Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this Coffee Break Conversation episode, Dr. Dan Gowdy, President and CEO of Wedgwood Christian Services, shares his heart on what it means to lead with purpose and compassion.

Drawing from his personal journey—including his education, missionary work, and extensive leadership experience—Dan emphasizes the power leadership in building empowered, engaged teams.

He also discusses the importance of integrated mental and behavioral health care, reducing stigma, and increasing public awareness. Tune in to this inspiring conversation from an incredible leader!

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

To learn more about Wedgwood, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/

To join the Wedgwood team, visit: www.wedgwood.org/join-our-team

For podcast and/or Wedgwood merch, please visit: https://wcb.myprostores.com/

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In this episode, Hillary sits down with Alli Matthews, a physician assistant in Wedgwood's Outpatient Psychiatry Program.

They discuss the vital role psychiatry plays in mental health care, how it complements therapy, and the personalized approach she takes when it comes to individual treatment.

Alli addresses common misconceptions about mental health diagnoses and medications, providing helpful examples.

Whether you're curious about how psychiatry works, seeking clarity on mental health treatments, or looking for hope and encouragement, this episode offers both practical information and compassionate support!

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

To learn more about Psychiatric Services at Wedgwood, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/psych-services/

For podcast and/or Wedgwood merch, please visit: https://wcb.myprostores.com/

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In this episode of "Coffee Break Conversation," Hillary sits down with Asha to discuss the unique challenges faced by diverse communities in accessing mental health care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, education, and community engagement. Asha shares her personal journey of becoming a mental health therapist, shedding light on the specific obstacles encountered by people of color within the foster care system and the mental health field.

The discussion dives into the critical role of cultural competence in mental health care and encourages white community members to support mental health services in diverse communities. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to better understand and address mental health disparities in marginalized communities.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

For more information on Wedgwood's Counseling Services, please visit:
https://www.wedgwood.org/counseling/

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Join Hillary for a special episode of Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation as she sits down with Maranda, a beloved figure in the West Michigan community, and long time partner with Wedgwood.

In this episode, Maranda shares her experiences and passion for empowering kids and families through her work in local media.

With nearly 40 years of experience working for WOODTV8, Maranda discusses the evolving challenges children face today, from cultural shifts to mental health issues, and the importance of genuine communication and connection.

We dive into her new initiative, "How’s It Really Going?" is bridging the gap between families and essential resources, offering a "digital warehouse" for mental health resources and content.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical tips on how to effectively connect with and support the children in our lives.

Grab your coffee or tea, and join us for this meaningful conversation.

If you would like to learn more about Wedgwood Christian Services, please visit www.wedgwood.org. Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast

For more information on Wedgwood's Counseling Services, please visit:
https://www.wedgwood.org/counseling/

Maranda's resources and mental health content: https://www.woodtv.com/abc4/maranda/hows-it-really-going/

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In this episode, Hillary and Asu discuss what seeking professional help for your mental health can look like, the importance of breaking the stigma of therapy, and the benefits of counseling.

Asu shares his experience with the cultural differences in mental health from where his family comes from (Rwanda). He also emphasizes that seeking help shows strength, not weakness. 

If you would like to learn more about Wedgwood Christian Services, please visit https://www.wedgwood.org/counseling/

Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation is available wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

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Don't forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes!

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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, as well as how to balance life's demands while prioritizing your mental health. So grab your coffee (or tea) and join us for a meaningful conversation on taking care of yourself.

If you would like to learn more about Wedgwood Christian Services, please visit www.wedgwood.org

Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation is available wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes!

Send us a text

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, they explore the necessity of clear communication, vulnerability, and problem-solving skills in maintaining healthy boundaries.

If you would like to learn more about Wedgwood Christian Services, please visit www.wedgwood.org

For more information on Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

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“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 them hope. To let them know that they don't have to be a product of what they came from because they do have a second chance and we do our best to give them a second chance.”

DeeDee YoungBlood-Weems, or as many of the teens in our Residential Program call her – Mama DeeDee – is the Supervisor of our Zondervan Home. For the last 14 years, DeeDee has been focused on one thing – sharing God’s love with the kids at Wedgwood. She talks about the patience, grace, and love required and how God is really moving at Wedgwood.

If you’d like to learn more about Wedgwood’s Residential Care and how you can be a part of giving kids a brave space to discover hope and healing head to www.wedgwood.org 

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“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, or ACCD, is truly transforming lives. Through individualized, center-based therapies, the team at Wedgwood’s ACCD works with young children with autism spectrum disorders – helping them develop crucial skills. In today’s episode, Keili Scott (Clinical Supervisor of Early Intervention & After-School Programs) & Jen Ruffin (Clinical Supervisor of Training and Transitions Programs) join us to talk about the impact their work has on kids and their families, and how services are expanding! 

Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development provides Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention for children ages 18 months – 6 years old and focused, after-school supports for kids ages 6 -12. To learn more, get connected to services, or tour our center, visit www.wedgwood.org/autismcenter.

Wedgwood’s Autism Center: 616.965.3492 | autismcenter@wedgwood.org 

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“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 and share with you what they need.”

When kids and families are involved with the court system, they often work with the probation team. Today’s guest, Marcela Moralez-Morris, has worked with these families in Kent County for 24 years. She joins us today to talk about the state of kids and families in West Michigan – what they are dealing with and the challenges she and her team are seeing, and offers some insight on how we as a community can support kids.

Check out Marcela and other incredible State of the Child Panelists talking about the state of youth and families in West Michigan at www.wedgwood.org/sotc.

Interested in volunteering or mentoring at Wedgwood? Email alisiak@wedgwood.org. Interested in mentorship opportunities through the court? Email marcela.moralez-morris@kentcountymi.gov  

Wedgwood’s Bouma Counseling Center and outpatient support services have immediate openings for kids and adults across West Michigan. Wherever life finds you, Wedgwood is here to help. Visit www.wedgwood.org/services/counseling-services to learn more and get connected to support today.

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