Best Stephanie Reed Podcasts (2025)

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How Abbie went from being ruled by insomnia to getting her life back by stepping out of the struggle (#76) 51:12

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1d ago51:12

51:12

Before insomnia entered Abbie’s life, sleep was effortless. She’d never had to think about it. She fell asleep quickly, stayed asleep, and moved through her days without giving sleep much attention at all. It was simply there — reliable and unremarkable. That changed in the fall of 2021 after a short illness. One sleepless night turned into another…

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A Marvelous Christmas with Lucy 5:42

10d ago5:42

5:42

To celebrate the holiday season, Lucie Arnaz introduces never before heard recordings of Lucy reflecting on her early family holiday traditions, including a particularly memorable Christmas from her childhood.

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How Natasha went from structuring her days around insomnia to letting sleep come naturally again by putting life before sleep (#75) 56:16

1M ago56:16

56:16

Natasha’s insomnia journey began during the long grind of the pandemic. Life was full, intense, and stretched thin. She and her husband were working and their young son needed to take school classes online. When their nanny suddenly stopped coming, Natasha brushed it off at first. But that first sleepless night turned into another… and then another…

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Texas : Deanna Merryfield 35:19

1M ago35:19

35:19

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney explore the heartbreaking story of Deanna Merryfield, who vanished at age 13 from Killeen, Texas, in 1990. Deanna's troubled family background, including her mother's alcoholism and her stepfather's sexual abuse, is discussed in detail. The case, filled with investigative missteps an…

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How Dan went from feeling broken to regaining confidence in his natural ability to sleep by changing his response to insomnia (#74) 52:13

2M ago52:13

52:13

Dan had never struggled with sleep — until a stressful period in late 2023 turned his nights upside down. After a panic attack and a couple of sleepless nights, he found himself pacing the house at 2:00 AM, clock-watching, and convinced he was broken. Even after medication gave him one long night of sleep, the struggle came roaring back the very ne…

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Oklahoma : April Kelly Reed 24:49

2M ago24:49

24:49

April Kelly Reed disappeared from Del City, Oklahoma in 2001 under mysterious circumstances. Raised amidst familial instability and trauma, April endured significant hardships, including being traded for a vehicle as a child and navigating life with schizophrenia. Her sister Kelsey, who uncovered April’s disappearance later in life through a Facebo…

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How Kelly reclaimed her life from insomnia by stopping the fight with sleep and dropping the struggle with her thoughts (#73) 1:00:38

3M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Kelly’s struggle with insomnia began after the birth of her first child. What started as one sleepless night quickly grew into panic-filled evenings and anxious days. The harder she tried to make sleep happen — through medication, supplements, holistic remedies, and strict routines — the more elusive it became. Sleep turned into an obsession, and e…

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New York : Stephen Spina 36:42

3M ago36:42

36:42

On September 17, 2007, 36-year-old Stephen Spina, a beloved father, postal worker, and longtime Little League umpire, was found stabbed to death in his Mamaroneck, NY apartment. With no signs of forced entry and nothing stolen, investigators believe Stephen knew his killer. He was last seen at 9:30 a.m. and discovered by his girlfriend three hours …

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Colorado : Megan Trussell 41:40

4M ago41:40

41:40

In this episode of the Navigating Advocacy podcast, the story of Megan Piper Trussell, a bright and artistic 17-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, whose mysterious disappearance and death in February 2025 left her family and community searching for answers. Despite Megan’s promising future and close family bonds, her case was quickly ruled a suicide …

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How Stephanie got her life back from insomnia by letting go of the fight she thought she had to win (#72) 56:55

5M ago56:55

56:55

During a trip to Switzerland, Stephanie had a night of no sleep and spent the next day battling panic attacks. Her sleep soon recovered, but that experience planted a seed of fear — a fear of going through another day like that if sleep didn’t show up. Months later, when a medical diagnosis and abrupt medication changes disrupted her sleep, that ol…

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Nevada : Camille Dardanes Dodson 24:53

5M ago24:53

24:53

Camille Dains Dodson, born in 1964 in Los Angeles, was a talented and driven woman who faced unexpected life challenges. She married Gary Dodson, the first person exonerated of rape by DNA evidence in the USA, but their relationship turned abusive. After leaving Gary, Camille moved to Las Vegas with her young daughter, Ashley, where she struggled w…

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Michigan : Amber Arnett 37:41

6M ago37:41

37:41

On this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we speak with Marty, mother of 39-year-old Amber Arnette, who vanished in Lansing, Michigan, in June 2023. Amber was a loyal, nurturing caregiver known for her generosity and devotion to family—especially her niece. Despite her spontaneous nature, her sudden disappearance sparked deep concern. Marty’s relentl…

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How Laura found freedom from insomnia by accepting her thoughts — not just her sleepless nights (#71) 46:04

6M ago46:04

46:04

Laura never expected insomnia to arrive during one of the happiest times in her life. She had just gotten engaged. She was heading out on vacation. But one sleepless night quietly snowballed into many — and nights quickly became something she feared. She tried everything: supplements, routines, medication, strict sleep hygiene. But nothing seemed t…

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Ep. 40 Lauren Rosenau, Storytelling Through Wedding Photography 1:04:49

6M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

#40 Lauren Rosenau is a professional wedding photographer based in Lynchburg, VA, who has been capturing wedding day stories for 16 years. Her style is narrative, organic, effortless, energetic, and full of all the little life moments that make up the big day. Although based in Central Virginia, Lauren's clients are from all over the United States,…

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Arizona : Stephanie Wasilishin 23:38

6M ago23:38

23:38

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney delve into the tragic story of Stephanie Marie Wasilishin, tragically found shot to death in her Sedona, Arizona home on July 9, 1993. Despite compelling evidence suggesting homicide, the case remains unsolved. Stephanie's daughter Nikki, who has taken to social media and plans to la…

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Introducing: Papi Killed Mommy 1:33

7M ago1:33

1:33

Introducing: Papi Killed Mommy “Papi Killed Mommy” is a true crime podcast told from the inside—by the daughter of the woman who was murdered. In 1993, 10-year-old Nikki was woken by police pulling her from bed. Her mother had been murdered just hours after making plans to leave her abusive boyfriend—the man who fathered Nikki’s little sister. In t…

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How Rebecca went from doing everything right and still struggling with sleep to letting go and achieving insomnia freedom (#70) 57:56

7M ago57:56

57:56

Rebecca never struggled with sleep — until she began working 24-hour shifts as a hospital-based midwife. She cared deeply about her patients, and she made a quiet promise to herself: nothing would go wrong on her watch. That meant staying awake through every shift. Over time, that vigilance seeped into her nights at home. Sleep became something she…

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Iowa : Wilma Nissen 29:57

7M ago29:57

29:57

After a much-needed post-conference break, we’re back with a story that deeply moved us—and reminded us why we do this work. In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we share the tragic and largely untold story of Wilma June Nissen, a woman who remained a Jane Doe for nearly 30 years after her brutal murder in rural Iowa. Wilma’s life was marked by …

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Ep. 39 Cari and Seth Reed, Remington Ranch Regenerative Farm 57:22

7M ago57:22

57:22

#39 Cari and Seth Reed are the wife and husband team behind Remington Ranch, a regenerative farm located 30 minutes outside of Lynchburg in Gladys, Virginia. Regenerative farming is a term that basically means working in harmony with Mother Nature instead of against her. The chickens, pigs, turkeys, and lambs are humanely raised without chemicals o…

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Ep. 38 Leidra McQueen, Executive Director of Lynchburg Beacon of Hope 57:46

8M ago57:46

57:46

#38 My guest today is Leidra McQueen. Not only does she have one of the coolest names, but she also heads up one of the coolest organizations: Lynchburg Beacon of Hope. This non-profit has been empowering young dreamers and seekers since 2011, preparing them for the big stage, both literally and figuratively. Beacon's mission is to "inspire Lynchbu…

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How Rupsa ended her insomnia struggle by being more open to experiencing insomnia and all the thoughts and feelings that come with it (#69) 47:42

8M ago47:42

47:42

Rupsa never had issues with sleep until a big change in her professional life led her to move to a new city. As sleep became difficult, she experienced a lot of anxiety. Her heart would race. She started to develop a fear of going to bed at night. She’d spend four or five hours awake in bed, hoping to fall asleep. Working with a psychologist provid…

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Ep. 37 Jessica Coleman, Founder of Creekside Therapeutics 1:01:33

9M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

#37 Jessica Coleman is the founder of Creekside Therapeutics, a collective of talented, compassionate mental health professionals here in Lynchburg, VA. Their door is open to everyone, but there's a special place in their heart for the queer and neurodivergent members of the community. I discovered Jessica and her team simply because of a post from…

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How Tim broke the cycle of sleep anxiety and insomnia by relinquishing control, embracing self-kindness, and building skill in acceptance (#68) 58:39

9M ago58:39

58:39

Tim’s insomnia began during a stressful time in his life. At first, it was just a few bad nights but the more he worried about it, the worse it got. The harder he tried to fix his sleep, the more he struggled. Things started to change when Tim learned a new way to deal with insomnia. He realized that trying to control sleep was actually keeping him…

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Ep. 36 Barton Quigley, Lifestyle Business Coach & Host of the Small Town Secret Sauce Podcast 59:38

9M ago59:38

59:38

#36 On today's show, I am not the host. Instead, I am being interviewed by former guest and all-around amazing human being Ken Arpino, the executive director of Wolfbane Productions here in Lynchburg. Ken is sharp, funny, and came loaded with great questions like... - What was your a-ha moment that inspired this podcast? - What is one spot in Lynch…

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Florida : Danielle Bell 32:01

10M ago32:01

32:01

Danielle Bell was a bright and ambitious 14-year-old who dreamed of becoming a lawyer before she vanished in September 2001. More than two decades later, her sister, Bonnie—continues the relentless fight for answers. Danielle was full of life, but behind her smile was a troubling connection to a 24-year-old male named Alfredo Sanchez. When Danielle…

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How Sophie recovered from postpartum insomnia by moving away from trying to control her sleep so she could regain control over her life (#67) 58:09

10M ago58:09

58:09

Although Sophie never considered herself to be a good sleeper, things got really difficult after the birth of her son. As a new mom, she knew there would be some short-term sleep disruption — but when she was no longer able to compensate for lost sleep after her parents left and her partner returned to work, things got really difficult. Sophie’s do…

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Ep. 35 Stephanie Fees, Owner of Scratch Pasta and The Flour District 1:00:55

10M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

#35 Stephanie Fees is the creator and owner of Scratch Pasta, a fresh pasta shop here in Lynchburg, VA. She is also the creator and owner of The Flour District, an artisan bakery, cafe and teaching kitchen, located right next door where my wife, Amy, is the COO. These two businesses are shining examples that, yes, you can elevate style and taste an…

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Texas : Cristian Rangel 28:41

10M ago28:41

28:41

Monday, April 8, 2024, between 1:27 pm and 1:30 pm, Cristian Rangel was seen on surveillance cameras at Walmart at 5017 Hwy 290 in Austin, Texas. Footage shows a white GMC Terrain entering the parking lot, a short time after a blue Mustang (or similar) parked nearby. The Terrain is seen leaving the parking lot at a high speed, with the passenger do…

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Ep. 34 John Seinar, Owner of Bikes Unlimited and Trailhead Restaurant 44:13

10M ago44:13

44:13

#34 John Seinar is the current owner of Bikes Unlimited, Lynchburg, Virginia's oldest bicycle shop, which opened in 1967. John took over the current downtown location in January 2020 and recently opened Trailhead, a cozy, casual bar and restaurant right next door. What originally attracted me to this story was the bike shop's longevity, which is no…

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National Missing Persons Day 23:56

11M ago23:56

23:56

Over 600,000 people are reported missing annually in the United States. Melissa and Whitney are joined by fellow co-founder of AdvocacyCon, Eric Carter-Landin, to talk about the upcoming conference and why its inception was needed. AdvocacyCon is a crime conference unlike any other. We bring together experts, non-profit organizations, families of t…

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How Danny overcame the insomnia struggle by abandoning sleep rituals, embracing acceptance, and moving toward the life he wanted to live (#66) 1:12:05

11M ago1:12:05

1:12:05

In 2019 Danny was going through a stressful period in his life while also being on a big health and fitness kick. When his sleep started to become a problem, Danny became very concerned and his doctor offered medication. When Danny started to make some lifestyle changes to reduce stress, reduce the intensity of his training, and ensure he was eatin…

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Ep. 33 Myke Barron, White Hart Cafe & Black Stag Group, It's All About Connections 1:08:20

11M ago1:08:20

1:08:20

Myke Barron is the President of Black Stag Group, which operates White Hart Cafe in downtown Lynchburg, VA, alongside his business partner Vic Stanley, Jr. The White Hart is affectionately known as "Lynchburg's Living Room" and has become a cultural center for performing arts and music, especially on their famous Open Mic nights. I have frequented …

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Louisiana : Brandy Dyson 30:01

11M ago30:01

30:01

Brandy Renee Dyson's story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and the fight for justice. Born on November 1, 1973, Brandy faced immense challenges but remained a loving mother and a kindhearted soul. Tragically, her life was cut short on November 5, 2005, when her body was discovered in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Despite compelling evidence and an ini…

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Rhode Island : Jason Fallon 36:13

11M ago36:13

36:13

Jason Fallon, a sensitive and creative young man from Providence, Rhode Island, was tragically killed in an alleged hit-and-run on October 30, 2022. Despite the incident occurring in a well-lit area, Jason's case is mired with inconsistencies and insufficient investigation by law enforcement. His sister, Kristin, faces numerous obstacles in seeking…

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Ep. 32 Sam and Robb Foster, Owners of Frostfire Sauna and Cold Plunge 46:06

11M ago46:06

46:06

#32 Sam and Robb Foster are the delightful wife and husband team behind Frostfire, the newly opened sauna and cold plunge spa in downtown Lynchburg, VA. As someone who has used cold exposure for many years now, I was stoked to discover this stellar addition to the local holistic health and wellness scene. I couldn't wait to dive into Sam and Robb's…

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Revisit: Jason Landry 1:06:48

12M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In the late hours of December 13, 2020, Jason was driving home to the Houston area to spend the holidays with family. Jason would never be seen or heard from again. Only hours after Jason was known to be leaving his apartment, a volunteer firefighter found his wrecked and abandoned vehicle off of a dirt road near Luling, Texas. The next morning, th…

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Montana : Rebekah Barsotti 47:24

12M ago47:24

47:24

Rebekah Barsotti was a compassionate and adventurous young woman whose life was tragically cut short under troubling circumstances. On July 20, 2021, she vanished near the Clark Fork River in Montana, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a family desperate for justice. Months before her disappearance, Rebekah had escaped a turbulent m…

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Collab Bonus: True Crime Convos 54:18

12M ago54:18

54:18

On this special holiday bonus episode titled “True Crime Convos,” Melissa has teamed up with two fellow true crime podcasters to converse about our various experiences in the medium. Join me as I chat with Robin with "The Trail Went Cold" and Robert Parmer of “The Broken System Podcast” about such topics as researching cold cases, working with vict…

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Grapes, Grifts, and Gavel 1:29:36

12M ago1:29:36

1:29:36

As a holiday treat, Whitney had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Amanda of Wine & Crime and Javier of PRETEND. In a podcasters on podcasters style convo, the three talk about true crime, podcasting as a whole and their dream team! Check out Javier and Amanda wherever you get your podcasts! Javier Leiva - PRETEND, Criminal Conduct, Ponzi Pl…

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Brandon Lawson : Confirmed 28:58

12M ago28:58

28:58

In January of 2022, the Navigating Advocacy podcast played a pivotal role in raising awareness and pushing for action in the search for Brandon Lawson. During a foot search that nine people were on, including Whitney and myself, clothing items were discovered, which ultimately alerted Texas Rangers to conduct a more thorough search. Today we are de…

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California : Nikki Cheng-Saelee McCain 55:39

1y ago55:39

55:39

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, Whitney and Melissa share the story of Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain, a devoted mother, sister, and daughter whose life was marked by resilience and compassion despite enduring unimaginable struggles. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Nikki’s journey was one of hope and perseverance, yet her marriage to Tyler M…

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Ep. 31 Michelline and Jawansa Hall, It's All About Relationships 59:11

1y ago59:11

59:11

#31 Michelline and Jawansa Hall are pillars in the Lynchburg, VA, community and have served it in many, many ways for most of their adult lives. They are such a delightful, loving couple with a huge heart for each other and the good of the folks living in the Hill City. Michelline and Jawansa have worn a number of hats over the years, from their ma…

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Alabama : Eric Nelams 23:10

1y ago23:10

23:10

Eric Nelams was a loving son, brother, father, and veteran whose life was tragically cut short in an unsolved 2003 homicide. Born on June 10, 1971, in Columbus, Georgia, Eric was raised in a large, tight-knit family, the son of Annie Nelams and Ernest Hodges, with eight sisters and six brothers. Known for his compassion and generosity, Eric was des…

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From Podcasting to Advocacy : Berkshire Podcast Festival 37:56

1y ago37:56

37:56

Melissa and Whitney had the opportunity to join Kristen Seavey and Eric Carter-Landin at the Berkshire Podcast Festival in October.By Navigating Advocacy Podcast

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How Esther starved insomnia of its power and influence in the presence of generalized anxiety disorder (#65) 56:24

1y ago56:24

56:24

When Esther tried moving away from a medication she was taking for generalized anxiety disorder, she found herself struggling with sleep. She would often wake with a jolt and experience panic and anxiety. Even when new medications helped with other issues, sleep continued to be a challenge and created a lot of ongoing anxiety. Esther did a lot to t…

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Ep. 30 Marc Schewel, 4th Generation Family Furniture Retailer & Philanthropist 37:05

1y ago37:05

37:05

My guest is Marc Schewel, whose family name is well-known in Lynchburg and other small to mid-markets across Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia, thanks to Schewel’s Home Furniture and its 50+ locations. This family business was founded in 1897, making it one of the oldest furniture retailers in the United States. It is currently owned and …

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Arizona : Brandy Myers 22:17

1y ago22:17

22:17

Brandy Lynn Myers was 13 years old when she disappeared in 1992 after going door-to-door fundraising for a read-a-thon. Her older sister, Kristin, has dedicated over 30 years to advocating for her younger sister. Despite strong suspicions towards two persons of interest, the case remains unresolved with insufficient evidence. Kristin, who tragicall…

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Tennessee : Jennifer & Adrianna Wix 43:30

1y ago43:30

43:30

Jennifer Kay Wix and her 2-year-old daughter, Adrianna Nikol Wix, disappeared over 20 years ago from Cross Plains, Tennessee. Jennifer was a strong-willed, loving young mother with dreams of working in equestrian therapy. Adrianna, her bright blue-eyed little girl, adored animals and brought joy to everyone she met. Their disappearance in March 200…

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Virginia : Emma Compton 27:11

1y ago27:11

27:11

Emma Compton Layne, a beloved community figure and devoted caregiver, disappeared in 2017 under suspicious circumstances. Months later, her remains were discovered, revealing a devastating story of domestic violence and unanswered questions. In this episode, we honor Emma’s legacy, uncover the chilling details of her case, and discuss the importanc…

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Ep. 29 Sue Ott Rowlands, President of Randolph College 59:13

1y ago59:13

59:13

#29 Sue Ott Rowlands is the President of Randolph College, a small Liberal Arts school set on an idyllic campus in Lynchburg, VA. Since arriving in mid-2022, Sue has infused Randolph College with her generous, creative spirit, her passion for the liberal arts, and her love of collaboration and community. And for the 2024-25 academic year, enrollmen…