In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Maggie Shea sits down with Kay Devealt, better known as the Palsy Power Chick, keynote speaker, disability advocate, and founder of Palsy Power Chick Innovations. 

Kay shares her incredible journey from growing up with cerebral palsy to becoming a nationally recognized advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and workplace equity. She opens up about the barriers she faced entering the workforce, starting her own business, and learning that sometimes the biggest changes begin with one simple conversation. 

Together, Maggie and Kay discuss: 

• Why inclusion starts with communication, not assumptions 

• The importance of workplace accommodations and open conversations 

• How employers can create more accessible and inclusive environments 

• Building confidence through mentorship and advocacy 

• Turning personal challenges into a mission that helps others 

• Why networking looks different for everyone 

• The value of relationships over transactions 

Kay also shares how a high school mentor helped her discover the power of her voice, inspiring her to become the Palsy Power Chick and dedicate her career to helping organizations create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. 

From speaking on stages to competing in powerlifting events, Kay continues to challenge expectations while encouraging others to embrace possibility instead of limitation. 

This episode is filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and an important reminder that creating inclusive workplaces starts with listening, learning, and being willing to have honest conversations. 

💼 Connect with Kay Devealt & Palsy Power Chick Innovations 

Website: palsypowerchick.com 

LinkedIn: Kay Devealt 

Instagram: @PalsyPowerChick

🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast 

Website: staffbuffalo.com 

More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Mary Czopp, Chief Communications and Development Officer at Child and Family Services, for a conversation about the evolving needs of families, the power of storytelling, and the life-changing work happening across Western New York. 

For more than 150 years, Child and Family Services has been helping children, families, and individuals navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Mary shares how the organization has evolved over time while staying true to its mission of protecting, supporting, and empowering those in need. 

Together, Lauren and Mary discuss: 

• The Pain Points of serving a community with constantly changing needs

• How Child and Family Services has evolved over its 153-year history 

• The critical role of foster care, adoption, counseling, and family support services 

• The growing need for Haven House, Erie County’s only licensed domestic violence shelter 

• Why storytelling is so important in nonprofit work 

• Supporting children through some of life’s most challenging circumstances 

• The importance of employee wellness and supporting those who do difficult work every day

• Building awareness around services that many people do not realize are available 

• How community partnerships help create opportunities for children and families 

Mary also shares some of the stories that have stayed with her throughout her 16-year career, including the moments that remind her why this work matters and the incredible resilience shown by the families Child and Family Services supports every day. 

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that healing and growth rarely happen alone. Whether through counseling, foster care, education, shelter services, or community support, meaningful change happens when people have access to the resources and relationships they need to move forward. 

If you are passionate about community impact, nonprofit leadership, mental health, family services, or making a difference in the lives of others, this is an episode you will not want to miss. 

💼 Connect with Mary Czopp & Child and Family Services 

Website: cfsbny.org 

LinkedIn: Mary Czopp 

🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast 

Website: staffbuffalo.com 

More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Patti Stephen, President of Buffalo Prep and CEO & Co-Founder of C3 Community, for a conversation about leadership, educational equity, workplace culture, and what it means to truly help people thrive. 

Patti shares her incredible journey from joining Buffalo Prep nearly two decades ago as a part-time special events coordinator to leading one of Western New York's most impactful nonprofit organizations. Along the way, she discovered a passion for creating environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

Together, Lauren and Patti discuss: 

• The Pain Points of stepping into leadership before feeling fully prepared 

• Building a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and connection 

• Why people want to know they matter and that their work has value 

• The role positive psychology plays in leadership and well-being 

• Supporting employees, students, and families as whole people 

• Creating workplaces where people feel cared for, capable, and connected 

• The importance of educational equity and expanding opportunities for students 

• How C3 Community is helping organizations build stronger workplace cultures 

Patti also shares the story behind Buffalo Prep's incredible growth, from serving a few hundred students to supporting nearly 800 scholars through academic, wellness, leadership, and equity-focused programming. 

One of the most powerful themes throughout this conversation is the idea of "illuminating brilliance." Patti believes everyone has unique strengths and potential. Sometimes people simply need the right environment, support system, and encouragement to discover it. 

Whether you are leading a team, navigating a career transition, or looking for ways to create a stronger culture within your organization, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiring perspective. 

💼 Connect with Patti Stephen, Buffalo Prep & C3 Community 

Website: buffaloprep.com 
Website: c3community.com 
LinkedIn: Patti Stephen 

🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast 

Website: staffbuffalo.com 
More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

In this episode, Lauren Lewis visits Say Yes Buffalo and sits down with Collin Gehl, Chief Human Resources Officer, for a conversation about career growth, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and the importance of helping people see what is possible for themselves. 

Collin shares his journey from earning an English degree at UB to finding his way into human resources through nonprofit work, organizational leadership, and a passion for helping people grow. His path was anything but traditional, and that is exactly what makes this conversation so relatable. 

Together, Lauren and Collin discuss: 

• Why career paths are rarely linear 

• The importance of mentorship and professional development 

• Building trust as an HR leader 

• How workplace culture impacts retention and employee satisfaction 

• Why employees need career conversations, not just job descriptions 

• Supporting staff as people first, workers second 

• The importance of leadership development inside organizations 

• How Say Yes Buffalo is helping students from early education through workforce development 

• The impact of apprenticeship programs and career exposure opportunities 

Collin also talks about how Say Yes Buffalo has grown over the years and the incredible work the organization is doing to support students and families throughout Buffalo and now Niagara Falls. 

What really stands out in this episode is the focus on people. Whether it is supporting employees, mentoring emerging leaders, or helping students discover career opportunities, the conversation keeps coming back to the same idea: people thrive when someone believes in them and gives them the tools to succeed. 

If you are navigating your own career path, leading a team, or thinking about workplace culture and employee growth, this episode is packed with insight and perspective. 

💼 Connect with Say Yes Buffalo & Collin Gehl 

Website: sayyesbuffalo.org 
LinkedIn: Collin Gehl 

🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast 

Website: staffbuffalo.com 
More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with David Herer, former CEO of ABC-Amega, for a conversation that spans generations of business, international expansion, family dynamics, and what it really takes to lead through uncertainty. 

David shares the incredible story of how his family business started during the Great Depression and eventually evolved into an internationally recognized company serving major organizations around the world. 

From building relationships overseas to navigating leadership transitions inside a family business, David gives an honest look at the highs and lows that came with leading a company for decades. 

Together, Maggie and David discuss: 

• The challenges of working in a multi-generation family business 

• Growing a company internationally before modern technology existed 

• Building trust and relationships across different countries and cultures 

• Navigating conflict between family and business decisions 

• The importance of bringing in outside advisors and leadership support 

• What happens when major clients suddenly disappear 

• Managing through difficult economic periods and uncertainty 

• Knowing when it is time to step away and sell a business 

David also shares stories about traveling internationally with his father, building global partnerships, and eventually helping lead ABC-Amega to national recognition, including receiving the President’s “E Star” Award for export service excellence. 

What makes this episode so interesting is how honest it is. It is not just about success. It is about pressure, responsibility, family relationships, and learning how to adapt over time. 

If you are part of a family business, leading a company through change, or thinking about long-term succession planning, this conversation is full of lessons you can take with you. 

💼 Connect with David Herer & ABC-Amega 

LinkedIn: David Herer 

🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast 

Website: staffbuffalo.com 
More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints 

Lauren Lewis sits down with Darnell Epps, founder of Thurgood, for a conversation that is both inspiring and incredibly real. 

Darnell shares his journey from growing up in New York City, facing early challenges, and eventually working his way to Cornell and Yale Law School. But what makes his story stand out is what happened next. Instead of following a traditional legal path, he made a decision most people would never consider. He enrolled in trade school while still in law school.  

That experience opened his eyes to a much bigger problem. There is a huge gap between skilled workers and the opportunities available to them, and not enough tools to connect the two. 

That is where Thurgood comes in. 

Together, Lauren and Darnell talk about: 

• Why more people are starting to take careers in the trades seriously 

• The gap between education, training, and real job opportunities 

• What made him step outside the traditional path and take a risk 

• The challenges of building a tech platform from scratch 

• Why exposure and awareness matter for younger students 

• How Thurgood helps people actually show their skills, not just list them 

• The importance of community, mentorship, and second chances 

• What it really looks like to build something while learning on the fly 

Darnell also shares how Thurgood is helping students create portfolios, connect with employers, and build real career paths in industries that are in high demand. 

This episode is a great reminder that success does not always follow a straight line. Sometimes the best opportunities come from doing something completely different. 

• Connect with Darnell Epps & Thurgood 

Website: thurgood.work 
Email: [email protected] 
LinkedIn: Darnell Epps 

• Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast 

Website: staffbuffalo.com 
More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints 

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Christine Mathieu, B. Msc., CMC®, Wealth Coach and Certified Money Coach at Note Advisors, for a conversation that goes way beyond numbers and into how we actually think and feel about money. 

Christine shares her journey from spending 20 years as a financial advisor to shifting into wealth coaching after realizing something important – logic alone does not drive financial decisions. A lot of the time, fear is what takes over. 

Together, Lauren and Christine talk through: 

• Why our relationship with money starts earlier than we think 

• How fear and past experiences shape financial decisions 

• The difference between financial planning and wealth coaching 

• Why mindset plays such a big role in how we handle money 

• What scarcity vs. abundance really looks like in everyday life 

• How slowing down decisions can lead to better outcomes 

• The connection between money, identity, and self-worth 

• Why money is not just about numbers, but about behavior 

Christine also explains how she works alongside financial advisors to support clients in a different way. While advisors focus on the numbers, her focus is on the person behind them and what is driving their decisions. 

This episode is a reminder that money is not just a financial topic. It is personal, emotional, and often tied to experiences we may not even realize are influencing us. 

If you have ever felt stressed, unsure, or stuck when it comes to money, this conversation will give you a different perspective.

💼 Connect with Christine Mathieu 

Website: noteadvisor.com 
LinkedIn: Christine Mathieu 

🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast 

Website: staffbuffalo.com 
More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints 

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Sheri Scavone, CEO of the WNY Women’s Foundation, for a conversation that is honest, eye-opening, and incredibly relevant right now. 

Sheri shares her journey from healthcare and public health into nonprofit leadership, and how that path led her to focus on advocacy, data, and driving real change for women and families across Western New York. 

They get into some big topics, including: 

• Why childcare is one of the biggest barriers facing working families 

• How the current system is failing both parents and providers 

• The reality of women leaving the workforce at higher rates 

• What the data actually shows about pay gaps and opportunity 

• How policy, culture, and systems all play a role in equity 

• The impact of programs like education-to-employment pathways 

• Why representation and leadership still matter more than ever 

Sheri also talks about how the WNY Women’s Foundation uses data to guide everything they do, from advocacy to program development, and why pairing real stories with real numbers is what drives change. 

This conversation touches on work, family, leadership, and the everyday decisions people are forced to make just to keep moving forward. 

If you are a business leader, a working parent, or just someone trying to understand what is really going on in today’s workforce, this episode is worth your time. 

💼 Connect with WNY Women’s Foundation 

Website: wnywomensfoundation.org 

🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast 

Website: staffbuffalo.com 
More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints 

In this episode, Lauren Lewis visits ACSI and sits down with James Brand, President, and Kristen Huffcut, Senior Relationship Manager, to discuss the complexities of retirement plans and why many employers struggle to manage them. 

ACSI is a third-party administrator (TPA) specializing in retirement plan compliance, administration, and support for small and mid-sized businesses. Their team helps companies navigate the legal, operational, and regulatory requirements behind retirement plans so business owners can focus on running their organizations. 

Lauren, James, and Kristen discuss: 

• What a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) actually does 

• Why retirement plans are becoming more complex 

• The impact of legislation like Secure 2.0 and New York Secure Choice 

• Why many companies run into compliance problems 

• The role of TPAs in fixing plan issues and avoiding costly penalties 

• Why local expertise and real relationships matter in retirement planning 

• How retirement benefits help companies attract and retain talent 

• The importance of proactive guidance instead of reactive problem-solving 

James also shares his unique career journey, from working in finance in New York City, to returning to Buffalo and eventually becoming President of ACSI. 

Kristen explains how her experience working with retirement plans from the advisor side led her to join the ACSI team and help businesses deliver a true white-glove service experience to their employees. 

If you’re a business owner, HR professional, or financial advisor navigating retirement plan compliance and employee benefits, this episode breaks down the pain points behind retirement planning and how to solve them. 

💼 Connect with ACSI 

Website: https://acsi-ny.com/ 
Email: [email protected] 

🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast 

Website: staffbuffalo.com 
More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

Socials: @StaffBuffalo

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Carmelo Morreale, Owner and Partner of Metrodata Services, a nationally accredited pre-employment screening company based in Buffalo, NY. 

Carm shares his journey from starting as an intern in 2009 to eventually purchasing the company with his business partner in 2022. What started as “just a job” turned into a career rooted in accountability, compliance, and community. 

Together, Lauren and Carm discuss: 

• The pain points of buying the business you once worked for 

• What national accreditation really means in the background screening industry 

• Why transparency matters — with clients and with your team 

• The real cost of a bad hire (and why screening matters more than ever) 

• Automation, compliance, and how the industry has evolved 

• The importance of consent, privacy, and doing things the right way 

• How strong partnerships (in business and with clients) drive growth 

• Building a team culture rooted in accountability and service

They also dive into the nuances of pre-employment screening, from drug testing to international checks to continuous monitoring. They explain why education and customer service are just as important as the report itself.

If you’re a business owner, HR leader, or hiring manager, this episode offers a practical and honest look at what happens behind the scenes before someone joins your team, and why it matters.

💼 Connect with Metrodata Services & Carm Morreale 

• Website: https://www.metrocheck.com 

• LinkedIn: Carmelo Morreale 

• Social: Metrodata Services 

🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast 

• Website: https://staffbuffalo.com 

• Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints 

• Socials: @StaffBuffalo