Awareness 2 Action

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Liam Hudson about The Lean In Project, what it looks like to build capacity and partner effectively across a region, and the many ways in which we continue to do important work in challenging times.    Liam Hudson is a dedicated advocate for housing access, health equity, and LGBTQIA+ rights. As the Founder & CEO of the Lean In Project, Liam has led initiatives that uplift and empower LGBTQIA+ Virginians through advocacy, community engagement, and resource development. With a Master of Management in Health Policy and certification as a Trauma-Informed Care Trainer, Liam brings a deep understanding of the intersections between housing, health, and social justice. His career spans direct service, state-level housing administration, and program management, always centering equity and systemic change.   Referenced Resources: The Lean In Project website: https://www.leaninproject.org/ The Lean In Project social media: https://www.instagram.com/leaninprojectva/ We Stand Together Summit: https://www.leaninproject.org/we-stand-together-summit Equality Virginia: https://equalityvirginia.org/ Hampton Roads Life Center (Now LGBT Life Center): https://lgbtlifecenter.org/ The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

It’s National Recovery month, and in this week’s episode, we’re talking with Mandy McCarthy about the role that vulnerability plays in healing, the world’s need for storytelling, and moving upstream in prevention and wellness work.   Mandy McCarthy is a Prevention and Wellness Specialist with Northwestern Community Services Board, who uses her story to help bring awareness to mental health challenges and substance use. She is the mother of an amazing 12-year-old boy, an active member of her community, and feels enthusiastic about being the change she wants to see in the world.    Triumph Over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resiliency Initiative: https://www.triumphovertraumansv.com/ Kevin Hines: https://kevinhinesstory.com/   Topics discussed in this episode include suicide, substance use, domestic violence, and sexual assault. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

We’re kicking off Season 4, joined by Chief Wayne Sager! We’re discussing Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, what it looks like to work collaboratively within our communities to create change, and how looking locally can help us live better for longer.    Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, Chief Wayne Sager has served the Town of Strasburg for 18 years, six of which as their Chief of Police. A 2019 graduate of the FBI National Academy and, in 2017, from the Professional Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond, he continues to stay current on ever -changing justice reform. Being a firm believer and advocate for community collaboration, Sager serves as the Chair of the Family Youth Initiative (FYI) for Shenandoah County, the Skyline Regional Criminal Justice Academy, and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug & Gang Task Force. He is an executive committee member for the Community Resources for Education & Wellness (CREW), Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, Strasburg Rotary, and is an active member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP), serving as committee members for both the Valor Awards and Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS). Chief Sager is a husband, a father of three, an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys coaching his children's little league sports.   Winchester Virginia Overdose Awareness Day Event 2024: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-overdose-awareness-day-tickets-1000339521437?aff=ebdssbdestsearch CREW: https://crewva.org/ Family Youth Initiative: https://www.shenandoahfyi.com/ Strasburg Virginia: https://www.strasburgva.com/ International Overdose Awareness Day: https://www.overdoseday.com/   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

We are ending the year with a revisit to our first episode of 2022 by reposting our sit down with Shanza Isom to discuss holistic well-being, mindfulness, and self-care. We think this conversation is the PERFECT way to start January, at a time when we’re all considering how we can better care for ourselves, and others, in the year ahead.    Shanza Isom is an assistant professor in the James Madison University department of social work, where she teaches undergraduate courses and directs field instruction. Shanza is also a facilitator and trainer, with expertise in areas of mindfulness and holistic well-being. Shanza trains and teaches educators, parents and those in helping professions in the incorporation of mindfulness in their personal and professional lives.   Shanza’s Contact Information: isomsa@jmu.edu  The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Jared Rowan about the tools and self-discovery found in therapy, yoga practice as a way of living, and the empowerment that can be experienced in both.  Jared is a Psychotherapist on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, working with individuals across the lifespan, providing one-on-one, family, and couple's therapy, for over 13+ years. Jared is also an E-RYT 500-hr Yoga Teacher (teaching for a decade) and a Katonah Yoga Teacher in training. He aims to teach yoga as an experience and a way of living life, connecting movement, philosophy, and personal insights. Jared believes in creating an embodied experience in our practice and life, which allows us to tune into our patterns, gather insight and provide tools and techniques to help us navigate life's circumstances.  Jared’s Websites: www.jaredrowan.com  www.omevolve.com Jared’s Podcast, Beyond the Mat: https://linktr.ee/beyondthematpod Books Mentioned:  Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele The Four Desires by Rod Stryker  Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (source of the therapy metaphor mentioned by Casey)   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with Laura Cross to discuss the importance of prioritizing authenticity with ourselves, what it looks like to develop community within a profession or field, and how to encourage positive workplace culture.  Laura Cross is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor and owner of a group private practice, Individual and Relationship Therapy Center (IRTC) in Denver, Colorado. Laura is also an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Practicum Supervisor for the University of Colorado Denver’s Couple and Family Therapy program. The first 22 years of Laura’s career were spent in Washington, DC, specializing in sales and marketing in the medical device industry. During her time in this space, she gained valuable experience that continues to inform her work, and allows her to maximize each client’s engagement in their therapy journey.   Individual Relationship and Therapy Center Website: https://www.individualrelationshipcenter.com/ IRTC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndividualAndRelationshipTherapyCenter/ IRTC Twitter: https://twitter.com/IRTherapyCenter   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.  

On this week’s episode, we’re revisiting a conversation from Season 1 with Keith Cartwright to discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences, where prevention and health promotion should begin, and how we can build better relationships in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. Keith Cartwright is a Behavioral Health Wellness Consultant for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. In this role, he leads the statewide initiative to grow awareness in communities about the developmental impacts of adverse childhood experiences. To date, the initiative has trained over 200 ACE Interface trainers and presenters in Virginia. Keith also works part-time as the Alcohol and Drug Education Coordinator at Randolph-Macon College.  Mentioned Resources: ACES Overview: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html Nadine Burke Harris – How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime: https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime Johann Hair’s Lost Connections: https://thelostconnections.com/mobile/ ACES Trainers across Virginia are working to raise awareness through education and connect people to helpful resources in an effort to reduce ACES and ultimately improve the health of our communities. If you are interested in scheduling a custom ACES training for your group and are located in the City of Winchester or the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, or Warren, please contact Northwestern Prevention and Wellness at shannon.urum@nwcsb.com. The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.  

On this week’s episode, we sit down with Sam Quinones to discuss the contents of his books Dreamland and Least of Us, the neuroscience of addiction, and the reasons why he feels hopeful about our future as a nation navigating an opioid epidemic. Sam is a journalist and author of four books of narrative nonfiction. Sam’s landmark book Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic won a National Book Critics Circle award for Best Nonfiction and ignited awareness of the opioid epidemic happening in the United States. Sam’s latest book, The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth explores the emergence of unprecedented drug-trafficking in the US, contrasted with stories of Americans recovering community through simple acts of service and care. JOIN US FOR A CONVERSATION WITH SAM FEBRUARY 23, 2022 AT 6:30 PM: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversation-with-best-selling-author-sam-quinones-tickets-211930438647 READ THE LEAST OF US: TRUE TALES OF AMERICA AND HOPE IN THE TIME OF FENTANYL AND METH: https://samquinones.com/books/the-least-of-us/ The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.  

Happy New Year! We’re kicking off the year by sitting down with Shanza Isom to discuss holistic well-being, mindfulness, and self-care. We think this conversation is the PERFECT way to start January, at a time when we’re all considering how we can better care for ourselves, and others, in the year ahead.  Shanza Isom, MSW is an assistant professor in the James Madison University department of social work, where she teaches undergraduate courses and directs field instruction. Shanza is also a facilitator and trainer, with expertise in areas of mindfulness and holistic well-being. Shanza trains and teaches educators, parents and those in helping professions in the incorporation of mindfulness in their personal and professional lives. Shanza’s Contact Information: isomsa@jmu.edu  The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Misty Harris about breaking the cycle of abuse in families and communities, storytelling as a method for overcoming stigma, and pursuing growth at every stage of life.  Misty is an author, speaker, senior counselor, and ordained minister. Misty will soon graduate with her Masters in Addiction Counseling and will continue working toward her licensure. Misty describes herself as a survivor and an overcomer, as well as a wife, mother, and grandmother. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes dialogue on substance use, child abuse, sexual assault, gun violence, and overdose.  Misty’s Book, The Broken Woman: https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Woman-Misty-Harris-ebook/dp/B07PNVY8GM The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

The holidays are here, and for many, this can be a difficult, isolating time. We're revisiting one of our conversations from season one with a guest who offers important insight on being supportive to those who might be struggling.  Angie Burleson, APP, CHt, is a Community Development Specialist and Polarity Therapist committed to changing the conversation surrounding substance use and mental health by empowering individuals and connecting communities to become recovery ready through a trauma informed lens. Angie’s own journey with addiction, family experiences, and education gives her a multi-faceted and unique perspective which has inspired her to lobby for public health focused addiction policy, expand peer support, advocate for parents, those in active addiction and recovery alike, and organize educational events. Angie is Founder of Arizona Recovers, a recovery community organization, which provides harm reduction based peer support, community, and prevention and also Project Director of AZ Adverse Childhood Experiences Consortium.    Arizona Recovers: https://arizonarecovers.org Sesame Street in Communities: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org Big Bird’s Comfy Cozy Nest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciGL9fCa8uk Center on Addiction/Partnership to End Addiction: https://drugfree.org Center for Motivation & Change: https://motivationandchange.com/online-and-in-print-resources/ SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov PAL Support Groups: https://palgroup.org Faces and Voices of Recovery Map: https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org Recovery Advocacy Project: https://www.recoveryvoices.com   Unbroken Brain by Maia Szalavitz Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't): Making the Journey from "What Will People Think?" to "I Am Enough" by Brene Brown The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Bryon Johnson about the courage and vulnerability involved in healing, celebrating diversity within recovery, the differences between serving & partnering in the community, and the freedom that comes from sharing truth.  Bryon Johnson serves his community in a multitude of ways, including his roles an author, a pastor, and a Certified Senior Peer Recovery Specialist and Supervisor.  TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes dialogue on domestic violence, gun and knife violence, substance use, and overdose. If you feel it might be best for your own mental wellness to avoid this part of the conversation, you can skip ahead to the 7 minute mark of the episode.   Mentioned Resources: Grace & Mercy Ministries: https://www.graceandmercyministry.org Bryon’s Book: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/From-Dope-Fiend-Son-King/Bryon-L-Johnson/9781732997943 SMART Goals: https://www.ucop.edu/local-human-resources/_files/performance-appraisal/How%20to%20write%20SMART%20Goals%20v2.pdf 7 Dimensions of Wellness: https://www.icaa.cc/activeagingandwellness/wellness.htm Casey’s misquoted line from ‘Rocky Balboa’: It doesn't matter how this looks to other people, it matters how it looks to you. If this is something you wanna do and if this is something you gotta do, then you do it. Fighters fight.  The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Kate Gordon about receiving community support, paying it forward, and her experience in the 2021 College Softball World Series.  You might recognize Kate Gordon’s name from hearing it this summer when the James Madison University Women’s Softball Team excelled in their first-ever World Series Trip. The team captured the nation’s attention with their heart and talent, and Kate played an integral role in that success. Kate is now back in Harrisonburg, Virginia where she serves her community in a multitude of ways and works as a realtor & property manager with Old Dominion Realty. Keep in Touch with Kate: https://kategordon.olddominionrealty.com/?oid=&chome=1&odoor Check out PACA: https://www.pagecoalition.org The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.  

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Rodney Culbreath and Tina Stevens-Culbreath about the impact of celebrating differences, why representation matters, and what it means to utilize life experiences to inform work and service. Tina and Rodney are co-founders of the I’m Just Me Movement, nonprofit organization based out of Winchester, Virginia. Tina is a trained Trauma Informed-Practitioner, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, & Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor and serves as a Councilwoman on the Stephens City Town Council. Rodney is an activist and a Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist & Supervisor. Mentioned Resources: I’m Just Me Movement: https://www.imjustmemovement.org National Day Calendar I’m Just Me Because Month: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/im-me-just-because-month-october/ Hurt People Hurt People by Sandra D. Wilson: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10845841-hurt-people-hurt-people I’m Just Me Movement Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JUSTMEMOVEMENT/ I’m Just Me Movement Twitter: https://twitter.com/JUSTMEMOVEMENT   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Susan Betcher about giving back, engaging young people in service, and leaving the world a better place. At 61, Susan has spent half of her life in the field of education, with her last eight years spent working for Laurel Ridge Community College as a Career Coach. Susan is always on the move and always searching for ways to serve her community. She’s involved in organizations including the Page Alliance for Community Action, and is currently working on projects including work in a community garden, family movie nights, free swim lessons, fun runs, and healthy youth activities. Mentioned Resources: Virginia Wizard: https://www.vawizard.org/wizard/home Page Alliance for Community Action: https://www.pagecoalition.org   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.  

We’re hard at work preparing for season two of Awareness2Action but we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to look back on season one. We hosted 12 incredible guests this season, and asked them all the same question: What does the process of awareness to action mean to you? Here are their inspiring and encouraging answers, all in one place. We hope you’ll listen in for a dose of motivation, and maybe think about what this question means for you!   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.  

Welcome to Awareness 2 Action! Our podcast will launch on Tuesday, December 15th 2020. We hope you'll join us as we promote wellness through conversation, connection, and action. 

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Connie Harrington about the Murder-Suicide Loss Network, the power of community support when grieving and healing, and what it means to tell our own stories.   Connie Harrington is a content strategist, mom of two, and a survivor of murder-suicide loss. She is on the leadership team of Triumph over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resilience Initiative and on the board of the Murder-Suicide Loss Network.   Referenced Resources: Murder-Suicide Loss Network: https://www.mslnetwork.org/ My Grief Connection: https://www.mygriefconnection.org/ David Kessler’s Work: https://grief.com/ Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Work: https://www.centerforloss.com/ TAPS: https://www.taps.org/ The Perversion of Virtue by Thomas Joiner (book)   Topics discussed in this episode include suicide and homicide. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Sam DeMello about his app, Evive, the ways it personalizes care and generates connection for individuals redefining their relationship to gambling, and how his team is using technology to create a healthier future    Drawing from his personal recovery journey from gambling addiction and with 15+ years in strategic leadership, Sam founded Evive to revolutionize gambling support. His vision combines authenticity and innovation to deliver stigma-free, accessible help when people need it most.   Evive is transforming how individuals and communities address problem gambling by blending advanced technology with proven, evidence-based methods. Evive’s mission is to make healthier gambling accessible to everyone.   Referenced Resources: Evive: www.getevive.com Evive in the iOS App Store Evive in the Android App Store Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health: https://rehab.chp.vcu.edu/about-us/research/vpgh/ ALL IN Podcast: https://endgamblingharm.com/all-in/   Topics discussed in this episode include problem gambling, suicide, and substance use. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988.   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

S4 E5: Superintendent Clay Corbin on the Evolution of Innovative Programming    On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Superintendent Clay Corbin about developing programming that supports education, empowerment, and healing. We dive into the “space and grace” required for creating something new, and the challenges and positives of leading innovation.    Clay Corbin is Superintendent of the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, where he has served in multiple roles over the past twenty three years. Superintendent Corbin is passionate about creating programming that benefits the people he serves, and committed to doing so in a collaborative, community-focused way.    The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.