The "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work Podcast

Dawn E. Shedrick, LCSW is the Current NASW-NYS Suffolk Division Director. She is a clinical social worker, consultant, educator, and writer whose work focuses on the health and wellbeing of family caregivers, trauma survivors, and queer people. She is the founder and principal consultant of JenTex Training & Consulting, a continuing education and professional development firm for health and human services professionals.

Dawn weaves her extensive experiences as her mother’s primary caregiver since 1996. She is a mental health practitioner, trainer, educator, and holistic healer who creates experiences and tools for caregivers to heal from stress and burnout. She also helps health and human services professionals develop the skills to support them in their healing.

 On October 31, 2024 NPR (highlighted her experience in a full feature article detailing her personal journey as her mother’s primary caregiver.

(https://bit.ly/3ZSli6T)

 She is also the author of Courageous Contemplation: A Guided Journal for Family CareGivers of Chronically Ill, Disabled, and Elderly Loved Ones.

 Here reputation as a Subject Matter Expert on the personal joys and challenges of caregiving was skillfully detailed in the online publication “Sisters of AARP”. (https://www.sistersletter.com/author/dawn-e-shedrick-lcsw)

Kelsunn Communications invites you to look and listen to this trailer advertising the 1st Episode in our new series entitled "Aging in America - The New Realities". Listen as Ms. Dawn Shedrick shares parts of her challenging and rewarding journey as a primary care-giver for her mother.

Kelsunn Communications is bringing you this trailer to

introduce an upcoming series entitled "Aging in America - The New Realities" . Stay tuned for more information. Make sure to subscribe to our channel to get all future notifications.

‘The Cold Within" By James Patrick Kinney - An Oral Interpretation This poem contains several important themes. The most important theme of the poem is the harm that selfishness can cause. In this poem the author, James Patrick Kinney depicts the different manifestations of selfishness in people. He also talks about the origin of this “human sin” from the angle of people belonging from the distinct social order. Moreover, the poet presents themes such as rich vs poor, racism, sectarianism, and opportunism in the poem. Apart from that, the last stanza of the poem depicts the theme of spiritual death. However, there are also the themes of indifference and mutual hatred in the poem. It seems that the poet was somehow upset about the lack of compassion and love in modern society. Each person has some wood that would keep the fire going, but they all find a reason not to share it: racism, class prejudice, or straight-up selfishness. All the people freeze to death, but it's the metaphorical "cold within"—their unwillingness to be kind to each other—that really kills them. http://www.allthingsif.org/archives/1405 - For further reference

Kelsunn Communications is proud and honored to bring you this exclusive interview with Social Worker, Ms. @KateTravers, LCSW. She is a “Community Manager”. Ms. Travers provides service to the community through the popular JP Morgan Chase “Community Partners” program. JP Morgan Chase, the well-known global financial institution created the program to bring about “Financial Literacy” education to underserved communities of color.

As a Community Manager, Ms. Travers meets with local leaders and businesses to understand their challenges and then work alongside them to address those challenges. Hired locally, Chase community managers do not promote Chase banking products and services; instead, they focus on local outreach, education and financial independence by:

• Hosting financial health workshops on topics such as budgeting, credit and savings

• Fostering trust, enhancing community engagement, and delivering valuable financial education, among other impactful resources

Chase created the community manager role five years ago when it opened its first Community Center in Harlem. Today there are 150 community managers serving 300 community branches, mostly in low- to moderate-income communities. The additional 75 community managers will enable Chase to have at least one community manager in every one of the 48 states where we have branches as we continue to expand our branch network, covering roughly 50 percent of the Black, Hispanic, Latino population.

According to literature provide by JP Morgan Chase, “A Community Manager is a local ambassador for Chase who is responsible for building and nurturing relationships with key community leaders, nonprofit partners and small businesses – at the neighborhood level”.

Feel free to reach out to Ms. Travers for more information at:

Email: Kate.Travers@Chase.com

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/kate-travers-lcsw-a379878a

Listen in to hear Ms. Travers share a little insight into the basis of the JP Morgan Chase "Community Partners" Program. Also, find out more about when and where you can hear and/or see the entire episode .

November is “National Family Caregiver’s Month”. Let’s honor, recognize, and celebrate those who dedicate their lives to care for their families, especially their elderly family members. Let’s show them that we care for and appreciate them!!

#agingwithdignity #aginggracefully #agingwell #elderly #eldercare #nationalfamilycargiversmonth #urbaninstitute #ncoa #caregiver #caregiveractionnetwork #socialwork #family #sandwichgeneration #aarp #nasw #naswnys #naswnyc #socialworkers

I would like to thank, Madam Melissa Haley, LMSW - President of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) for this prestigious honor of being featured nationally. I am a proud member of NABSW and an active member of the Nassau/Suffolk Chapter of (NABSW) under the able direction of our dynamic and culture-centered President, Dr. Lisa Newland. I would like to also thank Dr. Newland, Chair of the Malloy University School of Social Work, who advocated for me to be featured. I invite you all to view this video montage summarizing my journey of the last 10 years since I graduated with my Masters in Social Work. These are the video clips included: ** The montage starts at Adelphi the year I graduated, in 2014. I was one of 10 students selected to be featured in Adelphi’s annual “Commencement Day Profiles” on YouTube, I share a clip of that piece! ** Next the montage moves on to my re-uniting, after over 25 Years, with my most impactful Social Worker, the late Mr. Dalton Murchison in 2021 during my Network of Social Work Management Policy Fellowship final presentation (Sadly he passed away one month after I honored him all over the country as part of that presentation). **Then you’ll see Dr. Darla Spence Coffey, who at the time was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), presenting me at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Bi-Annual Awards Ceremony as the “2022 International Rhoda G. Sarnat Award Recipient, and a few short clips of some of my acceptance speech remarks. ** The next clip is a short segment from the 2023 "Faces of Long Island" Newsday Video that shared my journey from “Foster Care to Social Worker”. It includes a snippet of me receiving the “Sarnat award and what it meant to me. award. ** Finally, the montage comes full circle back to my closing statement of my Adelphi Commencement Profile Video. I call on all Social Workers coming into the field at the time to let’s go to work. The last image you see is a graphical montage representing the NABSW!!! And Last, But Certainly Not Least: "Habari Gani" - Swahili for "What Is The News" It is my honor to announce that our Nassau/Suffolk Association of Black Social Workers Chapter Elder, Dear Madam Delores Malloy has blessed me by bestowing the tile of "Griot" on me. That is a tremendous honor that I humbly accept. In African tradition the Griot is known as the storyteller and keeper of the oral tradition. Thank you, “Madam Elder Malloy”!!! ASE!!!

Aging Matters"

According to “The Urban Institute”: https://www.urban.org/. The number of Americans ages 65 and older will more than double over the next 40 years, reaching 80 million in 2040. The number of adults ages 85 and older, the group most often needing help with basic personal care, will nearly quadruple between 2000 and 2040.

 According to the “National Council on Aging’s report from October 2023: (https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-healthy-aging) Nearly 56 million Americans are 65 and older, with projections estimating that the population of older adults will grow to 94.7 million in 2060. On average, a 65-year old can expect to live another 17 years. For most older adults, good health ensures independence, security, and productivity as they age.

The "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work Podcast is honored to bring this vital topic of "Aging Matters" to the forefront of discussions for this segment. You will hear from my two distinguished guests who are:

> Dr. Tara Anglim, EdD, LCSW, ACHP-SW. She has spent her 30-year career working with individuals and families in a variety of systems and clinical settings. She is proud to work within healthcare for the last 12 years, currently serving as Associate Executive Director of Culture and Experience for Peconic Bay Medical Center-Northwell Health. She began there in 2013, where she served as the Associate Director of Palliative Medicine. Her interdisciplinary work and collaborations include piloting a new model for in-home palliative care, implementing community MOLST education across eastern Suffolk County, establishing the hospital’s family caregiver support program, creating a bereavement plan of care for individuals who experience loss, and achieving the hospital’s inaugural Joint Commission Palliative Care Certification in 2017. Dr. Anglim led the creation of PBMC Caregivers Center, which opened in 2018 and was the first of its kind in a hospital on Long Island, dedicated to providing person-centered support, education and resources to family caregivers. Tara received her Doctorate of Education degree from Molloy University, Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University, and her Bachelor of Social Work from Molloy College. Tara is humbled and honored to elevate the stories and lived experiences of family caregivers who ultimately influenced and inspire her interest in research. Tara feels privileged to be able to support individuals and families in her work every day. She is most proud of her own family with husband Kevin and their three children Kevin, Sean & Kate.

 > Dawn Shedrick, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, educator and trainer. She founded JenTex Training and Consulting as a professional development firm for health and human service professionals. She has been her mother’s primary caregiver since 1996. She weaves her extensive experience in trauma-informed care, social justice, mental health care, and equitable health and mental health care for marginalized communities into her efforts to ensure caregivers have access to effective mental health care and social support. Ms. Shedrick is the author of Courageous Contemplation: A Guided Journal for Family CareGivers of Chronically Ill, Disabled, and Elderly Loved Ones and her writing has been featured in the Sisters from AARP newsletter. Dawn is a lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work where she was an inaugural recipient of the Steven P. Schinke Teaching Innovation Award. She is a doctoral candidate at Teachers College-Columbia University where her action research engages caregivers in the development of tools to support emotional healing and wellness.

 #aging #aarp #adelphi #northwellhealth #peconicbaymedicalcenter #nasw #naswnys #naswnys #stonybrookschoolofsocialwelfare #socialwork #socialworkers #nationalcouncilonagaing#cswe #hospice #palliativecare #caregivers #elderly #seniorcitizens #family #agingmatters #grandchallengesofsocialwork

Kelsunn Communications is sharing this trailer that invites you to tune in to an upcoming informative podcast episode on the topic of "Aging" here in America. Here's why this topic is vitally important. ***************************************************************************** According to the “National Council on Aging’s report from October 2023: (https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-healthy-aging) ****Nearly 56 million Americans are 65 and older, with projections estimating that the population of older adults will grow to 94.7 million in 2060. On average, a 65-year old can expect to live another 17 years. For most older adults, good health ensures independence, security, and productivity as they age.

For Immediate Release:

On Thursday, June 13, 2024 this podcast episode was awarded "3rd Place" in the 2024 Press Club of Long Island annual media awards. We invite you to listen to this re-launch of Ms. Cinquemani's powerful and emotional story. Make sure to share, comment, download and subscribe. Thank you!!!

***************************************************************************************************

Ms. Dolores Cinquemani is the author of the widely acclaimed book “A Familiar Stranger”. She describes this as “a book dedicated to those searching for the truth surrounding their birth. Ms. Cinquemani talks about her motivation for writing the book. In the book she describes the heartache of searching for the truth, of searching for her mother. In the interview she talks about growing up in foster care but always knowing that she had a bit mother, out there somewhere.

Ms. Cinquemani previously published 3 books of poetry:

**  Unlaced (2013), **  Timepiece (2015), **  The Inner Eye (2019)

She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Stony Brook University, and a Masters of Science from Adelphi University. She is a retired special education teacher from Lindenhurst School District, and currently lives on Long Island.

Kelsunn Communications went on location to the 3rd Annual "BreaKING the Ice" Black Men's Mental Health Conference at Adelphi University on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Here is an Audio Montage of some of the comments shared by some of the attendees, presenters, and producers.

This Kelsunn-on-the-Air Social Work Podcast is a special "Vox Populi" Production! That is Latin for "Voice of The People". Listen to what the people had to say about the conference and the topic!!

Take a listen to this trailer providing a preview of the "Vox Pop" (Latin for "Voice of The People") that will be premiered next week. We will be sharing comments from some attendees of the 3rd Annual Black Men's Mental Health and Wellness Conference!!!

Dr. Tabag discusses the importance of AANHPI Heritage Month, A little about the history of the celebration as well as, looking at the celebration and the cultures from a Social Work viewpoint!

Kari Tabag, PhD, is a Clinical Social Worker currently holding the credentials of LCSW-R. Dr. Tabag has worked in public and higher education settings for the past 21 years. Kari is a school social worker with the New York City Department of Education for the Committee on Special Education, and an adjunct professor in the Master of Social Work program at Adelphi University.

She also maintains a private practice working with adolescents, emerging adults, and families. Kari is co-chair for the Asian American Psychological Association’s (AAPA) Education and Training Committee (ETC) and is a committee member of the National Association of Social Work’s (NASW) New York State Diversity committee. Kari holds a Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University as well as her Doctorate.

Dr. Tabag’s research focuses on the psychological impact of gendered racial microaggressions. She published the chapter, The DSM-5 and the omission of Asperger’s disorder, in The cause of Autism: Concepts and misconceptions (Tabag, 2014). Kari also provides training and workshops with the mission of promoting social justice and advocacy. She is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) on the Chapter & Local Level.

We invite you to watch or hear this in-depth interview with the new CEO of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Dr. Anthony Estreet. He holds his LCSW Credentials as well as an MBA. Dr. Estreet is a Bowie State University graduate, where he earned a bachelor’s in science in psychology. He then moved on to Virginia Commonwealth University and Morgan State University, where he earned an MSW in social work and a doctorate in social work, respectively. He became a part of the MSU family in 2013. When he isn’t busy training up the next generation of social workers, Dr. Estreet can be seen working with Next Step Treatment Center, an organization that offers solutions and resources for both substance use and improved mental health. He is a long-time member of the Maryland Chapter of NASW, where he has served as president. He also helps improve social work as a member of the Council on Social Work Education. During his time at Morgan, Estreet received roughly $6 million earmarked specifically as “funding for social work workforce development, research, and training. He also led the development and expansion of the first MSW program in the United States, and at a historically Black college or university, to have an area of specialized practice focused on addressing substance use disorders,” according to information released by NASW. At the top of his list of goals are his plans to grow the organization’s membership, while also “addressing social justice issues, including racial equity and reproductive rights.” NASW reports that Estreet plans to “work to strengthen the social work workforce by expanding efforts to increase compensation for social workers.” Estreet said he is “honored and humbled to be the next CEO of NASW.” “I have been a member of this great organization since 2007,” he said in a statement. “As a former member of the NASW Board, I know NASW is committed to supporting social workers and the communities they serve. This organization has done phenomenal work especially in the past three years, including supporting social workers in the delivery of mental health services during the pandemic and addressing systemic racism. However, we have much more work to do, and I stand ready to work collaboratively to support our great profession.” #NASW #NASWNYS #NASWNYC #Adelphiuniversity#MorganStateUniversity #adelphi #BowieStateUniversity #VirginiaCommonwealth #CSWE #IFSW #NASWFoundation #Kelsunnontheair #NSWM #blackmensmentalhealthconference #socialwork #socialworkers #stonybrookuniversity #stonybrookuniversityschoolofsocialwelfare #brooklyncollege #suffolkcommunitycollege #molloyuniversity #albanystateuniversity #saintjosephsuniversity

Kelsunn Communications Invites you to listen to this trailer announcing our exclusive interview with Dr. Anthony Estreet, LCSW-C. Dr. Anthony Estreet is the new CEO of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) as of January 2023.

He is a highly esteemed leader in the field of social work and is known as a visionary leader. The “Kelsunn-on-the-Air” Social Work Podcast is honored to bring you this prestigious podcast segment. 

Please make sure to tune in to find out more info about where you can watch and listen to the entire episode!!  Thank you.

Make sure to log-on, tune-in, and listen-up to this Social Work Month Special featuring Dr. Amy Meyers, LCSW. on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 5AM. You won't want to miss this!!

Dr. Meyers will be delving into the nuances of what "Clinical Social Work" is all about!! Dr. Meyers, is a professor of social work at Molloy University in Rockville Center, NY and a psychotherapist with 30 years of practice experience.

Kelsunn Communications is honored to bring you this exclusive podcast interview with Emmy award winning journalist, producer, educator, and “History-Maker”- Professor Ashanti Blaize Hopkins!!! Prof. Blaize-Hopkins holds the distinction of being the 1st Black Woman ever to be elected President of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). She is also the immediate past president of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Professor Baize-Hopkins is also currently serving as the “Interim Associate Dean" of the Center for Media and Design at Santa Monica College in California. She is very dedicated to training the next generation of journalists in this role. She has many years of experience working as a TV News Reporter and a News Anchor as well. She is also a higher education consultant and public relations expert with more than a decade of experience. We invite you to watch and listen to this in-depth and compelling interview of historical significance on the “Kelsunn-on-the-Air” Social Work Podcast!!

Kelsunn Communications invites you to listen in for info about when you can tune-in to hear the amazing story of Prof. Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins in it's entirety. She is a "History-Maker" - Being the 1st-Ever, Black Women to be elected President of the prestigious Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ).

Kelsunn Communications, Inc.  Is proud to present this Historical, Exclusive Black History Month Special Interview with “The Father of Affirmative Action”.   The interview was first conducted and aired in 1993!!!  We invite you to listen, download, share, and comment on this historic and educational public affairs offering!!!

*****************************************************************

In February of 1993 Stony Brook University in New York, featured Dr. Arthur A. Fletcher as a part of their Black History Month Lecture Series. At the time Dr. Fletcher was serving as the Chairman of the United States Civil Rights Commission. He is widely and historically known as “The Father of Affirmative Action”.  In the interview you’ll hear him give the history of how it came about based on his efforts.  He also talks about how as early as High School he fought against racism!!

Prior to his lecture he was interviewed by Silas W. Kelly, who at the time was a Part-Time Board Operator & Public Affairs Producer/Host at radio station WWHB 107.1 F.M. in Hampton Bays.  The name of the station’s Public Affairs program at the time was “Where You Live”.  Also, at that time Silas was a Student at Suffolk County Community College in Selden, NY majoring in Broadcast Tele-Communications.  He was an Honor’s Student and the recipient of a Minority Achiever’s Scholarship.  During this time Silas was also serving a one-year term as the duly elected Student Trustee on the College’s Board of Trustees.

Kelsunn Communications presents some 2023 Year-End reflections from Silas, Your "E-Journalism Social Work Advocate"

Jonathan B. Singer, Ph.D., LCSW is Professor at Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work, Past-President of the American Association of Suicidology and coauthor of two editions of the best-selling text, Suicide in Schools: A Practitioner's Guide to Multi-level Prevention, Assessment, Intervention, and Postvention. He is a two-time winner of the National Association of Social Workers Media Award (2012 and 2016). He was a 2014 Visiting Scholar at Fordham University, the 2017 Lucille N. Austin Scholar at Columbia University, and the 2018 Distinguished Lecturer at Weber State University. In 2023, he was inducted as an NASW "Social Work Pioneer" for introducing podcasting to social work.

Dr. Singer is a well-regarded international speaker who has given over a thousand continuing education workshops, keynote addresses, and presentations on youth suicide, ethics, technology, adolescent development and attachment-based family therapy in the USA, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. He is an NASW Expert, Healio Psychiatry Peer Perspective Board member, and has served on several national youth advisory boards including Sandy Hook Promise, JED Foundation, Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and the National Suicide Prevention (988 Suicide & Crisis) Lifeline.

 He is the author of over 90 publications and his research has been featured in national and international media outlets like NPR, BBC, Fox, Time Magazine, and The Guardian. His research collaborations have received private and public funding through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, and other organizations. His co-authored article with Arielle Sheftall and John Ackerman about the news media's reporting on the suicide deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain won the prestigious 2019 SDX prize for research on journalism.

A pioneer in the integration of technology and social work, Dr. Singer is a founding member of the online suicide prevention social media community #SPSM, past-Treasurer for the international human services Information Technology association (http://husita.org/), co-lead for the Social Work Grand Challenge initiative "Harness Technology for Social Good"(https://grandchallengesforsocialwork.org/harness-technology-for-social-good/), and member of the Council on Social Work Education's Technology Advisory Group. Dr. Singer is the founder and host of the award-winning Social Work Podcast (www.socialworkpodcast.com). Founded in January 2007, the Social Work Podcast is the first podcast by and for social workers, with over 50,000 followers on social media, listeners in 208 countries and territories, and over 8 million downloads. He lives in Evanston, IL with his wife and three children and can be found on X/Twitter as @socworkpodcast and Facebook at facebook.com/swpodcast.

Many thanks to Mr. Scott Passeser, Producer & Host of “Radio Jobline”. The Show airs every Saturday from 2 to 3 PM on LI News 103.9, FM.  Scott continually offers his platform to the Social Work profession!!! He is keenly aware of the vital role Social Workers play in society and never hesitates to help spread the word!!! I also appreciate him having me back on the show for a fourth time!!

The main topics of this interview that Scott and I discuss center around Social Work salaries, Social Worker satisfaction in the profession, and why it’s important to improve both. We also talk about the dire need for well-trained, well-paid, motivated Social Workers.  

 Earlier this year The NY State Chapter of NASW released a study on the current state of the Social Work profession here in NY.  The report was authored by Ms. Olivia Knox, NASW-NYS Chapter Policy Coordinator. Some of her report’s information is alluded to in this interview. 

Also, the National Association of Social Workers had an independent agency (IPSOS) conduct a public opinion satisfaction survey. The results pointed to the fact that the general public has an overall favorable view of the profession.  It also pointed out that many in the general public do not know all the roles Social Workers play.  Some of that.

Make sure to listen to this engaging and informative interview in it’s entirety!! 

Kelsunn Communications reminds everyone to make sure you vote on November 7, 2023!!! This P.S.A. contains reminders from 3 Voting Rights Legions who have passed on. They highlight the importance of voting! Remember, V.ictory O.ften T.akes E.veryone!!

Dr. Carol Carter and her Staff, and community volunteers at the Sunshine Center in Port Jefferson Station, NY Held their 1st Annual "Fall Family Festival" on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Kelsunn Communications was on location for the occasion with the "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work Podcast to produce the following "Vox Populi" (Latin for "Voice of the People). Attendees stepped up to the mic to pay tribute to the wonderful efforts of the center by answering the question, "Why is the Sunshine Center Special to You?" We now share some of the powerful and heart-warming responses from community members, volunteers, parents, students of the center, elected officials, and employees!!

Ms. Dolores Cinquemani is the author of the widely acclaimed book “A Familiar Stranger”.  She describes this as “a book dedicated to those searching for the truth surrounding their birth.  Ms. Cinquemani holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Stony Brook University, and a Master’s of Science from Adelphi University.

Here's the trailer highlighting the podcast introducing Ms. Sarah Delannoy, MSW. She is a Social Worker who is making an impact both locally and Internationally!!! She has been dubbed a "Citizen of the World"!!

Sarah Delannoy is a Site Manager of a national early education organization called “Jumpstart”. She hosts the Jumpstart program at Pace University where she supervises and coaches’ college students.  She prepares students to implement a language and literacy program at head start preschools in lower Manhattan. She is a May 2023 Graduate of the Adelphi University School of Social Work where she obtained her Master’s in Social Work.

Make sure to tune in on Thursday, July 27th @ 5AM wherever you get your podcast!! The video versions of this podcast will be available on our YouTube & Spotify Channels as well.

This Podcast Interview with the Late Dr. Mildred C. Joyner, LCSW affectionately known as "Mit" was originally released on December 23, 2021. At the time Dr. Joyner was President of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She finished her 3-Year Term on June 30, 2023, literally 9 Days before her untimely passing.

Kelsunn Communications, featuring the "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work Podcast was fortunate to be graced with Dr. Joyner's presence, insight, and wisdom to launch this critically important series called   "Raise-the-Wage" - The Case for More Equitable Pay for Social Workers and other Human Service Professionals.  During this interview Dr. Joyner made the case eloquently about the need for Social Workers to get paid more equitably. She also stated that individuals can get paid very well with a Social Work degree, and when they do they need to let it be known that they are Social Workers.

We invite you all to listen to this podcast interview in its entirety as it serves as a lasting tribute to the "Power & Passion" of Dr. "Mit" Joyner and Her Love of Humanity and Social Work. "We Honor Her Memory - We Continue Her Legacy".

We invite you to view and listen to this Special Episode Interview Conducted by Ms. Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R. Ms Fludd is an entrepreneurial Social Worker that celebrated Social Work Month 2023 by producing a marathon series, interviewing “31 Social Workers, In 31 Days”. I was honored to be one of the “31” featured in the series. Look, Listen & Enjoy!!!  

The Nassau - Suffolk Association of Black Social Workers (NSABSW) invites you to this re-broadcast of our February 28, 2023 Black History Month "FB Live" Celebration. This special edition also segued into Social Work Month 2023 - highlighting some of the Black Pioneers of Social Work. This presentation will educate audiences to the origination of the National Association of Black Social Workers, and how this organization was born out of "Protest" when the main stream Social Work organization in this country would not let Black Social Workers speak to the needs of the Black Community at the time. Look, Listen, Learn and be educated as Black Social Work Pioneers are Celebrated!!!

The Ditchdigger’s Daughters is the story of Donald Thornton, a laborer, and his wife Tass, a domestic, who managed to shepherd their six daughters into careers of professional status.  Consider the results of their efforts: Two physicians, an attorney, a court stenographer, a dentist and a registered nurse.

Written by middle daughter Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., The Ditchdigger’s Daughters is far more than a goody goody story. Although music, self sacrifice and upward mobility all figure prominently in this memoir it also merits readers’ attention for its effective recreation of the characters, its important messages, its genuineness, its overall excellence, and its inspiration.

The book contains plot turns that everyone can identify with.  Parts of the story even read like a thriller.  When the two oldest daughters’ defect from the family because of Donald’s stringency, they start a chain of reactions that threaten the viability of this heretofore loving and stable unit.  Donald becomes verbally and emotionally abusive to Tass.  As a result Tass experiences a depression that necessitates clinical treatment.  The remaining daughters were filled with fear and confusion at these events.  The Thornton family found themselves facing a crisis of epic proportions: would this black family survive?  The answer is not as neatly packaged as a sitcom, and reflects the messy fits and starts of real people living real lives.

Yvonne was the first to fulfil her father’s dream of becoming a physician.  Her recounting of her climb to become a respected and successful Obstetrician-Gynecologist is an endearing portrait of a physician as a young woman.  As a black female doctor she suffered many rude comments and one remark, made by a white male colleague who said, "I assume you know what you’re doing", was particularly distressing. "I arrived back home crying and raging’. If I’d been a man, he wouldn’t have talked to me like that.  If I’d been white, he wouldn’t have questioned my ability to do what was right."

Since the book’s publication in 1995 it has received much acclaim as a Literary Guild Selection and a Pulitzer Prize nominated book.  A for television movie was made with Carl Lumbly portraying Donald Thornton.

Listen carefully to this ditchdigger’s daughter.  Dr. Yvonne S.Thornton is a woman who has walked this walk and knows of which she speaks.

To all my listeners, as you all know by now, this podcast is known for among other things "highlighting and uplifting" the Social Work Profession and those who reach out to help others. These are some of the core values of the Social Work Profession. Also, as Social Workers we are known for having connections to resources that can benefit those we serve.  So, today’s discussion is intended to do just that.

We are talking with our esteemed guest, Ms. Linda K. Edwards, a well-known community volunteer and entrepreneur from the NY Tri-State area. She is the founder of New Me, New You, Inc. & Father Time, Inc., two highly regarded non-profit organizations there. Ms. Edwards is affiliated with “NAMI” National Alliance on Mental Illness and SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. She also donates her time and resources to volunteer with the Nassau County Department of Social Services Foster care/Adoption Unit.

This past year Ms. Edwards was nominated for the 2022 Who’s Who Publishing Registry which recognizes Executives and Professionals for their accomplishments and contributions to the Global marketplace.

Ms. Linda K. Edwards, is Executive Director & Founder of  New Me, New You Inc, & Father-Time Inc, Both Non-Profit Organizations!! She is a Community Volunteer and an Entrepreneur.  Ms. Edwards says she has a passion for reaching out and helping others.  That is the sole mission of her volunteer and business activities!!! 

Greg Williams is the award-winning filmmaker of feature length documentaries, The Anonymous People (2014 PRISM Award for Outstanding Documentary) and Generation Found. In 2015, he produced the historic Unite To Face Addiction Rally on the National Mall when tens of thousands of people from around the world gathered to end the silence surrounding addiction. This was the first time major musicians, politicians, actors, athletes, models, journalists, authors, and advocates joined together in unison, to solve the most urgent health crisis of our time. The event was memorialized in a PBS special, The Concert To Face Addiction, that Greg produced. He also produced the launch event and companion TV special for the release of the first-ever Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health, Listen: Facing Addiction In America when Viacom aired the special simultaneously on 11 of its cable networks, which was seen by millions.

Greg is a health policy consultant and communications specialist, providing strategic oversight and direction to numerous initiatives. Most notably, Greg manages the Alliance for Addiction Payment Reform, a national collaboration aimed at improving outcomes for patients, payers, and health systems, and served as a managing editor of the Addiction Recovery Medical Home Alternative Payment Model.

Greg has over a decade of experience working with non-profits and government agencies on addiction. As person in long-term recovery from addiction himself, Greg’s work has been dedicated towards creating positive changes in access to quality health care and recovery supports for the over 40 million Americans with a substance use disorder.

Greg is the award-winning filmmaker and producer of three feature length documentaries: The Anonymous People, Generation Found, and Tipping The Pain Scale. In 2015, he executive produced the historic UNITE to Face Addiction Rally on the National Mall when tens of thousands of people including from around the world gathered alongside major musicians to end the silence surrounding addiction. He also produced the 2016 launch event of the first-ever Surgeon’s General Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health: Facing Addiction in America as well as the 2021 Recover Out Loud concert event in partnership with Google, iHeart Radio, and Variety. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, ABC World News, LA Times, and countless other news outlets. He also serves as a member of the United States of Care’s Voices of Real Life advisory group.

Greg received his master’s degree in addiction public policy and media production from New York University.

Greg Williams is the award-winning filmmaker and producer of three feature length documentaries: The Anonymous People, Generation Found, and Tipping The Pain Scale. In 2015, he executive produced the historic UNITE to Face Addiction Rally on the National Mall when tens of thousands of people including from around the world gathered alongside major musicians to end the silence surrounding addiction.

The "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work podcast invites you to this insightful interview with Ms. Haley Ingersoll, MSW. Here's some information about this dynamic Social Worker. Her expertise primarily lies in mental health advocacy, health care quality improvement efforts, and also program and project administration and management.

She was a 2020 – 2021 Network of Social Work Management Policy Fellow. Her presentation was entitled “The Healthcare System: Curing What Ails”.  She is passionate about wellness, advocacy, and communication, blending her background in social work and communications to effectively share resources and support organizational outreach.

Ms. Ingersoll has cultivated copywriting, advocacy, project management, and relationship-building skills, positioning herself as an asset in a variety of sectors and levels of an organization. She sees herself as an adaptable, life-long learner and is continually seeking ways to be a change agent. True to her social work values, Haley strives to bring a person-centered, equity-focused orientation everywhere she goes. Ms. Ingersoll values and prioritizes work with organizations that empower and exact change with their stakeholders. She thrives in cross-collaborative settings, and believes that with creativity, strategic partnerships, and thoughtful implementation, we are capable of bridging disparities in pursuit of a more equitable society.

Listen to this trailer featuring Mental Health Advocate, Ms. Haley Ingersoll.  You'll hear a clip of her thoughts about Mental Health & Wellness.  You'll also hear about how and when you can hear this informative and wide-range interview in it's entirety!!!

Skeery Jones, Executive Producer of the "Elvis Duran in the Morning" show on NY Radio Station, Z-100 is asking for your vote!!! 

He say's follow these steps to help vote Silas, Your E-Journalism Social Work Advocate to victory in the Annual Bethpage Federal Credit Union "Best of Long Island" Competition:  

Steps to Vote:

Step #1: Click this Link: https://www.bestoflongisland.com/voting/#/gallery?group=436121, This will take you to the “Arts & Entertainment” Category 

Step #2: Scroll down to the “Podcast Section” Click that Link 

Step #3: Scroll down to Locate the “Kelsunn-on-the-Air” Social Work Podcast, Click on that Name, Cast your “Vote”!!  

Voting opened Saturday, October 1, 2022 and is ongoing until December 15, 2022.  You can vote once per day, everyday until the close out date of 12/15/22.

 Skeery Says, Let's vote make sure Silas is the winner!!!  

Thank you all!!!