VSC Podcast

Can Sex Positivity help combat Rape Culture? On the 70th episode of the VSC podcast VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sat down with UCF Visiting Professor Dr. Amber Norman and VSC Victim Advocate Danielle Simpson-Baker to talk about Sex Positivity, Enthusiastic Consent and ways to communicate triggers and boundaries with our partners.

With me I have returning Dr. Amber Norman. Dr. Norman uses she/her pronouns and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Visiting Professor at the University of Central Florida. Her clinical practice supports ethnic and sexual minorities, with a specialty in BDSM.

And I also have returning Danielle Simpson-Baker. Danielle uses she/her pronouns and is a Crisis Counselor and Victim Advocate at Victim Services Center. Danielle recently graduated with a master’s in Marriage and Couples’ Therapy from UCF and is currently a registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern. She is also working toward a dual certificate in sex therapy and education. She provides free and inclusive sex education on her Instagram page (@thesexpottherapist).

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/hgYaz4z0mxM

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

What exactly constitutes a Cyber Crime? On the 69th episode of the VSC podcast VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sat down with UCF Assistant Professor Dr. Erica Fissel and VSC’s Program Director JoEllen Revell to talk about the umbrella of Cyber Crimes, the often overlooked effects they can have on victims, and ways we can safety plan and help prevent Cyber Crimes.

Dr. Erica Fissel uses she/her pronouns and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and a member of the Violence Against Women Cluster at the University of Central Florida. She is an expert on interpersonal cyber victimization, with particular expertise in examining theoretical causes and correlates of victimization, post-victimization behaviors (e.g., reporting and help-seeking behaviors), and the consequences of victimization.

JoEllen Revell uses she/her pronouns and is the Victim Service Center Program Director who oversees the Advocacy, Therapy, and Forensic Nursing Department. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years’ experience in clinical and administrative oversight

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/dEJK7qZpx1o

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

On the 68th episode of the VSC podcast VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sat down with VSC Therapist Tamara Nelson, LMHC and Survivor Sheri Mruz to chat about the role Forgiveness could play in someone’s healing journey, the pressures society may put on survivors, and ways we can better support the survivors in our lives.

Sheri Mruz uses she/her pronouns and is a happily married mother of one fabulous son. She operates a busy & thriving, luxury travel company. Sheri enjoys travel, interior design, and advocating for those affected by crime. Justice & recovery are her wishes for all survivors.

Tamara Nelson uses she/her pronouns and received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida (UCF). She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with the state of Florida, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with the Yoga Alliance. Tamara is a full time staff therapist at UCF Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and works part-time as a contract therapist with Victim Service Center of Central Florida (VSC).

You can also listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/Wunispw-6xU

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

Pride Month is still happening and the VSC Podcast is still chatting about it! Join us on the 67th episode of the podcast featuring VSC Victim Advocate Lyanna and 2 amazing SANEs Nancy Moskyok and Kay Barrington as they talk about Trans Survivors of Sexual Assault, Forensic Exams, and ways we can all better support the Trans Community.

Lyanna Alvarez uses she/her pronouns and holds a Master’s Degree in Science of School Psychology from Carlos Albizu University. Lyanna has been in the field for five years working in Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, and now in Florida. Lyanna is transgender woman that has always visualized herself being part of bigger cosmos where she can be an instrument of good for others, as well a role model for other trans individuals.

Kay Barrington, RN uses she/her pronouns and is one of the certified SANE nurses who works at the VSC. She has been a Registered Nurse since 1975 and has a BS in psychology and a Masters in Healthcare Administration. Kay has worked in many areas of nursing as a clinical, psychiatric, legal nurse consultant, and a SANE at the VSC for over 3 yrs. She loves being a Forensic Nurse!

Nancy Moskyok, RN, SANE-A uses she/her pronouns and is the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Coordinator for the Victim Service Center of Orlando covering Orange and Osceola counties.  She has over ten years of experience providing sexual assault exams to clients in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties when activated by the Sexual Assault Response Team protocol. Nancy has a total of twenty seven years as a registered nurse.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/vlfHJdqmcaI

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

#Pride2021

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to heldp.

On Episode 66 of the VSC Podcast, VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sat down with two amazing leaders: Central Florida Foundation’s VP of Community Strategies Sandi Vidal and VSC’s Executive Director Lui Damiani, to chat about the relationship between Foundations and Nonprofits, the current challenges they are facing, and the importance of Community Partnership.

Sandi Vidal uses she/her pronouns and serves as the Vice President of Community Strategies and Initiatives for the Central Florida Foundation. Sandi is the immediate past President of the League of Women Voters of Orange County. She has volunteered since she was 16 and has served on several boards currently serving on Mayor Dyer’s Multicultural Advisory Board and is a Fellow for GEEO at the University of Central Florida focused on sustainability. A graduate of the University of Miami school of Business, Sandi has a degree in Business Administration and she is a die-hard Cane in a house full of Noles. She has over 14 years of nonprofit leadership and over 20 years of Business Management experience

Lui Damiani uses he/him pronouns and is the Executive Director of the Victim Service Center of Central Florida. His professional career in business and public service spans more than 30 years having served the Central Florida community as a County Commissioner, corporate executive, small business  owner, governmental manager, television host and homeowner’s association president. He has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and he did his undergraduate studies at the Ohio State University.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/uzHDvOUvnB0

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

Continuing on with Pride Month, on this week’s VSC Podcast episode the VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sat down with Equality Florida’s Field Director Wesley Davis and VSC’s LGBTQ+ Victim Advocate Kevin Fox to chat about LGBTQ+ History, what current resources are available and needed within the community, and ways we can all advocate and change the culture that contributes to discrimination.

Wesley Davis uses he/him pronouns and is the current Field Director at Equality Florida where he is responsible for helping to lead Equality Florida’s Pride and outreach programs and supporting Equality Florida’s member mobilization. Wesley has extensive experience as a Grassroots Coordinator and a Regional Director to the Equality Florida field team.

Kevin Fox uses he/him pronouns and is a Victim advocate in an adjunct position with the VSC and Zebra Coalition serving survivors in the LGBTQ+ Community. Kevin worked as a high school teacher while receiving his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. His passion when working with clients is to help them increase their resilience and satisfaction with their everyday lives; he seeks to help clients increase their meaning from life and live more authentically and honestly.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/CTfx0O58IOc 

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

It’s officially Pride Month! And on this week’s VSC Podcast episode the VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sat down with Zebra Coalition’s Housing Program Manager Robin Daily and VSC’s Crisis Counselor and Victim Advocate Steven Wilson to chat about rigid gender expectations society puts on people, how this is harmful to all, and ways we can support everyone living as their authentic selves.

Robin Daily uses They / Them pronouns and is a Nonbinary / Trans Masculine person. They are the current Housing Program Manager at Zebra Coalition and has been with Zebra for a little over 4 years. Robin works with the 18-24 year old population in Zebra’s housing programs and is a Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor from the National Council for Behavioral Health.

Steven Wilson uses he/him pronouns and is one of our Crisis Counselors and Victim Advocates at the VSC. He earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social work from the University of Central Florida. Diversity, inclusivity, social justice, compassion and respect are all values that he lives by.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: @VSCFlorida

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and to continue the conversation, this week on the VSC Podcast Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sat down with two amazing licensed mental health counselors and Yoga teachers Ella Shepherd and Jordan Steckler to talk about the connection between movement and mental health.

Ella Shepherd uses she/her pronouns and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and founder of Endeavors Counseling and community yoga and dance; a virtual space for movement. Ella loves working with youth and teens and uses movement and breath to assist herself and clients through big emotions and stress.

Jordan Steckler uses she/her pronouns and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida. Jordan currently works with adolescents and adults on a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and grief. Jordan is also a 200 hour certified yoga teacher.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel @VSCFlorida

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

Can Tarot be used for healing? We are so excited for you to check out this week’s Episode of the VSC Podcast featuring Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell who chats with Author Gabriela Herstik and VSC Victim Advocate Fransheska Cardona about Tarot, addressing its stigmas, and how symbolism can be used for healing.

Gabriela Herstik uses she/her pronouns and is a witch, author, and fashion alchemist living in Los Angeles whose work dissects the intersection of witchcraft, glamour, and sexuality. She is the author of "Inner Witch". "Bewitching the Elements" and "Embody Your Magick" and is working on a book on Goddesses and one on Sacred Sex, both to be released in 2022.

Fransheska Cardona uses she/her pronouns and is one of our Victim Advocates / Crisis Counselors at the VSC She received a masters degree in Clinical Social Work from Ana G. Mendez University. Fransheska has experience working with domestic violence survivors, high risk youth and the foster care system. She is passionate about giving the others the tools to overcome any traumatic event. Fransheska is always looking for new ways to incorporate self-care and holistic approaches.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/eRKVBIqBsyg

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Photo Credit: @alexyae

@gabyherstik

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

We hear a lot about Violence Prevention Education, but what really helps? Check out the 61st Episode of the VSC Podcast featuring Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell who chats with two incredible UCF assistant professors in the school of Social Work Dr. Julia O’Connor and Dr. Alison C. Cares about how sexual assault prevention education currently looks, what works and what doesn’t work in regards to teaching it, the possible future of prevention education, and little things we can all do every day to help end sexual assault.

Dr. Alison C. Cares uses she/her pronouns and is an associate professor of sociology and member of the violence against women faculty cluster at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Her career in the movement to end violence against women started over 20 years ago by working in community outreach in a domestic violence and sexual assault services agency. Her research often looks at campus sexual assault, including evaluation the Bringing in the Bystander in person prevention program.

Dr. Julia O’Connor uses she/her pronouns and is an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida in the School of Social Work, a member of the Violence Against Women faculty cluster, and has a secondary appointment in the Department of Population Health Sciences. Julia’s practice experience includes many years as a domestic and sexual violence advocate. Her research interests include violence against women focused on primary prevention of violence, campuses, those who perpetrate violence, and marginalized populations.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/iOjC16kjh7M

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

@Cares9505 @juliamoconno @UCF_VAW @UCFSociology

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.