VSC Podcast

Understanding the effects trauma can have on someone is important, knowing that healing and growth after trauma also happen is equally important! On the 80th episode of the VSC Podcast, Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sits down with Licensed Mental Health Counselor Helen Keeling-Neal and VSC lead therapist Brandi Godbee to chat about hope and growth after trauma, resiliency, and the ripple effects of healing.

Helen Keeling-Neal uses she/her pronouns and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Winter Park, Florida. Helen is known for her ability to create safety for individuals, families and couples so they can connect with and share the most vulnerable parts of themselves, while being supported in an environment of respect and loving kindness. Helen uses an internal/external systems approach to healing, believing change happens in relationship with self, and others, in a safe space.

Brandi Godbee uses she/her pronouns, is the lead therapist at the VSC, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. She is trained in EMDR and is a certified clinical trauma professional. Brandi has been advocating for sexual trauma survivors through VSC since 2012 and supports every person’s right to peace and freedom in their lives.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/bJZr7bTfEEI

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.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and on this week’s episode of the VSC Podcast we talk about the population most at risk for dying by suicide: Men. Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sits down with Rollins College’s Multicultural and Athletics Counselor Jerry Jasmin and VSC LGBTQ Advocate Kevin Fox to chat about the barriers men face when accessing mental healthcare and ways we can help support men experiencing mental illness.

Jerry Jasmin uses he/him pronouns and is a Multicultural and Athletics Counselor at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Jerry earned is Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy at the University of Central Florida in 2019 and is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Inter. He has a passion for working with athletes and their families to address concerns including: Depression, anxiety, life transitions, retirement, identity exploration, and many other psycho-emotional concerns that are unique to the athlete population.

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: @VSCFlorida

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.

Trauma can not only affect a survivor but can also greatly affect their supporters. On this week’s episode of the VSC Podcast Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sits down with Secondary Survivor David Sines and VSC Therapist Orialis Sosa to chat about tips on being a good supporter while also taking care of yourself, some of the pressures secondary survivors may face, and ways we can all heal.

David Sines uses he/him pronouns and was born and raised in Winter Garden, Florida. David is a Certified Public Accountant and a music lover. David has been married to his wife Rachel for almost 10 years and they share a beautiful 2 year old daughter named Katherine.

Orialis Sosa uses she/her pronouns and is a registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in the state of Florida. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida. Orialis’ background consists of providing counseling and victim advocacy support to survivors of crime and trauma. In her current role, she provides counseling support to high school students and is one of VSC’s contract therapists.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/8ciIWvV_Vio

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 this week’s episode of the VSC Podcast Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sits down with UCF Assistant Professor Dr. Fissel and VSC Lead Advocate Rhonda Wilson to chat about the alarming trend of survivors meeting their perpetrators via social media and dating apps. Come listen as we address victim blaming survivors of cyber crimes face when sharing their stories and ways we can keep feeling safe with technology.

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.

Rhonda Wilson uses she/her pronouns and has been part of the VSC team for ten 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/gtjwPKwG2HU

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.

How can Magick be an empowering tool for survivors of sexual violence? On this week’s episode of the VSC Podcast Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sits down with Witch Author Gabriela Herstik and Child Welfare/ Domestic Violence Advocate Fransheska Cardona to chat about why empowerment is important for survivors and how Magick can be used as a healing tool.

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 a Child Welfare/Domestic violence Advocate. She received her degree in clinical social work from Ana g mendez University. Fransheska has experience working with sexual violence survivors, high risk youth, and child welfare. She is passionate about giving 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: lhttps://youtu.be/rq9TZJG930I

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.

It’s back to school season and this week on the VSC Podcast we are sharing a panel we held for Sexual Assault Awareness Month back in April of 2021 which was all about Preventing Sexual Assault on Campus.

Join VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell and VSC Education Intern Roxane Perret along with four amazing panelists: Rollin’s Title IX Coordinator Sarah Laake, UCF Victim Services Advocate Jessica Baker, UCF Assistant Professor Julia O’Connor, and VSC Victim Advocate Kevin Fox as they discuss addressing rape culture on campus, the red zone and other statistics, barriers members of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities face, and ways we can help change the culture and promote safe spaces on campus.

Sarah uses she/her pronouns and is  the Director of the Title IX office of Rollins College. Sarah has 15 years of experience working in the non-profit and higher education sectors as an advocate creating environments free from violence and discrimination.

Julia uses she/her pronouns and is an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida in the School of Social Work. She is also a member of the Violence Against Women faculty cluster, and has a secondary appointment in the Department of Population Health Sciences.

Jessica uses she/her pronouns and is a Victim Advocate at UCF Victim Services since 2018. Prior to her current role, Jessica was a Victim Advocate at the State Attorney’s Office in the 9th Judicial Circuit working in the Domestic Violence Unit’s Felony Division.

Kevin 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.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/o_NNBNfKI7o

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 survivors of crimes can apply for compensation to help cover the expenses that resulted from the crime? On the 74th Episode of the VSC Podcast, VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sat down with VSC Victim Compensation Specialist Nicole Valentin and VSC Victim Advocate Priscilla Aquino to talk about the process of applying for Victim Compensation and how the VSC can help.

Nicole Valentin uses she/her pronouns and is the Victim Compensation Coordinator / Specialist at the VSC. Nicole received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Berkeley College in NJ and after relocating to FL she continued her work with victims in her role at the State Attorney’s Office in Seminole County. Working with survivors daily to advocate for them to fulfill needs such as medical, housing, counseling, and compensation, Nicole realized this was a true passion of hers and in her new role at the VSC hopes to continue her advocacy by empowering survivors and increasing their understanding of their rights and resources available to them.

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/Lme0iPvbAUM

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.

Come listen to Part 2 of Ghosting as we continue our conversation with two amazing Licensed Mental Health Counselors Jordan Steckler and Ella Shepherd who talk about closure and ways to support someone who has been ghosted or ghosted someone else.

Ella Shepherd, LMHC, NCC 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. Ella is also a 200 hour certified yoga teacher.

Jordan Steckler, LMHC, NCC 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: https://youtu.be/e1DDi0IKm2E

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.

Have you experienced Ghosting before? In part 1 of a 2 part episode of the VSC Podcast we sit down with two amazing Licensed Mental Health Counselors Jordan Steckler and Ella Shepherd to talk about Ghosting, the effects it can have on the ghosted and ghosters, healthy problem solving and communication, and ways to heal.

Ella Shepherd, LMHC, NCC 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. Ella is also a 200 hour certified yoga teacher.

Jordan Steckler, LMHC, NCC 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:https://youtu.be/0QA2m1OFEc4

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.

On the 71st episode of the VSC podcast VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell sat down with Peer Support Space Co-founder Yasmin Flasterstein and VSC Education Intern Roxane Perret to talk about the societal issue of erasing Bisexual Identity, the effects this can have on the community, misconceptions and myths, and ways we can support the Bi Community.

Yasmin Flasterstein uses she/her pronouns and is a young, hispanic, and bisexual leader in the mental health and LGBTQ+ community. Yasmin has been named one of 2019s Most Remarkable People by Watermark magazine and is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Peer Support Space.

Roxane Perret uses she/her pronouns and is the Education Intern at the VSC. She is also a proud bisexual woman that wants all bisexual people to not only feel valid but also visible in the LGBTQ+ community and the world. She feels that bisexual representation is a good way to fight against harmful stereotypes, but there is still a long way to go to fight bisexual erasure.

You can listen to this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/W7__03-7P2c

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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.