Welcome to Roses of Renewal! In this episode, I invite lifestyle coach Carmen Carrion to share her powerful and deeply personal journey as a former teen mom. Together, we dive into the realities of teen pregnancy—unpacking the challenges, fears, and stigma that young mothers often face, as well as the triumphs and support systems that help them along the way.

Carmen opens up about her own story: becoming pregnant at 15, navigating a maze of emotions, and relying on a small but mighty network of mentors, family, and friends. She reveals the impact her son had on her life, helping her to grow and find resilience, while also acknowledging the difficulties of strained parental relationships and community judgment.

Whether you've experienced teen pregnancy, know someone who has, or are seeking guidance as you support the next generation, this episode offers heartfelt advice, hope, and a reminder that every journey can lead to renewal. Stay tuned as Carmen shares advice for young parents, tips for starting difficult conversations, and thoughts on what schools and communities can do to better support teens.

Key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Support Systems Matter: Carmen's journey was shaped by mentors, family members, and friends who stepped in when she needed guidance the most. Sometimes, having even one supportive person—like a mentor or trusted relative—can make all the difference.

2. Your Path Isn't Defined by One Decision: Despite early challenges, Carmen finished high school and college with young children, built a successful career, and continues to inspire others. It's a reminder that setbacks don't define your future—resilience and resourcefulness do.

3. It Takes a Village: Whether you're a teen parent or supporting someone who is, Carmen emphasizes the importance of community, open communication, and accessing available resources to ensure healthy outcomes for parents and children alike.

Learn more about Carmen Carrion in these spaces:

Website: https://www.coach-carmen.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachCarmenCarrion/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachcarmencarrion/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaBDjeKSP2Jbfkc6JOpb-Nw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachcarmencarrion/

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This podcast is hosted by Wanda Santos. Wanda is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, Vice President of Community Living for Waystone HHS, Entrepreneur, and Author. She is also an experienced bilingual Latina women with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Connect with her here on LinkedIn.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

If you would love to connect with Wanda, join her in these following spaces:

Roses of Renewal Community

LinkedIn

Instagram

Submit Your powerful Community Corner story here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RosesofRenewal

Do you have a story about how you positively impact your community? Wanda invites you to tell her about it here. Each episode, we upload a listener's story about how they are giving back to the community. Stay tuned! Your story may be the next one featured in the Community Corner section.

Also, Wanda invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

The intro and outro music was Counting Blessings performed by Katori Walker. You can find it on Epidemic Sound.

This is a Crackers In Soup production.

In this inspiring episode of Roses of Renewal, we dive into the heartwarming journey of TMF, the Movement Family.

Michael Gorman and Dayrelis Acevedo share how a group of young explorers transformed into a community-driven force for change. From humble beginnings as a summer program to its impactful presence today, TMF provides love, hope, and acceptance to those in need. It's a testament to the power of kindness and the profound impact one can have by simply showing up for others.

Join us as we discover how spreading love and embracing gratitude can lead to incredible transformation.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

1. Community and Connection: Michael emphasized the power of having a supportive network. TMF began as a group of 16-18-year-olds wanting to explore beyond their known world, and it naturally evolved into a community that offered acceptance and family-like support. The importance of creating spaces where individuals feel seen and valued was highlighted as a tool for personal growth and healing.

2. Hope and Transformation: As Dayrelis shared, TMF's growth into a beacon of hope for many in the community wasn't an accident. It was the result of genuine care and the belief that small actions, like handing out inspiring note cards to those in need, can spark transformation. Their motto, "Hold on Pain Ends," beautifully encapsulates this spirit.

3. Legacy of Kindness: Both Michael and Dayrelis spoke about the ongoing legacy of kindness and the real difference it makes. They reminded us that beyond financial or material help, offering love, support, and a listening ear can change lives. TMF stands as a testament to this enduring legacy, as it continues to adapt and evolve, touching lives in profound ways.

Learn more about The Movement Family (TMF) in these spaces:

Website: https://www.themovementfamily.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064306734927#

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themovementfamily_/

A special THANK YOU to Lisa Rivera Chavez for sharing how she helps our youth be seen and heard in our community.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

This podcast is hosted by Wanda Santos. Wanda is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, Vice President of Community Living for Waystone HHS, Entrepreneur, and Author. She is also an experienced bilingual Latina women with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Connect with her here on LinkedIn.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

If you would love to connect with Wanda, join her in these following spaces:

Roses of Renewal Community

LinkedIn

Instagram

Submit Your powerful Community Corner story here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RosesofRenewal

Do you have a story about how you positively impact your community? Wanda invites you to tell her about it here. Each episode, we upload a listener's story about how they are giving back to the community. Stay tuned! Your story may be the next one featured in the Community Corner section.

Also, Wanda invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

The intro and outro music was Counting Blessings performed by Katori Walker. You can find it on Epidemic Sound.

This is a Crackers In Soup production.

In our latest Roses of Renewal episode, we dived deep with Michael Bastian, an inspiring leader redefining resilience and community engagement. From overcoming personal challenges to leading impactful initiatives like Brothers in Arms, Michael shares how life's trials have shaped his path and leadership style. He emphasizes the power of storytelling, authenticity, and consistency in making a difference.

This is a conversation that highlights the importance of emotional awareness and genuine connection. Join us as we explore how to inspire change and uplift communities through passion and purpose.

Listen now and be inspired to start your own journey!

Here are three key takeaways from our discussion:

1. Embrace Your Journey: Despite early struggles with a speech impediment, Michael's perseverance and self-belief allowed him to overcome obstacles and thrive. His story reminds us that challenges can shape us into the leaders we are meant to be.

2. Start with Passion, Discover Purpose: Michael began with a sneaker reselling business and ultimately found his calling in mental health advocacy. His journey illustrates how following your passions can lead you to your true purpose.

3. Consistency is Key: The success of Brothers in Arms, a support group for men, highlights the power of consistency. By staying committed to providing a safe space for dialogue, Michael has fostered genuine connections and inspired positive change.

Reach out to Michael in these spaces:

Website: https://biacircle.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (978) 429-9311

A special THANK YOU to Jonina Goyette from Waystone Health & Human Services

for sharing her Community Corner. For more than 50 years, Waystone Health & Human Services has served the communities across Massachusetts. Learn more here: https://waystonehhs.org/

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

This podcast is hosted by Wanda Santos. Wanda is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, Vice President of Community Living for Waystone HHS, Entrepreneur, and Author. She is also an experienced bilingual Latina women with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Connect with her here on LinkedIn.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

If you would love to connect with Wanda, join her in these following spaces:

Roses of Renewal Community

LinkedIn

Instagram

Submit Your powerful Community Corner story here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RosesofRenewal

Do you have a story about how you positively impact your community? Wanda invites you to tell her about it here. Each episode, we upload a listener's story about how they are giving back to the community. Stay tuned! Your story may be the next one featured in the Community Corner section.

Also, Wanda invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

The intro and outro music was Counting Blessings performed by Katori Walker. You can find it on Epidemic Sound.

This is a Crackers In Soup production.

In this inspiring episode of Roses of Renewal, I'm joined by the incredible Leverett Wing, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Seminar and a dedicated advocate for civic engagement.

Leverett shares his journey of empowering underrepresented communities by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and networks to navigate government spaces effectively. With over 2,000 alumni, the Commonwealth Seminar has helped diverse voices access and influence decision-making at all levels.

Our conversation explores the importance of representation, resilience, and community building, emphasizing how shared experiences and collective action can lead to meaningful change.

Here are three key takeaways from our discussion:

1. Representation Matters – Ensuring diverse voices are present in government spaces is essential for equitable decision-making and stronger communities.

2. Resilience in Leadership – Overcoming personal and societal challenges strengthens leadership, fostering empathy and informed advocacy.

3. The Power of Community – True change happens when people come together, share perspectives, and uplift one another in the pursuit of progress.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on civic leadership, healing, and the impact of inclusive policymaking!

Reach out to Leverett in these spaces:

Website: wwwcommonwealthseminar.org

Email: [email protected]

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

This podcast is hosted by Wanda Santos. Wanda is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, Vice President of Community Living for Waystone HHS, Entrepreneur, and Author. She is also an experienced bilingual Latina women with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Connect with her here on LinkedIn.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

If you would love to connect with Wanda, join her in these following spaces:

Roses of Renewal Community

LinkedIn

Instagram

Submit Your powerful Community Corner story here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RosesofRenewal

Do you have a story about how you positively impact your community? Wanda invites you to tell her about it here. Each episode, we upload a listener's story about how they are giving back to the community. Stay tuned! Your story may be the next one featured in the Community Corner section.

Also, Wanda invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

The intro and outro music was Counting Blessings performed by Katori Walker. You can find it on Epidemic Sound.

This is a Crackers In Soup production.

In this inspiring episode of "Roses of Renewal," I'm joined by the incredible Eunice Zeigler, a leader in civic engagement and a true community advocate.

Eunice shares her journey into leadership, driven by resilience and a passion for service rooted in her early experiences and personal challenges. From her impactful work as Methuen's city councilwoman to her current role on the Governor's Council, Eunice emphasizes the importance of transparency and listening in leadership.

Her story is a testament to pushing past fear and embracing opportunities to serve the community authentically. Our conversation touched on the importance of community involvement, the power of vulnerability, and the journey of personal growth.

Here are three key takeaways from our discussion:

1. Vulnerability as Strength: Embracing vulnerability allows leaders to connect with others on a deeper level, breaking down perceived barriers and fostering authentic relationships.

2. Resilience through Setbacks: As leaders and individuals, encountering setbacks is part of the growth process. These challenges shape us and teach valuable lessons that propel us forward.

3. Community Impact: Each of us has unique gifts and talents. By stepping up and sharing these with our communities, we contribute to their growth and healing, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Reach out to Eunice in these spaces:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.eunicezeigler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eunice-zeigler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eunice.zeigler/

A special THANK YOU to Yesenia Iris De Jesus for sharing her Community Corner story regarding Iris Wellness. Iris Wellness's mission is to empower individuals to prioritize their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness while making meaningful connections with others. Learn more here: https://www.instagram.com/iriswellness.ma/

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

This podcast is hosted by Wanda Santos. Wanda is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, Vice President of Community Living for Waystone HHS, Entrepreneur, and Author. She is also an experienced bilingual Latina women with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Connect with her here on LinkedIn.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

If you would love to connect with Wanda, join her in these following spaces:

Roses of Renewal Community

LinkedIn

Instagram

Submit Your powerful Community Corner story here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RosesofRenewal

Do you have a story about how you positively impact your community? Wanda invites you to tell her about it here. Each episode, we upload a listener's story about how they are giving back to the community. Stay tuned! Your story may be the next one featured in the Community Corner section.

Also, Wanda invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

The intro and outro music was Counting Blessings performed by Katori Walker. You can find it on Epidemic Sound.

This is a Crackers In Soup production.

Welcome to Episode 4 of "Roses of Renewal," where we delve into the intersection of civic engagement and healing with two remarkable guests.

In this episode, I am speaking with Diana DiZaglio, the 26th state auditor for Massachusetts, and Katrina (Kat) Hobbs Everett, a dedicated city councilor from Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Join us in discussion as Diana and Kat passionately discuss their personal journeys and lived experiences, highlighting their commitment to advocating for transparency, accountability, and positive change in government.

Both women share how their unique backgrounds have shaped their roles as civic leaders and how empathy plays a crucial role in fostering meaningful community engagement.

Tune in to hear their insightful perspectives on navigating political landscapes, empowering marginalized voices, and standing firm in one's convictions for creating lasting impact in their communities.

Key Takeaways:

1. Empathy and Lived Experience: Empathy is a crucial aspect of civic engagement. By incorporating personal experiences and stories, public servants can drive meaningful change and promote healing within communities.

2. Impact of Diverse Representation: Having diverse voices in government ensures that a wide range of issues are addressed. Lived experiences bring unique perspectives, which are essential for effective policymaking and fostering inclusion.

3. Empowering Future Leaders: Encouragement for new leaders to run for office with the intent to "do something, not just be someone." Authentic leadership rooted in personal experiences can inspire positive change and empower communities.

Reach out to Diana DiZaglio in these spaces:

Website: https://www.dianaforma.com/

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/massauditor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/massauditor

Reach out to Katrina Hobbs Everett in these spaces:

Website: https://kateverett.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinahobbseverett/

A special THANK YOU to Coach Carmen Carrion for sharing her Community Corner story regarding her wellness practice. Carmen Carrion is an Integrative Nutrition Health & Wellness dedicated to helping you achieve your unique wellness goals. With coaching and personal experience in food, diet, movement, lifestyle changes, and finances, she provides a compassionate and individualized approach. Learn more about her here: https://www.coach-carmen.com/

Submit Your powerful Community Corner story here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RosesofRenewal

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

This podcast is hosted by Wanda Santos. Wanda is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, Vice President of Community Living for Waystone HHS, Entrepreneur, and Author. She is also an experienced bilingual Latina women with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Connect with her here on LinkedIn.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

If you would love to connect with Wanda, join her in these following spaces:

Roses of Renewal Community

LinkedIn

Instagram

Do you have a story about how you positively impact your community? Wanda invites you to tell her about it here. Each episode, we upload a listener's story about how they are giving back to the community. Stay tuned! Your story may be the next one featured in the Community Corner section.

Also, Wanda invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

The intro and outro music was Counting Blessings performed by Katori Walker. You can find it on Epidemic Sound.

This is a Crackers In Soup production.

Welcome back to another empowering episode of the Roses of Renewal podcast.

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricate connection between personal healing and civic community engagement. I am joined by two remarkable guests: Dr. Glavielinys Cruz, a behavioral health clinician, and Yvonne Castañeda, a therapist, as they share their profound insights and personal experiences in the field of mental health.

In this compelling conversation, we explore how inner healing impacts collective communities and the importance of diverse perspectives in fostering growth and understanding. Tune in to discover the vital role of representation, the power of lived experiences in shaping policy, and the transformative impact of embracing discomfort for the sake of personal and community development.

This episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration, highlighting the importance of healing both individually and collectively. Join us as we embark on this journey to better understand the interplay between our emotions and the communities we serve.

Key Takeaways:

1. Healing is a Lifelong Journey: Both Glavielinys and Yvonne emphasize that personal healing is not a one-time event but a continuous process that shapes our interactions with the community. Acknowledging our own growth edges enables us to contribute meaningfully to collective betterment.

2. The Power of Diverse Perspectives: Engaging with individuals who share different views is vital for personal and community growth. Embracing discomfort in conversations can lead to profound learning and a stronger, more empathetic community.

3. Representation Matters: Seeing individuals from shared backgrounds in positions of influence inspires others and reinforces the belief that they too can overcome barriers and achieve their goals. This representation is critical for fostering inclusive environments that resonate with the diverse experiences of community members.

Reach out to Yvonne Castañeda in these spaces:

Website: https://www.soulfuerza.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulfuerza/z

Reach out to Glavielinys Cruz in these spaces:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glavielinys-cruz-psyd-88a09865/

A special THANK YOU to Aixo Delgado for sharing her Community Corner story regarding Uncommon Threads. Uncommon Threads is a nonprofit organization that is the perfect place to feel good about parting with your new or "like new" clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories. Learn more about them here: https://www.uncommonthreads.org/

Submit Your powerful Community Corner story here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RosesofRenewal

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

This podcast is hosted by Wanda Santos. Wanda is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, Vice President of Community Living for Waystone HHS, Entrepreneur, and Author. She is also an experienced bilingual Latina women with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Connect with her here on LinkedIn.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

If you would love to connect with Wanda, join her in these following spaces:

Roses of Renewal Community

LinkedIn

Instagram

Do you have a story about how you positively impact your community? Wanda invites you to tell her about it here. Each episode, we upload a listener's story about how they are giving back to the community. Stay tuned! Your story may be the next one featured in the Community Corner section.

Also, Wanda invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

The intro and outro music was Counting Blessings performed by Katori Walker. You can find it on Epidemic Sound.

This is a Crackers In Soup production.

Welcome to Roses of Renewal, where we dive into the heart of community and healing!

In this episode, I'm with Jonathan Guzman, a passionate advocate transforming Lawrence through environmental justice and policy reform. Jonathan shares his journey from the public school system to elected official, emphasizing the critical balance of self-care and civic duty.

We explore empowering pathways for citizens, the importance of informed voting, and the interconnectedness of societal issues. Join us for personal insights and lessons on fostering community collaboration and resilience. Remember, "Education is the most powerful weapon in the world!"

Key Takeaways:

1. Balancing Civic Duties and Personal Well-being: Jonathan highlights the human aspect of public service, emphasizing the importance of self-care and acknowledging emotions to effectively serve others while navigating civic responsibilities.

2. Informed and Intentional Civic Engagement: Understanding the intricacies of local, state, and national governance is crucial. Be proactive in research and involvement, ensuring elected officials represent community values and address interconnected issues like housing, education, and transportation.

3. Empowering Community Through Education and Advocacy: Education is a powerful tool for change, and providing accurate information helps community members make educated choices. Jonathan encourages exploring multiple pathways for involvement, including running for office and advocacy.

Reach out to Jonathan in these spaces:

Email: [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jguzman6/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electjonathanguzman/

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

This podcast is hosted by Wanda Santos. Wanda is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, Vice President of Community Living for Waystone HHS, Entrepreneur, and Author. She is also an experienced bilingual Latina women with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Connect with her here on LinkedIn.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

If you would love to connect with Wanda, join her in these following spaces:

Roses of Renewal Community

LinkedIn

Instagram

Submit Your powerful Community Corner story here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RosesofRenewal

Do you have a story about how you positively impact your community? Wanda invites you to tell her about it here. Each episode, we upload a listener's story about how they are giving back to the community. Stay tuned! Your story may be the next one featured in the Community Corner section.

Also, Wanda invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

The intro and outro music was Counting Blessings performed by Katori Walker. You can find it on Epidemic Sound.

This is a Crackers In Soup production.

We are thrilled to launch our very first episode of Roses of Renewal featuring our inspiring host, Wanda Santos. Wanda's journey from navigating personal challenges to making a mark in community service is a compelling testament to resilience and transformation.

Here's what you can gain from tuning in:

🔹 Community Involvement is Key: Wanda emphasizes the power of active participation in local events, networking, and joining committees. Transformational change begins when we step up and engage in our communities.

🔹 The Power of Lived Experience: Personal experiences often provide profound insights that academic knowledge alone cannot. Wanda's background in human services and community work drives her approach to empathetic and inclusive leadership.

🔹 Healing and Growth: The journey of healing isn't linear. By focusing on self-reflection, self-love, and resilience, we can turn our traumas into transformative experiences. Remember, your voice matters in shaping change.

Join us as we explore personal growth and community impact through compelling stories and conversations. You're invited to subscribe to our podcast, become part of our Facebook group, and continue the dialogue on advocacy and growth.

Let's renew ourselves and our communities, one story at a time.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

This podcast is hosted by Wanda Santos. Wanda is a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, Vice President of Community Living for Waystone HHS, Entrepreneur, and Author. She is also an experienced bilingual Latina women with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Connect with her here on LinkedIn.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

If you would love to connect with Wanda, join her in these following spaces:

Roses of Renewal Community

LinkedIn

Instagram

Do you have a story about how you positively impact your community? Wanda invites you to tell her about it here. Each episode, we upload a listener's story about how they are giving back to the community. Stay tuned! Your story may be the next one featured in the Community Corner section.

Also, Wanda invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

The intro and outro music was Counting Blessings performed by Katori Walker. You can find it on Epidemic Sound.

This is a Crackers In Soup production.

Welcome to Roses of Renewal with host Wanda Santos, the podcast dedicated to empowering trauma survivors to step into their power and drive positive change in their communities. Through inspiring stories and authentic conversations, we explore healing, public service, and the journey to civic leadership, offering insights for those aiming to run for city council or advocate for transformation. Join us as we uplift resilient voices, build community strength, and encourage civic engagement as a path to personal and collective renewal. Tune in to discover how you, too, can rise and make an impact!

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

This podcast is hosted by Wanda Santos. Wanda is a Certified Trauma Coach, Vice President of Community Living for Waystone HHS, Entrepreneur, and Author. She is also an experienced bilingual Latina women with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Connect with her here on LinkedIn.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

If you would love to connect with Wanda, join her in these following spaces:

Roses of Renewal Community

LinkedIn

Instagram

Do you have a story about how you positively impact your community? Wanda invites you to tell her about it here. Each episode, we upload a listener's story about how they are giving back to the community. Stay tuned! Your story may be the next one featured in the Community Corner section.

Also, Wanda invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend.

🌹🌱🌹🌱❤️

The intro and outro music was Counting Blessings performed by Katori Walker. You can find it on Epidemic Sound.

This is a Crackers In Soup production.