Beyond the Smile

Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People / Season Two, Episode Twelve:  It's A Wrap!   Lessons Learned this Season  What a second season!  We laughed, I cried, my life turned upside down with a move and I added an AMAZING co-host.   We covered the topics of burnout, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, self-care, social media and so many other topics that we hope you enjoyed.  Tune into our LAST episode to hear our summary of the season, what we have going on now, and maybe a preview of another season.   Maybe a discussion of a retreat to meet other like-minded people that can become your tribe?  Perhaps.  Check it out! Want to learn more? or contact us?  Click the links below for more info: Melissa Russiano Melissa Jean-Charles As always, thank you for tuning in each week to laugh with us, discuss difficult topics with us, and grow with us.   We all walk out the door most days with a picture-perfect smile and the appearance of life all pulled together.  Our goal remains to have discussions of what happens Beyond the Smile when we have Real Talk with Real People.    That is the world we want to live in.  A world where we can be authentic, completely imperfect, and totally ourselves. Until that world exists, we are in this with you - every step of the way - and will be back soon! Take care everyone - Melissa & Melissa

Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People / Season Two, Episode Eleven:  Tribe Time!  Wait, What Does That Even Mean???   Finding Your People Brené Brown states in Daring Greatly,  “Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.”   In our post-pandemic culture, individuals are feeling increasingly more isolated despite their ability to leave quarantine and mingle.    It is an internal longing to be understood and known by someone on a core level (that isn't your therapist!).   Today we discuss what this concept of ‘finding your tribe' really means and ways to connect in your own community.  In addition, we review coach vs therapist if you feel you need some additional support in finding your people.  They are out there - we promise. Check out Episode Eleven as we dive into this important topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Deeper Connections Why Human Connection Will Bring Us Closer Together Benefits of a Bucket List What is the Real Difference Between a Therapist and a Coach? Life Coach vs Therapist:  8 Myths Debunked Five Differences Between Coaching and Psychotherapy

Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People / Season Two, Episode Ten:  A Dolphin, A Lion, A Bear, and A Wolf Walk Into A Bar … Confused?  No worries at all!  I will admit to being very confused when my amazing co-host broached the subject of sleep chronotypes.   I am someone who always is looking for that “great night of sleep” and never quite seeming to find it.  In addition, I have always been jealous of those who can go to the gym at 5a, or work late without caffeine and even those who can wake up without an alarm clock.   Our discussion today centers around being able to identify your sleep chronotype, why sleep patterns are so important, and what you can learn about yourself based on when your body works best.  Are we experts?  Nope.  Not yet! But we will talk through the impact of sleep on all aspects of your life, including your mental health. Check out Episode Ten as we dive into this very interesting topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: The Power of When Psychological Benefits of Routines Why Routines are Important for Your Mental Health Dr Oz & Sleep Chronotype Overview Genetic Basis of Chronotypes in Humans Chronotype Quiz

Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People / Season Two, Episode Nine:   Passions At A Circus Are Always In Tents Self-care is not selfish.   Self-care is taking care of yourself so you can take care of others.  Self-care is respecting yourself the way you respect others.  Heard any of those statements in your life?   Yep, so have I.   And I roll my eyes.    As a result, we are diving in to determine what SELF CARE really means what it does not mean.    You may think you know all about self-care, but after our discussion, we hope you change that opinion.  Sound familiar?  Yep - this is round two for those overachievers in our world that need a second discussion to REALLY hear the importance of this issue.  We - ok, MJC - uses my own struggles as a working example! Check out Episode Nine as we dive into this important topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Best Motivation Apps of 2020 Poverty and Self Care Caring for Your Mental Health Time Blocking Info/Templates

Self-care is not selfish.   Self-care is taking care of you so you can take care of others.  Self-care is respecting yourself the way you respect others.  Heard any of those statements in your life?   Yep, so have I.   And I roll my eyes.    As a result, we are diving in to determine what SELF CARE really means what it does not mean.    You may think you know all about self-care, but after our discussion, we hope you change that opinion. Check out Episode Eight as we dive into this controversial (ok, annoying to some…)  topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Radical Self Care The Global Community Connection with Radical Self Care Your Healthiest Self Self Care Why Self Care Isn't Selfish How to Start a Self Care Routine 15 Self Care Ideas for Morning Routines Practicing Self Care is Important Doing What Matters in Times of Stress Does Self Care Impact Mental Health? What is Self Care and Why is it Critical for your Health? Caring for your Mental Health Self Care is a Must

Social Media is something that one either loves (or loves to hate…) or avoid at all costs.   But is there a benefit to social media?   Many individuals look to social media for their mental health information, general health advice, and overall tips and tricks for life.  Oh, and to keep in touch with people of course!   So can it be a positive avenue for information if taken from another point of view?    It may surprise you to hear that we both have different views on this subject! Check out Episode Seven as we dive into this interesting topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: 6 Ways Social Media Impacts Our Mental Health Social Media and Self Esteem Positive Impact of Social Media Diversity & Inclusion on Social Media Why Inclusivity Matters in Social Media How Social Media Impacts Culture & Language 6 Ways Social Media Impacts Your Mood  How Social Media Can Affect Your Mood

What?  I cannot be perfect?   Who says?   Perfection is an ideal that many seek and often fall short of their goal.  Tune in to hear stories of imperfect perfection in our lives, the negative impact that seeking perfection has on individuals, and, as always, ways to change your view to be realistic.    We are all Perfectly Imperfect and we hope that you will take some insight from our discussion to change what your ‘ideal' for you is.   If you are still struggling after you listen - send us an email!  We would love to help you change those perfectionistic tendencies so you can live your amazing life. Check out Episode Six as we dive into this super important topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Perfectionism Self-Rating Scale Imposter Phenomenon Multidimensional Perfectionism and the DSM-5 Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome Relationship Between Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome Imposter Syndrome:  Do You Feel Like A Fraud? Perfectionism and Your Health Perfectionism Root Cause of Perfectionism What Causes Perfectionism? How to be Perfectly Imperfect It's Not Just You - It's Science.  How Perfectionism Holds Women Back

This - by far - is our heaviest episode to date.   We included it in this season because of the increase of successful suicides that have been in the media, as well as in our lives since the pandemic began.   Is there a connection?  Or is it our culture increasing the pressure?   We may not have the answers, but we will discuss some of the issues impacting this discussion and offer some hope.   Please note that the show resources offer so many options for connection for anyone who needs extra support at this time. Check out Episode Five as we dive into this heavy, but a very important topic, and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Logic (Ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid) – 1-800-273-8255 MIT Cuts Back on Course Loads After Two Student Suicides Suicide Rates at MIT Higher MIT Works to Reduce Student Pressure MIT Suicide Lawsuits Suicide Hotlines & Resources: 988 Crisis Text Line Love is Respect The Trevor Project National Sexual Assault Hotline LGBT National Hotline TXT 4 HELP International Hotline

Overachiever?  Yep - we got you.   Feel like that is the only way to ‘do life'?  Yep - we get that too.  But there is another way.    Tune in as we talk about the issue of unrealistic expectations starting in youth and transitioning into adulthood.    We will review ways to manage your expectations and live the life in which you can thrive with REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. Check out Episode Four as we dive into this creative topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Have a great Monday everyone - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids How to Work Past Perfectionism Realistic Workforce Expectations Teen Overachievers and Perfectionism How to Manage Your Perfectionism Signs You May Be a Perfectionist Differences in Learning Strategies Different Types of Perfectionism Perfectionism and Impostorism in Becoming a Psychiatrist Brene Brown: The Stress Cycle Leadership runs amok. The destructive potential of overachievers

Episode 3: Tag-Team Match of the Week: Stress and Burnout vs Balance and Happiness. Place your bets! What a tag-team match this episode will be for everyone! I heard a quote from a student: "The brain relies more on experience than it does knowledge" seems to really apply to this discussion. If your experience is to run the stress and burnout cycle day after day, sometimes KNOWING what to do isn't as important as experiencing a new normal. This episode runs through leading causes for burnout, how we live in a stress-based culture, and ways to find your true balanced, and happy self. Curious to see everyone's thoughts! Have a great week - Melissa & Melissa Resources Referred to in Episode: Burnout and COVID-19 What Black Burnout Feels Like Millennials and Burnout Women and Burnout Women and the "Exhaustion Gap" Burnout in Healthcare Professionals Burnout vs. Job Satisfaction in Mental Health Workers Burnout & the Stress Cycle

Ever get lost in a spiral of Tik-Tok or maybe Instagram? Before you know it hours have passed! It is more common than you think. Even mental health professionals are capitalizing on the social media platforms (both of us included!) but is that a good thing? Or can there be harm in seeking guidance or diagnosis via social media? Check out Episode Two as we dive into this relevant topic and as always, we are curious to know what you think! Resources Referred to in Episode: Tik-Tok Apologized to Black Creators Understanding the Role of Social Media Your Brain Gets a Dopamine Hit Digital Crack Cocaine: The Science Behind Tik-Tok How Tik-Tok is Affecting Your Brain and Mental Health Tik-Tok & Psychology

We are finally back! Welcome to Beyond the Smile: Real Talk with Real People SEASON TWO! A few changes this year: 1. We are in video so you can see our smiley faces! Today's episode has a minor glitch, but I promise you it has been worked out, and starting with episode two it is a dual screen. 2. I have a co-host!!!! Tune in each week to see my fabulous new co-host and learn from each of us as we discuss some important topics when it comes to living your best life. As always, reach out with any questions and I cannot wait to dive in and tackle another season with you - Melissa (& Melissa!)

You have heard about her all season long and it's now time for my guru, the one, the only Corry Mendoza. She is real, she is amazing and she has had such an impact on my personal life, professional life and overall view of how I view me. Looking for a coach? Check her out and drop my name - she truly rocks. Her official info... Corry Mendoza has been inspiring audiences for over twenty years. In her engaging talks, she addresses the limits and liberations of belief systems, using personal stories to drive home positive leadership practices in a powerful way. She is Founder of Volition, a leadership training and coaching firm and author of Monday Motivations: 52 Weeks to a More Purposeful You. Her passions, at work and at home revolve around people and her clients include Sutter Hospital, UC Davis, Better Homes and Garden Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, Women's Council of Realtors, Boys and Girls Club and various government agencies thru-out California. Corry was born and raised in Atwater, California and has four children. She and her husband, Rusty, live in Roseville, California. They are active members in their faith, family and community. If you would like you or your team to break free from a discouraged or negative outlook and step into positive mental fortitude, call her. She will inspire you. She will challenge. She will cause you to grow! Resources: Whole Again / Jackson Mackenzie Fierce Conversations & Fierce Leadership / Susan Scott Drama Triangle/TED principle: check out on TED talks and YouTube

What can I say about my friend Barb? She was my first exposure to how intelligent, organized and fun a psychiatric nurse can be. My inpatient days straight out of grad school would have never been the same without her and my KP crew that I miss greatly (reunion anyone listening?!?). Our chat was just as fun as our work together. Mental health can be draining, but you do not have to lose your fun side or not enjoy your life. Barb is an excellent example of this fact and someone I cherish deeply in my professional, as well as my personal life. Barbara Hinds RN, PMH-BC BH UR Reviewer EFD BH Centralized UR HCA Healthcare East FL Division Working at HCA since August 2007 Language confusing for you? Yep - me too and she explained it all to me! Reach out and I will connect you with Barb so you can learn all about her side of the mental health community. Take care everyone and let me know what you think! Only one more episode after this one and Season One is a wrap. Melissa

Check out my interview with one of my favorite people - Nina Johnston. She has been amazing to collaborate with professionally, as well as be privileged to know on a personal level. She is a gift to the field and overall a very humble, generous individual. Nina Johnston, LICSW has spent the last 35 years working with children and families in school, home, hospital, and group care settings, in the Boston, MA area. Prior to entering the field, Nina earned her MSW from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. Her primary focuses today are on consulting with schools and childcare centers to provide services to children, families, and educators, both in person and virtually; and on her work as an adjunct professor within the online MSW program and on-campus BSW program at Simmons University.

Dr. Riley is also an Associate Professor at the Simmons University & University of New Hampshire. She has been a practicing social worker in Maine for 26 years. Previously she was a private consultant working with social service agencies assisting with accreditation, licensing, and the development and coordination of clinical programs. She has extensive experience in providing training and supervision to M.S.W. students and clinical social workers. She has experience in developing, designing, and implementing course content for graduate social work students. Currently, she has a private practice serving children, adolescents, and adults using a variety of treatment modalities. In addition to her social work degrees, Dr. Riley holds a Master's degree in Theology. Dr Riley can be reached at: http://truenorthconsultation.com

Check out my chat with Leah Rockwell! We connected randomly (thank you IG!) and I am grateful to have a peer with such passion, energy, and commitment to those she works with. Such a delightful conversation and such a wonderful new friend to have in my circle! Leah Rockwell, LPC, LCPC is a licensed professional counselor in PA and MD, providing online counseling services for women dealing with burnout, with a particular focus on the motherhood experience. She's a lovingly direct counselor and a co-parenting mom of two daughters. In former lives, she was a Spanish teacher, a sex education instructor, a school administrator, a wine vendor, and she is pretty sure she was a mermaid. Leah utilizes a feminist approach to therapy and believes deeply in the power of healing through connection, both within the therapeutic relationship as well as by reconnecting clients with their own embodied, internal experience. When not working with clients, she can be found writing, cooking, reading, swimming, and introverting. Her future plans include building a space for divorced moms to connect online and Airbnb-ing her 1860-built, former bootlegging cottage in Frederick, MD. She can be found at https://rockwellwellness.com/ and on Instagram @therapist_for_burnout.

Andy Kerr is beyond one of the most entertaining, engaging and authentic people that I have the pleasure to have in my tribe. Check out my interview with him and let me know what you think! Hi! I'm Andy - Speaker/Trainer/Coach I love stories! It always inspires me to see the hero of the story fight through impossible odds, gain the skills needed to defeat the enemy and achieve the life he or she has always wanted. I want to help create the event, the team, the business and the life you are dreaming of. I can help you & your organization get UNSTUCK, have FUN and do WORK THAT MATTERS!! One of Andy's favorite quotes: “Life's too short" is repeated often enough to be a cliche, but this time it's true. You don't have enough time to be both unhappy and mediocre. It's not just pointless, it's painful. Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you ought to set up a life you don't need to escape from.” -Seth Godin Contact Andy through his website HERE

It is time for us to switch to some coaches to weigh in on this important subject! Check out my discussion with one of my long term friends and travel adventure partner: Shana Fisk. A common description for Shana Fisk is “contagious energy, strength, and passion.” She has a unique way of connecting with people that exudes compassion and allows for direct communication. As a coach, her clients experience significant movement toward their goals. As a speaker, the feedback is consistent. Participants want more. Shana lives in Riverside, California, with her husband Mark. They enjoy spending time with their adult children and grandchildren. A day at the beach, traveling abroad, and simply visiting with family are some of Shana's favorite things to do. With an extensive background in education beginning in 1996, she successfully served in roles requiring teaching, training, team development, and leadership skills. As an Executive Director, her passion for coaching became clear, launching her into additional training and certification as a Co-Active Coach through CTI, the Coaches Training Institute in 2013. In 2014, Shana founded Key Strategies, a coaching company committed to empowering individuals to connect with their dreams and their passions, both at home and in the workplace. Key Strategies utilizes brain-compatible learning, CTI coaching certification, and an intuitive awareness, as a backdrop for successful training and coaching. Key Strategies works with professionals and entrepreneurs who want to improve their communication, gain work-life balance, and strengthen team units. Individualized coaching programs create positive change and significant results. Shana's goal is ultimately to raise the bar for how individuals live their lives, how teams function, and how companies can operate more efficiently. Contact Shana through her website at: https://keystrategiescoaching.com/

Talk about a delightful interview with one of my new favorite people! Tracy was able to be vulnerable, blunt, and quite humorous as she discussed her transition to private practice during a pandemic, as well as finding her ideal client niche. Such a fun interview and I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did speaking with her! Tracy is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in New Jersey. She has been in the counseling field for over 15 years. Tracy is the owner of Positive Reflections Counseling. She works with clients who feel stuck or who are experiencing obstacles that are holding them back in life. She focuses on helping clients cope with life transitions, self-esteem issues, and stress management. Tracy helps clients feel empowered and motivated to achieve their goals in a comfortable and supportive manner. She likes to incorporate mindfulness into her practice but tailors the sessions to meet the client's needs. When Tracy is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two rescue dogs exploring different trails and parks. You can connect with Tracy through her website at: https://positive-reflections-counseling.com

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on my discussion with Alicia Hite on finding your niche, what we both cringe when asked by a friend, and our collective need to destigmatize mental health overall. Her energy is contagious and I am excited for you to listen! Alicia Hite is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2013 with her master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to living in Colorado Springs, Alicia resided in Las Vegas, Nevada where she owned a private practice and worked in a variety of mental health settings such as drug and alcohol rehab centers, foster care agencies, school-based settings, and community mental health agencies. She is currently the owner of Springs Psychotherapy LLC which a private practice that provides therapy to those that struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, which usually result from less than nurturing early childhood experiences. Additionally, Alicia works with couples who have experienced some sort of betrayal trauma within their relationship and are looking to rebuild and strengthen their connection to one another. Alicia is passionate about helping clients have a safe space in which they can begin to work through their past painful experiences and discover their voice, their strength, and their true selves. Alicia also enjoys coaching other therapists in their private practice building journey which led her to create an online private practice building course called Prepping the Practitioner: How To Build, Maintain, and Love Your Private Practice. When Alicia is not working, she enjoys hiking or anything nature-related for that matter, reading, dancing, writing, meditation, and spending time with her friends and family. You can connect with Alicia via her website at: www.springspsychotherapy.com Or via social media on FB or IG @ @springspsychotherapyllc

Ever hear about Brainspotting? Yep - neither had I. Until I met the incredible Shaina Feingold. Check out my interview with her and let me know what you think! Shaina Feingold is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Trauma and Performance Specialist. She is certified in Brainspotting, which she uses to provide clients with lasting results. She received her Masters in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles with a focus in trauma and forensics. She has spent the bulk of her career working with adolescents and adults who have a history of trauma or chronic stress. She has experience working in residential substance abuse treatment, community mental health, and the school system in Minnesota. Shaina recently opened Mindful Reflections in Boca Raton, Florida, to offer a new and liberating way of conducting therapy and performance coaching. Through Mindful Reflections, Shaina aims to redefine trauma, performance, as well as addiction, in order for clients to feel heard. She sees people for who they are, not what they have experienced. Shaina helps clients find their truth so they can take back their power. Connect with Shaina HERE you will be as amazed (and impressed!) as I was!!! Additional Social Media Links: YouTube Facebook Instagram

Check out my chat with Dr. Schwinn and her thoughts on her Mary Poppin's bag, our culture of workplace identity, and what self-care looks like for her. So many nuggets of info in this interview - get a pen ready to take notes! Dr. Schwinn's passions lie in supporting women, particularly issues surrounding the transition within mamma-hood. In becoming a mother herself, there is a deep connection to those crossing this “rite of passage”, and the deep need to heal (what she calls inviting acceptance) from unmet expectations. Dr. Schwinn aim's to meet the patient with compassionate inquiry, towards integration. Building authentic connections through humor and sensitivity, clients report a genuine therapeutic alliance, allowing their vulnerabilities to be held with graceful respect. She resides in Northern California with her beloved husband, 2 small children, and Australian Shepard. She is naturally drawn to the water, being near it whenever possible. In daily life, you would find her engaging in yoga, while sipping good wine and practicing her Italian. Check out her website: Meet Dr. Laura Or check her out on Instagram: inpsyful.psychologist Or even on Facebook: inpsyful psychological services

Check out my interview with Catherine Lazen - talk about getting real. We discussed religion, family, feeling like a fraud, and many topics in between. It is a longer interview than most but the content is so powerful I encourage you to listen the whole way through. She has some excellent resources for you to check out below as well! Let me know what you think. While the focus of Catherine's training and experience is children and couples/families, she loves working with individuals of all ages. Her focus is to help her clients overcome and manage mental health challenges, issues associated with ASD, grief/trauma, relationship/family conflict, behavioral difficulties, life change, career planning, and issues associated with identity. As a former educator, she is particularly skilled at differentiating therapeutic interventions to fit individuals to suit their needs. In addition, she helps parents advocate for the educational needs of their children and provide social/emotional skills training to children and adults. Catherine Lazen is a clinical social worker and educational psychologist who specializes in human development over the lifespan. She offers support for healing, growth, learning, and healthy relationships. Her strength-based approach is informed by multiple theoretical frameworks, brain-based research, evidence-based therapies, the expressive arts, and a sense of humor. To schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation or learn more about Catherine check out her website at https://www.catherinelazen.com/ Resources: Chris Hedges https://www.chrislhedges.com/about Chris Hedges Film / American Psychosis - Chris Hedges https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlVLxmGv4yQ

Talk about an energetic conversation! If I could bottle Leah's energy, I could finally ditch my caffeine addiction. We touched on SO many topics during our chat that I foresee many more podcasts to come - from culture to mentors (Dana Grossman Lehman rocks!) to knowing your worth in the field. For all of the social workers out there looking for a summer adventure - wait until you hear what she has planned (and is looking for people to join her!). If I could only figure out how to leave my puppies....I may join her. Let me know what you think! Leah Hart Tennen, LICSW, MPH Associate Professor of Practice and Director of Academic Advising and Student Support Simmons University School of Social Work Outside of Simmons, Tennen is a teacher and clinical consultant for Girls' LEAP, a self-defense and empowerment program for Boston-area girls. Before coming to Simmons full-time, Tennen was the mikveh center director at Mayyim Hayyim Community Mikveh and Education Center. Tennen has also facilitated groups for Isis Parenting, Weight Watchers, and Marathon Physical Therapy. Tennen was the manager of the group mentoring department and a field instructor at the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. She has been a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG) since 2004 and served on the IASWG-Massachusetts chapter's board of directors for eight years. Contact: leah.tennen@simmons.edu

Check out my latest episode with Katie Geer as we talk 6a laundry, ten-page clinical notes, and of course wine & margaritas by the pool. Always fun having a close friend be willing to be vulnerable with me to discuss life behind the smile! Katie Geer is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has experience in mental health, family, and school counseling. She lives in Erie, Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. Katie also has an adult son who currently serves in the military. Katie is currently employed full-time in a school setting and also sees clients in a small private practice. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and spending time outdoors. Katie can be contacted at (814) 840-1444 or at katie.geer.lpc@gmail.com.

PART TWO Check out the second half of my interview with Loretta Adams and Bobbette Trice. Our discussion continues to review how they manage the stress of their positions, how they balance life outside of work and the impact of their personal experiences with their work with clients. Our discussion was very direct, had a lot of laughs and continued to the point of needing to split it into two episodes! Hope you enjoy the laughs and learning more about these two incredible social workers being rockstars in their respective states. Podcast Background Music provided by Holden Russiano, Nashville, Tennessee

PART ONE My interview with Loretta Adams and Bobbette Trice was so much fun! I always find it amazing to connect with such incredible ladies through technology in three separate states. Our discussion covered their reasons for entering the field of social work, racism, what they wish they learned in graduate school and the impact of their own experiences with their work with clients. Our discussion was very direct, had a lot of laughs and continued to the point of needing to split it into two episodes! Tune in next week to hear the second half of our discussion and learn more about these two women that are making their mark on the field of social work in a powerful way. Podcast Background Music provided by Holden Russiano, Nashville, Tennessee

Check out my interview with Dr. Nikki where we discuss the barriers to mental health treatment, a double standard between medicine and mental health providers with self care & the impact of a very challenging professor. I love her energy and her passion for her work! Dr. Lacherza-Drew, or as her patients call her, Dr. Nikki, is a licensed psychologist who works with children, teens, and adults. She is the owner of Vici Psychological Care, LLC, has a physical office in NJ, and provides online therapy to individuals in NJ, NY, and FL. Dr. Nikki has experience treating a range of mental health issues and has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, community health agencies, schools, in-home, and private practice. She currently works in private practice and most of her work includes helping individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, and difficulties regulating emotions. Dr. Nikki operates from a CBT and humanistic perspective and tailors her approach to what is needed during sessions. Her motto: Therapy is not cookie cutter! When she is not conducting therapy sessions, Dr. Nikki teaches psychology courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels to local colleges and universities. Dr Nikki can be reached at: Website: www.vicipsychcare.com Instagram: vicipsychcare Twitter: vicipsychcare Facebook: vicipsychcare

Check out Episode 03 with one of my favorite people as we discuss how the issue of authenticity, the impact of mentoring and empowerment shows up in academia, as well as life. You will also hear about her recent tour of Anne Frank's House and Tai Chi in a Japanese garden! Dr. Dana Grossman Leeman is the Senior Associate Director of the Tufts University Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT). Dana works with faculty to help bring their most creative, confident, and intentional selves to their teaching in order to improve student engagement, build community and foster equitable and inclusive professional development to optimize the quality of teaching and learning in face-to-face and online domains. Prior to coming to CELT, Dana was on faculty at the Simmons University School of Social Work for 22 years, during which she built two online degree programs in Clinical Social Work and Behavior Analysis. She was the inaugural Associate Dean for Online Education for the School of Social Work and was then appointed as the Inaugural Provost Faculty Fellow for Online Education in which she provided professional development to all faculty teaching in six online Masters programs across the university. Dana's work derives from relational cultural theory, experiential learning, and the sociological construct of mattering. She holds an MSW from Boston University School of Social Work and a Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from Simmons University. Dana is a passionate guitarist, balletomane, voracious reader, and is currently co-editing a text on Creating Communities in Online Education. She and her husband, Rafe, have two amazing children- Gabriel and Marissa. To follow Dr. Leeman you can find her on LinkedIn by clicking --- HERE Background music provided by Holden Russiano.

Ms. Jean-Charles is the sole proprietor of MA Jean-Charles Psychotherapy and Consulting, LLC, a private behavioral health practice that provides psychodynamic therapy to individuals, couples, and families of color. Melissa received a Master in Social Work (MSW) from Simmons University and is an independently licensed clinical social worker in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Melissa also received a Master in Public Health (MPH) from George Washington University. MA Jean-Charles Psychotherapy and Consulting, LLC provides psychodynamic therapy to individuals, couples, and families of color. We started our practice due to a shortage of private practices concentrating on people of color. MA Jean-Charles Psychotherapy and Consulting, LLC also provides a continuum of consultation services to small behavioral health private practices and clinics. Consulting services include office management, credentialing strategy, and the development of network proposals. Melissa has significant policy and behavioral health network management experience, including employment as a Deputy Director with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts DSRIP Community Partner's program and Regional Director of Provider Quality for both Metro Boston and Southeast Region for a Managed Care Entity (MCE). You can reach Melissa Jean-Charles to learn more about her practice, or to ask questions at: cell: 617.335.5613 email: majeancharles@gmail.com website: https://majcpsychotherapyandconsulting.com/ instagram: @majcpsych

Episode 01 Melissa Russiano, LCSW, LISW, CDWF In the first episode, get to know Melissa on a different level and understand the WHY of passion for this podcast. It is a different format to what the rest of the season will be, but a way to launch with an explanation to set the tone. Interested in learning more about the podcast? Check out our website here: BeyongTheSmileTribe Want to learn more about Melissa's work and schedule a complimentary consultation call? Check out her website here: MELISSA It is time for us to come together and embrace our common humanity. We are always and forever, Human First, Helping Professional Second. Take care of you - Melissa Shame hates it when we reach out and tell our story. It hates having words wrapped around it - it can't survive being shared. Shame loves secrecy... When we bury our story, the shame metastasizes. Brené Brown Background Music Provided by Holden Russiano

Beyond the Smile; Real Talk with Real People Our podcast is focused on normalizing the experiences of helping professionals. Our discussions will push back what you think people "want" to hear to get to the root of what people "need" to hear. Who We Are We are a fabulous crew with a mission of partnering with helping professionals to be real. Our ultimate goal is to decrease the impact of compassion fatigue and burnout in the field to allow for you to be your rockstar self. Strategies Every story is unique, but collectively we all are faced with similar issues. The impact is heavy, overwhelming at times but beyond rewarding. There can be a balance so you that you live the life you were created for and thrive. Without moving to Fiji... (oh wait - that is my escape plan!)