Every Step of the Way: Conversations that Inspire

What happens when a parent finds not just a program, but a community? In this inspiring episode of “Every Step of the Way,” Children’s Aid leaders Moria Cappio and Margot Sigmone speak with Marlyn Garcia , a mother of two children whose experience in Children’s Aid early childhood programming transformed her confidence and her family’s path forward.   Marlyn shares how home-based and center-based...

In this episode of “Every Step of the Way,” Children’s Aid leaders Drema Brown and Abe Fernández sit down with alumna Chanel A. Ramírez to talk about the transformative impact of community schools. Chanel reflects on her journey from student to staff member at a Children’s Aid community school, and how those experiences sparked her path to becoming a neuroscience researcher.    The conversation ex...

When Karina Melendez was 10 years old, she was diagnosed with bone cancer. By 15, her family's financial strain had brought her into the foster care system. What could have been a story of loss became something far more powerful — a testament to what happens when the right people show up at the right time. In this episode of Every Step of the Way , host Georgia Booth and co-host Rhonda Braxton, VP...

Season 2 of Every Step of the Way continues to center alumni voices while introducing a rotating co-host format that reflects the breadth of leadership across Children’s Aid. Georgia Boothe anchors the opening and closing episodes, while organizational leaders host thematic conversation tied to their areas of expertise. 

In the season finale of “Every Step of the Way,” hosts Sandra Escamilla and Georgia Boothe sit down with Dr. Raja Flores , the chief of thoracic surgery at Mount Sinai and board member at Children's Aid. Dr. Flores shares his incredible journey from growing up in the Meatpacking District amidst challenging circumstances to becoming a prominent figure in the medical field. Through engaging discussi...

In this episode of ‘Every Step of the Way, ’ host Georgia Boothe and guest host Sarah Jonas , vice president of the Youth Division at Children's Aid, engage in an inspiring conversation with Julissa Contreras , an alumna of Children's Aid. Julissa shares her inspiring journey from a student in the South Bronx to an award-winning playwright and advocate for community justice. She reflects on the es...

In this inspiring episode of “Every Step of the Way,” hosts Georgia Boothe and Sandra Escamilla sit down with Casper Lassiter , the director of Children's Aid's Milbank Dunlevy Center. With over 40 years of dedication to positive youth development in Harlem, Casper shares his personal journey from a child at the center to a leader impacting countless lives. He also offers valuable advice for both...

In this episode of ‘Every Step of the Way,’ host Georgia Boothe welcomes Sarah Roman, an alumna of Children's Aid, who shares her personal journey with the organization. Sarah recounts her early involvement with Children's Aid summer programs, the pivotal role of Project Live, and the impact of having two mentors from diverse backgrounds. She highlights how the various extracurricular and after-sc...

In episode 2 of ‘Every Step of the Way,’ co-hosts Sandra Escamilla and Georgia Boothe sit down with Daniel Singleton , principal at P.S. 31 on Staten Island, to delve into his inspiring journey from a participant in Children's Aid programs to a pivotal figure in educational leadership. Daniel reflects on his challenging upbringing during the 80s and 90s, a period marked by the crack epidemic, and...

In the inaugural episode of 'Every Step of the Way,' Georgia Boothe and Sandra Escamilla , executive vice presidents at Children's Aid, co-host a deeply inspiring conversation with Frances Lopez , senior director of Family Support Services. A longtime leader at Children's Aid, Frances shares her remarkable journey from growing up in East Harlem to attending prestigious institutions like Stuyvesant...

From classrooms to boardrooms—Children's Aid alumni are making an impact every step of the way. Hosted by Sandra Escamilla and Georgia Boothe , executive vice presidents at Children’s Aid, this podcast brings you powerful stories of resilience, hope, and success. Hear firsthand from alumni who’ve transformed their lives and communities with the support of Children's Aid. Gain insights, tools, and...