Pathways

On this episode of Pathways, Dr. Meeker sits down with Julie Chapus, LMSW, to discuss how she leveraged her social work background to create a cosmetology program designed to open meaningful career pathways for vulnerable communities. By integrating trauma-informed practices with vocational training, her program provides not just a cosmetology license but a true opportunity for healing and long-term stability.

Key topics include:

1. How trauma and systemic barriers keep people from breaking cycles of poverty...

On this episode of Pathways, Dr. Meeker is joined by Phoenix Kawamoto (a NYSTINRC Storyteller in Residence) for a conversation about the transformative role of storytelling in personal and collective healing. Through rich imagery, symbolism, and shared narrative experiences, stories provide a safe and indirect way to explore emotions, connect with others, and reflect on our shared humanity.

Key topics include:

1. How stories serve as mirrors to our humanity and foster self-reflection

2. Storytelling as a tool for collective healing and community...

On this special episode of Pathways, Dr. Elizabeth Meeker is joined by Jan Winhall, a therapist and expert in trauma and addiction, for a discussion on Polyvagal Theory and embodied approaches to healing trauma.

Key topics of this episode include:

1. Polyvagal theory and different nervous system states (ventral, sympathetic, dorsal)

2. The importance of creating psychological safety in...

On this bonus episode of Pathways, Dr. Meeker is joined by Josh Higgins (a member of the NYSTINRC Team) and Angela Colòn-Rentas (a previous NYSTINRC Storytellers in Residence) for a conversation that explores the importance of the peer support specialist role in the mental health field.

Key topics of this episode include:

1. The value of transparency in professional relationships

2. Trauma-informed supervision and support...

On this special episode of Pathways, Dr. Elizabeth Meeker welcomes Dr. Nadine Burke Harris for a rich discussion on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their profound impact on long-term health outcomes. As a medical doctor (pediatrician and first Surgeon General of California), Dr. Burke Harris shares her journey of understanding how childhood trauma affects biological development.

Key topics of this episode include:

1. The groundbreaking ACEs study, published in 1998, and its findings about childhood adversity...

In this episode of Pathways, TeleSafe Director of Partnership Development Christy Waldron joins Dr. Elizabeth Meeker to discuss trauma-informed approaches in responding to sexual violence. Waldron shares her experiences working with survivors and emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma's neurobiology, providing supportive care, and giving survivors choices in their response process.

Key topics of this episode include:

1. Trauma-informed care in sexual violence response situations...

In this episode of Pathways, Licensed Social Worker and Adjunct Professor Cecily Mitchell Harper discusses her passion for trauma-responsive practice and the intersectionality of identity and well-being.

This episode touches on:

1. The South African concept of trauma as a soul wound

2. Ways to implement trauma-informed practices in the...

In this episode of Pathways, Tom Andriola, a member of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, shares his personal journey of healing from childhood trauma (trigger warning: sexual abuse) and how that experience fueled his commitment to integrating trauma-informed practices across state government – especially within the juvenile justice system.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. The importance of trauma-informed leadership...

 Vincent French, Diversity Officer for the Monroe County Public Defender's Office in Rochester, New York, shares his powerful personal story of growing up in the foster care system and how that experience has shaped his commitment to trauma-informed practices.

This episode touches on: 

1. The importance of embracing compassion, empathy, and vulnerability when working with marginalized populations in the justice system...

Jan Zadoorian and Ryan Kelly join Dr. Elizabeth Meeker to discuss Project AWARE, a five-year SAMHSA grant to integrate school mental health programs.

This episode touches on:

1. The importance of trauma-informed practices serving as a foundation in schools, particularly post-COVID

2. nitiatives like hiring restorative practice specialists, providing professional development,  and partnering with community agencies...