The Apple Lounge

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

In this episode, we talk with Bridget Walsh explores New York's dental care crisis impacting thousands of families across New York State: the critical shortage of accessible dental care, examines strategies being built to protect the health of New York’s children and families.

Bridget Walsh is a dedicated health policy advocate, she serves as the Senior Policy Manager with the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy in Albany, New York. She specializes in creating equitable solutions for community oral health, with a specific focus on supporting low-income families and children. Her work focuses on tackling severe dental provider shortages across New York State by championing workforce innovations like the authorization of dental therapists."

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Mahalo to our sponsor Ohana 100, DKAFF and DREHZ for the music.

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Let’s keep exploring, creating, and inspiring together.

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Mahalo to our sponsor Ohana 100, DKAFF and to DREHZ for the music.

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

"What happens when you combine a deep love for music with a passion for helping children thrive? In this episode, we’re sitting down with Megan Coltoniak, a board-certified music therapist with over 20 years of experience in early childhood development.

As the founder of Bloom Creative Arts, Megan has dedicated her career to supporting children's growth through rhythm and song. Most recently, she created the BloomiVerse App for ages 2 to 9—a safe, music therapy-based digital space focused on diversity, acceptance, and self-regulation. It helps children practice coping skills while guiding families to build healthy co-regulation routines at home.

Beyond her businesses, Megan serves on the advisory board of the WNY Behavior Collaboration, speaks at early childhood conventions, and loves spending time with her family and her dog, Luke—who even appears as a character in her app!

Tune in for a rich discussion that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth. Let's dive in!"

Mahalo to our sponsor Ohana 100, DKAFF and DREHZ for the music.

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

In this inspiring episode, early childhood educator Brian shares his journey of I Found My Voice. After a childhood shaped by the anxiety and isolation of stuttering, Brian found comfort in books and healing through singing. Turning his greatest obstacle into his ultimate purpose, he chose a career in education. Today, he helps the next generation overcome emotional and verbal hurdles by showing them that fun and play are vital to learning.

Brian Mehlenbacher dedicated nearly 34 years to Pro Action Head Start as a teacher and leader. An Elmira College alumnus with a B.A. in Education, he is recognized for his steady leadership and deep commitment to families and educators. As a passionate advocate for early literacy, Brian believes books open doors to curiosity and lifelong learning. He filled his classrooms with stories, laughter, and kindness, knowing that joy is where the best learning begins. Now retired, Brian enjoys long walks, children’s literature, and spending time with loved ones.

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Let’s keep exploring, creating, and inspiring together.

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Mahalo to our sponsor Ohana 100, DKAFF and to DREHZ for the music.

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Let’s keep exploring, creating, and inspiring together.

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Mahalo to our sponsor Ohana 100, DKAFF and to DREHZ for the music.

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

Meet our special guest Rachel P. Bonsignore (pronounced Bon-Sen-Your) who is Director, Liftoff Western New York. As Liftoff’s first Director, Rachel leads all aspects of Liftoff’s strategic and impact agendas. For the past 30 years, Rachel has prioritized community engagement and policy change advocacy to improve the lives of children and families in the region and has actively contributed to national, state, and regional alliances.

Before joining Liftoff, Rachel previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Community Health Initiatives at The Children’s Agenda in Rochester, N.Y. where she worked on advancing effective policies and programs for the health, education, and success of children.

Rachel is recognized by the American Heart Association’s Voices for Healthy Kids as a ‘National Mover and Shaker,’ she received the Rochester Business Journal’s ‘Forty Under 40’ award and is the recipient of Dickinson College’s 1783 Award for distinguished service and professional accomplishment. Rachel is graduate of Dickinson College with a degree in Environmental Policy and completed a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from St. John Fisher University.

Most proudly, Rachel has spent the past few years focusing on early childhood development in her own household with daughters Vivian (age 8) and Claire (age 5).

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students.

Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Mahalo to our sponsor Ohana 100, DKAFF and to DREHZ for the music.

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Let’s keep exploring, creating, and inspiring together.

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Mahalo to our sponsor Ohana 100, DKAFF and to DREHZ for the music.

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Let’s keep exploring, creating, and inspiring together.

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Mahalo to our sponsor Ohana 100, DKAFF and to DREHZ for the music.

Welcome to The APPLE LOUNGE podcast.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Let’s keep exploring, creating, and inspiring together.

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Mahalo to our sponsor Ohana 100, DKAFF and to DREHZ for the music.