Send us a text

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of career and calling, unsure of which path to take? Christa Barfield didn't just stand at that crossroad; she blazed a trail from a decade-long healthcare profession to revolutionizing urban agriculture. Our latest episode charts Christa’s remarkable pivot, capturing her transformation from burnout to beacon of change. With the birth of Viva Leaf Tea Company and FarmerJawn, Christa has rooted herself deeply in the mission to heal communities through sustainable living and the power of food as medicine.

The seed of inspiration can come from the most unexpected places – for Krista, it was a trip to Martinique. She recounts her pivotal encounter with local Black farmers to establishing FarmerJawn, a name that has become a rallying cry for inclusivity and empowerment within the agricultural scene of Philadelphia. Christa shares some of the challenges and triumphs of intertwining food sovereignty with community development, and the importance of equipping future generations with knowledge to cultivate their own sustainable success.

In this episode, Christa shares FarmerJawn's next step, CornerJawn, which will sow seeds of health in food deserts. The first CornerJawn will open in summer 2024 in Germanton in Northwest Philadelphia.  Her approach intertwines business savvy with a profound social impact. The plan is to create partnerships with medical schools, integrating food education with health screenings, to reshape community health one zip code at a time. Tune in as we uncover the layers of Christa Barfield's extraordinary journey and the legacy she is cultivating for urban communities.

Christa's Bio
Christa Barfield is a health-care professional turned farmer and lifelong Philadelphia resident. It was 10 years into her career in health-care administration when her life led her to pursuing health and happiness in a more sustainable way. After a solo trip abroad in January 2018, she returned home inspired to connect with the land, plant life, and social issues that heavily impact Black and brown communities and all people’s perception of food. Her business is a reincarnation of her healthcare career with a focus on regeneration and nutrition security. Now with 128 acres across 3 counties in PA, she has built FarmerJawn with an equitable focus on Food is Medicine and she is leading conversations nationwide on how to take a Farm First approach to America’s relationship with food and health."

Website: https://www.farmerjawn.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmerjawn_/

Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Music by Zach Price: [email protected]

Send us a text

On this episode of Community Possibilities, Kali Thorne Ladd, Executive Director of the Children's Institute joins me. Kali shares her journey from passionate classroom teacher to a visionary leader, driving policy change to bolster the well-being of children and, subsequently, Oregon communities. I first learned about the Children's Institute when I saw a video sponsored by the Ford Family Foundation about the transformation of the Yoncalla Elementary School.  Yoncalla School District leaders and community members, including parents of young children, worked together to reinvent the elementary school’s approach to family and child support. The school now is thriving, drawing families from across the region. 

By nurturing genuine partnerships in communities like Yoncalla, the Children's Institute has catalyzed impressive strides in school attendance and literacy rates, demonstrating the unique power rural areas hold in shaping the future of young children. 

We talk about the synergies of health services and education through shared leadership and the innovative concept of universal home visiting in Oregon. Kali shares insights on integrating healthcare into schools and strategies for overcoming obstacles that hinder a child's ability to thrive in school. We reflect on the power of cross-sector collaboration and the universal appeal of early childhood issues to unify across political divides. Tune in for an episode that's not just a conversation but a call to action, one that champions the collective responsibility we share in nurturing the potential of our youngest community members.

Kaili's Bio: Previously, Thorne Ladd was the co-founder and executive director of KairosPDX, a culturally specific organization dedicated to eliminating educational opportunity and achievement gaps for historically underserved children. Through that work, and as a visionary leader in multiple capacities in the region, Thorne Ladd has a long track record of working to transform early learning and healthy development for children and families in Oregon. This has included serving as the chair of the board for Portland Community College, serving on Governor Brown’s Early Learning Council, and serving on the board at the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation based in Portland. Kali worked on education strategies in the mayor’s office in the City of Portland and at the Oregon Department of Education. She holds a MA in education policy from Harvard University and a BA in elementary education and psychology from Boston College.

Show Links:
Kali's Email:

Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Music by Zach Price: [email protected]

Send us a text

In this episode of Community Possibilities, Dr. Tasha Parker shares her story and work as community psychologist and liscenced clinical social worker.  Tasha's personal story influences her approach to collaborative systems change, challenging the popular yet insufficient concepts of 'resiliency' and 'grit'. Our conversation navigates the intersection of equity, trauma-informed community development, and intersectionality, unveiling the necessity for spaces that dismantle hidden power structures and champion genuine inclusion.

This episode for anyone devoted to community engagement and equity, offering practical strategies for community collaboration. We discuss how to maintain a trauma-informed lens and advocate for equity across all community engagement phases. Dr. Parker provides insights for creating trauma-informed communities that redistribute power, ensuring those affected by policies are leading the charge in decision-making processes. Join us and be part of the conversation that reshapes how communities foster resilience, equity, and transformation.

Dr. Tasha Parker's Bio
Dr. Tasha Parker is an experienced professional based in Wichita, Kansas. With over 17 years of experience in mental and behavioral health, social justice, and youth development, she is the founder and principal community consultant at the Institute of Development, LLC. Her specialties include trauma-informed, resiliency-informed, liberatory, cultural responsiveness, and equitable approaches. She is also privileged to spend one day a week sitting and supporting clients on their personal journeys, providing clinical therapy. Dr. Parker holds a Ph.D. in Community Psychology, a Master of Public Administration focused on Nonprofit Management and Finance, and a Master of Social Work. 

Dr. Parker's diverse skill set includes research and evaluation, group facilitation, prevention, program development, and implementation. She is passionate about collaborative systems change rooted in equity and cultural humility. Believing that the true currency for sustainable systemic changes is rooted in equity, liberation, cultural and intellectual humility, and harm reduction.

Contact Dr. Parker:
https://www.tashaparker.com/
The quickest way to reach Dr. Parker is: [email protected] 

Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Music by Zach Price: [email protected]

Send us a text

Following a car accident  at 16, Addis Alemayehu Gonte's life changed forever. Eventually he recovered from multiple traumatic injuries. Addis shares the challenges of living with visable and invisible disabilities. While in college he founded a nonprofit, ABLE Mindset, that works to uplift and empower lives through the creative arts. Addis reflects on the isolation often felt by individuals with disabilities and how we can bridge those gaps. We reveal the personal journeys that have led us to understand the significance of vulnerability and the importance of suspending assumptions.

His work with ABLE Mindset, particularly the rhythm workshops and creative arts programs is supported from partners incuding the University of North Texas, the YMCA and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Addis Gonte's Bio
 Addis Gonte is a highly motivated and dedicated community outreach specialist with a passion for creating positive change in underserved communities. After a life-threatening car accident at 16, Addis Gonte was left with traumatic injuries. He was determined to continue his education, completing high school and college, graduating with a B.A. in Sociology and Rehabilitation from the University of North Texas. He is a certified peer and family support mentor for the Christopher and Dana Reeve organization and United Spinal Association, and is dedicated to supporting newly injured individuals and their families with this difficult transition in life. While in College, he founded his nonprofit, Able Mindset, dedicated to empower persons living with disabilities utilizing creative arts to have an enriching life experience. 


Contact Addis at: https://ablemindset.org/ 

Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Music by Zach Price: [email protected]

Send us a text

Shen Chefalo's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of healing. Our conversation highlights the profound impact how our own lives can lead us in unexpected places. We delve into the heart of what it means to create trauma-informed communities, addressing root causes in health and social challenges, and the power dynamics within organizational environments, offering a fresh perspective on cultivating empathy and fostering supportive workplace relationships. Shen guides us through the intricacies of building trauma-informed organizations, conflict resolution, and the foundational importance of establishing safety.

We also dare to reimagine a foster care system that upholds family preservation, advocating for a shift in policy that emphasizes mental health support and the cruciality of maintaining familial bonds to prevent generational trauma.

Shen Chefalo's Bio:
Shenandoah Chefalo is a sought-after speaker, award-winning author, and expert
trauma-informed specialist with over 20 years of leadership consulting
experience with governmental, public, and private organizations across various
sectors, including health care, human services, education, and nonprofits.
As the Founder and Lead Strategist of Chefalo Consulting, Shenandoah
provides trauma-informed organizational change management and workforce
development services to improve outcomes for individuals, organizations, and
communities. Her lived experiences of poverty, homelessness, foster care, and
juvenile justice inform her approaches, which provide effective, equitable, and
inclusive systems change frameworks that transform organizations.

Links for Shen:
Connect with Shen at https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/

Grab her book! Garbage Bag Suitcase

Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Music by Zach Price: [email protected]

Send us a text

Johann Jacob and Helen Kinsella, two residents of Co-Habitat Quebec's, join me to share their community in Quebec, Canada.  I met Johann at the Canadian Evaluation Society and he and his partner graciously hosted me and another friend for dinner at their community. I was excited to learn about this way of living in community. Johann and Helen share the history of Co-Habitat Quebec's  and how the architecture of daily interactions shapes a thriving community.

Co-housing communities, as I learn, are not unique in the world or even the U.S.  In this episode we learn how shared responsibilities underpin these intentional spaces, from group meals to collective cleaning.  I ask Johann and Helen about practicalities, like how the community naviagtes things like personality clashes.

We reflect on the transformative power of strong community ties for personal and societal well-being. We end by discussing how communal values could be infused in our own lives.

Guest Bios
Helen Kinsella has lived at Cohabitat Québec for five years with her partner Marc and her two daughters aged 13 and 10. A native of Ireland, she spent 12 years living in London, working in media and for non-profit organizations, with a particular interest in feminist and environmental issues and minority rights. She speaks several languages, and currently works part-time as a community interpreter and translator for Quebec City's health and social services. She was vice-chair of the Women's Environmental Network in London, a feminist charity with a particular concern for the environmental issues that affect women and minority communities. She believes that co-housing initiatives, coupled with strong and vibrant local communities, are a crucial way to achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Johann Lucas Jacob holds a Ph.D in measurement and evaluation from Université Laval. He is a research professional at the Quebec’s Observatory on climate change adaptation (Observatoire québécois de l’adaptation aux changements climatiques) (OQACC), a research center dedicated to the M&E of climate change adaptation. He is also a lecturer in evaluation at the faculty of medicine of Université Laval. Johann is the author of two books, as well as fifty scientific articles and evaluative research reports.

Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Music by Zach Price: [email protected]

Send us a text

What does it mean to  be an advocate, a parent, and a community leader? Angela Masden is all of those things. In this episode, Angela shares her story and shares her lessons learned.  She shares her inspiring journey as single parenthood who found her voice  advocating for her son in a system riddled with systemic biases. We cover a myriad of topics from Angela's impactful community work to the pivotal role of parent involvement in the education system.

Our conversation explores the deeply troubling biases in early intervention, spotlighting Angela's experience with her son's overlooked needs due to his race and insurance status.  Angela's spirit is undeterred as she continues to champion advocacy and community engagement. We hope you will listen and be empowered to make a difference in your community.

Angela shares her powerful call to action: to amplify voices, empower parents, and tirelessly work towards creating a better world for our children.

Angela's Bio:
Angela believes in the power of collective action and constantly encourages others to join her in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society. She is a passionate and dedicated community change maker.  Born and raised in Louisville Kentucky, Angela developed a deep love for her community and a strong desire to create lasting change from a young age.

Education played a significant role in shaping Angela's journey as a change maker. She pursued a Bachelor's degree in Education, and a Master’s in Higher Education where she gained valuable knowledge and skills to address social issues effectively. Angela's academic experience fueled her passion for social justice and equipped her with the necessary tools to make a meaningful difference.

 Angela designed and implemented programs focused on mentorship, skill-building, and advocacy, creating a safe and supportive environment for young individuals to thrive. Angela's dedication and innovative approach garnered recognition as the 2020 Blue Door Hero, and her programs became models for other organizations striving to make a similar impact.

She is the Director of Civic Engagement with Play Cousins Collective. She also is co- founder of a organization called "The Prophecy Foundation ". Angela ability to articulate the concerns of marginalized populations and propose practical solutions earned her respect and credibility among decision-makers. She is the owner of Rose Dove Consulting.  Angela is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2022 Black Women of Excellence and 2022 Trailblazer Award. She sits on numerous boards such as Project Community Center and Kentucky Black Festival.  

Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Music by Zach Price: [email protected]

Send us a text

How do you usually great veterans? Do you nod and thank them for their service? In this episode, Dr. Qwynn Galloway Salazar, an Army veteran and military spouse, joins me for a second time to revisit her work with veteran and military communities. Her role as an end-of-life doula, educator, and facilitator uncovers unique perspectives on addressing trauma, suicide prevention, and end-of-life care.

We discuss the sensitive, yet crucial topic of death, bridging the divide between the veteran and civilian communities.  Dr. Quinn's work as an end-of-life doula is inspiring, and the ripple effect of her commitment to supporting veterans and their families through this profound journey is truly moving.  We wrap up by shedding light on the creative side of advocacy. We reflect on the potential of creativity in addressing tough topics and inspiring change. We invite you to explore how we can collectively confront social, economic, and political challenges. 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Link to Episode 10, my first conversation with Qwynn
• Connect with Qywnn In Their Honor
•  Caring for Veterans Through the End of Life, PsychArmor and In Their Honor

Dr. Gallow-Salazar's Bio:
Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is the Founder of In Their Honor. As an Army Veteran, Spouse to a Combat Veterans, End-of-Life Doula, and Educator, she has devoted over two decades to enhancing the quality of life for military and Veteran communities. Driven by her deep commitment, Qwynn has delved into crucial topics such as trauma, behavioral health, end-of-life care, and suicide prevention, gaining profound insights into the enduring impact of military experiences on Veterans and their loved ones.

As a Compassionate and Creative Innovator, Qwynn passionately unites diverse communities, states, academic institutions, and end-of-life organizations under a joint mission: to ensure that Veterans and their loved ones receive unparalleled care and support throughout life's final journey. She served as the Lead Advisor for the groundbreaking launch of the "Caring for Veterans Through the End-of-Life Collection" by PsychArmor Institute. This 3-part collection, infused with profound wisdom and empathy, stands at the forefront of end-of-life education for Compassionate Communities, Caregivers/Loved Ones, and Healthcare Providers alike, offering invaluable guidance and support.

Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Music by Zach Price: [email protected]

Send us a text

From a career in banking to fortifying families against child abuse, our guest today is a testament to the power of following your passion. Jennifer Stein, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, joins us to share her inspiring journey and the transformative work her organization is doing to safeguard children. She sheds light on the critical role her team plays in strengthening Georgia’s families and the impact of their first family resource center in Northeast Georgia.

In our discussion, we also touch on the innovative approaches that Jennifer and her team are using to prevent child abuse. Hear how they’re leveraging non-traditional partnerships and emphasizing the role of community support for parents. 

Prevent Child Abuse Georgia  www.PCAGeorgia.org 

Jennifer's Bio:
Jennifer Stein is the Executive Director for Prevent Child Abuse Georgia (PCA Georgia) in the Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development a Georgia State University Research Center located in the School of Public Health.

Jennifer joined PCA Georgia in 2021 after seven years of leading Prevent Child Abuse Habersham where she identified the need for and launched the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia. 

With more than two decades of management experience collectively in compliance operations, sales, and nonprofit management, Stein has a gift for discerning organizational capacity and implementing a collaborative vision for excellence. 

As PCA Georgia serving as one of three key partners for Georgia’s Essentials for Childhood initiative, Stein partners with the Division of Family & Children Services to lead the implementation of the state’s Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Plan (CANPP).  Additionally, as the implementing agency for Strengthening Families Georgia (SFG), and the Georgia Family Support Network (GFSN). Stein serves on both the governance and strategic planning committees within SFG’s leadership infrastructure as well as GFSN’s steering committee and communications workgroup. 

With the support of its Board of Directors and strong staff, Stein scaled the organization to increase its potential and tripled its funding within five years, cultivating local and regional support, and expanding its service sector from one to five counties via grants, state contracts, and direct investments from donors.   

Additionally, Stein plays an integral role on Georgia’s Supreme Court Committee on Justice for Children, Georgia’s Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act Panel (CPSAC), and Child Fatality Review Prevention Subcommittee; she previously served globally in the Supervised Visitation Network as a board member and officer.

Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Music by Zach Price: [email protected]

Send us a text

Join us as we journey alongside Dr. Alie Redd, Executive Director of Covenant House, Georgia. "Dr. A" was raised in the 70's as a 'parentified kid' and faced homelessness during her undergrad years.  Alie's life story is one of grace, resilience, and self-reflection. Today, she is dedicated to supporting young people who have suffered trauma and are homeless as a result.

We talk about the experience of today's youth - violence, foster care, homelessness, and struggles with mental health. We examine the hurdles encountered when trying to connect these young people with the community resources they crucially need. A spotlight is thrown on the pivotal role of mental health services and community volunteers in breaking the crisis cycle and weaving a safety net around the most vulnerable children in our society.

Dr. Redd emphasizes the power of unconditional love, respect, and support for  Covenant House youth. We delve into the immense potential of community collaboration, and how it fuels the progress and hope of these young individuals. Further, Dr. A shares how other we can lend a hand to their mission - from participating in sleep out events, to donations and volunteering. This episode is a call to action - a challenge to create more opportunities for our young people, to pay closer attention to our community's youth. Join us on this journey, and let's make a difference, together.

Dr. A's Bio
Dr. Alieizoria Redd (“DrA”) joined Covenant House Georgia as the Executive Director in March 2018 and comes with 30+ years of experience as a servant leader in social services. Previously, Dr. Redd served children and families while employed at as the Vice President of Housing and Placement Services at CHRIS 180, Adjunct Professor at Tulane and Clark Atlanta Universities, Vice President of Programs at Inspiritus, and in private practice. She has served various populations as a direct service provider, clinician, clinical supervisor, advocate, advisor, administrator, professor, and executive leader. Dr. Redd supports the LGBTQ+ community as a co-chair of the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board Co-Chair and is a member of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2023, “Rowdiest Class Ever.”

Dr. Redd earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Memphis, an MSW and PhD in Social Work Policy Planning Administration and Social Science with a cognate in Public Administration from Clark Atlanta University. She has been continuously licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2000. Her areas of concentration include: non-profit leadership; social and child welfare policy; commercial sexual exploitation of children; secondary trauma of social workers; refugee and immigration services; racial identity;

Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts!

Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions

How Ann can help:

· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

· Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful.

Music by Zach Price: [email protected]