The Hope Exchange

In this episode, Kim Madsen and Dr. Ashley Kjos sit down with Sara Carlson, Executive Director of the Willmar Area Community Foundation, to explore how thoughtful giving, local partnerships, and community-rooted initiatives are transforming mental health support in west central Minnesota. From mural projects to Kids Connection, Sara shares how investing in connection creates long-term hope and healing.

In this powerful conversation, hosts Kim Madsen and Dr. Ashley Kjos welcome Megan and Sarah, experienced counselors from Woodland Centers' Substance Use Program, to discuss early intervention in youth substance use. The episode highlights the importance of communication, patience, and recognizing behavioral changes in teens. Megan and Sarah share practical ways for parents and caregivers to open judgment-free conversations with their kids and offer insight into warning signs like changing peer groups, slipping grades, and increased secrecy. This discussion serves as a compassionate guide for those looking to identify and address substance use issues early, before they escalate into crisis.

In this episode of The Hope Exchange, hosts Kim Madsen and Dr. Ashley Kjos talk with school social workers Meganand Dionne about the evolving role of mental health professionals in schools. The conversation explores how school-based social work has moved from being reactive to deeply proactive—integrated into hallways, classrooms, and morning routines. Megan and Dionne share real-world experiences of building trust with students, collaborating with teachers, and breaking down stigma around mental health. It’s a meaningful look into how small daily moments can foster connection, regulation, and resilience for students of all ages.

In this heartfelt episode, Kim and Ashley sit down with Reggie, a client of Woodland Centers’ WIN program, to explore his personal journey navigating employment and mental health. Reggie shares his honest struggles with confidence, the challenge of getting back behind the wheel, and how working with his job coach helped him find stability and self-worth. Through his story, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the power of persistence, community support, and the importance of individualized job placement. It’s a story of quiet strength and hope—and a reminder that meaningful work can be a cornerstone of recovery.

In this episode of The Hope Exchange, Tina Schenk, Social Services Director for Meeker County, joins hosts Kim Madsen and Ashley Kjos to discuss the power of collaboration in supporting public health and social services. From prevention programs and community training to strong partnerships with organizations like Woodland Centers, Tina highlights how Meeker County is working to meet community needs and empower residents to thrive.

EPISODE TALKING POINTS
Meet Jaime & Kayla
Kim introduces her guests: Woodland Centers therapist Jaime Bremseth and student Kayla Davis, both of whom have built a meaningful therapeutic relationship through school-linked services.
What Is School-Linked Mental Health?
Jaime explains her dual placement across school districts, providing therapy directly on school grounds and offering accessible support to students during the day.
Why Therapy in Schools Matters
The group discusses how integrating services into schools helps break stigma and eliminate barriers like transportation, scheduling, and accessibility for families.
Kayla’s Journey Begins
Kayla shares the moment she realized she needed help, how she got connected to Jaime, and what those early sessions looked like.
From Nervous to Empowered
Kayla describes how her anxiety turned into self-advocacy and how Jaime’s approach helped her feel heard, understood, and capable of setting boundaries.
Breaking Down Stigma
Kim and Jaime reflect on how stigma is changing in schools and among parents—and how open conversations are helping mental health become normalized.
Tools for Regulation & Confidence
The episode touches on coping tools Jaime uses with students—from breathing techniques to journaling—and how those tools give students power in everyday situations.
Family Involvement & Communication
Jaime explains how families are brought into the process when appropriate and how collaboration can be key to a student’s success.
Early Intervention Matters
They discuss the long-term impact of early support and how catching mental health struggles early can change a student’s future in both academics and relationships.
Kayla’s Message to Others
Kayla closes with a message for other students: asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s brave. Her story is a testament to what happens when young people are seen, supported, and empowered.

In this episode, host Kim Madsen sits down with Sarah Vonderharr, Executive Director of Pact For Families Collaborative, to explore how five rural Minnesota counties banded together to create a seamless safety net for children and families facing mental-health or substance-use challenges. Sarah recounts the Collaborative’s legislative origins and explains its wrap-around philosophy, which keeps family voice & choice at the center while coordinating schools, county services, nonprofits, and healthcare providers. Listeners hear about signature programs—Road to Success for high-schoolers and Journey to Independence for young adults—that teach budgeting, cooking, hygiene, and career skills; discover how federally funded “system-of-care” trainings equip teachers, social workers, and police with a shared toolkit; and learn why early, whole-family support is both cost-effective and life-changing. Sarah closes with a road map to 24/7 crisis lines, volunteer opportunities, and partnership options, ensuring anyone in need—or eager to help—knows exactly where to start.
Key Programs & Resources
Pact For Families Collaborative: www.pactforfamilies.org
Road to Success (high-school skill building)
Journey to Independence (young-adult life & work skills)
Upcoming professional-development trainings (see website events page)
Woodland Centers Crisis Line: 800-992-1716 (24/7)
Episode Credits
Host: Kim Madsen, Chief Impact Officer, Woodland Centers
Guest: Sarah Vonderharr, Executive Director, Pact For Families Collaborative
Show: The Hope Exchange

1. Meet Angie Richardson

Angie Richardson, Marketing and Community Impact Coordinator at Woodland Centers, joins the show to discuss the life-saving importance of naloxone training. In addition to leading community education efforts, Andy also conducts internal and external trainings that promote awareness and reduce stigma.

2. Why Naloxone Training Matters

Woodland Centers offers community-based naloxone training to raise awareness, improve access, and fight stigma around overdose response. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) can reverse opioid overdoses and gives individuals the chance to survive and access further care.

3. It’s Not Just for “Addicts”

A common misconception is that naloxone is only for people struggling with addiction. In reality, it's a tool anyone can use in an emergency—just like CPR. You never know when someone in your community may need it.

4. Overdose Recognition and Response

Trainings cover how to recognize signs of an opioid overdose, respond appropriately, and administer naloxone safely. The goal is to equip people with the confidence to act quickly and effectively.

5. Naloxone Is a Bridge, Not a Cure

Naloxone doesn’t treat addiction—it buys time. It gives someone a second chance to seek help and connect with treatment and support services. It’s the beginning of a recovery path, not the end.

6. Safe to Use, Easy to Learn

One key message: naloxone is safe. If you give it to someone who isn’t actually overdosing, it won’t harm them. The biggest risk is not acting when someone needs help.

7. Training Is for Everyone

Woodland’s trainings are open to all—parents, teachers, teens, first responders, and community members. Anyone can learn how to save a life with naloxone.

8. Real Tools, Real Preparedness

Participants don’t just leave with knowledge—they leave with naloxone kits in hand. These are free, funded, and available after training sessions to ensure community members are truly prepared.

9. Partnerships Expand Reach

Woodland Centers works with schools, nonprofits, and community groups to spread access to naloxone across the region. The goal is to remove every barrier that stands between someone and a second chance.

10. Empowering Everyday Heroes

Naloxone training turns ordinary people into lifesavers. Whether it’s a teacher, coach, or grandparent, having the tools and confidence to step in during an overdose can make all the difference.

Show Notes:

In this inspiring episode, Kim and Ashley sit down with Sheila and John from West Central Industries to explore the powerful connection between employment and mental well-being. With deep experience supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges, Sheila and John walk us through how employment services like the WIN Program (Work Environment Now) help people rediscover purpose, self-worth, and connection.

From initial referrals to long-term support, the team provides individualized, compassionate job placement and coaching across Kandiyohi, Chippewa, and Meeker counties. Their work is centered on meeting people where they’re at—regardless of background, education, or work history—and helping them build toward their goals, one step at a time.

Throughout the episode, they share several success stories that highlight how work can be transformative. One standout includes a young man who originally believed he wasn’t fit for customer-facing roles, only to thrive as a cashier through “300 micro conversations a day,” eventually becoming an assistant manager and living independently. Another story follows a woman who transitioned from working at Walmart to an administrative position, growing into her role with support and accommodations and building the confidence to thrive.

This episode reminds us that employment isn’t just about income—it’s about identity, structure, connection, and hope.

Key Takeaways:

Employment plays a critical role in mental health and self-confidence.

The WIN Program offers personalized employment support and extended services.

Success comes from trying, failing, adapting, and growing with the right support system.

Everyone—regardless of age, background, or past—deserves the chance to find meaningful work.

For more information on employment services through West Central Industries and the WIN Program, contact Woodland Centers or visit woodlandcenters.com.

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Hosts Kim Madsen and Ashley Kjos are joined by Karen Meyer, Director of Crisis Services, and Kelly Rosendahl, Crisis Supervisor at Woodland Centers. They discuss the extensive crisis services available, including mobile crisis, mental health urgent care, and residential crisis programs, highlighting the importance of timely mental health support.

Key Points Discussed:

Woodland Centers Crisis Services:

Woodland Centers provides comprehensive crisis services, including mobile crisis response, residential crisis facilities for adults and youth, and mental health urgent care.

Karen and Kelly share their extensive experience and the evolution of crisis services, emphasizing accessibility and responsiveness to community needs.

Mental Health Urgent Care:

Mental health urgent care provides immediate, walk-in mental health support, available weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Services include crisis assessment, immediate interventions, and personalized follow-up plans to address immediate needs and provide relief.

When to Seek Help:

The team stresses the importance of seeking help early, emphasizing that crisis services are available for a wide range of situations, not just severe emergencies.

Common reasons for seeking help include anxiety, depression, school issues, family conflicts, and suicidal thoughts.

Overcoming Barriers and Stigma:

Karen and Kelly address misconceptions about mental health services, reassuring listeners that seeking help is safe, supportive, and confidential.

They encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide, highlighting that directly addressing these issues can significantly increase safety and provide essential support.

Community Education and Training:

Woodland Centers offers community training programs, such as Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR), to help individuals become comfortable discussing mental health crises and suicide prevention.

Resources Mentioned:

Woodland Centers: WoodlandCenters.com

Contact Information:

Woodland Centers Office: 1-800-992-1716

24-hour Crisis Line: 1-800-432-8781

Closing Message:

Seeking help early is critical—no call or visit is too minor. Woodland Centers encourages the community to utilize available crisis resources, emphasizing that reaching out for support always results in something positive. Keep holding onto hope—you’re worth it.