The HDFS Careers Podcast

Bradley earned a master's degree in Public Administration and a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Youth Development from Kent State University. He is currently the Senior Director of J Kids and Special Projects at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore. In this episode, he discusses how he found the field of HDFS and his professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Bradley's views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers.

Mary earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Life Education from Kent State University. She is currently the Public Relations Director for Plains Local School in Ohio. She is also the founder and president of the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Mary's views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Without further ado, here is her interview.

Rashawn earned a master's degree in Education in School Counseling from Malone University. He also earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Youth Development from Kent State University. He is currently a Professional School Counselor for a public school in Ohio. In this episode, he discusses how he found the field of HDFS and his professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Rashawn's views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers.Links to additional information: Video about working as a school counselor: https://youtu.be/U1rrTmpD728Video about elementary and middle school counselors: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmVWg2oiNxJyZiewS7DPGbW3QWxZBBvFoRashawn discussing helping students during the pandemic: https://www.ideastream.org/news/kids-returning-to-school-after-isolation-with-mental-health-concernsIf you have recommendations for HDFS or other family science alumni to interview, please reach out to me at HDFSCareers.com. Don't worry if they are not working in a job that would normally be considered “in the field.” I am interested in hearing a variety of stories--especially if they are working outside of academia.

It's our first double-interview episode on the podcast! Alex is currently an Academic Advisor for the College of Communication and Information at Kent State University. She earned a master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs, a Certificate in International Education, and a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Life Education from Kent State University. Ted is currently a Senior Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Analyst. He earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child and Youth Development from Kent State University. Alex and Ted met at Kent State while attending HDFS classes for their major and serving as Resident Advisors in the campus residence halls. In this episode, they share how they found the field of HDFS and their professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Alex and Ted's views are their own as private citizens and do not reflect the views of their current, former, or future employers.

Ericca is currently a School Social Worker at a charter school in Columbus, Ohio. She earned a master's degree in social work from The Ohio State University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. Please note that this episode does briefly discuss domestic violence.

Sharonda earned a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also holds a bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State University with a major in Child Development and Family Studies and a minor in Business Administration. She also holds a Certified Family Life Educator-Provisional (CFLE-P) credential from the National Council on Family Relations. She is the author of a book titled Mental Makeover:  Reclaiming Your Beauty from the Inside Out. She is currently a Licensed Master Social Worker and Outpatient Therapist working in the field of community mental health services in Tennessee. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Sharonda's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Website:  http://sharondastiggers.com/

Adrienne earned a master's degree in Human and Social Services specializing in Mental Health Facilitation from Walden University. She also holds a bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State University with a major in Child Development and Family Studies and a minor in Psychology. She is currently a Team Lead for the Care Management Department of a nonprofit mental health agency in Tennessee. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Adrienne's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

***In this bonus blog post episode, I share 5 tips for starting the process of career exploration within the field of HDFS.*** This season, I am launching a new series of bonus episodes based on content from the blog on my HDFS Careers website--a blog in which I provide unsolicited advice about preparing for and finding jobs as a family science major. I decided to share the blog posts audibly on the podcast because I know first-hand that it can be hard to make time to sit down and read things on the internet. With these bonus episodes, you can listen as you drive, do chores, walk to class, whatever. I will literally just be reading them straight from the website, so don't expect any frills--just the information. The views on the blog, website, and podcast are entirely my own, based on my own experiences and opinions. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of my current or former workplaces. Also, I make no guarantees about the outcomes of taking advice on the blog, website or podcast. It is simply my opinion, and everyone has to make their own choices that are best for them.

This season, I am launching a new series of bonus episodes based on content from the blog on my HDFS Careers website--a blog in which I provide unsolicited advice about preparing for and finding jobs as a family science major. I decided to share the blog posts audibly on the podcast because I know first-hand that it can be hard to make time to sit down and read things on the internet. With these bonus episodes, you can listen as you drive, do chores, walk to class, whatever. I will literally just be reading them straight from the website, so don't expect any frills--just the information. The views on the blog, website, and podcast are entirely my own, based on my own experiences and opinions. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of my current or former workplaces. Also, I make no guarantees about the outcomes of taking advice on the blog, website or podcast. It is simply my opinion, and everyone has to make their own choices that are best for them. This first blog post is a brief introducing the aim of the blog.

Amanda is currently an Associate Therapist at Grow Through Life Counseling, a group private practice providing mental health care to children and adolescents. She is also a Music and Fitness Teacher at San Carlos Preschool and a Member of the California Association for Play Therapy. She serves as President-Elect of the San Diego Branch. She earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Mental Health from San Diego State University. She also holds a graduate certificate as an Early Childhood Socio-Emotional Behavior Regulation Intervention Specialist (Ec-SEBRIS) from San Diego State University, and she has a bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development (specializing in Trauma-Informed Care) from San Diego State University--California State University. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Amanda's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Organization Mentioned in this Episode: https://www.calplaytherapy.org/

Maddie earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston. While completing her degree, she also earned an Early Childhood Interventionist Certificate and a minor in Education. She is currently an Outreach Specialist at the Children's Museum of Houston and the Owner and Founder of Maddie's Delights, her baking company. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Maddie's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Maddie's Delights Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maddiesdelights/ Maddie's Delights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddiesdelights/

Caroline is a Certified Child Life Specialist II at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. She earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama with a double concentration in Child Life and Early Childhood Education. She earned a master's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Parent-Family Life Education, also from the University of Alabama. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Caroline's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Link Mentioned:  Association of Child Life Professionals

Dr. Brian Bishop-Wilkey is currently a Shopper & Category Insights Manager at Abbott Nutrition. He earned a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin, a master's degree in Social Psychology from Texas A&M University, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Miami University. In this episode, he shares the story of how he found the field of HDFS and his professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Dr. Bishop-Wilkey's views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers. Book Mentioned in this Episode: Why We Buy by Paco Underhill

Dr. Catherine Cushinberry is currently the Executive Director/Vice President of City Year Memphis where she maintains strategic relationships with Shelby County, Journey Community Schools, Believe Memphis Academy, Frayser Community Schools, City Year Memphis' Board of Directors, corporate and philanthropic partners, and the Memphis Community. Dr. Cushinberry earned a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Missouri--Columbia. She also earned a master's degree in Organizational Communication from the University of Memphis and a bachelor's degree in Organizational Communication from Murray State University. In this episode, she shares the story of how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Dr. Cushinberry's views as her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Book Mentioned in this Episode:  The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

At the time of this recording, Allison was the Program Manager for Community Day Services. Since recording, she has earned a promotion. She begins her new role soon as the Director of Community Living and Community Day Service Programs. Congrats on the promotion, Allison! Allison earned a bachelor's degree in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Missouri--Columbia. She also holds the Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) credential. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Allison's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Books Mentioned in this Episode: Limbo: Blue-Collar Roots, White-Collar Dreams by Alfred Lubrano When Love Dies: How to Save a Hopeless Marriage by Judy Bodmer Listen at the player or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

In this bonus episode, resume writer and career coach Matt Warzel shares tips for job hunting and interviewing during a pandemic. Listen up for some quick tips as well as information about his company and website (where you can find more tips). As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Matt's views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers. Matt's Blog:  Jobstickers.com

Dr. Michalski is the Founder & CEO of Strategically Authentic. Her specialties include Strategic Planning, Leadership Development, and Project Management, to name just a few. She earned an Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership and Andragogy from Lindenwood University. She also earned a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis and a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Missouri--Columbia. In this episode, she shares the story of how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Dr. Michalski's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Connect with Dr. Michalski on Instagram!

Coriell Haughton Weeks is currently a Preschool Director at a private school. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama with a major in Human Development and Family Studies. In this episode, she shares the story of how she found the field of HDFS and her experience working in nonprofits, a school-based after-school program, faith-based organizations, early childhood education, and more! Coriell's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

Natalie Zuniga is an Academic Educator for Houston Methodist, a healthcare system in Houston, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston with major in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Biology. In this episode, she discusses her experience working as the Director of Operations for the North Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as an Organizational Development Training Specialist at Houston Methodist, and now as an Academic Educator at Houston Methodist. Natalie's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

Dr. Richard Feistman currently works as the National Director of Evaluation for an organization called Teach Plus. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to attend college--be sure to listen until the end to hear that story. However, he went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Columbia University, a master's degree in Social Studies Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Family Studies with a specialization in Human Rights Leadership from the University of Missouri. In this episode, he discusses his experiences teaching middle school, teaching abroad, and working in applied research to benefit educators throughout the country. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Dr. Feistman's views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers.

This is just a quick note to say that new interviews have been recorded and are currently being edited for release.

Dr. Liz Keneski is currently the Head of Privacy Research for Facebook. She earned both a master's degree and a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin. She also earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Colorado State University. In this episode, she shares the story of how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Dr. Keneski's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

This is a quick message to let you know that the podcast will be on a break until the first week of September. In the meantime, please check out additional resources and encouragement at www.HDFSCareers.com. Keep exploring your future possibilities!

Dr. Natalie Hengstebeck is currently an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellow (STPF) at the National Science Foundation, where she works on strategic partnerships and evaluation within the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Directorate. Dr. Hengstebeck earned both a M.S. and a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from DePaul University with minors in Sociology, Professional Writing, and Communications and Media Studies. In this episode, she shares the story of how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Dr. Hengstebeck's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

Hailey Stout currently works in the field of HIV/STD prevention. She earned a bachelor's degree in Human Environmental Sciences and a master's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Missouri--Columbia. In this episode, she shares her broad variety of professional experiences so far, from business to working with military families to the Peace Corps to her current role. (Please note that sexual violence and military combat are discussed in this episode.)

April Shaver is currently an Advocacy Specialist N.E.S.T. (Nurturing Educational Social Triumphs) Team Lead at Child Advocates of Fort Bend in Rosenberg, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston. In this episode, she shares the story of how she found the field of HDFS and the professional experiences she has had so far, including working in child life and teaching in Thailand. (Please note that child abuse and neglect is discussed in this episode.)

Equiller Mahone is currently the Assistant Executive Director for Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi in Jackson, Mississippi. She earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama. In this episode, she shares the story of how she found the HDFS major and her professional experiences working in the areas of domestic violence and child advocacy. She also shares lots of career tips based on her experience interviewing and hiring. (Please note that various forms of family violence and neglect are discussed in this episode.)

Krystal Vann is currently a Program Innovation Manager at Child Advocates of Fort Bend in Rosenberg, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston with a major in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Studio Art. In this episode, she shares the story of how she found the field of HDFS after initially majoring in art and the professional experiences she has had teaching in a charter school and working in child advocacy to help children in foster care. (Please note that child abuse and neglect is discussed in this episode.)

Lexie Greeneberg currently works with individuals with traumatic brain injuries in Virginia. She earned a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University with a major in Human Development and Family Science and a minor in Children's Studies. She also holds a provisional Certified Family Life Educator credential from the National Council on Family Relations. In this episode, she shares the story of how she found the field of family science, her educational experiences, and her professional experiences so far (including a recent promotion)!

Sepideh Nash is currently a licensed Marriage and Family Therapy--Associate in Houston, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston and a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston--Clear Lake. In this episode, she shares the story of how she found the field of HDFS and the professional experiences she has had so far.

Welcome and thanks for taking a few minutes to explore this podcast! In this brief first episode, I will tell you a bit about who I am (Erica Jordan), why I decided to start this podcast, and what to expect from it. Resources Mentioned: Roadtrip Nation HDFSCareers.com