Best The Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice & Research Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 1: Interview with Lynn Tonini from the Aging Out Institute (Harrisburg, PA) 34:28

9d ago34:28

34:28

In this May 2025 episode, the inaugural episode following the transition of the podcast from the Aging Out Institute to the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice & Research at the University of Pennsylvania, MSW Intern Kate Greco interviews Lynn Tonini, Founder and former Executive Director of the Aging Out Institute. Lynn spoke about her jo…

1
Episode 107: Interview with Gretchen Dupps with Cleveland Angels (Cleveland, OH) 46:32

10d ago46:32

46:32

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Gretchen Dupps, the Founder and Executive Director of Cleveland Angels located in Cleveland, Ohio. Gretchen shared her own exposure to the foster care system in her own family, who took in foster youth. She also described the purpose and services of Cleveland Angels, which is a chapter of the National Angels …

1
Episode 106: Interview with Amanda Simonetta with The Felix Organization (Locust Valley, NY) 53:51

21d ago53:51

53:51

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amanda Simonetta, the Executive Director of The Felix Organization in Locust Valley, New York. Amanda discussed her background as a school guidance counselor, which then led to being the first Camp Director at The Felix Organization. She shared the goal of her organization, which is to help youth in care expe…

1
Episode 105: Interview with Alissa Jecklin with Good Samaritan Boys Ranch (Springfield, MO) 47:16

2M ago47:16

47:16

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Alissa Jecklin, Director of Transitional Living with Good Samaritan Boys Ranch in Springfield, Missouri. Alissa shared how she discovered the needs of youth in foster care through a summer job while in college. She chose to focus her career helping these youth. At Good Samaritan, she leads a transitional hous…

1
Episode 104: Interview with Deana Mendez with Finally Family Homes (Santa Clarita, CA) 49:03

2M ago49:03

49:03

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Deana Mendez, Case Manager at Finally Family Homes in Santa Clarita, California. Deana told about her journey to working at this organization and explained about the host home program that provides housing for 18 to 25 year old former foster youth with community members in the Santa Clarita area. She also sha…

1
Episode 103: Interview with Prince George's County CASA (Riverdale, MD) 47:39

3M ago47:39

47:39

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Yolanda Johnson, Executive Director, and Cheryl Richards, Case Supervisor for Transition-Aged Youth, for the Prince George's County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Riverdale, Maryland. Yolanda and Stephanie shared their own backgrounds and an overview of their CASA organization, which has been aro…

1
Episode 102: Interview with Stephanie Rampone from DFW Angels (Dallas, TX) 48:49

4M ago48:49

48:49

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Stephanie Rampone, Director of Development for the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Angels in Dallas, TX. Stephanie shared her unexpected journey from the fashion industry to working with youth in foster care. She also described the three primary areas of service of her fast growing organization: 1) intentional giving…

1
Episode 101: Interview with Liberty Thompson from JEM Friends, Inc. (Boise, ID) 48:11

6M ago48:11

48:11

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Liberty Thompson, Executive Director of JEM Friends, Inc. in Boise, Idaho. Liberty shared how her interest in the challenges that youth aging out of care face developed from a friendship with a girl in foster care growing up. She described the four pillars of support that they provide youth: housing, communit…

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Episode 100: Interview with Tyila Cooks from Lifebridge Child Advocacy (Midland, GA) 50:45

7M ago50:45

50:45

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Tyila Cooks, Executive Director of Lifebridge Child Advocacy in Midland, Georgia. Tyila shared about her own background, which included adopting foster children to be part of her own family. Started as a ministry, Lifebridge Child Advocacy officially transitioned to a nonprofit in 2021. They serve at-risk you…

1
Episode 099: Interview with Amy Navarro with Treehouse (Seattle, WA) 47:10

7M ago47:10

47:10

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amy Navarro, Director of the Launch Success Program with Treehouse in Seattle. Amy explained her introduction to the challenges of foster care while serving with Americorp and the journey she took to get to her work with Treehouse. Amy's program, Launch Success, takes a three pronged approach to support youth…

1
Episode 098: Interview with Hannah Hodgson Katzman with Family Harvest Farm (Martinez, CA) 37:34

9M ago37:34

37:34

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Hannah Hodgson Katzman, Associate Director of Family Harvest Farm in Martinez, California. Hannah described the mission of her organization, the John Muir Land Trust, which is to protect open spaces. Hannah's program - Family Harvest Farm - is under the John Muir Land Trust umbrella. They utilize 3.5 acres of…

1
Episode 097: Interview with Sherrie Weis with YouthCare (Seattle, WA) 50:33

10M ago50:33

50:33

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Sherrie Weis, Case Manager at YouthCare in Seattle, Washington. Sherrie described her organization's mission to help homeless youth, many of whom have a connection with or have aged out of foster care. Sherrie's program is a shelter that supports homeless youth between the ages of 12 and 17, but they also hav…

1
Episode 096: Interview with Tige Charity with Kids in the Spotlight (Burbank, CA) 44:27

11M ago44:27

44:27

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Tige Charity, CEO of Kids in the Spotlight in Burbank, California. Tige shares about the unique employment support services that Kids in the Spotlight provides youth aging out of foster care, which focuses on skills in the arts and entertainment. We talk about the Script-to-Screen program that culminates in f…

1
Episode 095: Interview with Maria Paparella with Chair-ity (Akron, OH) 1:01:34

1y ago1:01:34

1:01:34

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Maria Paparella, Founder and Executive Director of Chair-ity in Akron, Ohio. Maria explained the origins and growth of her organization, which provides furniture to youth aging out of foster care and is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year. We talk about the importance of enabling youth to have choic…

1
Episode 094: Interview with Mark Mecum from Ohio Children's Alliance (Columbus, OH) 48:14

1y ago48:14

48:14

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Mark Mecum, CEO of Ohio Children's Alliance in Columbus, Ohio. Mark explains the work that his organization does for youth aging out of foster care through the Ohio Bridges Program, the state's extended foster care program. We talk about the importance of prevention so that youth don't have to go into foster …

1
Episode 093: Interview with Lee Marshall from Kids to Love (Madison,AL) 56:20

1y ago56:20

56:20

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Lee Marshall, CEO and Founder of Kids to Love in Madison, Alabama. Lee describes the path she took to leading Kids to Love and the programs and services that Kids to Love offers youth in foster care, as well as those aging out. She explained KTech, which is a 16-week program that teaches skills to help aged-o…

1
Episode 092: Interview with Bruce Wingate with Foster Care Furniture (Boise, ID) 43:25

1y ago43:25

43:25

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Bruce Wingate, President of Foster Care Furniture in Boise, Idaho. Bruce describes how his organization provides training in woodworking and carpentry for youth who have aged out of foster care. Their nonprofit offers 13 weeks of training in which the youth build products to specifications for a paying client…

1
Episode 091: Topic Discussion - Helping Foster Youth Acquire and Retain Employment 54:41

1y ago54:41

54:41

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between two individuals connected with organizations that help youth aging out of foster care find and retain employment: Hope Broomham with Jim Riley Outreach (Plano, TX) and Andraya Slyter with The RightWay Foundation (Los Angeles, CA). During this conversation, we talked about different str…

1
Episode 090: Interview with Brian Meza with Petra Cares (Cypress, TX) 41:58

1y ago41:58

41:58

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Brian Meza, Executive Director of Petra Cares, a charitable arm of Petra Auto Products based in Cypress, Texas. Brian explained the history of Petra Cares, which provides an automotive foundations course for youth aging out of foster care and assists them with acquiring a job in the automotive industry after …

1
Episode 089: Interview with Donna Skora, Founder of Surrogate Grandparents USA (Summerfield, FL) 41:14

1+ y ago41:14

41:14

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Donna Skora, Founder of Surrogate Grandparents USA, based in Summerfield, FL. We discussed the reason that she started this Facebook page, which is dedicated to connecting people in order to develop chosen families. We then moved into a conversation about how this site can help connect former foster youth wit…

1
Episode 088: Interview with Joy Rios, Executive Director of Connect with a Wish (Virginia Beach, VA) 54:31

1+ y ago54:31

54:31

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Joy Rios, Founder and Executive Director of Connect with a Wish, located in Virginia Beach, VA. We talked about Joy's journey as an adoptive parent, which exposed her to the issues that youth in foster care face. We then discussed the launch of the organization as a holiday project and then expanded to provid…

1
Episode 087: Interview with Matt Bell, CEO of Pivotal (San Jose, CA) 44:17

1+ y ago44:17

44:17

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Matt Bell, CEO of Pivotal, located in San Jose, CA. We talked about the journey that brought Matt to the CEO role last year at Pivotal. We then discussed the roots of Pivotal's mission, which was giving youth educational scholarships. The mission has grown since 1989 to include one-on-one educational coaching…

1
Episode 086: Interview with Brandon Anderchuk, Executive Director of Hope’s Path (Spring, TX) 45:02

1+ y ago45:02

45:02

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Brandon Anderchuk, Executive Director of Hope's Path located in Spring, TX. We discussed Brandon's background and the journey that brought him to taking on the leadership role at Hope's Path. We then talked about their relational focused approach to helping youth aging out of foster care or homeless by provid…

1
Episode 085: Topic Discussion - Helping Foster Youth Acquire and Maintain Housing 45:06

1+ y ago45:06

45:06

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that help youth aging out of foster care find and maintain housing: Betty Beatty with Empty Frames Initiative (Everett, WA), Carla Cleeton with the Transition Resource Action Center - TRAC (Dallas, TX), and Angela Youtsey with Olive Crest …

1
Episode 084: Interview with Nicole Davis, Executive Director of Operation: Achieve Independence (Spring, TX) 44:32

1+ y ago44:32

44:32

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Nicole Davis, Executive Director of Operation: Achieve Independence (OAI) located in Spring, TX. We discussed Nicole's background and the journey that brought her to working with youth aging out of foster care. We then talked about OAI's strategy for providing caring mentors for youth and developing strong pa…

1
Episode 083: Topic Discussion - Transitional Housing Options 42:45

1+ y ago42:45

42:45

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that provide transitional housing for youth aging out of care: Mike Williams with DASH Foundation (Miami, FL), Shiesha Bell with LIFE Skills Foundation (Durham, NC), and Aundre' Wright with Adonai Transitional Housing (Phoenix, AZ). During…

1
Episode 082: Interview with Carmelita Coleman, Executive Director of SaySo (Greensboro, NC) 43:21

1+ y ago43:21

43:21

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Miss Carmelita Coleman, Executive Director of Strong Able Youth Speaking Out (SaySo) in Greensboro, NC. We discussed Miss Carmelita's background and what brought her to working with foster youth. We then talked about the SaySo organization and how it provides foster youth with opportunities to develop leaders…

1
Episode 081: Topic Discussion - Helping Foster Youth Build Financial Competency 43:55

1+ y ago43:55

43:55

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that support youth aging out of foster care by helping them build financial competency: Michael Williams with DASH Foundation (Miami, FL), Eugenia Wilson with Living Advantage, Inc. (Hollywood, CA), and Andrea Ferrero-Haggerty with Pockets…

1
Episode 080: Topic Discussion - Helping Foster Youth Reach Education Goals 49:53

1+ y ago49:53

49:53

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that support youth aging out of foster care by helping them reach their education goals: Elizabeth Bruchez with DPHHS (Lewistown MT), Stephen Coop with Reach Higher Montana (Helena, MT), and Kate Danielson with Foster Progress (Chicago, IL…

1
Episode 079: Topic Discussion - The Foster Youth Coffee Shop Support Model 47:45

1+ y ago47:45

47:45

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals who work with youth aging out of foster care by employing and mentoring them in a coffee shop: Bethany Priebe with Cultivate Coffee (Phoenix, AZ), Emily Schmidt with The Cracked Pot Coffee Shop (Mechanicsburg, PA), and Kamal Marell with The Monkey & The Elephant (Phil…

1
Episode 078: Interview with Ashlee Briddell with HomeSweetHome Foundation (Hagerstown, MD) 49:09

1+ y ago49:09

49:09

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Ashlee Briddell, CEO and Founder of HomeSweetHome Foundation in Hagerstown, MD. We discussed Ashlee's background in foster care herself and her educational achievements despite her challenges. We then talked about her motivation to start HomeSweetHome as a way to help foster youth with housing supplies, menta…

1
Episode 077: Interview with Dr. Ashley Cross from The Hub585, Inc. (Rochester, NY) 41:29

2y ago41:29

41:29

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Dr. Ashley Cross, Executive Director of The Hub585, Inc. in Rochester, NY. We started the interview with an interesting discussion about the importance of hope and resiliency and how they are connected with relationships. We then talked about The Hub585 and the different tiers of support they provide youth an…

1
Episode 076: Interview with Eric Gilmore from Immerse Arkansas (Little Rock, AR) 42:40

2y ago42:40

42:40

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Eric Gilmore, Executive Director of Immerse Arkansas in Little Rock. Started in 2010, Immerse Arkansas has been building a continuum of support for foster youth age 14-18 and youth who have aged out between the ages of 18-24 years old. They provide transitional living opportunities that include a variety of h…

1
Episode 075: Topic Discussion ”Helping Foster Youth Build Coping Skills” 54:15

2y ago54:15

54:15

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals who work with youth aging out of foster care: Cheryl Williams, Founder and Executive Director of Fundamentals for Foster Care (San Antonio, TX); Erin NeSmith, Founder and Lead Coach of Grow Into You Foundation (Brandon, FL); and Ed Hajim, Author and Chairman of High V…

1
Episode 074: Interview with Barbara Sabol with Home Works USA (Lawrence, KS) 46:16

2y ago46:16

46:16

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Barbara Sabol, Senior Advisor of Home Work USA in Lawrence, Kansas. At 85 years old, Barbara is helping to launch an intentional, tiny home community for youth aging out of foster care that is designed to help give them a safe, affordable housing option so that they can get their adult lives started with a gr…

1
Episode 073: Topic Discussion ”Helping Foster Youth Build Decision Making Skills” 50:11

2y ago50:11

50:11

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals who work with youth aging out of foster care: Erica Anderson, Founder of We Inspire Greatness (Kansas City, MO), Irving Chavez, Chief Impact Officer at Just in Time for Foster Youth (San Diego, CA), and Ben McBride, Executive Director of I Pour Life (Springfield, MO).…

1
Episode 072: Interview with Aundre’ Wright with Adonai Transitional Housing (Phoenix, AZ) 44:51

2y ago44:51

44:51

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Aundre' Wright, Co-Founder and CEO of Adonai Transitional Housing in Phoenix, Arizona. Aundre' explains his organization's history and partnership with the state of Arizona to provide transitional housing for young adults in the extended foster care program. Their housing options include four homes and one ap…

1
Episode 071: Topic Discussion ”Helping Foster Youth Build Healthy Relationships” 42:52

2y ago42:52

42:52

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between the Executive Directors from three different organizations that serve youth aging out of foster care: Rachael Smith with Hope and Vine (Wake Forest, NC), Susan Punnett with Family & Youth Initiative (Washington, D.C.), and Ben McBride with I Pour Life (Springfield, MO). We discussed th…

1
Episode 070: Interview with Penny Ellison with Hand2Paw (Philadelphia, PA) 40:44

2y ago40:44

40:44

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Penny Ellison, Executive Director of Hand2Paw in Philadelphia, PA. Penny shared about the programs they offer for youth - age 16 to 24 - who are experiencing housing insecurity or are in or aging out of foster care. Their unique, strengths-based programs ("Unleashing Opportunities," "Pawspurr," and "WorkReady…

1
Episode 069: Interview with Meredith Yuckman with The Hope Center at Pullen (Raleigh, NC) 40:52

2y ago40:52

40:52

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Meredith Yuckman, Executive Director of The Hope Center at Pullen in Raleigh, NC. Meredith shared about their life skills program for youth ages 13-18 and their transition program for youth ages 18-24. They also have a Youth Advisory Board made up of youth currently in (or graduated from) their transition pro…

1
Episode 068: Interview with Justin Black with Redefining Normal (Kalamazoo, MI) 43:36

2y ago43:36

43:36

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Justin Black, Co-founder of Redefining Normal in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Justin shared a little about his journey with his wife, Alexis, in foster care and the lessons they learned aging out of care that have contributed to their success as authors, speakers, and workshop leaders throughout the country. Justin d…

1
Episode 067: Interview with Carolyn Olsen from Fostering Youth Independence (Santa Clarita, CA) 45:13

2+ y ago45:13

45:13

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Carolyn Olsen, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Fostering Youth Independence in Santa Clarita, California. Carolyn shared how her organization supports youth aging out of care by connecting them with allies (mentors) whose primary focus is building a strong, supportive relationship with the youth. Carolyn…

1
Episode 066: Interview about the 2023 LevelUp Virtual Conference for Youth 42:27

2+ y ago42:27

42:27

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amanda Ricken Simonetta with The Felix Organization, Trinity Bailey with Music is Unity Foundation, and LaTasha Watts with The Purple Project to learn about the 2023 Level Up Conference for youth in foster care and those who have aged out (ages 14-24). This virtual conference is being held on February 9th fro…

1
Episode 065: Interview with Beth Reinwald from Flourish Homes (Tulsa, OK) 41:43

2+ y ago41:43

41:43

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Beth Reinwald, Founder and CEO of Flourish Homes in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Beth shared the challenges that Flourish Home faced getting started, how they launched their 1-2 year, faith-based transitional living program for young women facing homelessness, some of whom have aged out of foster care. Beth also reviewed…

1
Episode 064: Interview with Joelle Pitts from The R.J. Leonard Foundation (Doylestown, PA) 47:50

2+ y ago47:50

47:50

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Joelle Pitts, Executive Director of The R.J. Leonard Foundation in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Joelle shared about their organization's mentor program focused on helping youth aging out of foster care set and achieve educational and/or employment goals. Joelle explained how their priority is long-term supportiv…

1
Episode 063: Interview with Stacy DeWitt from James Storehouse (Newbury Park, CA) 45:46

2+ y ago45:46

45:46

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Stacy DeWitt, Executive Director of James Storehouse in Newbury Park, California. Stacy shared about their warehouse that supplies people in need - referred by social workers - with emergency supplies, as well as their three boutiques with supplies specifically for babies, children, and teenagers. They also p…

1
Episode 062: Interview with Christina Dronen from Finally Family Homes (Valencia, CA) 42:36

2+ y ago42:36

42:36

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Christina Dronen, Executive Director of Finally Family Homes in Valencia, California. We discussed their newest initiative, which is a "build to own" program in which youth aging out of care help build and then own their own tiny home on wheels. Christina explained how this model will enable youth to acquire …

1
Episode 061: Interview with Lisa Peat from The Taylor House (Roseville, CA) 45:11

2+ y ago45:11

45:11

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Lisa Peat, Founder and Executive Director of The Taylor House in Roseville, California. We discussed their safe transition home for young ladies aging out of foster care. Lisa discussed the five key pillars that provide the structure of their program: employment, education, transportation, health and wellness…

1
Episode 060: Interview with Colby Swettberg with Silver Lining Mentoring (Boston, MA) 42:18

2+ y ago42:18

42:18

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Colby Swettberg, CEO of Silver Lining Mentoring in Boston, MA. We discussed their award winning mentoring program for youth aging out of care. Colby reviewed their mentoring program, including an overview of their mentor training program, the qualities of effective mentors, their life skills program, and the …

1
Episode 059: Interview with Britt Wade with Family Harvest Farm (Martinez, CA) 45:50

3y ago45:50

45:50

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Britt Wade, Workforce Development Coordinator with Family Harvest Farm in Martinez, CA. We discussed their urban farm, which is a program under the umbrella of the John Muir Land Trust. At their farm, they employ youth aging out of foster care and teach them about sustainable farming. In their program, they b…

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