Thriving Forward

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On this episode Sarah talks with Cheryl Carleton from Flower City Down Syndrome Network.  Cheryl shares her experience as a mother of a child with Down Syndrome as well as the work that Flower City Down Syndrome Network does for our Greater Rochester community.  To learn more, visit:  www.fcdsn.comOr email:  fcdsn21@gmail.comSupport the show

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

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

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

Bill Moehle has served as Brighton Town Supervisor since January 1, 2012. On this episode he and Megan discuss his favorite things about Brighton, what it means to be a town supervisor, and some of the town's history in addition to his own! Town Biography: https://www.townofbrighton.org/298/Biography-of-Supervisor-William-MoehleTown Website: https://www.townofbrighton.org/Brighton Farmer's Market: https://www.townofbrighton.org/668/Brighton-Farmers-MarketTwitter: @BillMoehle1Support the show

This week Sarah is talking with Joe Di Fiore, Executive Director of City Roots Community Land Trust.  Confused about how a community land trust (CLT) works?  Listen in and find out how City Roots works to preserve and increase the number of homes, rental properties, and community opportunities that are permanently affordable for future generations of Rochester families.    To learn more visit:  https://www.cityrootsclt.org/FB, IG, and Twitter: @CityRootsCLTSupport the show

Heather is the Chief Executive Officer of NAMI Rochester.  NAMI stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and their mission is to: "provide support, education and advocacy to individuals and families of all cultural backgrounds who are living with mental illness." On this episode of the podcast Megan speaks with Heather about the services offered through NAMI and the current supports available for individuals struggling with mental illness and their families.Website:  https://www.namiroc.org/Support the show

On this episode meet Calvin Eaton, social entrepreneur and founder of 540WMain, a non-profit anti-racist platform.  Calvin founded 540WMain in 2016 as a grassroots community space in the Susan B. Anthony district of Rochester, NY.  He and his team work to engage the community through anti-racist, accessible, and compelling digital and virtual content, centering Black and Indigenous thinkers and creators.  Listen in as Sarah talks with him about how he's working to educate our community on social justice issues and make an impact. To learn more:https://540westmain.org/Twitter:  @540wmainFB & IG: @540WMainSupport the show

Amanda Ashley Rodriguez is originally from Long Island.  She began writing and composing at the early age of fourteen and was performing solo by the age of sixteen in local coffee houses. After graduating from SUNY Fredonia, Amanda found her way into the Rochester, NY community as a local performer and musician's event coordinator. Amanda's local musical work includes teaching privately, performing, hosting, and organizing a plethora of social opportunities which encourage growth, community, and education; all while providing a platform for artists to be showcased. Girls Rock! Rochester is dedicated to using music as a vehicle for personal growth and positive change for girls, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. This organization works to empower girls and LGBTQ+ youth in our community through music.Website: https://girlsrockrochester.org/Support the show

The Rochester office of the Western NY Lead Poisoning Resource Center is supported by the New York State Department of Health.We provide:Education and support to medical providers and local health departments within the region. Our center works to improve lead testing and provide education and prevention activities.Consultation with medical providers on the medical management of children and pregnant women with lead poisoningConsultation with local health department staff on case coordination of children and pregnant women with lead poisoningProvision of lead poisoning prevention information and materials to medical providers and the publicTake Action!Make sure children are tested at ages 1 & 2Be aware of possible lead hazards in or near any buildings built before 1978Use lead-safe practices when renovating, repairing, or painting a building built before 1978If you are pregnant be sure to get tested for lead, avoid doing renovations yourself, make sure people doing renovations are EPA certified and use lead safe work practices, and test for lead dust when renovation is completeIf your child has been exposed to lead, it is important to: Prevent further exposure.  Contact your county health department lead poisoning program for further advice.Evaluate diet and correct nutritional deficiencies, especially in iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E.Be aware of potential attention, learning, and behavior management needs, and seek appropriate services. Younger children (less than three years old) may qualify for a referral to Early Intervention Services.  Parents can request an evaluation by their school district's Committee on Preschool Special Education for children 3 years of age and older who are not yet in school and may need additional support.  Children enrolled in school would be referred to the school district's Committee on Special Education should specific needs arise.Western NY Lead Poisoning Resource Center websiteResource Center TeamSupport the show

Who doesn't love Dolly Parton?  Did you know she is not only one of the best American singer/songwriters, but also a huge advocate for early literacy?  Dr. Matthew Present, a 3rd year pediatrics resident at the University of Rochester Medical Center, has established a branch of her wildly successful Dolly Parton Imagination Libraries right here in Rochester.  Listen in as Sarah talks with him about how getting free books to kids can help improve reading skills and benefit the whole family.To learn more or support the Rochester Imagination Library visit:https://www.rochesterimaginationlibrary.org/FB and IG: @ImaginationLibraryROCSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode Sarah talks with Santos Jasmine Montanez from Ibero American Action League.  Ibero is a dual-language multi-service agency that uplifts, empowers, and advocates for Latinos and the underserved.  Santos is a Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator working with their Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Program.  Resources mentioned during the episode:  https://www.ibero.org/ Call 311 for any needs.Find Ibero on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.Call:  585-256-8900Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

On this episode of the podcast we speak with Liza Savage-Katz. She has been teaching yoga and fitness since 2002 with students ranging in age from 2 to 92 (literally). Her company, KaleidoscopeME™ is an EDUtainment productions and software development company focused on the creation of movement, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning platforms for children. Liza co-created KaleidoscopeME™ with Leah Kalish, founder of Move-with-Me Yoga Adventures. Listen in to hear how passionate she is about this work and her love of helping people!Website: https://kaleidoscopeme.org/Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode Sarah interviews Jody Todd Manly, the Clinical Director of Mt. Hope Family Center.  Mt. Hope Family Center is a unique program that both provides direct clinical services and conducts research to help improve the lives of children and families who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect, or trauma.  Listen in and learn more!For more information:Website - https://www.psych.rochester.edu/MHFC/ TRANSFORM Research Center - http://thetransformcenter.org/ Call the Center at:  585-275-2991Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode we meet with Dr. Jessica Shand. She is trained as a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist with a clinical interest is in the management of hematologic malignancies in children and young adults. We discuss her work in the mindfulness and mental health care space, provider burn out, and re-imagining medicine moving forward.Website: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/26896397-jessica-c-shandTwitter: @DrJessicaShandSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

Dr. Stephen Cook is a physician trained in Adult Medicine and Pediatrics. His research focuses on how best to help children and families struggling with obesity. In addition to caring for children in the clinic at Strong Hospital, he also works for the NYS DOH Office of Medicaid, which has moved him into many different roles during the pandemic. Tune in to this episode to learn more about Dr. Cook and the amazing work he has done and continues to do for those in our area!Twitter: @DrSteveCookURMC Faculty Webpage: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/23145160-stephen-r-cookSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode Sarah talks with Cara Rager, the Manager of Educational Training and Family Engagement at WXXI Public Broadcasting.  They discuss how WXXI partners with parents and the community to help kids learn in so many more ways than just providing high quality children's television programming.  To learn more, visit the WXXI websiteOr head to Facebook or Instagram: @WXXIKids and @WXXIEducationSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

Quajay Donnell is a Rochester, NY based photographer and writer with a passion for public art and capturing his community. His work has been published in Departures Magazine, The Washington Post, CITY (Rochester, NY), The Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY), 585 Magazine (Rochester, NY), The Waterbury Observer (Waterbury, CT) and seen on WXXI (Rochester, NY). Quajay is a WALLTHERAPY crew photographer, and the recipient of the 2020 George Eastman Museum Award for the Rochester Contemporary Art Center's 30th Annual Members Exhibition. He has two photographs on exhibit currently at the Memorial Art Gallery.Website: https://www.quajay.com/about.html Wall Therapy: http://www.wall-therapy.com/murals/wallmaps/ Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

The Coffee Connection empowers women on their journey to sustainable recovery from addiction by providing training, jobs, and support, all while being one of Rochester's premiere coffee roasters.  In this episode Sarah talks with Joy Bergfalk, the Executive Director of The Coffee Connection and Project Empower.To learn more, visit:www.ourcoffeeconnection.orgTo contact Joy or The Coffee Connection, email:coffeeconnection681south@gmail.comjoybergfalk@gmail.comFind The Coffee Connection on Facebook or Instagram:@ourcoffeeconnectionSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this special episode, it's all about the kids!  The Pfizer COVID vaccine just got approved for kids 5 and older and doctors and kids right here in Rochester helped make that happen.  Special guest host 10-year-old Lily interviews Dr. Jennifer Nayak, a Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, about running this study site and how the vaccine works.  Then we hear from some superhero kids who are participating in the study about their experience and what they want kids and their parents to know about the vaccine.For more info on the COVID-19 vaccine, check out these resources:https://www.aap.org/https://www.cdc.gov/Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

The only program of its kind in New York State, the Crisis Nursery, a program of The Center For Youth, delivers no-cost, emergency childcare to families during crises.  In this episode Sarah interviews Monica Thomas, the Program Manager for Crisis Nursery, and Joanne Lathan, the Assistant Manager.The Crisis Nursery includes two facilities; one on the west side of the city of Rochester on Genesee Park Blvd, and a second location called Owen's House, located in the northeast quadrant of Rochester on Rosewood Terrace. Both Crisis Nursery locations are open 24/7 365 days year and staffed by The Center for Youth and volunteers.24 hour Crisis Line: 585-271-7670Website: https://www.centerforyouth.net/crisis-nurseries/To learn about volunteer opportunities contact Kathy Cummings at 585-473-2464.To reach Crisis Nursery directly, call 585-235-5750.To reach Owen's House directly, call 585-482-2561.Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

Christine Callanan is a Rochester native and a career civil servant in the District Attorney's offices in both Monroe and Wayne Counties. In this podcast episode she speaks to the role of the District Attorney's office for victims of crimes, their families, the perpetrators of those crimes and the greater community.Wayne County DA Office website: https://web.co.wayne.ny.us/Directory.aspx?DID=17 Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

We welcomed GiGi's Playhouse Board Members Carrie and Katie this week. Carrie has Trisomy 21 and has benefited greatly from the support of her family and GiGi's playhouse both in Rochester and Syracuse.  Carrie has written two children's books about her experiences. GiGi's Playhouse:  https://gigisplayhouse.org/rochester/Special Tomato: https://www.specialtomato.com/about.htmlSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

SPCC has a long history of championing children's rights, from the time it was founded in the late 19th century, to its expansive programs and advocacy work today.  In this episode Sarah talks with Sarah Fitzgibbons, the Vice President of Programs & Practices at SPCC, as well as an Infant Health Mentor.  They discuss how SPCC works to support some of the most vulnerable children and families and exactly what the term "infant mental health" means.Learn more about SPCC here.Facebook:  The Society for The Protection and Care of Children Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

When Rochester began talking about filling in the Inner Loop North, artist Shawn Dunwoody and activist Suzanne Mayer teamed up from the two neighborhoods opposite that part of the highway to form Hinge Neighbors.  Together they are working to involve, empower, and lift up the voices of the residents to create a cohesive neighborhood as plans to fill in the Inner Loop move forward.Listen in as Sarah talks with Shawn and Suzanne about how their unlikely friendship came about and the importance of listening and showing up when working in the community.To learn more about Hinge Neighbors, click or tap here.Instagram:  @hingeneighborsFacebook:  @hingeneighborsTo follow Shawn Dunwoody on Instagram:@shawndunwoody Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

The Rochester area is full of beautiful outdoor spaces, but the reality is those spaces are not available to everyone.  In this episode Sarah talks with Lucienne Nicholson, the founder of Inclusive Woods & Us, a non-profit dedicated to making nature accessible to ALL people, especially traditionally marginalized communities.  To learn more about Inclusive Woods & Us, visit:https://inclusivewoodsandus.org/FB:  @WoodsandusIG:  @woodsandusSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode we meet Leah Hill, the Clinical Engagement Specialist for the Adolescent and Young Adult Program at Strong Recovery. She shares her passion for advocacy in the substance abuse recovery community locally. She also speaks to the array of services now available at Strong Recovery AYA. If you or someone you know is dealing with substance abuse and you are looking for support listen to this episode to learn more.Strong Recovery AYASupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode we discuss the many hats that Dr. Murray wears in our community, the COVID delta variant, provider advocacy and so much more!Bivona Child Advocacy CenterREACH is a Referral and Evaluation service for Abused ChildrenAmerican Academy of Pediatrics & Healthychildren.orgSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

This week on the podcast we are excited to welcome Ed Popil, the entertainer behind local drag superstar, Mrs Kasha Davis. During this episode we discuss the inspiration behind Mrs Kasha Davis, her upcoming project with Blackfriars Theatre, and the things that keep her grounded.  This interview focuses on the man behind the woman and we hope you enjoy hearing it as much as we enjoyed recording it!https://www.instagram.com/mrskashadavis/?hl=enhttp://www.blackfriars.org/imaginationstation-mainSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

Joseph Morelle, Jr. is a life-long resident of the Town of Irondequoit. He represents the Monroe County Legislature's 17th Legislative District, which comprises the southern half of Irondequoit. He serves on the Legislature's Ways & Means and Transportation Committees. Joseph is the VP of Student Housing Development for Wilmorite Management Group, LLC in Henrietta. A graduate of Eastridge High School, he holds a degree in business from SUNY Geneseo. On this week's episode of the podcast, Megan and Joe discuss his passion for local politics, work in the county legislature that he is proud of, and the political divide as it currently stands.Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/legislature-legislators#17https://www.facebook.com/JosephMorelleJr/ Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

Meet Kilolo Moyo-White, passionate advocate for parents, antiracist educator, and champion for Rochester's youth.  Sarah sits down with her in this interview to discuss her work with ROC the Future, The Antiracism Academy, and why it's so important to empower parent and youth voice.To learn more about ROC the Future, go to:  https://rocthefuture.orgFind ROC the Future and PECAN on Facebook To learn more about The Anti-Racism Academy, go to:https://www.theantiracismacademy.com/?fbclid=IwAR0BmJ0o1hB5L8VbsUUc9nfNpxbE97Yk4LeeBoB42STCJ14cBj-6wlGa3SgSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

Have you ever thought about how violence is steeped into so many aspects of our culture?  It appears in the expressions we use, the movies we watch, the news stories we read, and the video games we play.  In this episode Sarah interviews Kit Miller, the Director of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence.  At the Gandhi Institute their mission is to help individuals and communities develop the inner resources and practical skills needed to achieve a nonviolent, sustainable, and just world.To learn more about the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence, go to:https://gandhiinstitute.org/You can find them on Facebook or Instagram: @rocnonviolenceOther resources mentioned in this interview:Harvard Implicit Bias Test - https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.htmlNon-Violence news -  https://nonviolencenews.org/ Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

Amy Albanese is the Community Relations Manager for Person Centered Services. Amy has a Bachelor's Degree from Notre Dame College in Arts and Education with a concentration in mild to moderate intervention specialization for K-12 students. Before taking her current job, Amy spent three years as a teacher for children with autism in Ohio. She was the Director of Community Connections for Adaptive Recreation Services, now known as Abilities movement. She was the Community Resource Specialist at the Arc of Monroe for two years. She spent one year as an intake specialist at Person Centered Services before beginning her current role over two years ago.https://personcenteredservices.com/Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

This episode is a special broadcast of the Anne E. Dyson Memorial Grand Rounds & Community Advocacy Forum, in which Megan and Sarah co-hosted discussions with two different groups of medical-community partners.The Hoekelman Center's 21st Anne E. Dyson Memorial Grand Rounds & Community Advocacy ForumTopics Discussed: Puberty Education: Dr. Karina Vattana partnered with Atashia Walker from the Department of Recreation and Human Services and Jennifer Quick from Metro Council for Teen Potential to increase access to age-appropriate, accurate puberty educationVaccine Hesitancy in the Plain Community: Dr. Tyler Stephen partnered with local Mennonites and Sara Christensen Deputy Director from the Yates Public Health Department to open a dialogue on vaccines in their community.About Dr. Anne E. DysonA pediatrician and philanthropist, Dr. Dyson was the driving force behind nationwide efforts to refocus our attention on children in the community, especially those who suffer from violence, poverty, hunger and other social ills.Under her leadership, the Dyson Foundation funded ten pediatric residency training programs, including the University of Rochester, to enhance training in community health and advocacy. The Anne E. Dyson Memorial Grand Rounds & Child Advocacy Forum celebrates her legacy and promotes the great work being done on behalf of children in the Rochester community and beyond.Hoekelman Center Website Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

On this episode of the podcast Megan interviews Dr. Elizabeth "Lissa" McAnarney.  Dr. McAnarney is a Distinguished University Professor and Chair Emerita of the Department of Pediatrics. She received the M.D. Degree and holds two honorary doctoral degrees. She completed her pediatric residency at the State University of New York (Syracuse) followed by a two-year fellowship at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.  Dr. McAnarney was Director of Adolescent Medicine for 22 years prior to serving as Chair of Pediatrics and Pediatrician-in-Chief at the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong for 13 years. During her tenure as Chair, she oversaw the development of the Golisano Children’s Hospital and growth of the academic pediatric programs. She was Acting Dean of URSMD for nine months.https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/20407698-elizabeth-r-mcanarneySupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode Sarah interviews Karen Zandi, President and CEO of Mary Cariola Center.  Mary Cariola Center provides services and support to individuals with disabilities and their families.  To learn more about Mary Cariola Center, visit:www.marycariola.orgFacebook:  Mary Cariola CenterFacebook:  Mary Cariola Center “Proud Parents” groupVideo about Mary Cariola:  https://vimeo.com/486995198Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode Sarah interviews Tonia Burton, Children’s Services Consultant for Monroe County Library System.  They talk about the many programs the library system offers and the ways in which the library system has stepped up to meet community need during the COVID pandemic.To learn more, visit:www.roccitylibrary.orgwww.libraryweb.orgOr look on Facebook for:Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County NYCentral Library Kids Club Family StorytimeSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode Sarah talks with Dr. Steven Schulz, the pediatric medical director for Rochester Regional Health’s Monroe County region and a pediatrician at Finger Lakes Medical Associates in Geneva. Dr. Schulz talks about his efforts in helping to coordinate the pediatric community's response to COVID including his work on the Finger Lakes Reopening Schools Safely Task Force.Links from Dr. Schulz's interview:Finger Lakes Reopening Schools Safely Task Force - https://www.commongroundhealth.org/collaborations/finger-lakes-reopening-schools-safely-task-forceRochester Regional Health - https://www.rochesterregional.org/physician-directory/s/schulz-stevenSuccess for Geneva's Children - https://www.hws.edu/successforgenevaschildren/#Geneva 2030 - https://www.hws.edu/about/geneva_2020.aspxSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

Dr. Brenda Tesini is an Associate Hospital Epidemiologist as well as an Adult and pediatric general infectious diseases doctor at URMC. She and Megan discuss the changes and challenges to her job since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic.Website: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/infectious-disease.aspxSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode Megan interviews her co-host, Sarah, about being a pediatrician during COVID, her work as Assistant Director for Pediatric Links with the Community, and her community work with Get Ready to GROW Rochester. To learn more about Pediatric Links with the Community, visit:www.hoekelmancenter.orgTo learn more about Get Ready to GROW Rochester, visit:https://www.childrensinstitute.net/programs-and-services/grow-rochesterSupport the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode Sarah talks with Jennifer Muniga, the Executive Director of Cameron Community Ministries. Cameron Community Ministries is an Urban Outreach Community Center in the Lyell-Otis Neighborhood of Rochester, NY. Their mission is to work with neighborhood residents and partners to create a vibrant and thriving community through empowerment and advocacy while meeting basic needs. Program offerings include youth after-school and summer programs, a Teen Center, Peace Garden, a free hot meal program that serves lunch daily, an emergency food pantry, and a clothing house that serves community members in need of clothing and housewares.Jennifer began her work at Cameron as the Youth Programs Director in 2011 and was named Executive Director in 2013. To learn more about Cameron Community Ministries, please visit:https://cameronministries.org/Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode Megan speaks to the Co-Owners of Hipocampo Books.Hipocampo Children's Books, LLC is an independent Woman/Latinx owned children's bookstore in Rochester, NY! They are located in the South Wedge, close to downtown. They have a varied collection of books that represent the rich cultures and languages of western NY as well as toys and children's apparel. They host children's programs and classes, performances, author signings, and even opportunities for adults to share their love of children's literature.Check out their website for more information: https://hipocampochildrensbooks.com/Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)

In this episode Sarah talks with Mitch Gruber, Chief Strategy Officer at Foodlink. Mitch graduated from SUNY Binghamton and worked at ABC Head Start before joining Foodlink in 2008. He earned his PhD in American history at the University of Rochester, focusing his dissertation on the decline of urban food access in Rochester. He also serves as a Rochester City Council Member.For more than 40 years, Foodlink has leveraged the power of food to end hunger and build healthier communities in Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. Through good stewardship, innovation and collaboration, Foodlink mobilizes a diverse network of community partners to address both the symptoms and root causes of food insecurity. To learn more about Foodlink, visit:https://foodlinkny.org/Support the show (https://kidsthrive585.org/about/)