Nurturing Humboldt

In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we sit down with Leticia Padilla to talk about how stress, uncertainty, and larger systems impact young children especially those in immigrant families.

Together, we explore what trauma can look like in early childhood, how children express fear and stress through behavior, and the ways these experiences shape their development over time. We also name the realities many families are navigating that often go unseen, from disrupted routines to barriers in accessing support.

This conversation also highlights the concept of secondary trauma—how supporting families through difficult experiences can impact providers, educators, and caregivers—and why care for the helpers matters too.

Most importantly, we focus on what helps: simple, meaningful ways caregivers and communities can support children so they feel safe, connected, and supported.

This episode is for anyone who cares for children and wants to better understand what they may be experiencing and how to show up for them with care.

In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re joined by Star Fishel Mohatt to explore the importance of early childhood and the systems that support children, families, and caregivers.

Star shares her journey into the field and offers insight into why early childhood education is both essential and often undervalued. Together, we talk about what it means to truly honor childhood, the importance of investing in the childcare workforce, and how communities can better support those doing this critical work.

We also break down key concepts like protective factors and trauma-informed care, offering practical ways to understand how children and families build resilience and thrive.

This conversation highlights the connection between supporting providers and strengthening families and why both matter for the future of our communities.

We’re revisiting one of our Resiliency Pause episodes because these gentle reminders to slow down and reconnect are something we can return to again and again.

In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we explore how simple, body-based skills can help us find balance during stressful times. In this episode we introduce the Community Resiliency Model (CRM®)—a practical, science-backed approach to understanding and resetting the nervous system.

Together, we talk about what happens in the body when we experience stress or trauma, and how everyday practices like Tracking, Resourcing, and Grounding and Gesturing can support us in coming back to calm and connection.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or community member, these tools offer accessible ways to build resilience—not just for ourselves, but for those around us.

Take a moment, take a breath, and join us for a Resiliency Pause

Talking about body safety with young children can feel challenging, but it’s a critical part of helping them grow up safe, confident, and supported.

In this episode, we’re joined by a Family Support Navigator who shares practical, age-appropriate ways to introduce body safety concepts to children ages 3–5. Together, we explore how to use correct body part names, teach children that they are the boss of their own body, and help them understand boundaries in a way that feels simple and not overwhelming.

We also talk about how to explain private parts, the difference between safe surprises and unsafe secrets, and how to support children in identifying trusted adults they can turn to.

📌 Show Notes & Resources

Parent Resources:

Darkness to Light (D2L): https://www.d2l.org/

A national organization focused on child sexual abuse prevention, offering free downloadable guides on boundaries, recognizing grooming behaviors, and how to talk with children at different developmental stages.

Stop It Now: https://stopitnow.org/

Offers conversation scripts, family safety planning tools, and guidance for navigating concerns, including a confidential helpline for parents.

Children’s Books About Respect & Consent:

Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Maude Spelman

C is for Consent by Eleanor Morrison

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders

My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders

Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finison

Books About Body Parts:

Amazing You!: Getting Smart About Your Private Parts by Dr. Gail Saltz

Who Has What? All About Girls' Bodies and Boys' Bodies by Robie H. Harris

We’re celebrating one year of Nurturing Humboldt!

To mark this milestone, we’re revisiting our very first episode, the conversation that started it all.

Over the past year, this podcast has grown into a space for connection, learning, and support for families across our community. And this episode still holds so much of what we believe in: showing up for families, sharing knowledge, and building resilience together.

Whether you’re new here or have been listening since day one, thank you for being part of this journey.

In our very first episode, we sit down with local provider Dr. Mangahas for a real, honest conversation about what it takes to support child and family well-being here in Humboldt. He shares his perspective on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), healing-centered care, and the systemic shifts needed to truly support our communities. This episode offers a grounded look at the work already happening—and the hope that fuels it.

In this Week of the Young Child episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we explore what it truly means to honor the heart of child care.

Leah, a longtime childcare provider and mentor teacher, shares her journey supporting children and families and her deep commitment to creating nurturing, relationship-centered environments where children can thrive.

Together, we talk about the importance of community among childcare providers, the role of music and creativity in fostering connection and joy, and why the early years matter so much.

This conversation is a celebration of the care, intention, and heart that early childhood professionals bring to their work every day and a reminder of how vital they are to the wellbeing of children, families, and our community.

In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re talking about something many families are navigating every day , screen time.

From tablets and TV to gaming and phones, technology is a big part of childhood today. But how much is too much? And why does it so often turn into a struggle?

I’m joined by coworkers Heidi O'Hanen and Jen Mager as we explore what’s really behind screen time challenges, how to prevent them before they start, and practical ways to manage conflict when it comes up. We also talk about how to support children in building healthy, balanced relationships with technology as they grow.

Whether you’re parenting a toddler or an older child, this conversation offers realistic, supportive guidance you can actually use in everyday life.

When stressful or frightening events are happening around us, children notice and they have questions. Many caregivers feel unsure how much to share or how to talk about difficult realities without increasing fear.

In this short episode, we explore how to support children through uncertainty with calm, honest, and developmentally appropriate conversations. You’ll learn practical ways to create emotional safety, maintain connection, and nurture hope even during challenging times.

We discuss what children need most from adults, how different ages process stress, what reactions you may notice, and simple tools to help kids express feelings and build resilience. This episode offers guidance for caregivers who want to show up with steadiness, compassion, and care.

In this end-of-year episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re wrapping up 2025 with updates on the programs, partnerships, and community work happening across First 5 Humboldt. From Help Me Grow and Welcome Baby to Playgroups, the Red Folder Project, Quality Counts, and our Parenting classes, this episode highlights what we’ve accomplished and what’s ahead for 2026.

Thank you for being part of a community that cares, learns, and grows together.

This episode introduces Help Me Grow Humboldt — a new resource connecting parents and caregivers of young children to free local programs and developmental support.

Host Karina Virgen talks with Ana Guerrero-Gonzalez, the bilingual specialist behind the phone line, about how the program works and the importance of meeting families where they are.

Learn more at helpmegrowhumboldt.org

.