This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

About Lily Schwark: Lily Schwark is a dedicated family court advocate and domestic violence survivor who turned her personal experience into a mission for change. While navigating the family court system and securing full custody of her daughter, she became passionate about supporting other parents facing similar battles. As the President of Families Against Court Travesties and the Vice President of Florida Protective Parents, she actively works to protect children, ensure court transparency, and advocate for family court reform. With years of experience in court watching, she brings a unique and informed perspective on the challenges families face in custody disputes.  

Contact:

Florida Protective Parents

FACTS

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

In this episode, Ali Kessler speaks with Leah Vejzovic, the regional manager of the Safe and Together Institute, about her journey in domestic violence advocacy and the importance of child welfare. They discuss the Safe and Together model, which focuses on keeping children safe and together with non-offending parents while holding perpetrators accountable. Leah shares insights on the challenges faced by protective parents, the need for systemic change, and the importance of training for professionals in the field. The conversation highlights the complexities of domestic violence, the impact on children, and the necessity for awareness and education in addressing these issues.

About Leah Vejzovic, LMSW

Leah has been working as a social worker in the fields of child welfare and domestic violence victim advocacy since 2007. She has experience as a child welfare services provider, a domestic and sexual assault victim advocate, a therapist specializing in work with adult and child survivors and perpetrators, a men’s behavior changes program facilitator, and the coordinator of domestic violence training and response for the Department of Human Services in Iowa. Leah first became connected to the Safe & Together Institute during her tenure as state coordinator when she helped facilitate the implementation of the Safe & Together Model across the state. She came on board in 2020 as a Resource Development Specialist, creating a DV-informed curriculum, eLearning, and practice tools. She also worked to coordinate programming for our Events. Leah is passionate about equipping professionals with the tools they need to do effective work with families and engage in larger agency and systems change.

Contact:

Safe and Together Institute

academy.safeandtogetherinstitute.com

Book

Email

About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

 Subscribe, donate, listen, learn.

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

In this episode of Grey Minds Think Alike, host Ali speaks with experienced family law attorney Robin Scher, who discusses her extensive career and passionate involvement with domestic violence cases in Florida. Robin shares her journey from starting her practice to representing victims and perpetrators in domestic violence cases. She highlights the importance of addressing the full spectrum of abusive behavior, including providing resources for rehabilitation. Robin also discusses the systemic challenges in family law, such as the need for better training for judges and legal professionals on trauma-informed care. Additionally, she mentions her work with the Palm Beach County Domestic Violence Coordinated Community Response Team and the National Divorce Coalition to improve support for domestic abuse survivors. The conversation underscores the complexities of legal responses to domestic violence and the importance of comprehensive approaches to both victim support and perpetrator accountability.

About Robin Scher:

With 30+ years of experience in Marital and Family Law, Robin assists in all aspects of marital and family law, including paternity, pre-and post-judgment matters, parenting, child support, alimony, and asset and liability distribution. Most cases focus on those involved in domestic, dating, sexual violence, and stalking matters, as well as civil injunctions and related criminal matters. This holistic representation approach helps ensure that a client's interests are protected and that they receive consistent, cohesive representation in a comprehensive manner.

Robin’s interest in this area of legal practice began early, and her personal experiences led her to study. Her passion for assisting others has evolved into “Transforming the future of families in conflict.” Robin serves clients from Broward to St. Lucie Counties and parts of SW Florida.

Contact: 

Email 

LinkedIn

About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

Subscribe, donate, listen, learn.

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

Advocating for Family Court Reform: A Deep Dive with Danielle Pollack, Originator of Kayden's Law

In this episode of Grey Minds Think Alike, host Ali talks with Danielle Pollack, the policy manager at the National Family Violence Law Center at GW Law and founder of the National Safe Parents Organization. Danielle shares her journey in creating systemic reforms to improve family court outcomes for children and their safe parents. She discusses the passage and impact of Kayden's Law, aimed at ensuring child safety in custody cases, and the ongoing efforts to implement its provisions across various states. The conversation delves into key elements like evidence-based judicial training, mandating consideration of family violence evidence, regulation of expert testimony on abuse, and the need for safe and effective reunification programs. Danielle also provides insights on how advocates can engage lawmakers to drive change, the challenges of legislative processes, and the importance of informed public awareness.

About Danielle Pollack:

Danielle Pollack is the Policy Manager at the National Family Violence Law Center at GW Law in Washington, D.C., and the originator of Kayden’s Law. She collaborates closely with state and federal lawmakers, partner organizations, advocates, and families to create comprehensive child-centric policy reform and provide public education on family courts.

She has advised on, co-drafted, and provided testimony on custody and coercive control laws enacted in many states and federally, including the newly passed section of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Title XV, called the Keeping Children Safe From Family Violence Act (aka “Kayden’s Law”), signed into law by President Biden in March of 2022. The new federal law incentivizes states to train family court judges and court personnel on coercive control and other types of family violence. It restricts them from making child-endangering custody orders. 

Her recent state work includes Connecticut’s Coercive Control Law, Jennifers’ Law, Colorado’s Julie’s Law, Florida’s Greyson’s Law, Pennsylvania’s Kayden’s Law, and Washington State’s new coercive control law. Her short documentary film, Voices for Reform, about family court system failures when children are at risk of violence, has been used to raise awareness at the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), in courts, and at universities internationally. She is co-founder of the National Safe Parents Organization (NSPO) and co-director of The Court Said USA.

Contact:

Website

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

In this conversation, Anne Wintemute, co-founder and CEO of Aimee Says, discusses the innovative AI companion designed to support individuals experiencing domestic violence and abuse. The discussion covers the technology behind Amy, its accessibility, the importance of privacy, and the future developments planned for the platform. Anne shares her journey in this work, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed support and the role of AI in providing a safe space for users. In this conversation, Anne Wintemute discusses the role of AI in supporting victims of domestic violence through the platform Amy. The discussion covers the importance of providing resources to organizations and nonprofits, the impact of domestic violence on workplaces, and the positive feedback received from users. The conversation also highlights the growing awareness of domestic violence issues, the cultural shifts in understanding these topics, and the global reach of the platform. The speakers emphasize the importance of leveraging technology for good and the opportunities for partnerships with organizations to enhance support for survivors.

About Anne Wintemute: Anne Wintemute is Co-Founder and CEO of AimeeSays, a companion app that uses the power of AI to support survivors of domestic violence in their fight for safety and justice. Anne is a dedicated and visionary leader and is also the founder of A Garden Grows, a consultancy offering vital support services to women experiencing post-separation abuse. Anne is passionate about transforming the discourse around intimate partner violence and advocating for a narrative that holds perpetrators accountable. While working as the Head of School at an elementary school, she began supporting women navigating especially difficult divorces. She is passionate about helping women re-envision and reclaim control of their lives and protecting children from the adverse impacts of parental conflict. When she’s not with her clients or three children, you can find her tending her urban farm. In both plants and humans, it is the skillful attendance to the needs of a living thing that allows it to flourish!

Contact:

Website

Email

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

In this enlightening conversation, Nova Gibson, a therapist and expert on narcissistic abuse, shares her insights on the complexities of narcissistic relationships. She discusses the definition of narcissism, the dynamics of coercive control, and the manipulative tactics used by narcissists, such as love bombing and word salad. Nova emphasizes the importance of self-love and setting boundaries, especially when co-parenting with a narcissist. She also highlights the challenges faced in family court and offers practical advice for victims of narcissistic abuse. Her book, 'Fake Love,' serves as a guide for understanding and healing from these toxic relationships.

About Nova Gibson

Nova Gibson is the director, founder, and primary counselor of Brighter Outlook Narcissistic Abuse Counselling Service and the go-to expert on narcissistic abuse recovery in Australia. She is passionate about helping victims identify narcissistic abuse and coercive control and find a way to break the toxic cycle and heal. With more than ten years of experience, Nova has helped thousands of clients in Australia and around the world with one-on-one professional support and her popular Q&A and abuse recovery sessions on social media, providing regular information and support. Nova has also worked in the child safety sector and has supported individuals, couples, and families experiencing crisis and trauma. She lives in Brisbane, Australia.

Book: Fake Love:

Visit www.brighteroutlooknarcissisticabusecounselling.com.au

https://www.brighteroutlooknarcissisticabusecounselling.com.au/about/

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

Senator Lori Berman discusses her political journey, the intricacies of being a senator in Florida, and the challenges of passing legislation. She highlights her work on Greyson's Law, which aims to protect children from domestic violence and reflects on the broader issues of gun control and safety. The discussion emphasizes the importance of civic engagement, the role of constituents in shaping legislation, and the need for ongoing education and awareness around domestic violence and gun safety. In this conversation, Senator Berman discusses her legislative efforts, including the impact of Greyson’s Law, the flaws in the justice system, and her pivotal moments in politics. She emphasizes the importance of constituent services and community support while also sharing her personal interests and hobbies outside of her political career. This is a don’t-miss episode! Listen now! 

Takeaways

• Senator Berman's political journey began in high school.
• The primary responsibility of a senator is to pass a balanced budget.
• Legislation often requires compromise and collaboration.
• Greyson's Law was a response to a tragic case of domestic violence.
• Gun safety legislation is a significant focus for Senator Berman.
• Constituent feedback is crucial in shaping effective laws.
• Education on domestic violence is essential for legal professionals.
• The impact of Greyson's Law is still being evaluated.
• Public awareness is needed for the effective implementation of laws.
• Legislative battles require a strategic selection of issues. Greyson's Law aims to improve child safety in Florida.
• The justice system has inherent flaws that need addressing.
• Constituent services are a vital part of a legislator's role.
• The Purple Alert helps locate missing individuals with disabilities.
• Legislation can be influenced by personal experiences and advocacy.
• Community support is crucial for effective legislation.

About Senator Lori Berman

Born in New York, New York, Senator Lori Berman earned a B.A. from Tufts University in 1980, a J.D. from George Washington University in 1983, and an LL.M. in estate planning from the University of Miami in 2002. She returned to Florida and, years later, attended the University of Miami School of Law, where she received a Master of Laws with a specialty in estate planning in 2002. While working as an attorney in South Florida, Berman became active in politics, working for the congressional campaigns of former Congressman Robert Wexler and in his congressional office.

Contact:

Website

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

In this conversation, Ali speaks with Randee Kogan, a licensed psychotherapist and trauma specialist, about the importance of mental health, the process of finding the right therapist, and recognizing healthy versus unhealthy relationships. Randee shares her extensive experience in trauma therapy and discusses the signs of red flags in relationships, the impact of upbringing on relationship choices, and how to navigate feelings of jealousy and control. The conversation also touches on the challenges of dating after divorce and the importance of open communication in relationships. In this conversation, Randee Kogan discusses the importance of healing after divorce, recognizing red flags in relationships, and understanding financial control and abuse. She emphasizes the significance of identifying support systems and the journey through therapy, particularly in the context of trauma. The discussion also highlights the impact of trauma on individuals and the importance of finding joy in the healing process.

Takeaways

• Randi has 36 years of experience in trauma therapy.
• Building rapport with a therapist is essential for healing.
• It's okay to try multiple therapists before finding the right fit.
• Healthy relationships are characterized by communication, respect, and trust.
• Recognizing red flags is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.
• Jealousy can be a sign of insecurity in a relationship.
• Control in a relationship can be disguised as care.
• Open communication is vital for addressing relationship concerns.
• Upbringing can significantly influence relationship dynamics.
• Dating after divorce requires self-reflection and open communication. It's important to identify if you're healed from a divorce.
• Unhealed feelings from past relationships can affect new ones.
• Financial control is a significant red flag in relationships.
• Losing your identity in a relationship is a warning sign.
• Communication is key in healthy relationships.
• Seek individual therapy before couples counseling in abusive situations.
• Trauma can be addressed at any point in life.
• Healing is a personal journey and can take time.
• Finding joy in small achievements is crucial during recovery.

About Randee Kogan:

Randee Kogan, L.M.H.C., C.S.A., C.D.V., C.F.T.

Randee Kogan has committed her professional career to helping victims of trauma as well as educating and advising the public about sexual violence, domestic violence, and trauma. She has treated victims of Bill Cosby, a serial rapist in West Palm Beach, and numerous Jeffery Epstein victims with whom she continues to work with to this day.

Randee can be seen as an expert in the Netflix documentary Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich. She has also been featured on 60 Minutes Australia, several Podcasts, The Dr. Oz Show, and NBC news. She was also a keynote speaker for Beit Ruth’s Conference Girls & Women at Risk of Violence: The Global Challenge and at the Turn on the Light Conference. She will be featured as an expert in two additional documentaries that are currently in production. Randee has presented at various conferences and other speaking engagements on the topics of sexual and domestic violence, compassion fatigue for professionals, sextortion, grooming, etc., over the span of her career.

Randee has worked as a psychotherapist in a variety of professional settings, including hospital psychiatric units, substance abuse, mental health centers, courthouses, and private practice for the past 36 years. She is certified in sexual violence, domestic violence, and forensic traumatology. She is an expert in the field of trauma and PTSD, having testified in several cases involving sexual violence cases and domestic violence cases. She currently provides individual and group therapy, professional supervision, collaboration, and consultation.

Randee collaborates with several professionals and agencies and has provided consultations with the FBI on sex trafficking and sexual exploitation cases. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with attorneys in several high-profile sexual violence cases.

Contact Randee: www.kogancounseling.com

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

In this powerful conversation, Hera McLeod shares her harrowing journey as a survivor of domestic violence and a civil rights activist. She discusses the tragic loss of her son, Prince, at the hands of his father and the systemic failures that allowed such a tragedy to occur. Hera emphasizes the importance of child safety, the need for reform in the family court system, and her ongoing advocacy efforts to create change. She offers insights into the challenges faced by survivors and the importance of seeking help and support. Hera's story is one of resilience, hope, and a commitment to making a difference for future generations.

Takeaways:

• Hera McLeod is a civil rights activist and author.
• She lost her son, Prince, to domestic violence.
• The family court system often fails to protect children.
• Education and awareness are crucial in preventing domestic violence.
• Survivors should seek therapy to cope with trauma.
• Children need agency and safety independent of their parents.
• Legislative changes are necessary for child safety.
• Survivors can find strength in advocacy and community support.
• Grief has no right or wrong way; it's a personal journey.
• Hera believes her son chose her to be his mom.
• Hera's story highlights the dangers of online dating.
• The family court system often fails to protect children.
• Advocacy is crucial for legislative change in child safety laws.
• Therapy is essential for healing from trauma.

About Hera McLeod:

Hera McLeod is a Washington, DC-based writer, speaker, civil rights activist, and mom. She is known for speaking out against the silence, particularly on civil rights for women and children, domestic violence, and Family Court reform. She was a 2017 Jack Straw Writing Fellow and has published Op-ed pieces in The Washington Post, The Seattle Times, and The New York Times. Hera has made several television appearances, including The Today Show, The Tony Danza Show, Crime Watch Daily, and DC news affiliates for CBS, ABC, and Fox. Her story was also highlighted in an Discovery + Citizen PI series episode. In addition to television appearances, Hera has also testified before the United States Congress on civil rights and the protection of children. She testified before the Maryland Family Court Reform working group and Maryland Legislators. Her participation helped lead to the passage of legislation in Maryland for Judicial education on the topic of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence. Hera is a former a co-host on The Mocha Single Mothers by Choice (SMC) Podcast and now co-hosts the Seeking Different podcast with her young daughter. Read more about Hera's story on her blog archive.

About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

 Donate today!

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

host Ali Kessler speaks with Margo Fowkes about her journey through grief after losing her son to brain cancer. They discuss the complexities of grief, the importance of community support, and how to navigate work while grieving. Margo shares insights from her book, Leaning Through Loss, and the creation of Salt Water, an online community for those experiencing loss. The conversation highlights the nuances of grief, the judgments faced by those grieving, and the significance of honoring memories and milestones, particularly during the holiday season. They discuss the importance of recognizing signs from lost loved ones, the challenges of navigating grief during joyful times, and the significance of incorporating memories into celebrations. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on grief, the value of community support, and the need for advocacy in the face of loss. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of self-compassion and the unique ways individuals cope with their grief.

takeaways

·     Grief is a personal journey that varies for everyone.

·     Creating a supportive community is essential for healing.

·     Navigating work while grieving can be challenging.

·     Loss can come in many forms, and all are valid.

·     People often don't know how to support those who are grieving.

·     The anniversary of a loss can bring unexpected emotions.

·     Nature can be a source of comfort and reflection.

About Margo M. Fowkes

Margo Fowkes is the founder and president of OnTarget Consulting Inc., a firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals act strategically, improve performance, and achieve their business goals. Margo works with clients to solve problems of productivity, morale, and innovation. Author of Leading Through Loss: How To Navigate Grief At Work, Margo also coaches leaders on how to create a more compassionate culture by acknowledging and speaking openly about grief and loss in the workplace.

Before founding her consulting firm in 1994, Margo held positions in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. A former budget analyst for the United States Budget Committee, she has worked for all levels of government—federal, state, and local. She has also worked with a range of businesses, from Fortune 500 companies to sole proprietorships.

Following the death of her son Jimmy in 2014 after an eight-year battle with brain cancer, Margo launched Salt Water, an online community that provides a safe harbor for those who have lost someone dear to them – a child, parent, spouse, sibling, close friend, or pet. Inspired by Jimmy’s determination to live a rich, full life despite his circumstances, the blog posts and resources focus on healing and building a new life in the aftermath of a devastating loss. 

About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

Email

LinkedIn

Website

Subscribe, donate, listen, learn.