On this week's episode, Ivette O'Sullivan continues her discussion of the Holiday Hangover and dives into the The Flight Response. We describe "ostriging" and burying our heads in the sand to hide and avoid confrontation. We discuss ways on how to break those habits and recover from that Holiday Hangover.

"The Vital Women Podcast" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Dr. Renia Barrett-Baas and her business Salt Boutique Labs 

https://saltboutiquelabs.com/

On this week's episode, Ivette O'Sullivan continues her discussion of the Holiday Hangover and dives into the Anxiety Audit. She describes the different reactions our bodies go through when experiencing the start-of-the-year anxiety, while also holding onto the stressors from the previous year.

"The Vital Women Podcast" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Dr. Renia Barrett-Baas and her business Salt Boutique Labs 

https://saltboutiquelabs.com/

On this week's episode, Ivette and producer Conor discuss the Holiday Hangover that comes from financial and mental stress.

"The Vital Women Podcast" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Levia Medspa: https://leviamedspa.com/

This week on The Vital Women, I & I speak with Carmen Rosado, SHRM-CP .

HR Professional Producing Results and Demonstrating a Commitment to the Development of Leaders and their Organization

“I am a bilingual human resources professional with over 25+ years of experience in the areas of employee relations, recruiting, compensation and benefits administration, talent management and training and development. Success in analyzing, problem solving and change management issues, resulting in the implementation of streamlined processes and significant cost savings relating to staff development, legal compliance and the management of HR policies and procedures.”

"The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

Levia Medspa: https://leviamedspa.com/

On this week’s episode, I & I speak with the author of”Shattered: Without a Break” Carla Fendricks. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic of the book, and to protect the author and their family, the entire interview was transcribed and dubbed over by our producer, Conor Walsh.

A small town girl who has lived a very difficult life ; who could write a book on just about every hot topic found in the self help section of a bookstore. It’s a happy, sad, exciting, and very tragic story of a woman whose only dream in life was to be an Elementary School Teacher and a Mom. Kay’s parents were 14 and 15 and at 10 days old she was given up for adoption. She was raised by a wonderful family who had a disabled child. At 16, she got pregnant but her Mother and Father forced her to have an abortion. Just shy of Kay’s 21st birthday, Kay’s Dad passed away unexpectedly from complications from bone cancer. Three months later her Mom had a bad heart attack on her birthday and required a Heart transplant to survive. Two years after getting her new heart, she was blindsided with a diagnosis of Colon Cancer. Kay gave up her dream of being a teacher; her Mom needed her. Kay found her biological family. She married and had 2 beautiful children. Kay’s Mom passed away , and her disabled brother was lost, depressed, and suicidal. When her life finally seemed to calm down she realized she had married a mean, angry, controlling and extremely abusive man. Kay had everything she ever wanted in her perfect little family; But it was far from perfect. The home was a battlefield and she had no choice but to leave. Kay met a new man and attempted to have a blended family with his young daughter. The divorce got ugly and Kay got caught up in the family court madness. Her young children knew all about judges, law guardians, therapists, psychiatrists, cps workers, order of protection, child visitation exchanges at a police station, parental alienation and domestic violence. Kay’s children had anxiety, depression and even both suicidal thoughts. Kay’s perfect family dream was completely gone. During the Covid pandemic, Kay’s life changed again; another loop in the rollercoaster. Kay lost her amazing job, her biological father died, she had a severe medication reaction, and a horrible car accident that fractured her pelvis in 2 spots and caused her to be hospitalized and in rehab for months… Read her story and see how Kay’s life was “Shattered without a Break”…,

https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Without-Break-Carla-Fendricks/dp/1964898188/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EVLZVYilAsktZiE7lheK964yAL2eHOeyBfcdTguVsa2MkK3hwKKTMMRh2LU9iGY8ml4t1Cmdsxrk4h-XuMeYjDJTnDMLDBaCeUJTQ-0WdVyoUTE3uzLSqWAS3sql_4aWHEXW7vpAhF1-T9IU1dyoGD4wKS7vEvCt88JO9A6RYetW7IGArSNXCtIba1QKPrTn-3EXHIx08nI527grGCne0qPgjXgh0dc5VKC3wn7TncM.hzpCBZYVUdv9j2cd-FpA_HsfloDjIzlUD0YpUvU6jA8&dib_tag=se&hvadid=713541407263&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9004885&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=14187502409579314147--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14187502409579314147&hvtargid=kwd-2432208452578&hydadcr=22565_13730680&keywords=shattered+without+a+break&mcid=5da5f87476ec31c9820b3e8b12c1caa1&qid=1765233292&sr=8-1

"The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

Levia Medspa: https://leviamedspa.com/

Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo) is a 2025 American drama film, written and directed by Joel Alfonso Vargas, in his directorial debut. It stars Juan Collado, Destiny Checho, Yohanna Florentino and Nathaly Navarro. It had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2025.

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 82% of reviews are positive. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 80 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.

Winner of the NEXT Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast

Rico’s summer is a wild mix of chasing girls and hustling homemade cocktails out of a cooler on Orchard Beach, the Bronx. But when Destiny, his teenage girlfriend, crashes at his place with his family, it’s only a matter of time before his rowdy, carefree days come spiraling down.

Using his hometown as a canvas, writer-director Joel Alfonso Vargas immerses us in the beating heart of his lively Dominican American community, collaborating with street-cast actors to bring authenticity and fresh humor to his engrossing debut feature. A blend of improvisation and whip-smart dialogue shape this slice-of-life portrait into an unapologetic look at the bittersweetness of growing up quickly when life takes an unexpected turn. Juan Collado balances portraying Rico’s charm and fumbling swagger with nuance and compassion, complementing Destiny Checo’s wistful gumption, as the young lovers find themselves in over their heads while playing house.

Website:

https://joelalfonsovargas.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joelalfonsovargas/

"The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

Levia Medspa: https://leviamedspa.com/

On this week's episode, I & I sit down with Dutchess County Health Commissioner Dr. Livia Santiago-Rosado, and discuss health concerns that are plaguing the Hudson Valley and beyond.

"As commissioner for the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health, I am charged with protecting and promoting the health of our community. I have a long track record in emergency medicine with almost two decades of involvement in leadership, change management, and advocacy. My clinical and operational focus has been on education, transitions of care, and social determinants of health as they impact our patients caught by our safety net systems. In our emergency departments, we have a front row seat to witness the cracks through which patients fall. I have worked not just within EDs but vertically within hospitals and across health care systems to promote data-driven outcomes and organizational synergy, which has provided me knowledge and experience in matters related to public health. I am thrilled to now be in a position to address system failures that lead to poor health outcomes. This role is an exciting yet humbling opportunity to comprehensively study patterns, identify issues and solve for them, and have a positive impact on the health of our entire community."

Beyond Hot Flashes and High Heels Fashion Show is happening at the Salt Boutique Labs in Wappingers Falls on Thursday, December 4th from 6-9pm. Tickets are $100, you can purchase them here: https://account.venmo.com/u/vitalwomen

"The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Levia Medspa: https://leviamedspa.com/

On this week's episode of The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County, I & I speak with someone who helped to kick off The Vital Women. Today, I & I speak with Rocio Guerra Sharrock - Energy Advisor, HR Professional, Bilingual VA & Translator, and Founder of Entre Mujeres Networking. In fact, Ivette and Iris initially connected through Entre Mujeres. We all have Rocio to thank for this podcast!

Rocio talks about the networking, games, and interactions with women in the community, helping to build confidence, communities, and language skills. Rocio emphasizes representation of Latinas in the Hudson Valley, and how she can help "level up" the community. Rocio says,

"I’m a bilingual HR professional, energy advisor, and community builder with a passion for inclusive leadership, clear communication, and emotional intelligence.

My work spans employee relations, onboarding, team coordination, conflict resolution, and organizational development—always with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and culturally sensitive communication. I bring strategic HR insight to every collaboration, whether supporting teams through transitions or fostering trust across departments.

As the founder of Entre Mujeres Networking, I create spaces where women connect, grow, and thrive—especially in bilingual and multicultural communities. I lead with empathy, clarity, and a deep commitment to personal and collective growth.

Whether I’m guiding HR processes, advising on energy solutions, or designing inclusive events, I bring heart, structure, and purpose to everything I do. My strengths include talent development, organization, and cross-cultural facilitation—all rooted in a mindset of integrity, wellness, and connection."

Entre Mujeres Website: https://rociosharrock-va.my.canva.site/entre-mujeres-networking-website?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnfE_9nkxqGanKoIidT_CJSbg8NbNjOk7VezBVvjypx5gVcsGsUGDq-4feUPk_aem_FrhtAZZeAvgiG-AgItMQWg

Entre Mujeres Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entre_mujeres_networking/

Rocio Guerra Sharrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocio-sharrock-mhrm-va-cta-93648538/

_________________________________________

After I & I's interview with Rocio, Ivette and Iris have a one-on-one talk about their connection, inspirations, and about upcoming events like the Beyond Hot Flashes and High Heels Fashion Show, happening at the Salt Boutique Labs in Wappingers Falls on Thursday, December 4th from 6-9pm. Tickets are $100, you can purchase them here: https://account.venmo.com/u/vitalwomen

"The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Levia Medspa: https://leviamedspa.com/

Here's a special treat! I & I joined Beth Christy on her radio show on Hudson Valley Country 107.3 WRWD to promote the upcoming fashion show!

https://wrwdcountry.iheart.com/featured/beth-christy/

Beyond Hot Flashes and High Heels Fashion Show is happening at the Salt Boutique Labs in Wappingers Falls on Thursday, December 4th from 6-9pm. Tickets are $100, you can purchase them here: https://account.venmo.com/u/vitalwomen

"The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment.

MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/

CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Levia Medspa: https://leviamedspa.com/

Carol Vincie is a trailblazing entrepreneur who started her first business at 16 and went on to break barriers during her 25 years at IBM. She later launched two successful businesses and helped secure $15M in funding during the Dot-com boom. Fueled by her undiagnosed ADD, Carol’s risk-taking, creativity, and vision have defined her journey—and now, she shares her story to inspire others to embrace their unique strengths. When most people think of ADD/ADHD, they picture a restless boy who can't sit still or pay attention. But for girls, the signs often go unnoticed. They're quiet, daydreamy, emotionally overwhelmed, and slip through the cracks. In fact, the sources used by medical professionals to diagnose ADD/ADHD were designed with boys under 12 in mind. Most women in the U.S. aren't diagnosed until around age 39. This plays havoc with a girl’s self-esteem and psyche. Teen girls in the US are engulfed in a wave of sadness, violence, depression and trauma, often leading to self-harm, even suicide, according to a report from the CDC. In Carol Vincie’s Your Amazing Itty Bitty™ Book: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Your Daughter's ADD/ADHD, you'll discover how to: Recognize the early signs of ADD/ADHD in girls and break free from cycles and misunderstandings about your daughter’s behavior Understand that your daughter’s symptoms are complex Help her build confidence and resilience in a world that may not understand her And so much more If you or anyone you know is interested in concise, illuminating insights into issues related to ADD/ADHD in young females, this is a must-read! ~ UK Neurodiversity Specialist WEBSITE https://add-adhdstrong.com/ BOOK https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1959964771 "The Vital Women of Washington Heights Living in Dutchess County" is brought to you by MHA of Dutchess County and Produced by CMJW Entertainment. MHA of Dutchess County: https://mhadutchess.org/ CMJW Entertainment: https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/ This episode is proudly sponsored by: Levia Medspa: https://leviamedspa.com/