Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation

By Wedgwood Christian Services

What's Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation about?

Helpful and hopeful conversations about mental and behavioral health. So, take a break, grab a cup of coffee (or tea), and relax as you gain insight from local mental & behavioral health experts.

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Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation episodes:

06.12.2024
Understanding Self-Care w/ Jason Olvera
In this episode of Coffee Break Conversation, host Hillary sits down with Jason Olvera, a Clinician at Wedgwood. Together they explore the true meaning of self-care. Beyond the buzzword, they discuss practical steps to incorporate self-care into your daily life,...
05.30.2024
Setting Boundaries w/ Kali Jackson
In this Season 4 Premiere episode of Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation, Hillary and Kali discuss the importance of boundaries. Kali, a mental health expert from Wedgwood, emphasizes the unique and vital role boundaries play in personal and professional relationships. Together,...
05.08.2023
Actions Speak Louder than Words w/ DeeDee YoungBlood-Weems
“And we let these youth know that they are loved regardless of what they did. And we are here to help them. We aren't here not to judge them, but to build them back up to encourage them, to give...
04.26.2023
How Communication Skills Can Change Everything w/ Keili Scott & Jen Ruffin
“You help them learn those skills, you just start to see their interests, what makes them happy, and kind of start to see them being able to live who they are.” Launched in 2015, Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development,...
04.10.2023
Advocating for Youth Mental Health in the Juvenile Court System w/ Marcela Moralez-Morris
“Just be supportive. Kids need to be listened to and not just pushed to the side […] don't label our kids, any other kids. Just be understanding, build those relationships, because when you have relationships, that kid will trust you...
03.27.2023
Reasons Teens Use Substances w/ Hannah Reed
“But the more often there's trauma, and there's pain, there's misunderstandings, and there's feelings of isolation. So I have the power of just showing people love and giving them some connection and giving them the space to be whoever they...
03.13.2023
Beyond Grades - Equipping Students to Succeed w/ Dr Heidi Cate
In today’s episode, we talk to Dr. Heidi Cate, Superintendent of Integrity Educational Services about the district’s history and connection to Wedgwood, the challenges students are facing, and some of the ways Heidi and her team are finding collaborative, whole-student...
02.27.2023
Modeling Diversity - from Past to Present w/ Dick Gritter & Kali Jackson
“We need to do it well in a way that brings honor to His name. That was one of the things that we talked about. We talked about how Jesus wanted us to love Him and love each other. […]...
02.13.2023
Celebrating Diversity & Bringing the Kingdom Wherever We Go w/ Rev. Arlan Palmer
“[Diversity] – it’s a part of who we are, it's part of our identity, a part of our fiber. We're working with kids teaching them that, hey, you belong to God, everybody's created in the image of God and that...
01.30.2023
Building Safer Systems: Addressing the Root Causes of Human Trafficking w/ Andy Soper
“We should not underestimate the power of showing up. If you want to turn the tide, you’ve got to show up for kids, including kids that aren't yours, and treat them as if they are.” In today’s episode Andy Soper,...
01.20.2023
Executive Update w/ Dr. Dan Gowdy
“God has a future for Wedgwood. And we need to grow because the need for Wedgwood, is growing. And if God has put his hand on Wedgwood and said, ‘Okay, I got something for you.’ We need to rise to...
01.09.2023
Stop This Traffic w/ Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge
“Yes, January is Trafficking Awareness Month. But one of the main things that I want people to know that is, that is a month that we've set aside to acknowledge it, but this happens every day… I just want people...
11.28.2022
Extravagant Love w/ Steve Carigon
“Wedgwood is not just a place where we house kids until they're no longer a danger, it's just not. I think there's a perception of like, oh, it's “juvie-lite.” We do so many, really good things that help them. We're...
11.14.2022
More than Work w/ Dick Teft
“I teach the kids that we can fix just about anything. But sometimes we can't. Sometimes we can't fix things. And we just have to make it work and do the best we can with what the issue is. If...
10.12.2022
Finding the Grain of Truth w/ Sophia Dykstra
“I see a lot of folks on believing the lie from depression or believing the lie of anxiety, that it's going to be forever. Depression’s favorite lie is, you'll never be happy again, you don't remember what it feels like...
09.19.2022
Stability & Hope w/ Ashley Ward
“[My advice for kids at Wedgwood is] I think it's a really good opportunity for them to start picking up those pieces and taking control of who they are, even if it's little tiny baby steps, just doing one thing...
09.12.2022
Building Foundations of Hope w/ Mick McGraw
“Nonprofits like Wedgwood really add to the fabric of a community like Grand Rapids. We're blessed, there's a number of fantastic nonprofit organizations that come alongside whether it's children, or senior adults, or whoever might be in need. I think...
09.05.2022
A Marathon, not a Sprint w/ Jason Olvera
“Addiction is messy, and it is hard and it is difficult. It often takes time to get where we want to go. And if we want to help kids, we’ve got to help their parents, we’ve got to help their...
08.29.2022
Joining Your Journey w/ Beth Oman
“And there's a lot of kids out there that are just struggling. I’ve heard from a lot of places that no one accepts kids, no one takes care of kid. Not true. We do. That’s what we’re here for. Wedgwood...
08.22.2022
Meeting Each Individual’s Needs w/ Rebecca Kelm
“It’s really important for kids to feel accepted and loved. Most of the challenging behaviors we see stem from an ‘Are you going to love me, are you going to love me for me?’ mentality. We can say, ‘Hey, I...
08.08.2022
Whole-Person Wellness w/ Chris Stehlik
“They are just children. They make have been that kid that was having a rough day, and telling you all about it, but they are skill kids. They may be 12, they maybe 18 but they are still a child...
08.01.2022
Investing in People w/ Justin Malcolm
“Yes, it's big work that we do, and it's super important, but I like the opportunity to pour into other people, to develop them to give them the skills and the tools that have made me successful in my role,...
07.25.2022
Focusing on Others w/ Jason Lheureux
“All of our community depends on how we take care of our children. And the health of the community today dictates where we're going tomorrow. It might not feel like it affects us right now, but it will affect us.”...
07.18.2022
More Than a Diagnosis w/ Brina Tiemeyer
“Here at Wedgwood, we see you as a person first, and we want to meet you where you're at, and we want to help. We don't see you as a diagnosis, you are always a person first.” The complexity and...
07.11.2022
Showing Up w/ Scott Peterson
“It's not about us as individuals. It's not really, dare I say, it's not even about therapy. It's about relationships and growth.” Wedgwood’s Residential Program offers safety, stability, and care to kids who have experienced some form of trauma in...
05.11.2022
Expert Advice – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 6
“My best piece of advice for everyone in the audience is that when trauma and mental health, substance abuse, any of these aspects are on the table. The only way out is through, talk about it stop avoiding the situation.”...
05.04.2022
Relationships – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 5
“A healthy relationship is not a one-and-done conversation. It’s about opening the space and having that ongoing conversation, and showing that you care.” Local teens and community experts shared candid insights and valuable expertise on Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use,...
04.27.2022
Life Online – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 4
“I feel like social media is part of the reason why there's so much stress and anxiety.” Local teens and community experts shared candid insights and valuable expertise on Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use, Life Online, and Healthy Relationships at...
04.20.2022
Substance Use – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 3
“I like to have the open and honest conversation with kids. Thank them for telling me, but then what can we do? Why are you vaping? Okay, so you're anxious, tell me a little bit more about that. And then...
04.13.2022
Trauma – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 2
“I think it's really important for adults to be a safe place for kids, whether that's a teacher, whether that's a parent, whether that's a coach, we need to put our phones down, and we need to be making eye...
04.06.2022
Mental Health – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 1
“Childhood seems fun. But there are things that people are going through, and there are even times where like, we just put on a show. Most of us kids are really good actors, and you might not believe it.” Local...
03.30.2022
Finding Your Voice w/ Jimaine Wilson
“I would like to tell the kids to find your voice. You might think that it's over. And you think that there's no hope, but don’t think that way. Find your passion and drive yourself in it and turn your...
01.19.2022
Stepping Up to End Human Trafficking w/ Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge
“There are so many different myths around human trafficking. When you hear the “human trafficking,” people often assume that it's a situation where someone's being kidnapped or forced into it. When, really, it's easier to get someone to do what...
01.12.2022
Empowering Change w/ James Sherrill
“When they know that they can trust me and they know that they're safe sharing things with me, then we can really start to touch on the important issues." Wedgwood’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services help teens, adults, and families...
01.05.2022
All Done in Love w/ Gina Boscarino
“We just love these kids, we show kindness, but it doesn't have to be something that we actually speak about, we can show them in our actions.” Working in Wedgwood’s Positive Youth Development Program for the last 10 years has...
12.29.2021
Without Limits w/ Jennifer Ruffin
“Kids are like little sponges; they soak up all the information they might need. But our kids don’t always get as much out of those learning opportunities. So we give them the extra help they need.” Wedgwood’s Autism Center for...
12.22.2021
Providing a Positive Influence w/ Steve Carigon
“I call working at Wedgwood ‘James 1:29 work’ It’s good work.” Steve Carigon has had his hand in a variety of Wedgwood’s programs. In each he has been able to do what he feels he has been called to do...
12.15.2021
Called to Serve w/ Jake Dunlop
“Wedgwood is where I'm supposed to be, and this is what I'm supposed to be doing. It's exciting because I feel called to do it.” Over the last few years Jake Dunlop has been serving on Wedgwood’s Board of Directors,...
12.08.2021
Overcoming Roadblocks w/ Kari Schulte
“God is definitely ever present in our department, and I've definitely seen his hand in all of it. We're still getting to do the good hard work with these people.” Addiction does not discriminate. It’s an issue wreaking havoc on...
12.01.2021
For Such a Time as This w/ Dr. Dan Gowdy
“It is in the small moments, over time, consistently, that we see God moving here at Wedgwood.” Dr. Dan Gowdy, Wedgwood's President/CEO is proud of the people who work at Wedgwood. He is proud of the work they do and...
11.24.2021
Managing Mental Health w/ Paul Breithaupt
“One of the coolest things is when a child gets to the point where they recognize that they can do more than just be a passive observer in their own life.” Wedgwood’s Outpatient Counseling and Community Care Management help kids...
11.17.2021
Work You Put Your Heart Into w/ Cathy Racalla
“We kind of step in as that person for them that's giving them good information that's answering questions that they have.” Prevention and Positive Youth Development are a vital part of the comprehensive continuum of care that Wedgwood offers. Through...
11.03.2021
Living & Learning w/ Aileen Fiest
“I love seeing the ‘Aha!’ moments, when they use skills we’ve been teaching them and helping them practice without reminding them.” Activity Therapy is a part of Wedgwood’s Recreation & Wellness Services – which is one of our 100% donor-funded...
10.27.2021
Future Full of Hope & Possibility w/ Dr. Wendi Miller
“And that was that was something new to me that I did have, instead of running away from something, I had something I wanted to get to. This week’s Coffee Break Conversation is a very special conversation. Recorded at Wedgwood’s...
10.20.2021
Growing in Grace w/ Dawn Harvey
“Impacting a child’s life is really valuable, but to be able to help the whole family, that is where the long-lasting impact is going to happen.” Dawn Harvey, Chief Program Officer, has been a part of Wedgwood’s team for over...
10.13.2021
Trauma & Resiliency w/ Kali Jackson
“We have to consider what they’ve been through and help them be the leaders of their own story.” Kali Jackson is the Therapist for one of Wedgwood’s specialized residential programs and helps kids navigate, process, and work through their trauma. ...
10.06.2021
Sense of Calling w/ Manuel Ortiz
“Whether we are the first step, big step, little step, or last step, we are planting seeds.” Manny Ortiz is the Home Supervisor of one of Wedgwood’s specialized residential programs. While he’s worked at Wedgwood for 3 years, he doesn’t...
09.29.2021
Bridging the Gap w/ Emily Quellet
“That's something that's so special about the NextGen Board – everyone just has such a passion for Wedgwood, and we just want to do as much as we can.” Emily Quellet is the incoming co-chair for the NextGen Board at...
09.22.2021
Integrating Faith w/ Nathan Kline
“Being able to integrate those two things – work and faith together – I think, is tremendous.” Nathan Kline is the Director of Information Services here at Wedgwood. As the head of our IT team, Nathan was instrumental in getting...
09.15.2021
Opportunities for Excellence w/ Jeanna Raterink
“Everything we do is through the lens of providing excellent care to those we serve.” Jeanna Raterink is a Contract Administrator at Wedgwood. In her 20-year tenure at Wedgwood, Jeanna has worked a variety of roles which now help her...

What's Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation episodes:

Understanding Self-Care w/ Jason Olvera

Setting Boundaries w/ Kali Jackson

Actions Speak Louder than Words w/ DeeDee YoungBlood-Weems

How Communication Skills Can Change Everything w/ Keili Scott & Jen Ruffin

Advocating for Youth Mental Health in the Juvenile Court System w/ Marcela Moralez-Morris

Reasons Teens Use Substances w/ Hannah Reed

Beyond Grades - Equipping Students to Succeed w/ Dr Heidi Cate

Modeling Diversity - from Past to Present w/ Dick Gritter & Kali Jackson

Celebrating Diversity & Bringing the Kingdom Wherever We Go w/ Rev. Arlan Palmer

Building Safer Systems: Addressing the Root Causes of Human Trafficking w/ Andy Soper

Executive Update w/ Dr. Dan Gowdy

Stop This Traffic w/ Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge

Extravagant Love w/ Steve Carigon

More than Work w/ Dick Teft

Finding the Grain of Truth w/ Sophia Dykstra

Stability & Hope w/ Ashley Ward

Building Foundations of Hope w/ Mick McGraw

A Marathon, not a Sprint w/ Jason Olvera

Joining Your Journey w/ Beth Oman

Meeting Each Individual’s Needs w/ Rebecca Kelm

Whole-Person Wellness w/ Chris Stehlik

Investing in People w/ Justin Malcolm

Focusing on Others w/ Jason Lheureux

More Than a Diagnosis w/ Brina Tiemeyer

Showing Up w/ Scott Peterson

Expert Advice – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 6

Relationships – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 5

Life Online – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 4

Substance Use – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 3

Trauma – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 2

Mental Health – Wedgwood’s State of the Child: Part 1

Finding Your Voice w/ Jimaine Wilson

Stepping Up to End Human Trafficking w/ Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge

Empowering Change w/ James Sherrill

All Done in Love w/ Gina Boscarino

Without Limits w/ Jennifer Ruffin

Providing a Positive Influence w/ Steve Carigon

Called to Serve w/ Jake Dunlop

Overcoming Roadblocks w/ Kari Schulte

For Such a Time as This w/ Dr. Dan Gowdy

Managing Mental Health w/ Paul Breithaupt

Work You Put Your Heart Into w/ Cathy Racalla

Living & Learning w/ Aileen Fiest

Future Full of Hope & Possibility w/ Dr. Wendi Miller

Growing in Grace w/ Dawn Harvey

Trauma & Resiliency w/ Kali Jackson

Sense of Calling w/ Manuel Ortiz

Bridging the Gap w/ Emily Quellet

Integrating Faith w/ Nathan Kline

Opportunities for Excellence w/ Jeanna Raterink