Thinking CAAP

In this special end-of-year episode, Beck Moore pauses to reflect on the journey of the Thinking CAAP Podcast so far. Instead of a new guest conversation, Beck offers a personal recap of the episodes that have shaped him most as a CEO, colleague, and advocate for community action. From lessons in leadership and vulnerability to moments of growth and unscripted connection, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to the power of dialogue and the stories that define our work.

Whether you're brand new to the podcast or a longtime listener, you'll walk away with a few episodes to revisit and a renewed appreciation for the people moving Community Action forward in Pennsylvania and beyond. Episodes highlighted include: Ep 17: Erika Carpin & Georgia Del Freo - Managing Up: Strategies for Leading from Any Role Ep 19: Amanda Hoprich & Ashley Bulley - Blueprint for Better Teams: Safety, Trust, and Team Wins Ep 22: Rachelle Abbott & Meghan McBryan - Fixing What's Broken: The Program Changing Childcare in Pennsylvania

Ep 23: Dr. Vanessa Shannon - Surf the Waves: How to Master Imposter Syndrome Ep 25: Hattie McCarter - Navigating Leadership with Hattie McCarter: Heart-Forward and High-Performing

Discover more about the Thinking CAAP podcast: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog Send your questions to [email protected].

What happens when you bring together hundreds of mission-driven professionals, leaders, and changemakers in one room?

In this special episode of ThinkingCAAP, host Beck Moore and previous co-host Amanda Hoprich, now with WIPFLI, reunite to reflect on the highlights, heart, and hard truths of the CAAP Annual Conference from keynote moments to behind-the-scenes planning to the emotional impact of the Community Action Awards and 50th anniversary celebration.

They cover:

✅ The evolution of CAAP's award ceremony and what it means to be seen

✅ The power of Pennsylvania voices leading from within the network

✅ How pre-conference infrastructure tracks are reshaping nonprofit readiness

✅ Why workplace culture (and a little bit of fun) matters more than ever

Whether you're in the Community Action Network, a human services leader, or simply curious how systems get stronger from the inside out, this episode is a powerful window into what's possible when we lead with purpose, reflect with honesty, and celebrate with intention.

Discover more about the Thinking CAAP podcast: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog

In this deeply human conversation, Beck Moore and Heather Holloway sit down with Hattie B. McCarter, Founder and Culture Strategist at MEND Solutions, to talk about the real emotional weight of leadership.

From anxiety and burnout to boundary setting and grace, Hattie opens up about what it means to lead when your tank is running low and why true leadership starts with honesty about your capacity. Together, they explore how to stay present, protect your peace, and redefine success through self-awareness and compassion.

This episode is equal parts therapy session and leadership masterclass—filled with laughter, real talk, and moments that remind you you're not alone in the work. Discover more about Hattie McCarter and MEND Solutions Website: https://mendsolutionsllc.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theleadup-mend23 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbmccartermend2023/ Discover more about the Thinking CAAP podcast: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog

In this powerful episode, co-hosts Beck Moore and Heather Holloway sit down with Vanessa Philbert and Kristy Aurand from Community Action Partnership of Lancaster to explore how language shapes access, dignity, and inclusion. From developing an intentional lexicon to navigating real-world communication challenges, Vanessa and Kristy share how their organization is putting language justice into practice, one word at a time.

Together, they unpack what it means to retire outdated terms, center community voice, and embrace curiosity around identity. Whether you're leading a nonprofit, writing a grant, or simply trying to be more thoughtful with your words, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and tangible tools for building a more equitable future.

Discover more about Community Action Partnership of Lancaster Website: https://caplanc.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAPLancasterCounty/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cap_lanc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caplanc/

Discover more about the Thinking CAAP podcast: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog

Beck Moore and Heather Holloway sit down with Dr. Vanessa Shannon, a certified mental performance consultant who's coached everyone from college athletes to MLB players. Together, they unpack the psychology behind imposter syndrome…why even high performers doubt themselves, and how to master that doubt instead of running from it.

Vanessa shares science-backed strategies for grounding, confidence, and emotional regulation, and offers practical ways for mission-driven professionals to stay calm and centered under pressure. From surfing life's waves to coloring as mindfulness, this episode is full of grounded wisdom, laughter, and reminders that confidence isn't about perfection, it's about presence. Find Dr. Vanessa Shannon on: Instagram: @drheadstrong LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drheadstrong/ Email: [email protected]Website: www.resistancetodisruption.com Discover more about the Thinking CAAP podcast: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog

What if solving the childcare crisis required rethinking not just funding, but the entire workforce model?

In this episode of the Thinking CAAP podcast, Beck Moore and Heather Holloway are joined by Rachelle Abbott, President & CEO of STEP, Inc., and Meghann McBryan, Special Projects Coordinator, to unpack how one Community Action agency turned a regional staffing crisis into a sustainable, scalable solution.

You'll hear how STEP's Substitute Aid Pool program (originally funded by ARPA dollars) leverages gig-style scheduling, streamlined technology, and collaborative community partnerships to place trained classroom aides exactly where they're needed. From onboarding to scheduling to retention, Meghann and Rachelle break down the real-world impact and what it takes to operationalize innovation in early childhood education.

Together, the team explores:

• Why livable wages and workforce equity are central to solving the childcare crisis

• How data and community needs assessments fueled this project's design

• What other regions can learn from STEP's success—and how to scale it

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, policy advocate, or early learning professional, this episode offers an actionable look at the future of childcare support through the lens of Community Action.

Discover more about the Thinking CAAP podcast: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog

In this heartfelt episode of the Thinking CAAP podcast, co-hosts Beck Moore and Heather Holloway sit down with Ellen Min, educator, DEI leader, and passionate community-builder, for an honest, empowering conversation about what it means to lead with humanity.

Ellen shares stories from her journey as a second-generation Korean American, reflecting on the early language barriers, classroom experiences, and personal mentors that shaped her purpose-driven leadership style. From her start in education to launching a DEI council at her school, Ellen unpacks how personal connection, cultural awareness, and vulnerability are at the heart of every meaningful system of care.

They explore practical ways leaders can foster inclusion and joy in the workplace from creating personalized support systems for teams, to celebrating small wins, to embracing rest during transitions. Whether you're navigating your own career shift or looking for new ways to lead with empathy, this episode is full of insights on how to be brave, be curious, and build belonging wherever you go.

Discover more about Ellen Min: Website: https://www.ellenmin.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-min/

Discover more about the Thinking CAAP podcast: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog

In this energizing episode of the Thinking CAAP podcast, co-hosts Beck Moore and Heather Holloway welcome Bree Groff, author of Today Was Fun and workplace culture expert, for a fresh take on what it really means to enjoy your work.

Together, they explore how joy, authenticity, and psychological safety aren't luxuries, but essentials for engaged and effective teams. Bree shares insights from her book and keynote experience, exploring the small yet powerful changes leaders can make to foster more human and connected workplaces, whether you're remote, hybrid, or in-person.

From emotional check-ins and "user manuals" to themed karaoke and redefining how we measure success, this episode is packed with practical tools and thoughtful reframes. You'll walk away with renewed permission to embrace fun at work, lead with authenticity, and prioritize well-being because people doing impact work deserve joy too.

Discover more about Bree Groff:Website: https://www.breegroff.com/home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bree_groff/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bree-groff/ Discover more about the Thinking CAAP podcast: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog

In this episode of the ThinkingCAAP podcast, host Beck Moore is joined by Ashley Bulley (Executive Director of ECHOS) and Amanda Hoprich (Growth Marketing Manager at WIPFLI) for a powerful conversation on leadership, team dynamics, and the human side of mission-driven work.

Together, they explore what it takes to build strong, collaborative teams in the nonprofit and Community Action world—sharing lessons on managing conflict, creating psychological safety, and embracing vulnerability as a catalyst for growth. From navigating leadership transitions to busting myths about confidence and imposter syndrome, Amanda and Ashley reflect on their own evolving styles and how intentional communication, shared purpose, and inclusive leadership have shaped their careers.

They also dive into what it means to invest in people—not just programs—offering practical strategies for celebrating wins, supporting self-care, and creating spaces where failure leads to learning. Whether you're a new leader or a seasoned changemaker, this episode is a heart-centered blueprint for building resilient, connected teams that drive meaningful impact.

Discover more: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog

Leadership consultant, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author Brenda Reynolds joins Beck Moore and Heather Holloway to explore how leaders can delegate more effectively—without burning out.

Brenda introduces the concept of "monkey management" and unpacks why so many leaders feel overwhelmed. Together, they discuss practical strategies for building trust, setting clear expectations, and creating trauma-informed workplace cultures where everyone can thrive.

Plus, Brenda shares details on her "Coming Together" mastermind for women leaders.

Don't miss this powerful conversation on letting go, lifting others, and leading with intention.

Discover more: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog