Grey Minds Think Ali.Ke

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, we delve into the often-overlooked topic of men's mental and emotional health with expert Jason Lange. As a men's embodiment coach and certified 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' coach, Jason shares his insights on the critical importance of emotional awareness and connection for men. We discuss the loneliness epidemic, the costs of emotional suppression, and the transformative power of men's groups. Learn how men can rebuild strength through vulnerability, create safer relationships, and foster healthier families. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the profound impact of men's well-being on family dynamics and future generations.

About Jason Lange

Jason Lange is a men’s embodiment coach, group facilitator, certified No More Mr. Nice Guy coach, and evolutionary guide who helps men reconnect to their emotional core and lead with authenticity and integrity.

Jason applies an integral, trauma-informed approach that blends mindfulness, psychology, shadow work, and relational awareness. He’s trained with experts like John Wineland, Dr. Robert Glover, Jun Po Roshi, Tripp Lanier, and Ken Wilber, among others, and is a Stages International Certified Debriefer. Jason lives this work daily alongside his wife, Violet, a women’s love and femininity coach. Together, they lead Evolutionary Couples, guiding partners toward conscious connection and communication. They are also proud parents of two children. Learn more at evolutionary.men

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 of Grey Minds Think Alike, host Ali Kessler is joined by Anne Wintemute, the creator of Aimee Says, an innovative AI platform designed to support survivors of domestic violence. Anne introduces Aimee's new digital binder system that helps organize and present survivors' stories in a clear, powerful, and secure way. They discuss the impact of technology on survivor advocacy, the importance of documentation, and how Aimee's tools empower users at various stages of recovery. Tune in to learn how Aimee’s solutions bridge the gap between lived experiences and the systems meant to protect 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.

Host Ali Kessler speaks with Dr Karalynn Royster, a child psychologist and co-parenting expert, about the challenges of navigating co-parenting in high-conflict situations. Dr. Royster shares insights from her Kids First co-parenting program, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, emotional support for both parents and children, and strategies for maintaining a stable environment for kids. The conversation covers the impact of parental conflict on children, therapeutic approaches for different age groups, and practical tips for parents to foster a healthier co-parenting dynamic.

About Dr. Karalynn Royster

Dr. Karalynn Royster is a child psychologist, co-parenting expert, and creator of the Kids First Co-Parenting Program, available through learnwithlittlehouse.com. Having grown up in a high-conflict family herself, she combines clinical expertise with lived experience to help moms navigate divorce and parenting with difficult exes. Her mission is to empower mothers with tools, clarity, and confidence—so their kids can feel secure and thrive even in challenging circumstances.

https://learnwithlittlehouse.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 the successful passage of 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 of Grey Minds Think Alike, we are joined by two influential advocates, Barry Goldstein and Veronica York, whose groundbreaking work has reshaped our understanding of child safety, domestic violence, and family court reform. Barry is a nationally recognized domestic violence expert, author, and attorney, while Veronica is a certified high-conflict divorce coach and survivor advocate. Together, they have leveraged their expertise to educate the courts and professionals handling family cases. In this episode, they discuss their new book, 'Preventing Domestic Violence and Child Abuse,' and explore crucial research, including the ACE and Saunders studies, that highlight the adverse effects of ignoring domestic violence in custody cases. Watch as they share their journey, offer insights into the challenges within the family court system, and highlight the essential role we all play in protecting our children and empowering survivors.

About Barry Goldstein and Veronica York:

Barry Goldstein

Barry Goldstein is a nationally recognized domestic violence expert, author, and attorney with more than 40 years of experience in family law and abuse prevention. A former prosecutor and instructor for judges and court professionals, Barry has trained thousands on the importance of understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and the Saunders Study in custody decisions.

He has served as Director of Research for the Stop Abuse Campaign and authored several influential books, including The Quincy Solution and Scared to Leave, Afraid to Stay. Barry’s testimony and expertise have shaped policy, guided reform, and saved lives.

Now, as co-editor of Preventing Domestic Violence and Child Abuse: Medical, Law Enforcement, Judicial and Human Benefits (with Dr. Mo Therese Hannah and Veronica York), Barry is helping to connect public health research to legal reform — showing that protecting children and survivors isn’t just justice, it’s prevention.

Veronica York

Veronica York is a Certified High Conflict Divorce Coach, expert witness, and survivor-advocate specializing in domestic violence, coercive control, and family court reform. After a 20-year career in the television industry, Veronica was driven by personal experience to help parents facing the trauma of custody disputes involving abuse.

She holds advanced training in Family Law Mediation and works alongside Barry Goldstein, providing expert testimony, research, and reports for high-conflict custody cases. Veronica frequently speaks and writes about the misuse of “parental alienation,” post-separation abuse, and trauma-informed advocacy.

As co-editor of Preventing Domestic Violence and Child Abuse, she brings a survivor’s perspective to the national conversation — uniting medical, legal, and community efforts to prevent abuse before it happens. Her mission: a court system that prioritizes safety, evidence, and the lived realities of survivors and children.

www.BarryGoldstein.net

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 the successful passage of 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. 

About Lynn Stroud:

Drawing from her extensive lived experience with reproductive coercion, domestic abuse, and sexual assault, Lynn Stroud delves into cultivating a trauma-informed mindset and increased legal remedies for victims. She stresses the significance of listening without judgment, validating survivors' experiences, and recognizing the resilience that often emerges from adversity. Stroud addresses common misconceptions about trauma and emphasizes the need for ongoing education and awareness. She hopes to serve as a beacon of understanding and compassion, offering a roadmap for survivors, advocates, law enforcement, and beyond to increase their knowledge of reproductive coercion. By sharing her story, she hopes more listeners will recognize the warning signs and dangers of coercion, embrace knowledge, and actively seek out proactive change. Her hope is that one day we can collectively build a world where survivors are not only heard but supported in their paths to healing and empowerment.

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 Kessler speaks with Ramya Shripathi, a certified human potential life coach from India, about rebuilding confidence, finding balance, and healing after trauma. Ramya shares her personal journey from being a people pleaser to a human potential and narcissistic abuse coach. She explains her integrative approach that includes shadow work, somatic recovery, and Reiki. Ramya discusses the challenges of narcissistic abuse, the importance of self-care, and practical tools for survivors to start their healing journey. Tune in to hear insightful conversations on overcoming trauma and empowering yourself.

About Ramya Shripathi:

Ramya Shripathi is a globally recognized Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Support Life Coach and the Founder of ActivateYou, a Bangalore-based life coaching practice with clients across the world.

As a Shadow Alchemist and Healing Rebel, Ramya specializes in guiding survivors of narcissistic abuse through Shadow Work, Inner Child Healing, Somatic Recovery, Reiki, and CPTSD healing. Her integrative approach blends psychology, spirituality and energy work.

Ramya is known for her compassionate yet powerful presence, helping individuals rebuild self-worth, set boundaries, and reclaim their authentic voice. She is also a strong advocate for raising awareness about narcissistic abuse in India, making her a sought-after voice in conversations on trauma recovery, empowerment, and holistic healing.

🌐 Website: www.activateyou.in

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. 

Welcome to Grey Minds Think Alike. In this episode, we speak with Sandy Ross, former president of California Protective Parents and Executive Director of Family Court Awareness Month. Sandy brings her extensive expertise in child safety issues in child custody cases, drawing on her work in forensic and child and adolescent psychology. She has played a pivotal role in passing California's Piqui's Law and received numerous accolades, including the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Council's Breaking Silent Survivor Activist Award. Sandy shares her personal journey, the challenges within the family court system, and effective advocacy strategies. Join us as we explore the critical issues and impactful efforts to protect children and support survivors.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:04 Sandy Ross: Advocate and Survivor

00:57 Billboards and Awareness Campaigns

02:59 Personal Journey and Family Court Challenges

04:28 Systemic Issues in Family Court

09:00 Advice for Protective Parents

14:47 The Need for Systemic Change

18:56 Cross-System Challenges and Personal Experiences

23:47 Personal Struggles and Coping Mechanisms

24:47 Support Groups and Peer Support

25:40 Involvement with Advocacy Organizations

27:55 Piqui's Law: A Personal Mission

30:23 The Tragic Story Behind Piqui's Law

33:49 Advocacy and Legislative Challenges

42:00 Celebrating Advocacy and Future Plans

About Sandy Ross

Sandy Ross is the President of the California Protective Parents Association and the Executive Director of Family Court Awareness Month, where she works tirelessly to reform the family court system and advocate for child safety in custody cases involving abuse. With a master’s degree in forensic psychology and a graduate certificate in child and adolescent psychology, Sandy has spent more than a decade training professionals and educating the public about dangerous personality traits and systemic failures that endanger children. A survivor and the protective parent of a now-adult child survivor, she played a key role in the passage of Piqui’s Law and was honored with the Breaking Silence Survivor Activist Award for her leadership and courage.

Contact:

California Protective Parents Association

Family Court Awareness Month

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 of 'Grey Minds Think Alike,' host Ali Kessler dives into the emotional lives of parents with experts Hillary Jacobs Hendel and Dr. Juli Fraga. They discuss their new book, 'Parents Have Feelings Too,' which offers practical tools for parents to manage and honor their emotions. The conversation covers why parents often neglect their own emotional needs, the impact of attachment styles, and practical steps to bring calmness and joy into family life. Hendel and Fraga share their professional insights and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of emotional education and self-awareness for the entire family's well-being.

Parents Have Feelings, Too book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/788442/parents-have-feelings-too-by-hilary-jacobs-hendel/

About Hilary Jacobs Hendel, LCSW: Hilary Jacobs Hendel is a Certified AEDP psychotherapist and supervisor, and psychoanalyst. She is the author of the award-winning and acclaimed It's Not Always Depression, and her work has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times, TIME, and Oprah.

hilaryjacobshendel.com | IG: @hilaryjacobshendel | Facebook: @AuthorHilaryJacobsHendel

About Juli Fraga, PsyD: Juli Fraga is a psychologist and parenting educator. She has contributed to national outlets like The New York Times, Parents magazine, and NPR. She is also on the medical advisory board of Baby Center and teaches classes for expectant parents at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) hospital.drjulifraga.com | IG: @parentshavefeelingstoo | X: @dr_fraga

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. 

Join host Ali Kessler on Grey Minds Think Alike as she dives deep with Nicole Hernandez, a board-certified hypnotist, success coach and human design advisor from New York City. Nicole shares her journey from corporate anxiety to becoming a healing guide, specializing in transforming anxiety into an edge through her high-frequency success approach. Discover how Nicole's unique combination of hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and human design helps high achievers and anxious individuals lead more fulfilling lives. Learn about the misconceptions of hypnosis, the impact of childhood trauma on present anxiety, and the holistic healing potential of human design. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to overcome stress, anxiety, and emotional blockages to achieve true clarity, confidence, and success.

About Nicole Hernandez

Known as The Traveling Hypnotist, Nicole Hernandez is a clinical Board-Certified hypnotist based in New York City with globe-trotting tendencies. She is also an anxiety educator, speaker, and Resident Healer for the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Nicole specializes in helping anxious high achievers become impactful, conscious leaders that can navigate life transitions with a sense of clarity and ease. After healing her own anxiety-related illness with hypnosis, she felt a deep calling to demystify the healing modality and help others. Her signature approach combines modern hypnotherapy, mindfulness, somatics, and her intuitive gift. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan, BeLatina, BestLife, Forbes, Success, Texas Monthly, Wall Street Journal, and more.

Guest Links

Free Love Yourself Hypo-Meditation Download: www.thetravelinghypnotist.com 

Nicole Hernandez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelinghypnotist/ 

Nicole Hernandez Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenicolehernandez/ 

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.”

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. 

Empowering Domestic Violence Survivors: A Deep Dive with Lammy Askar from AVDA

Welcome to Grey Minds Think Alike! In this episode, we dive into an enlightening and empowering conversation with Lammy Askar, Chief Program Officer at Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence (AVDA). Lammy shares her extensive experience in working with youth survivors, communities, and the transformative programs AVDA offers to end cycles of abuse. Learn about AVDA’s comprehensive services, including emergency shelters, outreach programs, prevention education, and innovative resources like a text-enabled hotline. Discover crucial insights on recognizing signs of abuse, understanding different forms of violence, and the importance of prevention and empowerment. This conversation is essential for anyone invested in breaking generational patterns of abuse and promoting healing and safety for survivors. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and support efforts to raise awareness and provide help to those in need.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:47 Lammy Askar's Journey and Expertise

02:16 Overview of AVDA Services

03:24 Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing

06:40 Collaboration with Law Enforcement

08:38 Challenges and Types of Abuse

11:19 Legal Aid and Confidentiality

21:14 Prevention and Community Education

25:05 Community Awareness and Domestic Violence

26:03 Seasonal Patterns in Domestic Violence

27:43 Recognizing Teen Dating Red Flags

35:02 Empowering Survivors Through Education

38:59 Personal Stories and Impact

45:30 Resources and Support for Survivors

About Lammy Askar- Chief Program Officer to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Inc. (AVDA)

Lammy Askar is the Chief Program Officer at AVDA – Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Inc., where she leads comprehensive programs focused on ending domestic and dating violence. With an extensive background in both nonprofit and educational spaces, Lammy has dedicated her career to youth advocacy, violence prevention, and systems change. She brings years of expertise in the areas of domestic abuse, child protection, and survivor empowerment, always with a deep commitment to social transformation. Lammy is a passionate educator and advocate, working to equip communities with the tools needed to create lasting safety and healing. https://www.avdaonline.org/

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 the successful passage of 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.