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On this episode we welcome the founders of Growing Together. Kristin Bergholtz has been a practicing Speech Pathologist for over 20 years. Stacia Paganelli is a Speech Pathologist and Feeding Specialist who has been working primarily in a home-based setting since 2001. Their mission "is to continue to fill the gaps in the community for families just like yours. [Their] goal is to normalize the idea that we can all benefit from some parenting support and education on infant and toddler development. And, as we play with our babies together, we'll all help build strong foundations and healthy families. Website: https://www.growingtogetherroc.com/ Support the show

Since 2003, Teen Empowerment Rochester has provided life-changing opportunities to hundreds of youth in the City of Rochester. Through their involvement, these inspiring individuals have mobilized thousands of their peers, adults, and community leaders to participate in youth-led initiatives that drive change. Marcus Cooper is the Lead Program Coordinator at Teen Empowerment in Rochester. In this episode we discuss this youth-led organization and how they decide on projects, recruit new teens, and bring back former members to lead. Website: https://teenempowerment.org/rochester Support the show

Rise Up Rochester, Incorporated (RUR) works to interrupt violence and provides support to crime victims and their families.  RUR mediates disputes, mentors high-risk individuals, facilitates support groups for families of homicide victims, and provides case management and other wrap around services for victims, families and neighborhoods impacted by violence. RUR can be found in schools, on the streets, and at other community events to communicate, “It doesn’t have to end this way!” Keyvo Owens is the CERV Coordinator for Rise Up Rochester. In this episode we discuss what brought Keyvo to RUR, the work they are doing now, and hope for the future. Website: https://www.riseuprochester.net/ Support the show

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Lindsay Jewett is the Director of Mission Advancement for the Rochester Office of Best Buddies. In this episode we discuss why she was drawn to working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how her personal mission has evolved over the years. We also spend time discussing the amazing work of the local, national, and international arms of this nonprofit organization. Website: https://www.bestbuddies.org/newyork/ Support the show

The mission of The Hochstein School is to provide people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with access to excellent music and dance education in a community that nurtures and encourages personal achievement. Today's guest is Jennifer Philips. She is the Assistant Dean and Chair of Expressive Arts and Music FUNdamentals at the Hochstein School. She is a Board Certified Music Therapist and a Certified Neurologic Music Therapist. Listen in to learn more about the programs offered at this local arts organization. Website: https://hochstein.org/  Support the show

Brighid Gavin is a Parent Coach and the owner of Childhood Behavior Solutions. Brighid has a Bachelors Degree is Early Childhood Education from John Carroll University and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Buffalo State. She is currently pursuing her licensure in applied behavior analysis. She is a behavior specialist and parent coach. Tune in to learn more about how she is working to support families with their quest toward understanding and optimizing their children's behaviors.  Website: http://childhoodbehaviorsolutions.com/ Instagram: @childhoodbehaviorsolutions  Support the show

Pamela Reed Sanchez is the President and CEO of the Seneca Park Zoo Society.  The Seneca Park Zoo Society is a nonprofit education and conservation organization that works as a support partner to Monroe County in operating the Seneca Park Zoo. The Monroe County website notes, "In 1957, the Seneca Park Zoo Society was chartered as an educational institution by New York State. Since that time, the Society has evolved into a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the zoo by running educational programs, special events, marketing and public relations efforts, fund raising, and food and gift operations. The Society offers memberships that are very popular with area families. The next major improvement to the zoo was opened in the early 1970s and provided a polar bear grotto, which was a great improvement for the zoo’s two famous polar bears, Penny and Nickels. As their names suggest, Penny and Nickels were brought to the zoo through the pennies and nickels collected by the area’s school children." Listen in to learn more about the Zoo's mission, the educational work occurring both inside the zoo and out in the community, as well as the role zoos play in conservation at home and abroad. Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-zoo Website: https://senecaparkzoo.org/ Support the show

On this episode, Sarah talks with Brittany Hodges, a medical student at the University of Rochester.  Britt serves as a Health Equity Leader, a program of the National Medical Fellowships to develop future health care leaders with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to promote health equity for medically under-served communities.  Listen in as they discuss food insecurity, urban gardening, and medical education. To connect with Britt, you can find her on Twitter:  @FutureDr_Britt Support the show

On this episode of the podcast we welcome Amanda Gozigian. She is a Program Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY (RMHCR). RMHCR's mission is to support the health and wellness of children and families through innovative programming, supportive services and community partnerships. Amanda discusses many of the RMHCR programs in our area and how this agency works to provide a "home-away-from-home" to families while their loved one receive necessary medical care. Website: https://rmhcrochester.org/ Support the show

In this episode Sarah talks with Shawn Gee from SRGMF, a strategic brand consulting firm here in Rochester.  Listen in to learn about his journey from the music industry to consulting with organizations such as Hinge Neighbors to his work mentoring youth. To learn more visit:  https://www.srgmf.com/ Support the show

On this episode Sarah talks with Cheryl Carleton from Flower City Down Syndrome Network.  Cheryl shares her experience as a mother of a child with Down Syndrome as well as the work that Flower City Down Syndrome Network does for our Greater Rochester community.  To learn more, visit:  www.fcdsn.com Or email:  [email protected] Support the show

In this episode of the podcast Megan interviews Anita O’Brien. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Rochester Accessible Adventures. Rochester Accessible Adventures is on a mission to improve the health and wellness of people with disabilities by guiding communities to create a culture of physical accessibility, social inclusion, and equitable open access in recreation, sports and tourism. Website: https://rochesteraccessibleadventures.org/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 585-491-6011 Support the show

September is Early Intervention Awareness Month! On today's podcast Megan speaks with Tracey Taylor. Tracey is the co-chair of the Monroe County Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council, an Occupational Therapist, and a parent. She is also the interim program director for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Bryant and Stratton College. Monroe County Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/hdchild-ei  Early Intervention Phone: 585 753-KIDS (585 753-5437) Email Tracey Taylor:  [email protected] EI Awareness Month 2022 Info: https://www.monroecounty.gov/hdchild-ei-awareness-month Support the show

In this episode Megan speaks with members of URMC's Sickle Cell Advocacy Team. This interdisciplinary group of physicians and patient advocates has come together to improve the quality of care for patients with Sickle Cell Disease, especially at the critical point at which they transition into adult care. Our guests: Dr. Suzie Noronha Dr. Francis Coyne Dr. Dan Sheehan Sharee Turpin Email Dr. Noronha: [email protected] Roc-City Sicklers Support and Advocacy Group Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/Roc-City-Sicklers-693225020760644/  URMC Sickle Cell Anemia Webpage: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/complex-care-center/community-resources-support/sickle-cell-anemia.aspx Support the show

Bill Moehle has served as Brighton Town Supervisor since January 1, 2012. On this episode he and Megan discuss his favorite things about Brighton, what it means to be a town supervisor, and some of the town's history in addition to his own! Town Biography: https://www.townofbrighton.org/298/Biography-of-Supervisor-William-Moehle Town Website: https://www.townofbrighton.org/ Brighton Farmer's Market: https://www.townofbrighton.org/668/Brighton-Farmers-Market Twitter: @BillMoehle1 Support the show