Awareness 2 Action

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Connie Harrington about the Murder-Suicide Loss Network, the power of community support when grieving and healing, and what it means to tell our own stories.

Connie Harrington is a content strategist, mom of two, and a survivor of murder-suicide loss. She is on the leadership team of Triumph over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resilience Initiative and on the board of the Murder-Suic...

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Sam DeMello about his app, Evive, the ways it personalizes care and generates connection for individuals redefining their relationship to gambling, and how his team is using technology to create a healthier future 

Drawing from his personal recovery journey from gambling addiction and with 15+ years in strategic leadership, Sam founded Evive to revolutionize gambling support. His vision ...

S4 E5: Superintendent Clay Corbin on the Evolution of Innovative Programming 

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Superintendent Clay Corbin about developing programming that supports education, empowerment, and healing. We dive into the “space and grace” required for creating something new, and the challenges and positives of leading innovation. 

Clay Corbin is Superintendent of the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention...

S4 E4: Hamilton Glass on Mending Walls and Collaborative Change

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Hamilton Glass about Mending Walls RVA, the concept of project vs. process, and the many ways that creativity, connection, and collaboration can lead to change.

Hamilton Glass’s career as an artist stems from his architecture and design background. Despite working in the architecture field for 7 years, his passion for publ...

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Rick Griffin about the ways that understanding neuroscience can transform ourselves and our relationships, the impact of community-based education, and the power of staying curious in every interaction.

Rick is the Founder and CEO of the Neuro Leadership Academy, a new enterprise committed to using neuroscience to facilitate personal and professional development. Rick holds a master’s degr...

It’s National Recovery month, and in this week’s episode, we’re talking with Mandy McCarthy about the role that vulnerability plays in healing, the world’s need for storytelling, and moving upstream in prevention and wellness work.

Mandy McCarthy is a Prevention and Wellness Specialist with Northwestern Community Services Board, who uses her story to help bring awareness to mental health challenges and substance use. She is the m...

We’re kicking off Season 4, joined by Chief Wayne Sager! We’re discussing Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, what it looks like to work collaboratively within our communities to create change, and how looking locally can help us live better for longer. 

Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, Chief Wayne Sager has served the Town of Strasburg for 18 years, six of which as their Chief of Police. A 2019 graduate of the FBI Na...

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Dr. Adam Starks about breaking the cycle, reaching out to help others, the need for community, and the hope of at-promise youth. 

Dr. Adam Starks is a motivational keynote speaker on a variety of child welfare-related topics, ranging from foster care, child mental health issues, and trauma informed care. As a product of the foster care system who broke the cycle, he empowers audiences to...

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz about healing, connection, and the journey of “traumatization to empowerment.”

Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz is a psychologist, author, and mother of two. Dr. Goldberg Mintz owns a small private practice, Secure Base Psychology and holds the title of Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. She is also the author of Has Your Child Been Traumatiz...

We are ending the year with a revisit to our first episode of 2022 by reposting our sit down with Shanza Isom to discuss holistic well-being, mindfulness, and self-care. We think this conversation is the PERFECT way to start January, at a time when we’re all considering how we can better care for ourselves, and others, in the year ahead. 

Shanza Isom is an assistant professor in the James Madison University department of social w...

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Jared Rowan about the tools and self-discovery found in therapy, yoga practice as a way of living, and the empowerment that can be experienced in both. 

Jared is a Psychotherapist on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, working with individuals across the lifespan, providing one-on-one, family, and couple's therapy, for over 13+ years. Jared is also an E-RYT 500-hr Yoga Teacher (teaching for a d...

On this week’s episode, we’re flipping the script and talking with our host Casey Dwyer about the history and evolution of the Awareness 2 Action podcast, our hopes for its future, storytelling, the importance of developing community, and staying hopeful. 

Along with the Northwestern Community Prevention and Wellness Services team, Casey co-developed and now hosts the Awareness 2 Action Podcast. Casey is a social worker located i...

On this summer’s bonus episode, the Awareness 2 Action team gathers to discuss their highlights and takeaways from Season 2. 

Our guests are the incredible team members who bring you this show every other week! NWCSB Prevention and Wellness Services Coordinator Shannon Urum, and Prevention and Wellness Specialists Denise Wakeman, Corialise Pence, Rebekah Schennum, and Casey Dwyer sit down to discuss this project, and the guests w...

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Amanda Quintana & Colleen Jones, hosts of The Hidden Addiction Podcast about their work to address problem gambling, utilizing innovation & technology in human services, and connecting individuals with care. 

Amanda Quintana works as a Program Manager for the Mid-Hudson Problem Gambling Resource Center in New York State. She is passionate about providing support and resources to those in...

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Jordan Brooks about reducing the stigma associated with suicide, starting meaningful conversations, and the noteworthy resources available in our state. 

Jordan Brooks serves as the Regional Suicide Prevention Program Manager for DBHDS Region 1, as well as the Lock and Talk Virginia Coordinator— a comprehensive suicide prevention initiative provided across the...

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Stephen Hill about [expansion of epi descriptors]

Stephen Hill is the founder of Speak Sobriety and a renowned national speaker on substance use prevention & mental health awareness. Stephen is also an attorney, recovery coach, and bestselling author of  A Journey to Recovery: Speak Sobriety. Stephen has presented in front of thousands of people for over 300 schools, drug free community ...

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Gail Maddox Taylor about listening to and investing in communities, building coalitions, and why prevention matters. 

Gail Maddox Taylor is the Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Wellness for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, also known as the NPN, where she provides leadership in Virginia’s prevention efforts. She also leads Virginia’s sta...

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Dorris Walker-Taylor about Thistle Farms- a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. Dorris is a Senior Ambassador and a 2012 graduate from Thistle Farms. Dorris also recently authored her first book, Hope is Always Real. 

TRIGGER WARNING: Substance use, sexual assault, trafficking, trauma, gun violen...

On this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with Laura Cross to discuss the importance of prioritizing authenticity with ourselves, what it looks like to develop community within a profession or field, and how to encourage positive workplace culture. 

Laura Cross is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor and owner of a group private practice, Individual and Relationship Therapy Center (IRTC)...