette in a spirited conversation with Peter Gerstenzang, Esq., one of only four lawyers in the entire state of New York who has been board certified as a specialist in DWI Defense Law by the National College for DUI defense (NCDD). Peter also served as Dean of the National College for DUI defense. Peter and BWB talk law, what practicing law looks like during the pandemic, and of course, explore Peter's hopes for the future. Featured Guest on Episode Twenty-Two Peter Gerstenzang is the senior partner in the Albany law firm of Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Gerstenzang. He is a 1970 graduate of Albany Law School. He is one of only four lawyers in New York State who have been Board Certified as specialists in DUI Defense Law by the National College for DUI Defense (“NCDD”). The NCDD is the only organization accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys as specialists in DUI law.* His practice focuses on Criminal Defense with an emphasis on DWI cases and Vehicular Crimes. In addition, Mr. Gerstenzang is listed as a top DWI attorney in the following publications: The Best Lawyers in America®, The New York Area’s Best Lawyers®, and New York Super Lawyers® Upstate Edition 2021. He is listed as one of the “Top 25 Hudson Valley Super Lawyers 2011” regardless of category. Mr. Gerstenzang commenced his legal career as a prosecutor for the United States Army in the Republic of Vietnam. From 1972 to 1975, he was an Assistant District Attorney for the County of Albany. Certified as a breath test operator, he taught at the New York State Police Academy in their Breath Test Training Program for 12 years. Mr. Gerstenzang currently serves as a Dean Emeritus and Fellow of the National College for DUI Defense, which holds an annual seminar in Cambridge, Massachusetts on the campus of Harvard Law School. He is the former Chair of the Traffic Safety Committee of the Criminal Justice Section of the New York State Bar Association. In 2020, he was granted the status of “Board Certified in DWI Defense Law, Senior Specialist.” He previously served on NCDD’s Board of Regents from 2003 to 2013, as Assistant Dean in 2012-2013, and Dean in 2013-2014. His book, Handling the DWI Case in New York, published annually by Thomson Reuters, is considered a standard reference for the defense of Driving While Intoxicated cases. Mr. Gerstenzang is a regular lecturer for the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Office of Court Administration Judge’s Training Program, and the New York State Defenders Association. In addition, he teaches for various law enforcement, defense and judicial associations. In 2019, Mr. Gerstenzang was honored by the New York State Magistrates Association with their presentation of the Association’s Amicus Curiae Award in recognition of the training that he has provided to New York State’s judges over the last 30 years. From Heartache to Healing and Hope Creator and Host Bernadette Winters Bell, LMSW, PLLC graduated Summa Cum Laude from Adelphi University in 1994, with a Masters in Social Work, License No. and State: 049813-1 New York. She has more than 30 years of experience in the life, loss and grief sphere with children, adolescents and adults. Areas of practice include therapy, counseling, hospice, trauma work and bereavement support groups. She has served as an educator for groups and organizations such as schools, houses of worship, businesses and municipalities, and as a first responder for crisis management. Her life-long practice of giving back continues with community pro bono work. The pillars of Bernadette’s practice are emotional healing, psychological growth and spiritual exploration. Her goal is to empower clients to be stewards of their own well-being. The From Heartache to Healing and Hope podcast will be offered to the community on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-heartache-to-healing-and-hope/id1536455260 And on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FromHeartachetoHealingandHope For download in audio and video format at www.fromheartachetohealingandhope.com

Episode twenty features Bernadette in a spirited conversation with Jenny Mannion, an author and intuitive healer based in Oneonta, New York. Jenny found her passion for healing through her own journey and is now an intuitive healer, mind/body mentor, and teacher who inspires people to connect with their inner power to create the life they desire. Featured Guest on Episode Twenty Jenny Mannion, BA graduated from Penn State with a BA in psychology, always interested in how the mind worked and in helping others. Jenny is certified in over 15 healing modalities including Reconnective Healing, the Akashic records and Shamanism as well as creating her own modality; Be Light Energetic Healing. In her practice Jenny has seen clients heal from depression, cancer, MS and many other challenges. In 2016 Llewellyn Publishing released Jenny’s book, “A Short Path to Change: 30 Ways to Transform Your Life” . Jenny has been on PBS and dozens of radio shows. Her online course and community; Embracing Bliss helps people step into the highest version of themselves. Jenny was born in New York City but now lives in beautiful upstate NY with her love Vinny, and is a proud mom to Alex, 21 and Carter 17. Jenny offers many free gifts for subscribers to her site at http://jennymannion.com

Episode nineteen of the podcast From Heartache to Healing and Hope with host Bernadette Winters Bell, LMSW PLLC features Jim Havener, owner and proprietor of the little independent, wonderful bookstore, The Green Toad in Oneonta, New York. Jim discusses what he's reading these days, some of his favorite books of all time, amidst stories of his experiences operating an independent bookstore during the pandemic, and so much more. Jim Havener has owned The Green Toad Bookstore since 2014. Prior to that, he was an antique restorer for thirty three years. Visit his shop online at https://greentoadbookstore.com/ On Instagram: @thegreentoadbookstore ... and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenToadBookstore The Green Toad Bookstore @Bernadette Winters Bell #shoplocal #hopepodcast #podcast #independentbookstore #bookstore #bookshop #readmore #worryless

Featured Guest on Episode Seventeen Suzanne Summers is a Reiki Master Teacher, practicing since the early ‘90s. Suzanne was trained locally, and also by John Harvey Gray, one of the original 12 Reiki Masters in the East. Now practicing privately, Suzanne has taught classes at Hartwick College, SUCO, Bard College and has given multiple presentations about Reiki and other energy work. She is a graduate of Michael Harner’s Foundation for Shamanic Studies, a two-year intensive program, as well as single training programs offered by the Foundation. She joyfully found her life’s work after a friend suggested she investigate shamanism. Suzanne organized a drumming circle, which meets monthly and is open to the public, using a shamanic drumming style to send out both individual and universal intentions/prayers. She is a member of a meditation group that has been meeting regularly for 30-some years, and also a participant in women’s groups that have a spiritual focus. Suzanne is a dedicated bird watcher, a pastime that brings her daily rejuvenation. She earned her BA in Sociology from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. and her BS in Nursing from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. She has worked as an RN at hospice and long-term home health care, and is now retired. Throughout her life of curiosity and exploration, what she is most proud of are her three sons, Ben, Nick, and Jimmy Dangl. Reiki treatments and shamanic work can be done virtually; she is now seeing clients from her home. Suzanne can be contacted through email: Suzannesummers@gmail.com. From Heartache to Healing and Hope Creator and Host Bernadette Winters Bell, LMSW, PLLC graduated Summa Cum Laude from Adelphi University in 1994, with a Masters in Social Work, License No. and State: 049813-1 New York. She has more than 30 years of experience in the life, loss and grief sphere with children, adolescents and adults. Areas of practice include therapy, counseling, hospice, trauma work and bereavement support groups. She has served as an educator for groups and organizations such as schools, houses of worship, businesses and municipalities, and as a first responder for crisis management. Her life-long practice of giving back continues with community pro bono work. The pillars of Bernadette’s practice are emotional healing, psychological growth and spiritual exploration. Her goal is to empower clients to be stewards of their own well-being. The From Heartache to Healing and Hope podcast will be offered to the community on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-heartache-to-healing-and-hope/id1536455260 And on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FromHeartachetoHealingandHope For download in audio and video format at www.fromheartachetohealingandhope.com Visit our newly designed podcast archive to catch up on past episodes by clicking on the images below. Producer Beatrice Georgalidis is the owner of Beatrice Georgalidis LLC, BGCA (Beatrice Georgalidis Creative Agency) and the executive director of Bright Hill Press, a regional arts organization in New York State. She is the owner of Certain Grants LLC, a grant writing firm upstate New York that specializes in fundraising and grant writing. She has been awarded numerous grants and awards by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Regional Economic Development Council of New York, New York State Council on the Arts, Bader Foundation in Milwaukee and many more. She has worked for more than twenty years in film and television as a writer, producer and videographer for many companies including Sundance Channel, MTV, VH1, and for her own companies since 2013, Certain Grants LLC and BGCA (Beatrice Georgalidis Creative Agency) serving the Catskills and beyond. She spearheaded the Experiential Learning Program, an apprentice program which has graduated more than fifty of the best and brightest college students, training hands-on in grant writing, production, design, fundraising and advertising. Her students have gone on to prestigious appointments at big five publishing houses, national magazines, broadcast television, and more. She is a 200 RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher, 200 hours) and a certified aerial yoga instructor, and teaches at Fit To Be Tied Yoga in Cooperstown, NY. https://www.bgcagency.com/ To be considered as a featured guest please emailbeatrice@BGCAgency.com. About From Heartache to Healing and Hope LLC From Heartache to Healing and Hope LLC was founded in 2020 by Bernadette Winters Bell, LLC. Her offices are located in Oneonta, NY where she has been practicing for more than three decades. http://fromheartachetohealingandhope.com/ BGCA (Beatrice Georgalidis Creative Agency, Beatrice Georgalidis LLC), a boutique advertising and production firm serving the Catskills, was founded in 2012. https://www.bgcagency.com/ Nothing that grieves us can be called little: by the eternal laws of proportion a child's loss of a doll and a king's loss of a crown are events of the same size. — Mark Twain

Featured Guest on Episode FourteenBen Riker, CRPABen is a father of two, a person in long term sustained recovery and a passionate advocate for intelligent evidence-based policy surrounding education, treatment and recovery from substance use disorders. His professional background includes all aspects of organizational peer-professional integration and programming including training, coaching, and supervision as well as community and professional education and outreach.Ben is a New York State Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), a Certified Peer Specialist and a Friends of Recovery – NY Best practice Trainer.“For me, sustained recovery came as I began to make honest human connections with others whom I shared similar lived experiences. Through those connections I found my voice and my purpose. As the Youth Recovery Program Coordinator, my goal is to empower my team to facilitate dynamic and engaging opportunities for youth and young adults from all over New York State to create meaningful and supportive peer-to-peer connections.

asan Siddiqi (Franklin, NY) was born in New Hampshire to Pakistani immigrants in 1989. He graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, MA in 2007 and from Tufts University with a BA in History of the Middle East and South Asia in 2012. Shortly after graduating from college he moved to Delaware County to be closer to the Osmanli Dergahi Sufi Muslim community in Sidney Center. He taught at Sidney Elementary and Middle School for a year; when the community opened The Tulip and the Rose Cafe, Hasan began working at the restaurant and soon became a manager, where he has worked ever since.

This podcast is produced by BGCA.

From Heartache to Healing and Hope podcast is produced by local production company and advertising firm BGCA (Beatrice Georgalidis Creative Agency).

The goal of this series is to share stories of varying experiences that may help to shed light and offer hope during these challenging, unprecedented times.Special guest Jill Morgan-Meek shares her experience of closing her admired Oneonta based business, "Transitions Consignment Boutique" due to economic challenges faced during the pandemic, and pivoting to launch new business ventures serving upstate New York and beyond.

Andrew Rosetti PhD, LCAT, MT-BC is a New York State board-certified music therapist, and Director of Oncology and Music Therapy at the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine in New York City at Mount Sinai Healthcare System. Join Bernadette as she learns from Dr. Rosetti how music heals, with the legendary Louis Armstrong to thank. This is a must watch for anyone seeking pathways to healing during, or after traumatic events, such as combatting life threatening illnesses.