Explore every episode of the podcast The Shift: Voices of Prevention — A podcast by Prevent Child Abuse America

Recorded live at PCA America’s 2025 National Conference in Portland, this episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention features the Strengthened by Prevention panel, a powerful group of leaders, advocates, and storytellers who remind us what prevention looks like in real life.

Panelists Keri Hope Richmond, Camille Idedevo, Kali Thorne Ladd, Elayna Fernández and moderator Habeebah Rasheed Grimes share deeply personal stories of how early support, community care, and safe relationships changed their lives and the lives of those around them. From the protective power of Head Start and mental health services, to the ministry of presence in moments of crisis, the conversation highlights why prevention must be centered in every system, policy, and community.

Together, they call for a future where children are at the center, relationships are honored, and healing is collective. As one panelist put it, “Safe people save people.”

Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on empathy, healing, and why prevention is not only possible—it’s powerful.

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Live from PCA America’s 2025 National Conference in Portland, award-winning physician, researcher, and former California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris shares why prevention is both deeply personal and profoundly professional. Reflecting on her own healing journey, she reveals how the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has not only shaped her groundbreaking public health leadership but also transformed how she parents and breaks intergenerational cycles of trauma.

Dr. Burke Harris tackles outdated narratives that keep systems from acting, calls out the dangers of letting fear override vision, and explains why every sector—from healthcare to business to education—has a stake in prevention.

This episode is both an inspiring call to action and a practical roadmap: prioritize self-care, replace fear with courage, and harness our collective power to build a future where every child can thrive.

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We’re in full swing now! 

Day 3 is all about sustaining that momentum and making your dreams a reality. Melissa shares powerful strategies for staying focused, navigating challenges, and building resilience. 

If you’re ready to elevate your journey and continue growing, this episode is for you!

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In this episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention, internationally renowned psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Bruce Perry—co-author of the groundbreaking bestseller What Happened to You?—explores how shifting our focus from crisis response to early intervention can change the trajectory of countless lives.

With clarity and conviction, Dr. Perry unpacks the science of prevention, the power of human connection, and why investing in the creation of supportive environments for children and families isn’t just smart economics —it’s the foundation for generational change.

"If we can change the odds for children before harm occurs, we’re not just preventing problems—we’re creating potential." — Dr. Bruce Perry

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that blends science, compassion, and actionable hope.

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In this powerful episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention, discover how hope can be transformed into meaningful action for families. The conversation with Yolanda Bronner-Wooten dives deep into strategies for ensuring families have the access and support they need to thrive, highlighting the ripple effects of strong, connected communities.

“When families have access, communities have strength.”

Listen in and be inspired by actionable insights on building systems that center families, empower caregivers, and strengthen the foundation for long-term well-being.

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The journey continues! 

Day 2 of the conference brings you even more motivation and practical wisdom as Melissa explores the steps you can take to stay on track and amplify your impact. 

With actionable tips and heartwarming stories, this episode will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

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In this enlightening conversation, co-executive directors of the Haywood Burns Institute, Samantha Mellerson and Tshaka Barrows, delve into transformative strategies for reshaping systems to better serve communities. They discuss the importance of community-driven change and the power of collective action in creating lasting impact. Emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches, they highlight the necessity of centering the voices of those most affected by systemic issues.

Samantha Mellerson shares, "True transformation only happens when the communities most impacted are not just consulted but are the ones leading the change." Tshaka Barrows adds, "Systems are designed — and therefore, they can be redesigned. Our work is about seeding success by shifting power to those who have been historically marginalized."

Their insights offer valuable perspectives for anyone interested in understanding and participating in the process of systemic change.

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In this episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention, Desmond Meade, Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, shares his extraordinary journey from homelessness and addiction to leading one of the most significant civil rights victories of our time—restoring voting rights to more than 1.4 million returning citizens.

With honesty and hope, Desmond challenges us to rethink how we approach justice, belonging, and human dignity. His message is clear: lasting change doesn’t come from fear or division, but from compassion and love.

“We didn’t have to tear each other down to be successful. We didn’t have to instill fear in each other to be successful. We could actually move major human rights issues through love.” — Desmond Meade

Tune in for a powerful conversation about resilience, redemption, and how shifting the narrative around returning citizens can help build a more inclusive society where everyone belongs and families thrive.

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In this powerful episode, Oregon State Representative Annessa Hartman shares her journey from personal hardship to public service, illustrating how lived experiences can shape effective policy. As the daughter of a single working mother and a survivor of domestic violence, Rep. Hartman brings a unique perspective to the legislative process. She emphasizes the importance of centering the voices of those directly affected by policies, stating, "We must continue to center survivors in this type of policy work."  

Her commitment to transparency, accessibility, and amplifying historically unheard voices guides her efforts to create compassionate and efficient systems that truly meet the needs of families, caregivers, and service providers.

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Get ready to kickstart your journey with Melissa on the very first day of our special series! In this episode, she dives into the powerful themes of growth, transformation, and the importance of starting strong. Tune in for some game-changing insights and inspiring energy to set the tone for what’s to come. You won’t want to miss this!

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In this powerful episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention, host Nathan Fink converses with Leah Schluter and Adrian Amezcua from the Center for Childhood Safety and Wellbeing at the University of Oregon. Together, they share how youth leadership and data partnerships are transforming child- and family-serving systems.

• Leah Schluter brings years of practice and research experience in violence prevention—drawing on her long-standing commitment to centering equity and support rather than surveillance into prevention frameworks csaw.uoregon.edu.
• Adrian Amezcua joins her to explore collaborative projects that elevate youth voices, promote systems change, and turn data into tools for healing and transformation.

Together, Leah and Adrian focus on:

• Preventing child abuse, neglect, and identity-based violence by uplifting youth partnership and shared decision-making;
• Designing data-driven, community-informed pathways to care that prevent harms before they occur;
• Aligning closely with Prevent Child Abuse America’s mission of shifting narratives—from blaming families to building systems grounded in justice, prevention, and belonging.

Why listen?
You’ll walk away with fresh insights on how to embed youth leadership into prevention strategies, use data to foster trust and healing, and rethink what safety means in real-world, community-centered terms.

Tune in to discover how youth-led, data-informed partnerships are paving a new path for prevention.

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In this powerful episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention, Prevent Child Abuse America’s leadership team—Dr. Melissa Merrick (President & CEO), Dr. Bart Klika (Chief Research Officer), and Jennifer Jones (Chief Strategy Officer)—come together to reflect on a pivotal moment for the prevention movement.

With candor and urgency, they explore what it means to lead at the intersection of equity, innovation, and community wisdom. From reimagining systems to centering lived experience, this conversation offers a compelling look at the future we’re building—one rooted in connection, courage, and collective action.

This is more than strategy—it’s a call to rise to the moment, together.

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In this episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention, we sit down with Jessica Moyer, Senior Principal Strategist at the FrameWorks Institute, to explore what it truly means to reframe how we support children and families.

Jessica takes us beyond the surface of policy and practice into the deeper cultural narratives that shape our systems—examining how reactive, individualistic approaches can be transformed into proactive, community-rooted solutions. She shares powerful insights on the role of language, equity, and storytelling in shaping a prevention-first future.

From embedding family voice in policy to building grassroots partnerships that shift mindsets, this episode is a call to lead with trust, curiosity, and collective care. Whether you’re a practitioner, policymaker, or advocate, you’ll walk away with renewed clarity and purpose.

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Join us for the third and final installment of our conversation series, hosted by our Chief Strategy Officer, Jennifer Jones. We’re wrapping up with a crucial discussion on Technology and Child Welfare, featuring Takkeem Morgan, Executive Director of Mosaic Parent Hub.

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PCA America is thrilled to bring you the second episode in its first ever conversation series hosted by our very own President & CEO, Dr. Melissa Merrick. 
Dr. Merrick explores the importance of working together, in partnership, to support families further upstream so all kids can have a brighter future with special guest, the esteemed President & CEO for The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Lisa Hamilton. Listen to the full conversation and learn more about ways to better invest in adolescence, intergenerational strategies for primary prevention and intervention, and how to create the conditions needed for families to thrive. 

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PCA America is thrilled to bring you its first ever conversation series hosted by our very own President & CEO, Dr. Melissa Merrick. 
Dr. Merrick explores the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on children’s lives with a special guest, the esteemed Director of the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Dr. Allison Arwady. This groundbreaking conversation marks a significant milestone in our mission to prevent child abuse and neglect. 

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Welcome to PCA America's National Conference Podcast TEASER, hosted by Nathan John Fink, Director of Advancement at New Hampshire Children's Trust. Nathan talks to conference Keynotes, presenters, attendees, and influencers, as well as PCA America staff and board. 

Tune in for uplifting conversations that make PREVENTION POSSIBLE. 

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