VSC Podcast

If you think a line has been crossed, it has. On the 90th episode of the VSC Podcast, Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell is joined by VSC Victim Advocate Steven Wilson and VSC Advocate Intern Nicola Prichard to chat about Verbal Coercion, how rape culture normalizes this type of coercion, and ways we can combat this culture and heal.

Steven Wilson uses he/him pronouns and  is a Crisis Counselor and Victim Advocate at Victim Service Center of Central Florida. Diversity, inclusivity, social justice, compassion and respect are values he lives by and what you can expect when joining him for crisis counseling. He obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida and continues to build upon his education and skills. He hopes that together they can rebuild and repair the traumas in their lives.

Nicola Prichard uses she/her pronouns and graduated from the University of Florida with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is one of VSC’s advocacy interns and is currently a graduate student in the Master’s of Social Work Program at the University of Central Florida. In her first year at UCF, Nicola interned at Children’s Advocacy Center Osceola, working with families of children who had experienced abuse. After graduating, she plans on working to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and intends to continue working with individuals who have experienced trauma. In her free time, Nicola likes to read, cook, and play the piano.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/4LcA0hBRQyo

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

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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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 89th episode of the VSC Podcast, Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell is joined by VSC Victim Advocate Danielle Simpson-Baker and VSC Advocate Intern Yael Rivera to chat about Sex Therapy, diverse and common effects that sexual trauma could have on intimacy, and ways survivors can heal and feel empowered.

Yael Rivera uses she/her pronouns and attends Florida State University’s Master’s of Social Work clinical program. She completed her generalist internship at UCF CAPS where she developed a love for group therapy. Her approach is humanistic, person-centered, mindfulness-based, DBT informed (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and interpersonal. She has a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ community, college students, and survivors of traumatic experiences.

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 and advice on her Instagram page (@thesexpottherapist).

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/jw3ysTA0eV8

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

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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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 88th episode of the VSC Podcast, Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell is joined by FCASV’s Director of Programs Melissa Ashton and VSC’s Lead Victim Advocate Rhonda Wilson to chat about the many barriers survivors may face when it comes to reporting, the different options survivors have and the resources available to them whether or not they want to report, and why it is important for survivors to make choices that are right for them on their healing journey.

Melissa Ashton, LCSW (she/her) has been in the field of victim services since 2001. She began her career primarily supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence through the criminal justice system. Melissa also served as a campus based advocate for nearly 10 years where she worked with survivors of all types of crimes. Through her work at FCASV, Melissa has worked with survivors on their civil legal needs under the LAV grant and has also provided technical assistance to Florida advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors. She is currently the Director of Programs and in this role provides training and technical assistance to Florida's 31 certified sexual assault programs around the state. Melissa also works on PREA issues and continues to train advocates. In her free time Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and training for her next race!

Rhonda Wilson (she/her) has been part of the VSC team for over 12 years. She has three graduate degrees, a Master of Human Services, a MBA and a Master in Administration of Justice and Security. Rhonda has over 30 years of experience in criminal/military justice. She served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. After retiring from the Navy, Rhonda worked as the Director of a Residential Re-entry Center for inmates transitioning from federal prisons. Rhonda’s goal is to engage the entire community in activities that prevent sexual assault and crime.

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

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

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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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.

Did you know Orlando ranks 3rd in the nation for Human Trafficking calls? On the 87th episode of the VSC Podcast, Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell is joined by United Abolitionists’ founder/president Tomas J Lares and a Victim Advocate from the State Attorney’s Office Jenny Castaneda to chat about Child Sex Trafficking, myths, and ways we can help end Human Trafficking.

Tomas J Lares uses he/him pronouns and is the Founder/President of United Abolitionists, formerly Florida Abolitionist, Inc. an anti-human trafficking organization that networks, facilitates, and creates preventative and restorative solutions to ending modern-day slavery. Tomas is also the Co-founder/ former Chairman of the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force, Inc (now the Central FL Human Trafficking Task Force) and has 31 years of human services experience at the local, state and national level, managing and starting non-profit and public advocacy initiatives.

Jenny Castaneda uses she/her pronouns and has been a victim advocate with the Office of the State Attorney for 9 years. She is currently assigned to the Human Trafficking Unit at the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation . She graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a certificate in Victim Advocacy. During her time as an advocate her focus has been on domestic violence and sex crimes cases. Jenny has also worked with an array of victims including victims of felony crimes and the families of victims of homicide.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/MOhli_Dtlx4

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

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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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 86th episode of the VSC Podcast, Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell is joined by FCASV’s Leo Vera, Esq. and VSC Victim Advocate Priscilla Aquino to chat about Undocumented Immigrants, myths surrounding this population, their rights after facing victimization, and ways we can learn more about and help support survivors that are undocumented immigrants.

Leo Vera, Esq. uses he/him pronouns and is the supervising attorney for the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence since 2019. For the last 10 years Leo has worked primarily with immigrants and victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Leo specializes in Immigration Law and Victim’s rights and currently works in Tampa, FL where the FCASV legal team is based.

Priscilla Aquino uses she/her pronouns and is a Bilingual Victim Advocate and Crisis Counselor at the VSC who is fluent in Spanish. She obtained her Master’s in Social Work from Kean University in NJ and has over 20 years of experience working with adolescence families, and victims of crime. Priscilla is very passionate about helping people heal from their trauma and rediscover their inner-strength as well as educating others. She hopes to be the voice for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/yc5ha15onQc

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

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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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.

According to a recent survey done by Stop Street Harassment, 81% of women and 43% of men experience some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime. On the 85th episode of the VSC Podcast, Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell is joined by Valencia College’s VP for Equity and Access Ryan Kane and Corporate Trainer Danielle Jeter to chat about Workplace Sexual Harassment, barriers survivors face when reporting, risk factors, and ways we can create safe spaces free of harassment.

Ryan Kane uses he/him pronouns and  is the Assistant Vice President for Equity & Access in the Office of Organizational Development & Human Resources at Valencia College.  Since arriving at Valencia in 2015, Ryan has served as the Equal Opportunity Officer & Title IX Coordinator as well as AVP for Organizational Development & Inclusion.  In his current role, Ryan leads, among other teams, the Equal Opportunity Office that addresses all complaints of harassment and discrimination for employees and students at the College.  Ryan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology.

Danielle Jeter uses she/her pronouns and is an experienced Sexual Harassment educator and Human Resources professional in the Central FL Community. She has a passion for hosting conversations surrounding harassment, sexual assault, boundaries, and more in an effort to prevent violence and promote safe professional spaces.

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

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

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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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.0

The 84th episode of the VSC Podcast is out! Join Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell who sits down with sex & relationships coach / podcaster Angelique Luna and VSC Advocate and Crisis Counselor Danielle Simpson-Baker to chat about rape culture and ways we can safely practice consensual and pleasurable sex with our partners.

Angelique Luna uses she/her pronouns and is a sex & relationships coach, educator, and podcaster. She helps people confidently communicate their sexual needs, wants, and desires. Her podcast Sex Positive Me discusses all aspects and effects of sexual relationships. Her mission is to educate, entertain, and empower people to have the best sex life!

Danielle Simpson-Baker uses she/her pronouns and is a Crisis Counselor and Victim Advocate at the Victim Service Center of Central Florida. 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 towards a dual certificate in sex therapy and education. She provides free inclusive sex education and advice on her instagram page (@thesexpottherapist)

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/nFnJ2YI0QUU

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

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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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.

The 83rd episode of the VSC Podcast is out! Join Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell who sits down with Orlando VA Healthcare System’s Keri Griffin and VSC LGBTQ+ Advocate Kevin to chat about the history of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, LGBTQ+ Veterans, and how the OVAHCS and the VSC can help support LGBTQ+ Veteran Survivors.

Keri Griffin uses she/her pronouns and is an LCSW and CAP who has been working at the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) for 16 years.  Keri has worked in both the substance use disorder clinic and the mental health clinic, in the last 11 years she has also had the collateral duties of being the Orlando VA LGBTQ+ special emphasis program manager and veteran care coordinator.  Just recently Keri was able to get approved a full-time LGBTQ+ veteran care program coordinator position at the Orlando VA for all 9 of their Central Florida healthcare sites. Keri is very passionate about ensuring that LGBTQ+ veterans get the best whole health care possible and are treated with dignity and respect.

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/1fGJxJmm3Qw

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

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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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.

This week is Orlando Pride!! And on the 82nd episode of the VSC Podcast, Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sits down with Bliss Care’s Ace Davis and VSC LGBTQ+ Advocate Kevin to chat about Pronouns and Terms, the amazing services Bliss Cares provides, and ways we can all be better allies to the LGBTQ+ community.

Ace Davis uses he/him pronouns and is a 29-year-old transsexual man who grew up in Maryland. He is currently living in Orlando by way of Philadelphia. Ace is so proud to be able to work in the LGBTQ community and is grateful that he can share the knowledge he has gained throughout his transition

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/C_VZOL8YNYQ

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

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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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 81st episode of the VSC Podcast, Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sits down with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Margot Logan and Allie Sone to chat about the services Forever Families provides to mothers and the many options survivors have when it comes to pregnancy.

Margot Logan uses she/her pronouns and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 35 years. She has extensive experience working with individuals and families, including those with chronic medical and/ or mental health issues, teen parents, and those involved in the child welfare system and also has over 20 years of experience in the adoption field, writing home studies, working with birth and adoptive parents, and conceptualizing and facilitating a monthly adoptive parent support group. In 2004, Mrs. Logan established Forever Families Adoption Services and A Better Life Counseling Services.

Allie Stone uses she/her pronouns, is originally from South Florida and is a recent graduate earning her Master's Degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Allie has a passion for mental health counseling and works with all age groups, children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in relational issues, self esteem, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/RI0otKqmAAI

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

Want to make a difference? Visit Victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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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.