Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall

Champions for NorCal Kids

Kids EN ↓ 116 episodes

Join 0-5 experts, rural county lovers and First 5 Executive Directors Wendy (Shasta) and Heidi (Tehama) as they showcase local 0-5 resources, tell the amazing stories of our North-state champions for children and unpack how we can continue to make a difference for young children and families. Be prepared to laugh, learn and feel inspired by your community.

Author

Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall

Category

Kids

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Feb 5, 2026

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Episodes

#ChampionChat - What is kindergarten readiness? 09.03.2023

Have you ever wondered what it means for a child to be “kindergarten ready”?  In this episode, Wendy and Heidi discuss this topic and share valuable resources that will help us set our little ones up for success. Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com | Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org | first5tehama.org

Book Walk: Hope Rising - A conversation with the Author: Dr. Chan Hellman 24.02.2023

In this episode, Wendy and Heidi chat with Dr. Chan Hellman about his book "Hope Rising" (Co-authored with Casey Gwinn)  Listen in as Dr. Chan shares more on his book and the fulfilling work he is blessed to be a part of.  We have a few copies of "Hope Rising" to give away, please contact us via DM, Facebook or email to request yours! First come, first served. Email Heidi: hmendenhall@fi...

National #ChampionChat: Dr. Chan Hellman on the Science of Hope 09.02.2023

We are in for a treat! Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Dr. Chan Hellman. Chan M. Hellman is a professor at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center. He has written more than 150 scientific publications and has presented at numerous national and international conferences worldwide. Chan also presented his work on hope with TEDx in May of 2021. Chan’s current r...

Training and Coaching Chat with Tamarra Barrett-Osborne 2/2 - Book Walkthrough 12.01.2023

In the second part of this this two part episode, Heidi and Wendy chat with Tamarra Barrett-Osborne about training and coaching from the heart. Listen in as Tamara shares a walkthrough including the "golden nuggets" or main takeaways in each chapter of her upcoming book “The introductional coaching handbook”. This episode is #championapproved 

Training and Coaching Chat with Tamarra Barrett-Osborne 1/2 14.12.2022

In this two part episode, Heidi and Wendy chat with Tamarra Barrett-Osborne about training and coaching from the heart. Listen in as Tamara shares a bit about the writing process for her upcoming book “The introductional coaching handbook”. Part two includes a book walk through where Tamara shares main takeaways in each chapter. This episode is #championapproved

Champion Chat with Julie Kurtz (trauma, play, and the in-between) 30.11.2022

Julie Kurtz is an author, national speaker and the Co-founder of the Center for Optimal Brain Integration. Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Julie about trauma, the importance of play, and many other interesting topics. This episode is CHAMPION APPROVED! Learn More about Julie Kurtz at: https://www.optimalbrainintegration.com/  Follow us at @championsfornorcalkids  Email Heidi: hmen...

Book Walk: The Deepest Well (Discussion) 16.11.2022

Today’s episode is special! Join our book discussion of “The Deepest Well” by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris. This discussion features Anna Bauer of First 5 Butte County, Mary Ann Hansen of First 5 Humboldt County,  Nicole Hinton of First 5 Modoc County, and as always Heidi Mendenhall of First 5 Tehama and Wendy Dickens of First 5 Shasta.  Follow us on Instagram.com/championsfornorcalkids ...

Book Walk: The Deepest Well - Intro 02.11.2022

Wendy and Heidi have embarked on a new adventure! Listen in as they introduce "The Deepest Well" by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and stay tuned for the next episode where other Champions in the 0 to 5 space share their comments and findings after reading this wonderful book.  DM us on Instagram to get a free copy of The Deepest Well. We are giving away 8 copies on a first come, first serve basis.&...

Home Visiting 4: Tarrah Selland of Northern Valley Catholic Social Service & TAPP Teen Svcs 19.10.2022

Meet one of the CHAMPIONS in our region! Tarrah Selland is a Supervisor at Northern Valley Catholic Social Service and shares a passion for helping Teen Parents connect to the resources they need in order to be better equipped for their little one. Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with her and learn more about the wonderful work she is doing in the community.  To learn about NVCSS:  htt...

Champion Chat with Pamela Newman of North State Parent Magazine 05.10.2022

On this episode of Champions for Norcal Kids, join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Pamela Newman, founder and publisher of North State Parent Magazine. North State Parent Magazine is an important resource for Shasta, Tehama, and surrounding counties. Learn more about Pamela’s passion for hosting events that nurture families and her work at NSP Mag for the last 30 years.  Visit northstatepar...

Updates on Early Childhood Education with Renee Menefee 21.09.2022

Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Renee Menefee from the Shasta County Office of Education - Early Childhood services about Preschool and Kindergarten! There have been a few changes regarding universal transitional kindergarten in the recent years. This episode will update and inform you on the amazing new things happening for our 4 and 5 year olds.  FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsforn...

Home Visiting 3: Nurse Family Partnership 07.09.2022

Join Wendy Dickens as she chats with Denise Hobbs R.N., P.H.N, and Amy Hawes, of Nurse Family Partnership. Nurse Family Partnership is a Home visiting program in Shasta county and across the nation that pairs a nurse that has received specialized training with a first time new mom. This program helps mothers work through diverse topics and areas that come with being a new parent. Enjoy this s...

Champion Chat with Erika Jones 24.08.2022

We’re in for a treat this week as Wendy and Heidi chat with Erika Jones (Professor of Psychology at Simpson University, Library Foundation) You will enjoy this information packed episode where we touch learning styles, behavioral changes, early literacy, forming habits, rewards & gratitude, and several other enriching topics. This episode is #ChampionApproved Make sure to share it with a #Cham...

Home Visiting 2: Michelle Schmidt 10.08.2022

Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Michelle Schmidt, Supervising Public Health Nurse for Tehama County about Home Visiting. This episode is rich with experiences and perspective. Enjoy!  FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org | first5tehama.org 

Home Visiting - 1 27.07.2022

Join Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall as they discuss home visiting. Whether it be for early intervention, school readiness or a distinct model, all home visiting programs aim to support families and children. Listen to part one of this series and stay tuned for more. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org f...

What is Bright by Text? featuring Jackie Scott 13.07.2022

You've probably heard about First 5 Shasta's new partnership with Bright by Text. On this episode, Wendy and Heidi chat with First 5 Shasta's very own Grant Coordinator, Jackie Scott about this amazing new program. Listen to learn more!  FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org | first...

Rural vs. Urban: A conversation with Anne Schulte from Chico State 29.06.2022

Many resources train teachers for urban spaces but not many prepare them for rural spaces. How far north have you partnered with your community? Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Anne Schulte about rural spaces, urban spaces, and the space in-between.    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org fi...

Fatherhood Series 6/6: Brian Cole 22.06.2022

Join Wendy and Heidi as they discuss the importance of a Father figure and talk about Brian's Fatherhood journey. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org | first5tehama.org

Fatherhood Series 5/6: Kenneth Cho 22.06.2022

Join Wendy and Heidi as they discuss the importance of a Father figure and talk about Kenneth's Fatherhood journey. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org | first5tehama.org https://morganhilllife.com/2016/05/07/junior-journalism-talent-show-helps-students-learn-gain-self-confidence/#:~:text=T...

Fatherhood Series 4/6: Doug Woodworth 22.06.2022

Doug Woodworth is First 5 Shasta's Data Analyst. Wendy and Heidi as they discuss the importance of a Father figure and talk about Doug's Fatherhood journey. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org | first5tehama.org

Fatherhood Series 3/6: Joe Chimenti 15.06.2022

Joe Chimenti is a board supervisor for District 1 in Shasta County. He is a husband, father of four, and a resident of Shasta County since 1996.  Join Wendy and Joe as they discuss the importance of a Father figure and talk about Joe's fatherhood journey. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shast...

Fatherhood Series 2/6: Jake Mangas 15.06.2022

Jake Mangas is the President and CEO of the Redding Chamber of Commerce. Join Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall as they discuss the importance of a Father figure and talk about Jake's fatherhood journey. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org | first5tehama.org

Fatherhood Series 1/6: Kevin O'Rourke 15.06.2022

Kevin O’Rourke serves as the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services and the Chief Executive Officer for North State Together. Join Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall as they discuss the importance of a Father figure and talk about Kevin's fatherhood journey.  FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids  Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdicke...

The state of Education 16.03.2022

#72 Join Wendy Dickens, Heidi Mendenhall, and Superintendent of schools in Shasta County Office of Education Judy Flores as they discuss important topics such as education, early education, and Reach Higher Shasta! wdickens@first5shasta.org hmendenhall@first5tehama.com first5shasta.org first5tehama.org https://reachhighershasta.com/

First 5 Mendocino Resources 09.03.2022

#71 Join Wendy Dickens, Heidi Mendenhall, and special guest Julie Fetherston from First 5 Mendocino as they discuss important resources! wdickens@first5shasta.org hmendenhall@first5tehama.com first5shasta.org first5tehama.org http://www.mendochildren.org/

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