Academy i3 Podcast

In this episode, hosts Charlie and Shane welcome Jesse Greenfield, MPHCHES—public health educator, improviser, and co-founder of Kaleidoscope Training Center. Jesse shares their journey from the medical field to applied improvisation, exploring how storytelling and play can empower individuals and communities to build stronger, healthier relationships. The conversation dives deep into the concept...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Courtney Ketcham, former Accessibility Remediation Coordinator at the Academy for Professional Excellence. Courtney shares her journey, expertise, and practical tips on making digital spaces accessible for everyone. Whether you’re a content creator, educator, or advocate, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories about the impor...

Join us for this episode of the Academy i3 Podcast as we welcome Sunni Dominguez, Tribal Stars Program Manager and member of the Ipay Nation of Santa Isabel. Sunni shares her expertise on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), discussing its history, why it matters, and how it impacts Native American families and child welfare professionals. In this conversation, we cover: The origins and purpose of...

This episode of the Academy I3 podcast delves into the vital topic of peer support, exploring its significance in both personal and professional contexts. The discussion highlights how peer support fosters a sense of community, encourages open dialogue, and provides practical strategies for overcoming challenges. Through real-life examples and expert insights from Betsy Watson, MSW, and Shelley To...

In this episode, host Charlie Rodnuson interviews Giovanni Holloway, a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in child welfare and social services in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The conversation covers emerging practices in social work, the importance of self-care and work-life balance, diversity and culturally responsive approaches, creative community engagement such...

Boost well-being and retention for child welfare workers through trauma-informed care and psychological safety. In this episode of the Academy i3 podcast, the discussion centers around the critical issues of workforce recruitment and retention in the field of child welfare. Guest Lisa Maaca Bartlett, an experienced social work professional and academic, shares her insights on creating supportive w...

Learn how intersectionality shapes our lives and influences our workplaces! In this episode of the Academy i3 podcast, hosts Charlie and Shane are joined by Audrey Tousant Shelby, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Practicum Education at USC and a child welfare professional with 16 years of experience. Audrey discusses her journey through social work, her passion for understanding disproportionalit...

Learn how chronic stress and traumatic brain injuries can silently impact workplace dynamics and employee wellbeing! In this episode of the Academy I3 podcast, hosts Charlie and Shane engage in a thought provoking discussion with Dr. Maria Garay Seratos, an expert in domestic violence, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Dr. Seratos talked about the profound i...

Learn about the transformative power of cultural responsiveness and reshape your understanding of how to apply this in your social work practice.  In this episode of the Academy i3 podcast, Charlie Rodnuson is joined by Wanjiru Golly, Lisa Gilbert, and Roger De Leon Jr. to discuss culturally responsive services. The discussion explores the lifelong journey of understanding one's own culture and wh...

Learn how trauma-informed practice can revolutionize your workplace and drive diversity, equity, and inclusion change.  We’re starting season 2 of our I3 podcast with Kat Preston Wager, a Workforce Development Supervisor for Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations (APSWI), who shares her extensive experience working with survivors of trauma, the crucial principles of trauma-informed practi...

In this episode, we are joined by Janice Boafo, founder of Evergreen Cypher, Inc., an LCSW, and a contract trainer. She shares how Cultural Humility can be rooted in human connection and how we can truly slow down to honor ourselves and others. Janice highlights that Cultural Humility starts with our own work and developing a level of vulnerability in providing a healing experience for those we se...

In this episode, we are joined by Sunni Domiguez, Tribal STAR Program Manager at the Academy for Professional Excellence She shares about the importance of compliance and improving outcomes for families. Sunni highlights how to team and engage, build capacity for working with Native American Children, and increase opportunities to share stories. Have a topic you want to suggest to our podcast team...

In this second episode of the Culturally Responsive Leadership Series, we are re-joined by current and former leaders at the Academy for Professional Excellence - Jennifer Tucker-Tatlow, Chief Executive Officer, and Minola Clark Manson, former Responsive Integrated Health Solutions Director. They discuss the 'i3 experience' and how they have incorporated an organizational health framework...

In this first episode of the Culturally Responsive Leadership Series, we are joined by a current leader and a former leader at the Academy for Professional Excellence - Jennifer Tucker-Tatlow, Chief Executive Officer, and Minola Clark Manson, former Responsive Integrated Health Solutions Director. They set the foundation by sharing the importance of Culturally Responsive Leadership for the organiz...

In this episode, we are joined by Joanne Chen, Organization Development Specialist for the Academy for Professional Excellence. Joanne provides a background of approaching from a Strength-based perspective, and highlights how our strengths can be utilized to help set goals as well as develop self-care, boundaries, and decision-making. Notably, she offers Strengths-Based Coaching questions to refle...

*Please excuse the sound quality, as there were some technical difficulties during the recording* In this episode, we are joined by Brenda Guzman and Jenna Nevitt, Practice Coaches for the Academy of Professional Excellence. Brenda and Jenna share about finding balance between the two worlds of work and personal, highlighting the impact of overwhelm and burnout for child welfare workers while offe...

In this episode we are joined by Juan Solis, Father Engagement Coordinator with Children's Network. Juan shares about the importance of father engagement in Social Work, highlighting self-empowerment for fathers and what it means to "talk and connect to the boy within".  Have a topic you want to suggest to our podcast team? Email suggestions and feedback to  academyi3podcast@gmail.co...

In this episode we are joined by Nicole Heesen, Practice Coach Manager for the Academy for Professional Excellence. Nicole explores Trauma 101 and the impact of trauma on the work environment, focusing on vicarious trauma and offering antidotes for creating a more trauma-informed environment in social work and child welfare.  Have a topic you want to suggest to our podcast team? Email suggestions...

In this episode, we are joined by Christine Hart, Social Services Supervisor with Children's Services in Riverside County. Christine shares about her path towards becoming a supervisor, taking on new responsibilities and shifting trust to her workers. Notably, she highlights maintaining boundaries and work/life balance as a supervisor.  Have a topic you want to suggest to our podcast team? Ema...

*Please excuse the sound quality, as there were some technical difficulties during the recording* In this episode we are joined by Ellen Perez, Practice Coach for the Academy of Professional Excellence. Ellen discusses different kinds of bias beyond race, culture, and gender, and how do we coach through bias for practice in social work.  Have a topic you want to suggest to our podcast team? E...

*Please excuse the sound quality, as there were some technical difficulties during the recording* In this episode we are joined by Derrin Ford, Practice Coach for the Academy of Professional Excellence. Derrin shares tips and recommendations for Children and Family Services Staff as they prepare to take part in an exciting workforce development modality designed to provide a safe and trusting...

The Academy i3 Podcast is a series of podcasts where we lead with open hearts and open minds to Inspire, Inquire, and Impact the workforce. On each episode, join Charlie Rodnuson, a Practice Coach, as he talks with special guests on topics related to experiences and conversations that transform the heart, mind, and practice. These podcasts are produced by the Academy for Professional Excellence at...