Spero Anchor of Hope

In this episode of the Spero Anchor of Hope Podcast, host Tunezia Badger sits down with Spero play therapy expert and therapist Becca Chavez and parent Rachael Foltz to talk all things play therapy—what it is, how it looks in practice, and how parents can support their children along the way. Together, they share practical, real-life tips parents can use at home to strengthen connection, encourage...

Welcome to the Spero Anchor of Hope Podcast! In this heartwarming episode, "Play Therapy in the Sand Tray," host Tunezia Badger sits down with Amanda Winchell , Play Therapy Coordinator at Spero Family Services’ Counseling and Wellness Center. Together, they explore how play is a child’s natural language and how sand tray therapy helps children express feelings, solve problems, and heal....

In this episode of the Anchor of Hope Podcast , host Tunezia Badger dives into the transformative framework known as CARE (Children And Residential Experiences) and how it's being implemented at Spero Family Services. Special guests Rich Hereshiak from Cornell University and Valerie Bundy from Spero share what CARE is, why it matters, and the positive changes it's bringing to individuals...

Join us for this enlightening episode of the Anchor of Hope podcast as we welcome two passionate advocates for early childhood development: Sunny Campbell, the Director at Bright Start Early Learning Center, and Tineka Doggan, an independent Developmental Therapist. In this episode, Sunny shares insights on creating nurturing environments that foster children's growth and learning, highlighti...

In this episode of the Anchor of Hope Podcast, we shine a spotlight on the transformative power of the YouthBuild program . Our host welcomes two incredible guests: Cheryl Young, the YouthBuild Program Manager at Spero Family Services, and London Kampwerth, a former YouthBuild participant. London shares his story of joining YouthBuild at the age of 18, graduating in 2019, and using the skills he g...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Anchor of Hope, we dive into the unique journey of foster care professionals who not only dedicate their careers to improving the lives of children but also open their hearts and homes as foster parents. Our guests, Taylor Stockman, supervisor of the Spero Family Services Foster Care program, and Kristen Malone, a foster care professional at Caritas F...

In this inspiring episode of the Anchor of Hope Podcast, host Carleka Spann welcomes two passionate leaders in spiritual development: Rev. Victor Long, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, and Rev. Gina Ellis, the Spiritual Life Coordinator at Spero Family Services. Join us as we explore the vital role that nurturing spiritual connections plays in the lives of children and yo...

In this episode of Anchor of Hope , we welcome Becca Chavez, Program Manager at Spero Family Services Counseling and Wellness Center, and Stephanie Bowdler, Assistant Director of Programs at One Hope United. As the holiday season approaches, the stress and mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. Becca and Stephanie provide valuable insights into navigating these pressures, emphasizing the...

In this heartfelt episode of Anchor of Hope , we chat with Shanale Mason, United States of America Ms. Illinois, who shares her journey from humble beginnings in Southern Illinois to her crowning achievement. Shanale opens up about overcoming grief during her adolescence and the resilience it instilled in her. Her powerful message offers hope and empowerment, reminding today’s youth that there is...

In honor of Black Maternal Health week, we had a conversation about doulas and maternal health with 2 professionals in the field. Joining us are Jaime Richardson, Program Manager of Spero's Parents as Teachers program, a dedicated midwife, and an experienced doula. Alongside her is Chastity Mays, the passionate owner of Hathor Doula Services and a co-administrator at The Little Resource Cente...