The Pinwheel Podcast: Hope for Florida's Families

In this episode, Lauren Mayo interviews Sandra Velazquez, autism advocate, mother, and author of Call Me Tunes and Tunes: Goes on a Field Trip.

In this episode, Lauren Mayo interviews Chesley Richardson, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Florida, and Shelby Garner, Assistant Director of Prevent Child Abuse Florida.

Episode recorded March 10, 2026.

In this episode, Lauren Mayo interviews Kalisha Staten, who is a Training Specialist at Prevent Child Abuse Florida.

Episode recorded March 6, 2026.

In this episode, Shelby Garner interviews Keller Stout, who is the Programs Coordinator at Prevent Child Abuse Florida.

Episode recorded January 22, 2026.

In this episode, Heather Jones interviews Dr. Kayla Thomas, who is the Director of Research, Evaluation & Systems at the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida.

Episode recorded June 20, 2025.

In this episode, Heather Jones interviews Robin Hart about Motivational Interviewing. Robin is a trainer with 30 years of experience working with the Ounce and Healthy Families Florida.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) can be used every single day, even in our personal lives. It is an opportunity for us to have real conversations with people who are considering change and all the obstacles that come with that change.

Motivational Interviewing can be defined as a lifelong quest; it provides four skill sets that are the focus of development for people. The first one being: asking open-ended questions; this allows conversations to have moments of reflection, not just yes and no answers. The second tool for MI is using affirmations; this confirms the connection between the two individuals. The third skill set is reflective listening; the average person listens 17 seconds before they start forming a response, so reflective listening helps a person listen to understand, not to respond. The last step for MI is summarizing; this is the final opportunity to connect with someone to make sure you understood their message. 

When using Motivational Interviewing during home visits, it takes away from the idea that when talking to families you must strap on your cape and try and fix people. It instead holds up a mirror, allowing family members to see their strengths, and the mountains they have already climbed.

Episode recorded June 12, 2025.

Host Heather Jones speaks with Shelby Garner, Period of PURPLE Crying® Project Coordinator for Prevent Child Abuse Florida, about the increased crying phase of an infant's normal development, what parents should expect, and ways they can cope with a crying baby.

Episode recorded May 15, 2025.

Join us this episode with Dr. Jeanne O'Kon, an accomplished psychologist with 45+ years of experience, as we talk about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their effect on mental, emotional, and physical health. 

Rebecca Harvin, founder of Haven Retreats discusses foster and adoptive parent burnout and coping skills for all members of the family. 

This episode contains content relating to human trafficking and child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Prevent Child Abuse Florida Project Coordinator Heather Jones speaks with Executive Director of the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) Robin Hassler Thompson, JD, MA.

Episode recorded June 19, 2024.