Randi's House of Angels (RHOA) Podcast

By Randi's House of Angels

Recovery, Healing, Outreach, Awareness: A Podcast About Domestic Violence

Domestic or intimate partner violence is a complex and silent epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide.

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FAQs about Randi's House of Angels (RHOA) Podcast:

How many episodes does Randi's House of Angels (RHOA) Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.

Randi's House of Angels (RHOA) Podcast episodes:

September 01, 2025 Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health Stigma in Domestic Violence Situations

Season 3, Episode 2:
Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health Stigma in Domestic Violence Situations
Release Date: September 1, 2025
Content Areas: Today, we are discussing the stigma surrounding mental health and how it can prevent victims from seeking help, and how domestic violence impacts the mental health of survivors, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. We will look at the role of mental health professionals in identifying and supporting victims and the need for greater awareness and education among law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social workers. Trauma-informed approaches to therapy and recovery for survivors. Identifying the strategies to promote mental wellness in survivors and prevent further trauma, as well as how supportive communities and networks can foster healing for both victims and their families, and approaches to therapy and recovery for survivors.
Facilitator: Dr. Ellen Smith
Guest: Toni Shearer
Resources / Publications:
Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties – https://dvscp.org/
Amend Program – https://dvscp.org/amend
Music in this episode is: “Adding the Sun” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Feedback:
Please consider taking a brief survey with the link below to share your thoughts about our podcast series. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHOAPodcast
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36min
August 18, 2025 Examining the Role of Law Enforcement in Domestic Violence Situations

Season 3, Episode 1:
Examining the Role of Law Enforcement in Domestic Violence Situations: Challenges, Responsibilities, and Best Practices
Release Date: August 18, 2025
Content Areas: How officers handle these often high-stakes situations, the challenges they face in protecting victims while ensuring due process, Lethality Assessment Protocol, the importance of trauma-informed responses, collaboration with social services and advocacy organizations, training and resources that officers need to handle domestic violence incidents effectively.
Facilitator: Dr. Ellen Smith
Guest: Detective Dannelle Owens
Resources / Publications:Lethality Assessment Protocol – Information from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center – https://www.nsvrc.org/sarts/toolkit/5-7Children’s Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania – https://penncac.org/
Music in this episode is: “Adding the Sun” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Feedback:
Please consider taking a brief survey with the link below to share your thoughts about our podcast series. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHOAPodcast
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36min
October 21, 2024 Season 2 in Review

Season 2, Episode 7:
Season 2 in Review
Release Date: October 21, 2024
Content Areas: On the podcast’s final episode of Season 2, Nancy Chavez, Sherry Peters, Paul Miller, and Dr. Ellen Smith reflect on the season that was. In the episode, the group takes a look back at memorable guests, crucial information in the fight against domestic violence, and share important resources for individuals who may need assistance.
Facilitators / Guests: Nancy Chavez, Sherry Peters, Dr. Ellen Smith, Paul Miller
Resources / Publications:
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) – https://www.pcadv.org/find-help/
PA – 211 –https://www.pa211.org/get-help/crisis-hotlines/domestic-violence-hotlines/
Music in this episode is: “Adding the Sun” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Feedback:
Please consider taking a brief survey with the link below to share your thoughts about our podcast series. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHOAPodcast
Subscribe or listen on other platforms:
...more
38min
October 07, 2024 Exploring How Cultural Traditions Impact Domestic Violence

Season 2, Episode 6:
Exploring How Cultural Traditions Impact Domestic Violence
Release Date: October 7, 2024
Content Areas: Introduce the topic of cultural perspectives on intimate partner violence (IPV), cultural norms and expectations, stigma and silence, and breaking the cycle.
Facilitator: Dr. Ellen Smith
Guest: Dr. Samuel Benbow
Today, we are discussing the importance of understanding the intersection of love, tradition, and the complexities of IPV and how cultural norms and expectations shape attitudes toward relationships and affect power dynamics within intimate partnerships. We will discuss the impact on children and what occurs in the home and approaches to prevention that take cultural factors into account, including education and awareness tailored to specific communities.
Dr. Samuel R. Benbow is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work and Gerontology at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. He worked several years in the mental health field in roles such as intensive case manager, intensive and resource case management supervisor, behavioral specialist consultant, mobile therapist, and director of residential treatment facilities prior to his tenure as a full-time tenured track faculty member at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in 1998.
Resources:
“The Persistence of African-American Students from Three Predominantly White Universities: A Case Study of the Summer Residential Pre-College Experience Program within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.”
More than Icebreakers: Teaching social work students how to effectively use activity in the group.” Group Work: Honoring our Roots Nurturing our Growth. Proceedings of the 31st Annual International Symposium of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups in Chicago, IL.
Intimate Partner Violence and Barriers to Help-Seeking Among Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Immigrant Women: A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Global Research https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15248380211050590
Music in this episode is: “Adding the Sun” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Feedback:
Please consider taking a brief survey with the link below to share your thoughts about our podcast series. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHOAPodcast
Subscribe or listen on other platforms:
...more
38min
September 23, 2024 From Victim to Victor: The Resilience Revolution

Season 2, Episode 5:
From Victim to Victor: The Resilience Revolution
Release Date: September 23, 2024
Content Areas: Defining Resilience, Overcoming Challenges, Support Systems, Tools for Resilience
Facilitator: Dr. Ellen Smith
Guests: Sherry Peters, Nancy Chavez
Today we will be defining what resilience means in the context of intimate partner violence and sharing stories from survivors/victims who have transitioned from being victims of intimate partner violence to victors through resilience. We will explore the challenges survivors faced and how they navigated them on the path to resilience, the role of self-discovery in overcoming trauma and sharing coping strategies survivors used during and after the experience of intimate partner violence.
We will explore the significance of community support, including friends, family, and support groups, in fostering resilience and how victims turn their pain into empowerment and advocacy. Finally, we will share the role of professional help, therapy, counseling, tools, and resources to assist survivors/victims in their journey.
Resources:
Stabbed in the Heart – Nancy’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Stabbed-Heart-Murdered-Children-Resilient/dp/0989871703
Randi’s House of Angels website: https://randishouseofangels.org/
Music in this episode is: “Adding the Sun” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Feedback:
Please consider taking a brief survey with the link below to share your thoughts about our podcast series. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHOAPodcast
Subscribe or listen on other platforms:
...more
35min
September 09, 2024 More Than a Crush: Understanding Teen Dating Violence

Season 2, Episode 4:
More Than a Crush:
Understanding Teen Dating Violence
Release Date: September 9, 2024
Content Areas: Recognizing Warning Signs: Red Flags, Factors Contributing to Teen Dating Violence, Prevention and Education
Facilitator: Sherry Peters
Guest: Ann Gerras
Today, we will explore the various forms of teen dating violence, including physical, emotional, verbal, and digital abuse, and highlight positive and healthy relationship examples. We will discuss how technology and social media (both in-person and online interactions) impact teen dating violence, including cyberbullying, harassment, and controlling behaviors online. Explore how media and peer influence shape attitudes toward relationships and influence behaviors among teens. Finally, discuss common warning signs of abusive behavior in teen relationships.
Ann Gerras is a seasoned counselor with almost two decades of experience as a school counselor and educational leader. She currently delivers the Randi House of Angels curriculum, designed to break the cycle of domestic violence, to boys in 5th through 8th grades at the Nativity School in Harrisburg. Two years ago, Ann was credentialed as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and works with a family of 6 children to help navigate the foster care system. Certified in Safe Crisis Management for over 10 years, Ann was also a seasoned Trainer for the Family Support Alliance and taught the program, “Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse” to school educators. Her extensive qualifications include certifications in the Student Assistance Program, Trauma Informed Educational Practices, Mental Health First Aid, and more. Ann has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Penn State and also holds a Principal Certification from Shippensburg University.
Resources:
Dating Matters – Intimate Partner Violence: https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/php/datingmatters/index.html
Love Doesn’t Hurt: https://lovedoesnthurt901.com/
Music in this episode is: “Adding the Sun” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Feedback:
Please consider taking a brief survey with the link below to share your thoughts about our podcast series. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHOAPodcast
Subscribe or listen on other platforms:
...more
37min
August 26, 2024 When Love is Love and Violence is Not: How to Navigate Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships

Season 2, Episode 3:
When Love is Love and Violence is Not:
How to Navigate Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships
Release Date: August 26, 2024
Content Areas: Understanding the Unique Challenges: Intersectionality in LGBTQ+ IPV, Stereotypes and Stigma, Barriers to Seeking Help
Facilitator: Dr. Ellen Smith
Guest: Dr. Jayleen Galarza, Shippensburg University
Dr. Jayleen Galarza Patterson (Dr. Jay; they/them) is a Latinx scholar-activist, a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania, and an Associate Professor within the Social Work & Gerontology department at Shippensburg University. They are also an AASECT certified sex therapist. They completed their PhD in Human Sexuality at Widener University with a focus on exploring the intersections of queer and Latina identities and experiences.
In addition to their academic and clinical work, Dr. Jay is involved in various national and local service initiatives focused on advocating for sexuality social justice and increasing inclusivity and equity, centering the experiences of marginalized racial, sexual, and gender-diverse communities.
Resources:
Sexuality Social Justice, an open-access educational resource: https://pressbooks.pub/sexualitysocialjustice/
Music in this episode is: “Adding the Sun” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Feedback:
Please consider taking a brief survey with the link below to share your thoughts about our podcast series. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHOAPodcast
Subscribe or listen on other platforms:
...more
37min
August 12, 2024 What is the relationship between Domestic Violence and Pet Abuse?

Season 2, Episode 2:
What is the relationship between Domestic Violence and Pet Abuse?
Release Date: August 12, 2024
Content Areas: Link Between Pet Abuse and IPV, Impact on Victims and Pets, Support for Pet-Owning Victims, Legislation and Policies
Facilitator: Sherry Peters
Guest: Dr. Cassandra Reyes
Cassandra L. Reyes, PhD, is an associate professor of criminal justice at West Chester University (WCU). Prior to becoming a professor at WCU in 2009, she worked as a New Jersey State Senior, Bilingual Parole Officer and Probation officer, and Indiana County (IPA) Jail Correctional Officer, for over 13 years. She currently holds positions in several organizations, including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Humane Policy Volunteer Leader, NJ Fraternal Order of Police Bicentennial Lodge #76 Vice President, Keystone Link Coalition University Stakeholder, Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties Faculty-at-Large Member, and Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Trustee. During her undergraduate studies at IUP, she worked at the Alice Paul House DV volunteer, and as a probation officer, she worked in the DV unit at the Hall of Justice in Camden, NJ.
Resources:
Resources/Publications Three editions of the book, Animal Cruelty: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding (https://cap-press.com/books/isbn/9781531022327/Animal-Cruelty-Third-Edition)
Book chapters in the three Animal Cruelty editions and the recently published “Animals as Crime Victims ” (https://www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/book/9781802209884/9781802209884.xml
Served as an expert in the Sage Video entitled, “Animal Cruelty and Criminality” as a part of the publisher’s Criminology & Criminal Justice video collection (https://players.brightcove.net/3764097123001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6333133299112).
Music in this episode is: “Adding the Sun” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Feedback:
Please consider taking a brief survey with the link below to share your thoughts about our podcast series. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHOAPodcast
Subscribe or listen on other platforms:
...more
33min
July 29, 2024 Silent Epidemic: Understanding the Link Between Domestic Violence and Homelessness

Season 2, Episode 1:
Silent Epidemic: Understanding the Link Between Domestic Violence and Homelessness
Content: Intersectionality and Vulnerability, Barriers to Seeking Help, Trauma-Informed Care, Innovative Solutions
Facilitator: Sherry Peters
Guest: Rhonda Hendrickson
Rhonda Hendrickson is a graduate of Public Affairs at Penn State University and Elizabethtown College’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Currently is the Chief Operating Officer at the YWCA Greater Harrisburg and is an Adjunct Instructor at Penn State Harrisburg teaching Homeland Security. With more than 24 years of expertise in public health issues, Rhonda provides program management expertise in issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and organizational leadership. She has served in leadership roles at the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, supporting Violence Intervention & Prevention Services. Ms. Hendrickson speaks at the local, state, and national issues on issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Resources:
Statistics: https://staging.nnedv.org/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/THousing_Handout_Domestic-violence-housing-and-homelessness.pdf
YWCA Greater Harrisburg
https://www.ywcahbg.org/
717-234-7931
[email protected]
Music in this episode is: “Adding the Sun” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Feedback:
Please consider taking a brief survey with the link below to share your thoughts about our podcast series. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHOAPodcast
Subscribe or listen on other platforms:
...more
35min
February 19, 2024 Wrap Up and Take Aways Podcasts

Season 1, Episode 8:
Wrap Up and Take Aways from Season 1 Podcast Episodes
Published: February 19, 2024
Content: Hosts of the podcast recap their favorite moments during season one, including red flags of domestic violence, positive take-aways, and services that victims can utilize.
Guests: Dr. Ellen Smith, Sherry Peters, Nancy Chavez
Resources:
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence:https://nrcdv.org/
Randi’s House of Angels: https://randishouseofangels.org/
Feedback:
Please consider taking a brief survey with the link below to share your thoughts about our podcast series. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHOAPodcast
Subscribe or listen on other platforms:
...more
35min

FAQs about Randi's House of Angels (RHOA) Podcast:

How many episodes does Randi's House of Angels (RHOA) Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.