Nurturing Humboldt

Talking about body safety with young children can feel challenging, but it’s a critical part of helping them grow up safe, confident, and supported. In this episode, we’re joined by a Family Support Navigator who shares practical, age-appropriate ways to introduce body safety concepts to children ages 3–5. Together, we explore how to use correct body part names, teach children that they are the bo...

We’re celebrating one year of Nurturing Humboldt! To mark this milestone, we’re revisiting our very first episode, the conversation that started it all. Over the past year, this podcast has grown into a space for connection, learning, and support for families across our community. And this episode still holds so much of what we believe in: showing up for families, sharing knowledge, and building r...

In this Week of the Young Child episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we explore what it truly means to honor the heart of child care. Leah, a longtime childcare provider and mentor teacher, shares her journey supporting children and families and her deep commitment to creating nurturing, relationship-centered environments where children can thrive. Together, we talk about the importance of community amo...

In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re talking about something many families are navigating every day , screen time. From tablets and TV to gaming and phones, technology is a big part of childhood today. But how much is too much? And why does it so often turn into a struggle? I’m joined by coworkers Heidi O'Hanen and Jen Mager as we explore what’s really behind screen time challenges, how to...

When stressful or frightening events are happening around us, children notice and they have questions. Many caregivers feel unsure how much to share or how to talk about difficult realities without increasing fear. In this short episode, we explore how to support children through uncertainty with calm, honest, and developmentally appropriate conversations. You’ll learn practical ways to create emo...

In this end-of-year episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re wrapping up 2025 with updates on the programs, partnerships, and community work happening across First 5 Humboldt. From Help Me Grow and Welcome Baby to Playgroups, the Red Folder Project, Quality Counts, and our Parenting classes, this episode highlights what we’ve accomplished and what’s ahead for 2026. Thank you for being part of a commun...

This episode introduces Help Me Grow Humboldt — a new resource connecting parents and caregivers of young children to free local programs and developmental support. Host Karina Virgen talks with Ana Guerrero-Gonzalez, the bilingual specialist behind the phone line, about how the program works and the importance of meeting families where they are. Learn more at helpmegrowhumboldt.org .

In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we take a moment to pause and explore how simple, body-based skills can help us find balance in stressful times. Building on our recent conversation with Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, this episode introduces the Community Resiliency Model (CRM®) — a practical, science-backed approach to understanding and resetting the nervous system. Together, we’ll ta...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jess Aguirre and Liz Rockenbach from Humboldt Domestic Violence Services (HDVS), a vital local resource supporting survivors and families in our community. Together, we explore what domestic violence can look like beyond common misconceptions, signs of unhealthy relationships, how to support loved ones, and ways to navigate difficult conversations with care. We’re...

What would our world look like if every family felt supported, had what they needed, and never had to feel alone? We talk with the team behind the Welcome Baby program, which offers wraparound care from pregnancy through postpartum. Program Director Ashley Hilliard and Tammy Valles, a CHR with UIHS, join us to share the inner workings of the program.

Episode Description: In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we sit down with Dr. Carrie Griffin for a fun and casual conversation to get to know her and explore her unique perspective on healing. From yoga and Tantra to addiction medicine and prenatal care, Dr. Griffin shares insights from her journey through both spiritual and medical worlds and how she sees the body’s natural ability to heal at...

In this episode, we sit down with our Family Support Navigators to explore how playgroups build connection, trust, and resilience for families across Humboldt. We also talk with our Executive Director to gain a deeper understanding of how funding works and why these recent cuts are happening.

In the second half of our two-part episode on child health and resilience, we sit down with Julie Branson, a mental health therapist with over 15 years of experience working with children and families in Humboldt County. Julie brings a grounded, compassionate lens to our ongoing conversation about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), exploring how they show up in everyday family life and how heal...

In our very first episode, we sit down with local provider Dr. Mangahas for a real, honest conversation about what it takes to support child and family well-being here in Humboldt. He shares his perspective on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), healing-centered care, and the systemic shifts needed to truly support our communities. This episode offers a grounded look at the work already happenin...