In this episode of The Paid leave Podcast, we connect a business and paid family leave. November is National Family Caregivers Month and National Family Health History Day is November 28. Here to talk about the importance of CT Paid Leave for bonding leave, mental health, caregiver leave and how it helps small businesses is Samatha Alzate, she is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Mindful Transformations LLC, a holistic group therapy practice based in Farmington and West Hartford, Connecticut. Her practice focuses on supporting individuals through life transitions, trauma recovery, and personal growth by blending traditional psychotherapy with mindfulness and integrative healing approaches.

As a small business owner and mother, Samantha understands firsthand the importance of programs like CT Paid Leave. She brings both a clinical and personal perspective to conversations about balance, mental health, caregiving and the realities of running a practice while raising a family. Samantha is a big fan of CT Paid Leave, because she and her husband both used bonding leave when they added to their family with their third child. She said they both feel that it was the best time of their parenting experience. She also knows how important it is to her small business. She believes it helps her employees and creates a happy and healthy environment by offering them the paid leave benefits, which some have already taken. She says it helps her to retain quality employees. Samantha wrote and Op-ed piece about CT Paid Leave and said it was a lifeline for her and she is also in a CT Paid Leave commercial about the benefits to small business owners.

To get in touch with Samantha Alzate and Mindful Transformations LLC go to Mindful Transformations LLC | Holistic Therapy in CT.

To read the Op-ed piece Samantha Alzate wrote A Lifeline for New Parents and Small Businesses - CT Examiner

For more information or to apply for benefits please go to CT Paid Leave.

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In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon, talks about his office, caregiving and the sandwich generation, and other family friendly policies in the state. November happens to be National Family Caregiver Month.

Comptroller Scanlon, talked about his role in improving state finances. Sean explains his role as the Comptroller, comparing it to a Chief Financial Officer, and details his responsibilities, including managing state finances, healthcare plans, and various programs like the flood program for Hartford residents and the MyCTSavings retirement plan for employees. He discusses the importance of caregiving and why policies like paid leave can help ease the burden on residents. Sean discusses his efforts to reform the MERS pension system. He highlights the importance of mental health parity and the Array RX drug discount card, giving discounts for medications. Sean emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility to fund future programs and improve state affordability, aiming to make Connecticut a more attractive place to live and work, and how CT Paid Leave can help with that vision. Sean recounts how a book report on Bobby Kennedy inspired him to pursue a career in politics.

For more information about the Comptroller's Office please go to Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller.

For more information or to apply for benefits please go to CT Paid Leave.

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In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, I speak to a professional about osteoporosis and bone health. In October it is International Osteoporosis Day on October 20th, National Health Education Week October 21-25th, and is also International Day of Older Persons on October 1st. Two out of three women with postmenopausal osteoporosis will break a bone in their lifetime.

I speak with Joan Doback, a certified Physician Assistant celebrating 36 years in the field. Doback, who works as a Bone Health Coordinator at the Connecticut Orthopedic Institute, explains the importance of bone health, particularly for women post-menopause. She highlights the significance of DEXA scans for diagnosing osteoporosis and osteopenia, and the role that lifestyle factors plays in bone health like diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. She recommends weight-bearing exercises, resistance training, and balance exercises to improve bone density. Doback also discusses medical treatments for osteoporosis and the impact of fractures on caregivers of patients. She emphasized the importance that the Connecticut Paid Leave program is for caregivers. She says the good news is that Osteoporosis can be reversible. 

For more information on the Bridgeport Bone Health program at the CT Orthopedic Institute at St Vincent's Hospital: Bone Health Program | CT Orthopaedic Institute | St. Vincent’s Medical Center

For Information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org

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On this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about paid family leave policies and how they affect families and communities. Drexel University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, has done a study called Making the Case for Paid Family Leave.  The study shows the benefits of taking time off for your own serious health condition or that of a loved one as well as taking pregnancy and bonding leave when adding to your family. Here to talk about this is Natalie Shaak, she is the Associate Director of Communication and Administration at the Center for Hunger Communities at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University.

The study, which included a literature review and personal stories, highlights the physical and mental health benefits of paid leave, particularly for mothers and infants. It found that paid leave reduces postpartum depression, domestic violence, and stress, and improves child health outcomes. The conversation also touches on the challenges of implementing paid leave, including the need for inclusive policies that cover part-time and gig workers. They emphasize the importance of paid leave for workplace culture, recruitment, and retention, and advocate for a national program to ensure equitable access.

To get in touch with Drexel's Dornsife School of Public Health: About the Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health | Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health

For information or to apply for benefits go to: CT Paid Leave

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In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are focusing on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States; more than 90% are non-Hispanic Black or African American. Many people with Sickle Cell Disease do not receive the recommended healthcare screenings and treatments mainly because of social barriers. 

My guests are Dr. Genice Nelson. Dr.  Nelson is the Nursing Director at UConn Health-at the New England Sickle Cell Institute, Hemophilia Treatment Center, and Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs.

Daisha Dillon is a mom who was diagnosed at birth with sickle cell disease and has been suffering since she was 6 months old. She always wanted to be a mom and has a healthy daughter who was born without Sickle cell disease. Daisha is seen at the New England Sickle cell Institute and gets her treatments for sickle cell and pain there at UConn Health. We discussed what sickle cell disease is and how it effects the body. Dr. Nelson is aware of CT Paid Leave, and the benefits it has for the patients she treats and their caregivers. Daisha's health has been improving with the newer medications that have become available to combat the symptoms and the pain. 

To get more information about the New England Sickle Cell Institute: New England Sickle Cell Institute | UConn Health

For more information about Dr. Genice Nelson: Genice Nelson, DNP, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC | UConn Health

For more information or to apply for benefits: ctpaidleave.org

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It this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we take a look at Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th through October 15th. During this month it is a celebration of the culture and diversity of the Hispanic population, but it also focuses on mental health and the challenges that Hispanics face. 

Evelyn Alejandro joins me to talk about Hispanic Heritage Month, and her parents struggles with mental health. Evelyn was the focus of an article in Mental Health Connecticut's Let's FACE IT Campaign. In the article she discusses her parents' mental health conditions, and how it affected her as a young girl. She talks about losing her mother tragically in a car crash, and how her trauma led to her being told she may be suffering from PTSD. Evelyn discusses the shame and stigma of mental health and says that CT Paid Leave is a resource that can help many Hispanics, who may not know about the program. 

To get in touch with Evelyn Please go to her website at: Agape Designs - Holistic Marketing Agency 

Contact Evelyn at her email address: [email protected]

Or Here at the Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce at their PYVOT program: PYVOT - Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce

For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org

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In this episode of The Paid leave Podcast, I am talking to a new author about her crusade for women's rights and health and her process of writing the new book. August is National Wellness Month, and that fits in perfectly with my conversation with Lauren Tetenbaum, who is a licensed clinical social worker, (in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Florida) she is a women rights advocate, and writer dedicated to supporting and empowering women through life transitions. With experience as both a lawyer and a psychotherapist, Lauren specializes in counseling women navigating identity shifts related to motherhood, career, and reproductive health. Lauren frequently contributes thought leadership to media and professional organizations; she is the author of the acclaimed 2025 book Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period, that was released in July.

Lauren discusses her journey as a women's rights advocate, her dual degrees in law and social work, and her focus on supporting women through life transitions, particularly perinatal and perimenopausal periods. She emphasizes the importance of mental health, support groups, and comprehensive care. Lauren highlights the value of paid leave programs in supporting working women and parents and shares her experience writing the book to raise awareness about menopause and its impact on mental health, and some women who experience serious health conditions.

You can find more about Lauren please go to: Media - Lauren Tetenbaum, The CounseLaur  theCounseLaur.com

For information about book tours and how you can get your copy of Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period,  please go to: Book (Millennial Menopause) - Lauren Tetenbaum, The CounseLaur  millennialmenopause.com

For information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave

https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US



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https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave



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It is National Farmers Market Week August 3 through the 9th, and it is Farmworker Appreciation Day on August 6th.  

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, I am focusing on Connecticut farmers. I talk with Ella Kennen, the Coordinator of the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance. We discussed supporting beginning farmers, particularly first-generation farmers. Caitlin Kimball is the Director of Agriculture at CitySeed, and she oversees the New Haven's farmers markets and owns and operates Sunset Organic Farm. We discuss the challenges faced by farmers, including land access, extreme weather events, and the importance of local food systems. The podcast highlights the benefits of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and some of the new legislation that passed aiding farmers. Both emphasize the importance of supporting local farms and the role that CT Paid Leave plays in offering benefits to farmers and their workers.

To get in touch with Ella Kennen via email: [email protected] or got to their website at: New CT Farmer Alliance | Building a Stronger Local Food System | Connecticut

To get in touch with Kaitlyn Kimball please go to her website at:  Home | Sunset Farm Their farmstand is open Wednesday through Saturday at Wheeler's Farm Road in Milford. You can find Kaitlyn's produce at Ridgefield farmers market, Monroe farmers market, and Naugatuck farmer's markets. Or go to Cityseed's New Haven farmers markets year-round! 

For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave

https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US



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In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, I speak with a liver specialist from the Yale School of Medicine. World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on July 28th to raise awareness of viral hepatitis. The theme for 2025 is: "Hepatitis, Let’s Break it Down." It calls for urgent action to dismantle the financial, social and systemic barriers including stigma that stand in the way of hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention. I spoke with Yale's Dr. Bubu Banini, who is an assistant professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, and works at the Yale Liver Center and volunteers on a regular basis with the American Liver Foundation. Dr. Banini goes on to explain the importance of the liver and the various types of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E, G). She highlights the social barriers and is hoping to negate the stigma associated with liver diseases. Dr. Banini also discusses the effectiveness of vaccinations and treatments for chronic viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis C, and the importance of mental health support for patients.  Dr. Banini emphasizes the benefits of the Connecticut Paid Leave program for caregivers and patients dealing with chronic liver diseases.

For more information about the American Liver Foundation please go to their website at: Liver - American Liver Foundation

For more information about the Yale Liver center: Yale Liver Center < Liver Center

To get in touch with Dr. Bubu Banini please go to: Bubu Banini, MD, PhD < Yale School of Medicine

For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave

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 In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, I speak with Dr. Lindsay Rose Bullinger. Dr. Bullinger is an associate professor and researcher in the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech and is the Associate Director of the Health Economics and Policy Innovation Collaborative. We discussed paid leave policies and how it affects children and families. Dr. Bollinger's research in the paper titled, "More Than Snuggles, the Effect of Paid Family Leave on Infant Maltreatment" shows that state-sponsored paid family leave programs reduce infant maltreatment rates and home removals by 46 percent. The study, which focused on California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and New York, highlights the importance of paid leave in improving maternal mental health and reducing financial stress. Dr. Bollinger emphasizes the need for more research on the long-term effects of paid family leave and its potential to reduce child abuse and neglect.

To find out more about Dr, Lindsey Rose Bullinger's research please go to: Paid Family Leave Helps Reduce Infant Abuse, School of Public Policy Study Finds | Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts

To find out more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave

https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US



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