Muskegon Rising

Angelita Valdez, founder of Servicios de Esperanza (Services of Hope), shares how her bilingual, CARF-accredited clinic expands access to mental health care in Muskegon. With 19 years as a therapist and 12 years leading the practice, she outlines services for adults and children including play and art therapy, EMDR, substance use counseling, and telehealth. Topics include meeting people where they are, Medicaid and low-cost options, reducing stigma in Black and Brown communities, and Suicide Prevention Month resources like QPR training, 988, and HealthWest crisis support. The message is simple: mental health is for everyone.

Muskegon Community College is celebrating 100 years of education, innovation, and community impact, as shared in this inspiring interview with President Dr. John Selmon on Muskegon Rising. From honoring its centennial with alumni events and a new logo to achieving a 100% pass rate on the nursing exam, MCC continues to prepare students for workforce success and four-year transfers while strengthening ties with local employers. Dr. Selmon emphasizes the college’s commitment to talent development, academic excellence, and accessibility through initiatives like the Muskegon Promise, ensuring education remains a pathway to opportunity for generations. 

How do the trillions of microbes living in and on us shape our health and the medicines that work best? Dr. Keith Crandall, professor at George Washington University and Grand Valley State University’s 2025 Innovator of the Year, breaks it down in plain English. He shares how DNA sequencing reveals which microbes are helpful or harmful, how antibiotic resistance can be flagged from a simple sample, and why software now lets hospitals and biotech teams turn raw sequencing data into clear answers. You will hear a real case where sequencing guided the right treatment, learn what it takes to spin academic research into a company, and see where bioinformatics is headed next. 

Muskegon native Dr. Stephanie Briggs, Associate Dean of Workforce and Talent Development at Muskegon Community College, joins host Kendrah Robinson to share how MCC is connecting learners to high-demand careers. We talk about apprenticeships, short-term certificates, and custom training with local manufacturers, plus resources like Muskegon Promise and Michigan Reconnect that can make college affordable or even free. If you’re unsure about your path, Stephanie explains how MCC’s small classes, hands-on faculty, and real employer partnerships can help you start strong, transfer smoothly, or land a great job close to home.

How do you prevent violence before it happens? Hear from Dr. Brian Stork, a Muskegon-based urologist and University of Michigan professor, about SafERteens and a growing community effort to support young people. Hear how emergency room screenings, brief interventions, and school-based programs are helping youth set goals, build skills, and find support. Dr. Stork explains why a public health approach matters, how data guides the work, and what it takes to align hospitals, schools, law enforcement, and grassroots leaders. It is a story about listening to youth, creating pathways, and rebuilding hope.

This episode of Muskegon Rising highlights how Denver Air Connection is transforming regional travel with Tonya Ruhsenberger. Discover how convenient air service strengthens Muskegon's economy, connects local businesses, and opens doors for visitors. Tonya shares her journey from nonprofit leadership to aviation, Denver Air's community partnerships, and what makes flying out of Muskegon stress-free, from friendly boarding to full-size snacks. Discover how this partnership is driving growth, expanding opportunities, and propelling Muskegon into the future.

This episode of Muskegon Rising explores the remarkable journey of LST 393 with John Stephenson from the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum. The World War II landing ship stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day before beginning a second life as a Great Lakes freighter. Today, it serves as a museum in downtown Muskegon, filled with thousands of authentic artifacts and powerful personal stories. Visitors can tour from the engine room to the wheelhouse, attend community events like yoga on deck and free summer movies, and experience history brought to life while honoring those who served.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, marketing director and educator Kristina Broughton shares how she turned a simple idea into the Muskegon Area Marketing Professionals, a growing network of more than 80 marketers and creatives. What began as a private Facebook group has evolved into in-person events, professional development sessions, and unexpected collaborations across industries. Kristina discusses the power of connection, mentorship, and storytelling to change perceptions and fuel Muskegon’s growth. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting, her story shows how one person can spark lasting community impact.

Erhardt Construction’s Arlen Dean Gaddy shares how the company is helping revitalize Muskegon County through projects like the courthouse, Muskegon Museum of Art, and the Front Porch initiative. Learn how Erhardt blends innovation, sustainability, and community impact while supporting workforce development and economic growth. From modernizing public spaces to partnering with nonprofits and local businesses, this episode highlights what it means to build with purpose.

Park Kersman, president of Lorin Industries, joins us to share how a nearly 100-year-old Muskegon manufacturer is leading with purpose. From its roots as a family business to its global reach in anodized aluminum, Lorin’s story is one of innovation, community, and culture. Park talks about what it means to invest in people, why giving back matters, and how curiosity and a “take it forward” mindset are driving growth at home and around the world. This is a conversation about legacy, leadership, and making Muskegon a better place for everyone.