Join us for this episode of the Academy i3 Podcast as we welcome Sunni Dominguez, Tribal Stars Program Manager and member of the Ipay Nation of Santa Isabel. Sunni shares her expertise on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), discussing its history, why it matters, and how it impacts Native American families and child welfare professionals.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The origins and purpose of ICWA

• Key provisions and compliance challenges

• The importance of cultural connection and community leadership

• Best practices for social workers and agencies

• Real stories and lived experiences from Native communities

Whether you’re a child welfare professional, student, or someone interested in social justice and Native American issues, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for making a positive impact.

Sunni Dominguez is Iipay/Kumeyaay from the Ipay Nation of Santa Ysabel. She served as an elected tribal official for 14 years and currently sits on the Tribal Advisory Committee for the CDSS Office of Tribal Affairs. With over 20 years of experience in tribal family advocacy, early childhood education, and cultural preservation, she now serves as Program Manager for the Academy for Professional Excellence Tribal STAR program. As a trainer for ICWA: Working with Native American Families and Tribes, Sunni draws on her experiences as a mother, grandmother, foster parent, and Indian custodian to support better outcomes for Native American children and families. Her work focuses on spiritual healing and protecting past, present, and future generations.👍 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!

This episode of the Academy I3 podcast delves into the vital topic of peer support, exploring its significance in both personal and professional contexts.

The discussion highlights how peer support fosters a sense of community, encourages open dialogue, and provides practical strategies for overcoming challenges. Through real-life examples and expert insights from Betsy Watson, MSW, and Shelley Townley, BA, the episode emphasizes the transformative power of shared experiences and the importance of building supportive networks.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how peer support can enhance well-being, resilience, and growth within various environments.Episode Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Guest Introductions08:45 – Defining Peer Support and Its Importance15:22 – Origins of Ventura County’s Peer Support Program23:10 – One-on-One Support and Resiliency Groups28:55 – Innovative Approaches: Therapy Dogs, Mindfulness, and Chair Yoga35:40 – Training Peer Supporters and Program Growth42:12 – Immediate Support Compared to Traditional Support (EAP, Therapy)49:05 – Critical Incident Response and Trauma Bonding55:30 – Coalition-Building Across Counties and First Responders1:28:50 – Final Takeaways and Advice for New Workers and Leaders Learn about our guest: Betsy Watson, Supervisor, Ventura County Child Welfare – 23 years in child welfare, involved in peer support since 2018, with expertise in staff wellness and workforce resilience.

Shelley Townley, Supervisor, Ventura County Child Welfare – Nearly 30 years in child welfare, peer support involvement since 2016, experienced in program development, coalition-building, and sustaining trauma-informed practices.Guest contact information Follow us on social media:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sdsuacademy

In this episode, host Charlie Rodnuson interviews Giovanni Holloway, a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in child welfare and social services in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The conversation covers emerging practices in social work, the importance of self-care and work-life balance, diversity and culturally responsive approaches, creative community engagement such as natural hair care forums for foster families, the effects of policy on caseloads and workforce retention, and practical advice for social workers at all stages of their careers.

Boost well-being and retention for child welfare workers through trauma-informed care and psychological safety.

In this episode of the Academy i3 podcast, the discussion centers around the critical issues of workforce recruitment and retention in the field of child welfare. Guest Lisa Maaca Bartlett, an experienced social work professional and academic, shares her insights on creating supportive work environments, the impacts of trauma-informed care, and the significance of psychological safety within organizations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by child welfare workers, including secondary traumatic stress, and offers practical strategies to improve retention and well-being among staff. This episode is a valuable resource for leaders and practitioners looking to enhance their organizational culture and support their teams effectively.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

07:00 – Research on Workforce Retention

11:47 – Themes for High Turnover Rates

16:38 – Impact of Stress and Burnout

24:22 – Trauma-Informed Care in Practice

35:29 – Supporting Current Workers: Psychological Safety

36:20 – Understanding Psychological Safety

37:30 – Four Stages of Psychological Safety

48:42 – Trauma-Informed Care and Workforce Retention Strategies

Check out the resources we mentioned:

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – Trauma-Informed Care Curriculum: https://www.nctsn.org/

• Harvard Business Review Article: "The Hazards of a ‘Nice’ Company Culture" by Timothy R. Clark (2021): https://hbr.org/2021/06/the-hazards-of-a-nice-company-culture

  
  

Learn about our guest: 

Lisa Maaca Bartlette, MSSA, is a social service entrepreneur and founder of Lisa Maaca, Inc., specializing in Trauma-Informed Care. Drawing from her own healing journey and extensive social work experience in Ohio and California, Lisa delivers transformative, evidence-based programs and keynotes across the US. She consults and trains California’s Child Welfare and Juvenile Probation workforce, helping reshape how trauma is understood and addressed. With a background in Business Management, a Master of Science in Social Administration, and ongoing doctoral studies focused on Trauma-Informed Care and Neurobiology of Trauma, Lisa combines research and real-world practice to inspire positive organizational change.

Contact Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-maaca-bartlette-47225525/ 

Subscribe for more psychological safety and workforce development content: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAcademySDSU

Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sdsuacademy

#ChildWelfareWorkforce #TraumaInformedLeadership #PsychologicalSafety

Learn how intersectionality shapes our lives and influences our workplaces!

In this episode of the Academy i3 podcast, hosts Charlie and Shane are joined by Audrey Tousant Shelby, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Practicum Education at USC and a child welfare professional with 16 years of experience. Audrey discusses her journey through social work, her passion for understanding disproportionality in child welfare, and her dedication to addressing disparities in care for children of color. The conversation covers key topics like intersectionality, positionality, and how organizations can create more inclusive and psychologically safe environments. Tune in to learn how you can contribute to healthier workplaces and communities.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:03 Meet Audrey Tousant Shelby

02:30 Defining Intersectionality

03:22 Intersectionality in Organizations

04:45 Understanding Positionality

08:23 Challenges of Discrimination

10:50 Recognizing and Addressing Bias

22:13 Promoting Inclusivity in the Workplace

28:47 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Learn about our guest: 

Audrey Tousant Shelby, MSW, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Practicum Education at USC, with over 16 years of leadership in child welfare across nonprofit, county, and state systems. She began her career at SHIELDS for Families, where she designed and led programs across the child welfare continuum and rose to oversee the entire division. Her career includes high-impact roles such as Chief of Staff to the Chief Deputy Director of LA County’s Department of Children and Family Services, Child Welfare Administrator, County Consultant, Program Manager, and Supervisor. In these capacities, she has led strategic initiatives including the Family First Prevention Services Act, Thriving Families, and equity-focused reforms. A USC MSW alumna, Mrs. Shelby has trained and coached professionals statewide, developed culturally responsive curricula, and advanced key practices like Safety Organized Practice and Family Finding. As an adoptee, she is deeply committed to transforming foster care into a system of child well-being, with a focus on equity and family preservation.

You can contact Audrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyshelby/

Subscribe for more DEI and organizational culture content: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAcademySDSU

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sdsuacademy

#Intersectionality #DEI #WorkforceDevelopment

Learn how chronic stress and traumatic brain injuries can silently impact workplace dynamics and employee wellbeing!

In this episode of the Academy I3 podcast, hosts Charlie and Shane engage in a thought provoking discussion with Dr. Maria Garay Seratos, an expert in domestic violence, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Dr. Seratos talked about the profound impact of brain injuries and chronic stress on groups that are marginalized, particularly within the context of child welfare and the workplace. She highlights the critical symptoms and long-term effects associated with TBI and chronic stress, underscoring the need for greater awareness and support in professional environments. Dr. Seratos emphasizes the importance of creating brain health initiatives, educating the workforce, and integrating these efforts into broader DEI strategies. This episode sheds light on a largely unrecognized issue, urging organizations to prioritize brain health as a fundamental component of employee wellbeing and organizational success.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Meet Dr. Maria Garay Soratos

02:11 The Link Between Brain Health and DEI Challenges

04:09 Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

06:04 Non-Concussive Head Impacts and CTE

07:20 The Prevalence and Impact of TBI

10:10 Brain Health and Chronic Stress

11:28 Intersectionality and Brain Health in the Workplace

14:39 Misconceptions About Brain Health

19:53 Strategies for Supporting Brain Health in the Workplace

35:32 The Role of Leadership in Promoting Brain Health

39:37 Long-Term Benefits of Prioritizing Brain Health

41:00 Envisioning the Future of DEI and Brain Health

44:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Learn about our guest: 

María E. Garay-Serratos, MSW, PhD, is a domestic violence – traumatic brain injury/chronic traumatic encephalopathy (DV-TBI/CTE) expert and thought leader. Her life’s mission is to create global awareness to address the silent and unrecognized DV-TBI/CTE pandemic. Dr. Garay-Serratos is currently the Founder and CEO of Pánfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation and the Protagonist, Associate Producer, DV-TBI/CTE Expert Consultant for This Hits Home, a feature documentary released in 2023. Her work and story have also been the focus of various media/social media articles/interviews including NPR, The National Desk Spotlight on America, USC News, The Global Good Podcast, HuffPost, The Los Angeles Times, Boston University CTE Center, and Concussion Legacy Foundation. Prior to founding Pánfila and involvement with This Hits Home, Dr. Garay- Serratos served as a C-level executive for over 25 years for various non-profit organizations. She attended Pitzer College in Claremont, California, where she earned her undergraduate degree in sociology. Her graduate studies were in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California where she earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate.

Check out Dr. Garay-Serratos' organization: Pánfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation

Subscribe for more workforce wellness content: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAcademySDSU

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#BrainHealth #WorkforceWellness #DEI

Learn about the transformative power of cultural responsiveness and reshape your understanding of how to apply this in your social work practice. 

In this episode of the Academy i3 podcast, Charlie Rodnuson is joined by Wanjiru Golly, Lisa Gilbert, and Roger De Leon Jr. to discuss culturally responsive services. The discussion explores the lifelong journey of understanding one's own culture and what that means for our interactions with others. Through personal anecdotes, the guests illustrate how cultural responsiveness can be integrated into social services to better serve diverse communities. Key themes include the importance of self-reflection, continuous learning, and effective communication in creating an inclusive environment.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:49 - Cultural Responsiveness Defined

04:33 - Overview of Cultural Responsiveness Academy

11:47 - Personal Experiences with Cultural Responsiveness

21:42 - Transitioning from Personal to Professional Growth

28:42 - The Power of Constant Learning

30:46 - Facilitation Over Training

33:00 - Modeling Cultural Responsiveness

35:36 - Sharing Personal Biases

40:04 - Navigating Difficult Conversations

48:18 - Final Takeaways 

Learn about our guests: 

• Dr. Wanjiru Golly, originally from Kenya, immigrated to San Diego in 1993. She holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Guelph, Canada, and an MA and PhD in Psychology from United States International University, San Diego. After working in HR at Pepsi Bottling Group, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2002, focusing on refugee resettlement and community building. She has held various roles, including Program Director at Alliance for African Assistance and Community Building Coordinator at Community Housing Works. Since 2016, Dr. Golly has been the Program Manager for the Cultural Responsiveness Academy at the Academy for Professional Excellence, where she develops training for public child welfare and behavioral health staff.

• Lisa Gilbert earned her BS in Psychology with a minor in Addictive Disorders from National University in 2001. She began working with preschool children in 1984 and shifted her focus to at-risk adolescents in 1996, working at Hillcrest Receiving Home and later Polinsky Children’s Center. She also worked part-time at UCSD Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services. Currently, Lisa is a Senior Protective Services Worker in Residential Services, with 17 years of experience at the Department of Health and Human Services. She developed the AWOL/Sexual Exploitation Specialist position for teens involved in human trafficking. Additionally, she leads a Foster Youth Mentor Ministry through her church, coordinating efforts with County staff.

• Roger De Leon Jr. is a dedicated father, grandfather, and husband of 22 years. He is a minister and advocate for children and families, working as an independent contracting instructor for various academies, including UC Davis and San Diego State University, where he delivers state-mandated trainings on child welfare and fatherhood engagement. Previously, he was a Parent Partner with Riverside County’s Children Services Division, helping families navigate the system. De Leon serves on several advisory committees and collaborates with organizations like Casey Family Programs. He is also active in his community as an Assistant/Youth Minister.

  
  

Subscribe for more cultural responsiveness content: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAcademySDSU

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#CulturalResponsiveness #SocialServices #WorkforceDevelopment

Learn how trauma-informed practice can revolutionize your workplace and drive diversity, equity, and inclusion change. 

We’re starting season 2 of our I3 podcast with Kat Preston Wager, a Workforce Development Supervisor for Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations (APSWI), who shares her extensive experience working with survivors of trauma, the crucial principles of trauma-informed practice, and the intersection of trauma-informed care with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She emphasizes the importance of providing safe spaces, ensuring choice and empowerment, and promoting productive and respectful work environments.

Season 2 has 10 episodes that will be released each month. This is the first of five episodes of our DEI limited series brought to you by our Academy DEI Podcast Workgroup. The Workgroup drove a major project in our Academy Strategic Plan to provide development opportunities to our staff and guide other professionals and organizations on their DEI journeys. Our hosts, Charlie Rodnuson and Shane Drosi, speak with experts in the industry on topics that were identified by our staff as relevant and helpful for health and human service professionals seeking to practice DEI. These episodes were recorded in 2024. We acknowledge we are releasing these discussions during a time that feels heightened for many. Our intention is to share our learning and encourage growth. 

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Meet Kat Preston Wager, Workforce Development Supervisor

05:59 Defining Trauma: A Personal and Professional Perspective

10:04 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Workplaces

23:42 Balancing Productivity and Trauma-Informed Practices

46:09 Connecting Trauma-Informed Care with DEI Efforts

48:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Learn about our guest: 

Katherine (Kat) Preston-Wager, BA, is a Workforce Development Supervisor for Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations (APSWI). She develops curricula and workforce development resources to strengthen APS programs across the nation, paying close attention to trauma-informed and inclusive training. She is passionate about ensuring those who make up the APS workforce have the tools, confidence, and practice they need to allow them to do their best work. Kat has over 15 years of experience working with survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence with specialized skills in crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, advocacy, case management and facilitation. Kat is a former Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for the Department of the Navy and began her career as a Prevention Educator for a Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Agency.

Check out the resources shared by Kat:

• Trauma on the Job: Surviving Exposure in APS Podcast 

• How Trauma-Informed Employers Can Foster a Sense of Safety at Work 

• Trauma-Informed Leadership: The Balance of Compassion & Accountability Recorded Webinar

• Trauma-Informed Workplaces Toolkit 

Subscribe for more trauma-informed practice content: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAcademySDSU

Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sdsuacademy

#TraumaInformedCare #DEI #WorkforceDevelopment

In this episode, we are joined by Janice Boafo, founder of Evergreen Cypher, Inc., an LCSW, and a contract trainer. She shares how Cultural Humility can be rooted in human connection and how we can truly slow down to honor ourselves and others. Janice highlights that Cultural Humility starts with our own work and developing a level of vulnerability in providing a healing experience for those we serve in the Social Work field.

In this episode, we are joined by Sunni Domiguez, Tribal STAR Program Manager at the Academy for Professional Excellence She shares about the importance of compliance and improving outcomes for families. Sunni highlights how to team and engage, build capacity for working with Native American Children, and increase opportunities to share stories.