Best Interviews by Alissa Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 1: Interview with Lynn Tonini from the Aging Out Institute (Harrisburg, PA) 34:28

14d ago34:28

34:28

In this May 2025 episode, the inaugural episode following the transition of the podcast from the Aging Out Institute to the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice & Research at the University of Pennsylvania, MSW Intern Kate Greco interviews Lynn Tonini, Founder and former Executive Director of the Aging Out Institute. Lynn spoke about her jo…

1
Episode 107: Interview with Gretchen Dupps with Cleveland Angels (Cleveland, OH) 46:32

15d ago46:32

46:32

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Gretchen Dupps, the Founder and Executive Director of Cleveland Angels located in Cleveland, Ohio. Gretchen shared her own exposure to the foster care system in her own family, who took in foster youth. She also described the purpose and services of Cleveland Angels, which is a chapter of the National Angels …

1
Episode 106: Interview with Amanda Simonetta with The Felix Organization (Locust Valley, NY) 53:51

25d ago53:51

53:51

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amanda Simonetta, the Executive Director of The Felix Organization in Locust Valley, New York. Amanda discussed her background as a school guidance counselor, which then led to being the first Camp Director at The Felix Organization. She shared the goal of her organization, which is to help youth in care expe…

1
[S5E1] Alissa Sammarco: Poetry of Unsettled Domesticity 52:32

1M ago52:32

52:32

Learn more about Alissa and her work at https://alissasammarco.com/

1
Episode 105: Interview with Alissa Jecklin with Good Samaritan Boys Ranch (Springfield, MO) 47:16

2M ago47:16

47:16

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Alissa Jecklin, Director of Transitional Living with Good Samaritan Boys Ranch in Springfield, Missouri. Alissa shared how she discovered the needs of youth in foster care through a summer job while in college. She chose to focus her career helping these youth. At Good Samaritan, she leads a transitional hous…

1
Episode 104: Interview with Deana Mendez with Finally Family Homes (Santa Clarita, CA) 49:03

2M ago49:03

49:03

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Deana Mendez, Case Manager at Finally Family Homes in Santa Clarita, California. Deana told about her journey to working at this organization and explained about the host home program that provides housing for 18 to 25 year old former foster youth with community members in the Santa Clarita area. She also sha…

1
Episode 103: Interview with Prince George's County CASA (Riverdale, MD) 47:39

4M ago47:39

47:39

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Yolanda Johnson, Executive Director, and Cheryl Richards, Case Supervisor for Transition-Aged Youth, for the Prince George's County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Riverdale, Maryland. Yolanda and Stephanie shared their own backgrounds and an overview of their CASA organization, which has been aro…

1
Episode 102: Interview with Stephanie Rampone from DFW Angels (Dallas, TX) 48:49

4M ago48:49

48:49

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Stephanie Rampone, Director of Development for the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Angels in Dallas, TX. Stephanie shared her unexpected journey from the fashion industry to working with youth in foster care. She also described the three primary areas of service of her fast growing organization: 1) intentional giving…

1
Episode 101: Interview with Liberty Thompson from JEM Friends, Inc. (Boise, ID) 48:11

6M ago48:11

48:11

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Liberty Thompson, Executive Director of JEM Friends, Inc. in Boise, Idaho. Liberty shared how her interest in the challenges that youth aging out of care face developed from a friendship with a girl in foster care growing up. She described the four pillars of support that they provide youth: housing, communit…

1
Episode 100: Interview with Tyila Cooks from Lifebridge Child Advocacy (Midland, GA) 50:45

7M ago50:45

50:45

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Tyila Cooks, Executive Director of Lifebridge Child Advocacy in Midland, Georgia. Tyila shared about her own background, which included adopting foster children to be part of her own family. Started as a ministry, Lifebridge Child Advocacy officially transitioned to a nonprofit in 2021. They serve at-risk you…

1
Episode 099: Interview with Amy Navarro with Treehouse (Seattle, WA) 47:10

8M ago47:10

47:10

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amy Navarro, Director of the Launch Success Program with Treehouse in Seattle. Amy explained her introduction to the challenges of foster care while serving with Americorp and the journey she took to get to her work with Treehouse. Amy's program, Launch Success, takes a three pronged approach to support youth…

1
Episode 098: Interview with Hannah Hodgson Katzman with Family Harvest Farm (Martinez, CA) 37:34

9M ago37:34

37:34

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Hannah Hodgson Katzman, Associate Director of Family Harvest Farm in Martinez, California. Hannah described the mission of her organization, the John Muir Land Trust, which is to protect open spaces. Hannah's program - Family Harvest Farm - is under the John Muir Land Trust umbrella. They utilize 3.5 acres of…

1
Episode 097: Interview with Sherrie Weis with YouthCare (Seattle, WA) 50:33

10M ago50:33

50:33

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Sherrie Weis, Case Manager at YouthCare in Seattle, Washington. Sherrie described her organization's mission to help homeless youth, many of whom have a connection with or have aged out of foster care. Sherrie's program is a shelter that supports homeless youth between the ages of 12 and 17, but they also hav…

1
Episode 096: Interview with Tige Charity with Kids in the Spotlight (Burbank, CA) 44:27

11M ago44:27

44:27

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Tige Charity, CEO of Kids in the Spotlight in Burbank, California. Tige shares about the unique employment support services that Kids in the Spotlight provides youth aging out of foster care, which focuses on skills in the arts and entertainment. We talk about the Script-to-Screen program that culminates in f…

1
[S4E7] Amanda Hayden: Poetry of Social Perspective 57:48

1y ago57:48

57:48

Career educator and author Amanda Hayden describes the effect of travel on her writing, her use of instinct and metaphor, and the role feminism plays in her work.

1
Episode 095: Interview with Maria Paparella with Chair-ity (Akron, OH) 1:01:34

1y ago1:01:34

1:01:34

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Maria Paparella, Founder and Executive Director of Chair-ity in Akron, Ohio. Maria explained the origins and growth of her organization, which provides furniture to youth aging out of foster care and is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year. We talk about the importance of enabling youth to have choic…

1
Episode 094: Interview with Mark Mecum from Ohio Children's Alliance (Columbus, OH) 48:14

1y ago48:14

48:14

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Mark Mecum, CEO of Ohio Children's Alliance in Columbus, Ohio. Mark explains the work that his organization does for youth aging out of foster care through the Ohio Bridges Program, the state's extended foster care program. We talk about the importance of prevention so that youth don't have to go into foster …

1
Episode 093: Interview with Lee Marshall from Kids to Love (Madison,AL) 56:20

1y ago56:20

56:20

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Lee Marshall, CEO and Founder of Kids to Love in Madison, Alabama. Lee describes the path she took to leading Kids to Love and the programs and services that Kids to Love offers youth in foster care, as well as those aging out. She explained KTech, which is a 16-week program that teaches skills to help aged-o…

1
[S4E6] Sandra Rivers-Gill: Poetry of Flowing Instinct 58:21

1y ago58:21

58:21

Sandra Rivers-Gill talks about her newest poetry collection "As We Cover Ourselves with Light," the trappings of performance, and her innate drive to support the community at large.

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[S4E5] Barbara Marie Minney: Poetry of Tangled Faith 52:57

1y ago52:57

52:57

Award-winning transgender author Barbara Marie Minney talks about her newest poetry collections, her complicated relationship with God, and the personal forces that ignited her poetic Renaissance. Learn more about Barbara at: https://www.barbaramarieminneypoetry.com/

1
Episode 092: Interview with Bruce Wingate with Foster Care Furniture (Boise, ID) 43:25

1y ago43:25

43:25

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Bruce Wingate, President of Foster Care Furniture in Boise, Idaho. Bruce describes how his organization provides training in woodworking and carpentry for youth who have aged out of foster care. Their nonprofit offers 13 weeks of training in which the youth build products to specifications for a paying client…

1
Episode 091: Topic Discussion - Helping Foster Youth Acquire and Retain Employment 54:41

1y ago54:41

54:41

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between two individuals connected with organizations that help youth aging out of foster care find and retain employment: Hope Broomham with Jim Riley Outreach (Plano, TX) and Andraya Slyter with The RightWay Foundation (Los Angeles, CA). During this conversation, we talked about different str…

1
[S4E4] John Dorsey: Poetry of Prolific Time Fragments 53:24

1y ago53:24

53:24

Wildly prolific author and screenwriter John Dorsey discusses his pragmatic approaches to writing, his view of the Ohio community, and how the writing drive changes in the face of existential uncertainty. Learn more about John at: https://rustytruck.wordpress.com/category/john-dorsey/

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Episode 090: Interview with Brian Meza with Petra Cares (Cypress, TX) 41:58

1+ y ago41:58

41:58

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Brian Meza, Executive Director of Petra Cares, a charitable arm of Petra Auto Products based in Cypress, Texas. Brian explained the history of Petra Cares, which provides an automotive foundations course for youth aging out of foster care and assists them with acquiring a job in the automotive industry after …

1
[S4E3] Jeremy Jusek: Poetry of Fevered Imagination 1:15:45

1+ y ago1:15:45

1:15:45

Podcast host Jeremy Jusek gets a taste of his own medicine when Ohio beat poet laureate Sandra Feen conducts a brilliant interview of her own. Visit Jeremy's website here: www.jeremyjusek.com.

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[S4E2] Calil Cage: Poetry of Seeded Imagination 1:04:38

1+ y ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Calil Cage, a.k.a. Just C.O.S., is a performance poet and founder fo The Sparrow's Fortune that talks about wanderlust & finding his home in Cleveland, finding purpose in the poetry community, and his appreciation for lineage.

1
[S4E1] Stephanie Kendrick: Poetry of United Purpose 56:44

1+ y ago56:44

56:44

Poet laureate of Athens Stephanie Kendrick discusses her social and community work, the recurring themes in her writing, and the ethical concerns surrounding real-life representations.

1
Episode 089: Interview with Donna Skora, Founder of Surrogate Grandparents USA (Summerfield, FL) 41:14

1+ y ago41:14

41:14

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Donna Skora, Founder of Surrogate Grandparents USA, based in Summerfield, FL. We discussed the reason that she started this Facebook page, which is dedicated to connecting people in order to develop chosen families. We then moved into a conversation about how this site can help connect former foster youth wit…

1
Episode 088: Interview with Joy Rios, Executive Director of Connect with a Wish (Virginia Beach, VA) 54:31

1+ y ago54:31

54:31

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Joy Rios, Founder and Executive Director of Connect with a Wish, located in Virginia Beach, VA. We talked about Joy's journey as an adoptive parent, which exposed her to the issues that youth in foster care face. We then discussed the launch of the organization as a holiday project and then expanded to provid…

1
Episode 087: Interview with Matt Bell, CEO of Pivotal (San Jose, CA) 44:17

1+ y ago44:17

44:17

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Matt Bell, CEO of Pivotal, located in San Jose, CA. We talked about the journey that brought Matt to the CEO role last year at Pivotal. We then discussed the roots of Pivotal's mission, which was giving youth educational scholarships. The mission has grown since 1989 to include one-on-one educational coaching…

1
Episode 086: Interview with Brandon Anderchuk, Executive Director of Hope’s Path (Spring, TX) 45:02

1+ y ago45:02

45:02

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Brandon Anderchuk, Executive Director of Hope's Path located in Spring, TX. We discussed Brandon's background and the journey that brought him to taking on the leadership role at Hope's Path. We then talked about their relational focused approach to helping youth aging out of foster care or homeless by provid…

1
100: How to Form Habits for Health + An Announcement! 27:20

1+ y ago27:20

27:20

Prepare for a journey into an intriguing world where habits take center stage. This milestone 100th episode of Olive You Whole comes with a promise of transformation, as we navigate through the fascinating science behind habits, their formation and breaking. Get ready to discover the science behind habits and how they can create positive changes in…

1
Episode 085: Topic Discussion - Helping Foster Youth Acquire and Maintain Housing 45:06

1+ y ago45:06

45:06

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that help youth aging out of foster care find and maintain housing: Betty Beatty with Empty Frames Initiative (Everett, WA), Carla Cleeton with the Transition Resource Action Center - TRAC (Dallas, TX), and Angela Youtsey with Olive Crest …

1
099: Parenting Neurodivergent Children Plus Using Neurofeedback to Help with ADHD with Alissa Lozinski 31:28

1+ y ago31:28

31:28

Our journey in the world of ADHD began when our daughters were diagnosed with the disorder. Alissa Lozinski, a dear friend who has been through the same journey, joins me as we peel back the layers of our experiences parenting neurodivergent children. In our candid conversation, we uncover the initial struggle of diagnosis, the maze of sensory issu…

1
098: Finding the Appropriate Postpartum and Pregnancy Workouts with Brooke Cates of The Bloom Method 36:20

1+ y ago36:20

36:20

Do you fear exercise during pregnancy because of concerns around diastasis recti or pelvic floor issues? Imagine if we could redefine the fitness rule book for pregnant women. What if a woman's autonomy, power, and strength could be fostered and celebrated, rather than limited, during such a transformative time? That's exactly what Brooke Cates, fo…

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Is Your Student Praise Actually Effective? A Vulnerable, Explicit Approach to Behavior with Gina Venancio 45:16

1+ y ago45:16

45:16

This week on "Extra Curricular," teacher and classroom management coach Gina Venancio shares her journey from crying in a supply closet, overwhelmed by student behavior, to discovering what was missing from her classroom: behavior science. Gina's advice in this episode has the power to completely transform your classroom, especially if you are deal…

1
Episode 084: Interview with Nicole Davis, Executive Director of Operation: Achieve Independence (Spring, TX) 44:32

1+ y ago44:32

44:32

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Nicole Davis, Executive Director of Operation: Achieve Independence (OAI) located in Spring, TX. We discussed Nicole's background and the journey that brought her to working with youth aging out of foster care. We then talked about OAI's strategy for providing caring mentors for youth and developing strong pa…

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097: Get Kids Cooking with Erin Fletter of Sticky Fingers Cooking 38:40

1+ y ago38:40

38:40

Are picky eaters a challenge in your household? You'll find solace knowing that cooking can be a powerful tool to overcome this hurdle. Be ready to revolutionize your kids’ perspective on food as renowned food enthusiast and co-creator of Sticky Fingers Cooking, Erin Fletter, joins us in this enticing discussion that talks about not just cooking, b…

1
096: Saving the Planet with Recycled Leather with Luz Zambrano of CASUPO 26:50

1+ y ago26:50

26:50

Say hello to Luz Zambrano, the innovative mind behind the sustainable leather brand, CASUPO. Our conversation will take you on a journey from Luz's early days in industrial design, all the way to her spearheading her own brand, showing how millions of cow hides can be saved from going to waste annually. We've got insights into her experiences with …

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095: Traditional Publishing with Kara Leonino, Senior Acquisitions Editor at Tyndale House Publishers 44:46

1+ y ago44:46

44:46

Unlock the mysteries of the traditional publishing process with me, and my guest, the shrewd and insightful acquisitions editor at Tyndale, Kara Leonino. With Kara's expert navigation, we traverse the elaborate terrain of traditional publishing, shining light on the convoluted legalese, contract negotiations, and the pivotal role of agents througho…

1
Episode 083: Topic Discussion - Transitional Housing Options 42:45

1+ y ago42:45

42:45

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that provide transitional housing for youth aging out of care: Mike Williams with DASH Foundation (Miami, FL), Shiesha Bell with LIFE Skills Foundation (Durham, NC), and Aundre' Wright with Adonai Transitional Housing (Phoenix, AZ). During…

1
094: How to Write a Book and Get it Published 23:33

1+ y ago23:33

23:33

Have you ever been captivated by a compelling book and wondered how the author did it? This week, let me take you behind the scenes of the writing and publishing process. With experiences ranging from my first cookbook 'Prep Cook Freeze' to my latest non-fiction project, I'll share how I identified my book's audience as well as planned and structur…

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Working with Your Special Education Team to Support All Students with Dawn Ellis 37:18

1+ y ago37:18

37:18

If you're a general education teacher trying to navigate supporting students with IEPs, you're going to want to listen to this episode. Dawn breaks Special Education down, from what all the terminology means, to how to work with the Special Education Team, to communication strategies with families, and so much more. Dawn has some great advice for s…

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093: Self Publishing vs Traditional Publishing with Magician Taylor Hughes 46:14

1+ y ago46:14

46:14

Ever wondered what it takes to navigate the complex world of publishing a book? Join us for an insightful conversation with Taylor Hughes, an author, magician, and keynote speaker. Taylor takes us on a captivating journey from the highs and lows of self-publishing to the exhilarating realm of traditional publishing. His unique perspective and exper…

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092: How Do You Find a Literary Agent? With Keely Boeving of WordServe Literary Group 31:07

1+ y ago31:07

31:07

Are you intrigued by the publishing world but unsure how to navigate it? Today, I’m having an amazing conversation with my literary agent, Keely Boeving, and she offers a candid insight into the complex process of publishing a book. We discuss everything from crafting a compelling book proposal to procuring the right literary agent. If traditional …

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How to Craft a Welcoming Learning Experience for Every Learner with Bryson Tarbet 36:08

1+ y ago36:08

36:08

In this episode of the Extra Curricular Podcast, Bryson talks to us about how to keep our lessons engaging and relevant for students, even when it feels like we can't keep up with what's trending. He gives simple ways to boost student engagement, and shares how we can learn and improve our teaching craft by connecting with other teachers online. He…

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091: Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma with Sarah Buino of Head/Heart Therapy, Inc. 43:31

1+ y ago43:31

43:31

Ever wonder how the wounds of your ancestors can shape your life? Therapy titan and founder of Head Heart Therapy Incorporated, Sarah Buino, joins me to unravel the mystery of generational trauma. We explore the notion that trauma isn't something that merely happens to you; it's an internal upheaval that can echo through generations. Sarah's insigh…

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Episode 082: Interview with Carmelita Coleman, Executive Director of SaySo (Greensboro, NC) 43:21

1+ y ago43:21

43:21

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Miss Carmelita Coleman, Executive Director of Strong Able Youth Speaking Out (SaySo) in Greensboro, NC. We discussed Miss Carmelita's background and what brought her to working with foster youth. We then talked about the SaySo organization and how it provides foster youth with opportunities to develop leaders…

1
Episode 081: Topic Discussion - Helping Foster Youth Build Financial Competency 43:55

1+ y ago43:55

43:55

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that support youth aging out of foster care by helping them build financial competency: Michael Williams with DASH Foundation (Miami, FL), Eugenia Wilson with Living Advantage, Inc. (Hollywood, CA), and Andrea Ferrero-Haggerty with Pockets…

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090: Healthy Meal Plan Ideas with Christi Flaherty of Healthy Happy Real 32:12

1+ y ago32:12

32:12

Unlock the secrets of transformative meal planning with our special guest, holistic nutritionist and private chef, Christi Flaherty. Prepare to have your perception of meal prepping redefined as you gain valuable insights into Christi’s innovative, component-based approach that focuses on prepped proteins, veggies, and sauces. This method is not ju…

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Interviews By Alissa Podcasts

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