Welcome to ZC Clinical Connections! Connecting you to clinical topics.

This month, guest host and Senior Director of Crisis Innovation and Community Support, Courtney Burrow, leads an important conversation on the intersection of law enforcement and mental health in our community.

For this episode, we’re joined by Lieutenant Kelli Russell, Commander of the Toledo Police Community Services Section. Established in 2014, this team responds to some of the city’s most complex calls, many of which include a mental health component. Together, they discuss the specialized training officers receive, the resources available to individuals and families, and how police and crisis professionals collaborate to provide the right support at the right time.

Whether you’re curious about what happens behind the scenes during a police response or want to learn more about local support systems, this episode will give you insight into the tools, collaboration, and care that make a difference every day.

Episode Resources

- TPD Community Services Section
- Zepf Center Crisis Care
- Neighborhood Properties, Inc.
- LocalHelpNow Lucas County

Questions or comments about the content in this episode? Please email [email protected].

Celebrating 50 years of care, Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, trauma-informed, and person-centered care. To learn more, visit zepfcenter.org.

Welcome to JJ's Clinical Connections! Connecting you to clinical topics.

In this episode, we're talking about something that impacts every part of our work: the Sanctuary Model of trauma-informed care.

Trauma affects more people than we realize and can often show up as a variety of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. It impacts how we communicate, how we respond to stress, and how safe we feel asking for help. At Zepf Center, Sanctuary isn’t just something we do; it’s how we create environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal.

Joined by our Director of Training and Workforce Development, Tennille Darrow, we break down what Sanctuary really is, how we’re actively practicing it across our organization, and what our upcoming re-certification means for staff, clients, and the community we serve. We’ll also talk about why trauma-informed care matters, not just for recovery, but for building healthier teams and stronger connections.

Tune in to learn more! 

Episode Resources

- The Sanctuary Model

Questions or comments about the content in this episode? Please email [email protected].

Celebrating 50 years of care, Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, trauma-informed, and person-centered care. To learn more, visit zepfcenter.org.

As the holidays approach, we’re resharing an important conversation from Recovery Month to keep awareness and education going during a time that can be especially challenging for many.

In this episode, members of our trauma-informed care team come together to talk openly about substance use disorder, the importance of treatment, and what recovery can truly look like. They share insights, encouragement, and real hope, highlighting how connection, compassion, and community support play a powerful role in healing.

Thank you to our guests—Medical Director Khalida Durrani, MD FAAFP; Brooke Budion, PA-C; Medical Director Tyler Snyder, MD; Domenic Cancilla, APRN, PMHNP-BC; Laura Anglim, APRN-FNP-C; and Usman Cheema, PA-C. Click here to watch the original video! 

Questions or comments about the content in this episode? Please email [email protected].

Celebrating 50 years of care, Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, trauma-informed, and person-centered care. To learn more, visit zepfcenter.org.

*Content warning - human trafficking, abuse mentioned*
This episode covers topics that may be distressing to some listeners. For immediate help with emotional distress or mental health, call Zepf Center Crisis Care at 419-904-2273.

Welcome to JJ's Clinical Connections! Connecting you to clinical topics.

November is Youth HOPE Month, a time to bring attention to the challenges young people face when they experience homelessness, family conflict, or crisis. In this episode, we take a closer look at Zepf Center’s 24-hour Youth Shelter and youth crisis services; programs designed to offer safety, support, and a pathway forward for young people who need immediate help.

For this conversation, we are joined by Director of Youth Services Andrea Murdock and Street Outreach Program Manager Jennifer Ballard. Alongside these guests, we discuss the realities of youth homelessness, how young people access services, and the meaningful ways our community can step up and make a difference. 

Stay tuned for a conversation that is brimming with compassion, insight, and hope for our local youth.

Questions or comments about the content in this episode? Please email [email protected].

Celebrating 50 years of care, Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, trauma-informed, and person-centered care. To learn more, visit zepfcenter.org.

Welcome to JJ's Clinical Connections! Connecting you to clinical topics. 

In this episode, we sit down with Criminal Justice Coordinator Nate Konzen and Director of Recovery Services Amanda Lanigan from Zepf Center’s Criminal Justice Program to explore how behavioral health and second chances go hand in hand.

Led by a team of skilled clinicians, this program is breaking barriers and building partnerships to create real change for individuals involved in the justice system. Nate and Amanda share a behind-the-scenes look at the growth, collaboration, and compassion driving the program’s success.

From Bureau of Prisons and Federal Probation programs to Treatment Court and court referrals, these specialized services help individuals navigate the justice system, engage in treatment, and rebuild their lives.

Questions or comments about the content in this episode? Please email [email protected].

Celebrating 50 years of care, Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, trauma-informed, and person-centered care. To learn more, visit zepfcenter.org.

*Content warning - substance use  & mental health challenge mentions*
This episode covers topics that may be distressing to some listeners. For immediate help with emotional distress or mental health, call Zepf Center Crisis Care at 419-904-2273.

Welcome to JJ's Clinical Connections! Connecting you to clinical topics.

This September, we’re celebrating Recovery Month by honoring the strength, resilience, and hope of those on their recovery journey. In this special episode, we explore the four dimensions of recovery—Health, Home, Purpose, and Community—and how each plays a role in supporting recovery. 

Joining this conversation are Zepf Center staff Jodi Snyder, Robert Riedy, and Torenzo Gregory. They’ll share not only their professional expertise but also their lived experiences and how those experiences shape the way they support others in recovery.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Branden Smith, Senior Director of Recovery Services at Zepf Center, as our guest host. Branden brings a powerful perspective on breaking down barriers and helping clients thrive.

Tune in to hear what recovery means to our guests and how the four dimensions create a foundation for hope and healing!

Episode Resources

- Zepf Center Substance Use Disorder Treatment 

- Zepf Center Recovery Housing

- Zepf Center Crisis Care 

- SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use & Health (Recovery Statistics)

Questions or comments about the content in this episode? Please email [email protected].

Celebrating 50 years of care, Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, trauma-informed, and person-centered care. To learn more, visit zepfcenter.org.

Welcome to JJ's Clinical Connections! Connecting you to clinical topics. 

This month, we're taking you behind the scenes of Zepf Center’s on-site pharmacy. From the latest antipsychotic medications to insurance hurdles, medication adherence, and financial assistance programs, our Genoa Pharmacy team will share how they help clients access the medications they need to stay on track with their recovery. 

With the expertise of Associate Director of Community Pharmacy Jonathan Shaffer and Consumer Medication Coordinator Cheri Potter, we will also learn about 340B program benefits, medication delivery options, and how having a pharmacy on-site improves care coordination across the center. 

Whether you’re a provider, client, or community member, this episode highlights the vital role pharmacy services play in supporting health and wellness. Stay tuned!

Episode Resources

Genoa Pharmacy 

Zepf Center

Questions or comments about the content in this episode? Please email [email protected].

Celebrating 50 years of care, Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, trauma-informed, and person-centered care. To learn more, visit zepfcenter.org.

Welcome to JJ's Clinical Connections! Connecting you to clinical topics.

As we celebrate National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, we're taking a closer look at the complex and often unspoken topic of generational trauma, especially within communities where mental health hasn’t always been openly addressed.

To lead us through this conversation, we're joined by Director of Youth Services Leslie LeFevre and Manager of Youth Therapy Amy Eastwood.  These trauma-informed clinicians help us explore how cultural norms have shaped silence around mental health for many families, and how today’s generation is working to change that. We also discuss how trauma presents differently in children, and the deep impact a parent’s mental health can have on their child’s development and wellbeing.

Whether you’re breaking cycles in your own life or working to support others, this conversation is full of insight, compassion, and real-world experience. 

Episode Resources

Zepf Center Crisis Care

Zepf Center Youth Services

The Sanctuary Model - Trauma-informed Care

Questions or comments about the content in this episode? Please email [email protected].

Celebrating 50 years of care, Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, trauma-informed, and person-centered care. To learn more, visit zepfcenter.org.

Welcome to JJ's Clinical Connections! Connecting you to clinical topics.

June is Fatherhood Month, and today we’re diving into the heart of what it means to be a present, healthy, and healing father. From breaking cycles and reconnecting with our children, to understanding how our own childhood shapes the way we parent today, we’re talking all things fatherhood. 

To lead us through this conversation, we’re joined by Thomas Crowe and Andrew Hohlbein from our Fatherhood Connections Program. Over the past five years, this program has worked with hundreds of local fathers to reconnect with their children, rebuild family units, and live a life that is stable, meaningful, and fulfilling. 

Episode Resources

Zepf Center Fatherhood Connections Program

United Way 211

Questions or comments about the content in this episode? Please email [email protected].

Celebrating 50 years of care, Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, trauma-informed, and person-centered care. To learn more, visit zepfcenter.org.

Welcome to JJ's Clinical Connections! Connecting you to clinical topics.

This month, we’re celebrating two important observances—Employee Appreciation and Mental Health Awareness Month. 

 It’s no secret that mental health professionals play a vital role in our communities, providing critical care for individuals and families as they navigate mental health and substance use challenges. While it is a privilege to support others through their healing, over time, being exposed to indirect trauma can have a real impact on clinicians themselves.

In this episode, we’ll be joined by Clinical Manager of Adult Therapy Leah Marty to talk about what vicarious trauma looks like, how it impacts clinicians, and —most importantly—how these professionals can care for themselves while continuing to care for others.

Episode Resources

• Brian Miller's CE-CERT Model - Miller, B. C. (2022). Reducing secondary traumatic stress: Skills for sustaining a career in the helping professions.
• Zepf Center Crisis Care 
• SELF & Sanctuary Information
• Zepf Center Career Page

Questions or comments about the content in this episode? Please email [email protected].

Celebrating 50 years of care, Zepf Center is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities by providing comprehensive, accessible, trauma-informed, and person-centered care. To learn more, visit zepfcenter.org.