The Shift: Voices of Prevention — A podcast by Prevent Child Abuse America

Live from PCA America’s 2025 National Conference in Portland, award-winning physician, researcher, and former California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris shares why prevention is both deeply personal and profoundly professional. Reflecting on her own healing journey, she reveals how the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has not only shaped her groundbreaking public health lead...

Recorded live at PCA America’s 2025 National Conference in Portland, this episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention features the Strengthened by Prevention panel , a powerful group of leaders, advocates, and storytellers who remind us what prevention looks like in real life. Panelists Keri Hope Richmond, Camille Idedevo, Kali Thorne Ladd, Elayna Fernández and moderator Habeebah Rasheed Grimes sha...

We’re in full swing now!  Day 3 is all about sustaining that momentum and making your dreams a reality. Melissa shares powerful strategies for staying focused, navigating challenges, and building resilience.  If you’re ready to elevate your journey and continue growing, this episode is for you! Subscribe for more episodes

In this powerful episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention , discover how hope can be transformed into meaningful action for families. The conversation with Yolanda Bronner-Wooten dives deep into strategies for ensuring families have the access and support they need to thrive, highlighting the ripple effects of strong, connected communities. “When families have access, communities have strength.”...

In this episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention , internationally renowned psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Bruce Perry —co-author of the groundbreaking bestseller What Happened to You? —explores how shifting our focus from crisis response to early intervention can change the trajectory of countless lives. With clarity and conviction, Dr. Perry unpacks the science of prevention, the power of...

The journey continues!  Day 2 of the conference brings you even more motivation and practical wisdom as Melissa explores the steps you can take to stay on track and amplify your impact.  With actionable tips and heartwarming stories, this episode will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take on whatever comes your way. Subscribe for more episodes

In this enlightening conversation, co-executive directors of the Haywood Burns Institute, Samantha Mellerson and Tshaka Barrows, delve into transformative strategies for reshaping systems to better serve communities. They discuss the importance of community-driven change and the power of collective action in creating lasting impact. Emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches, they highlight the...

In this powerful episode, Oregon State Representative Annessa Hartman shares her journey from personal hardship to public service, illustrating how lived experiences can shape effective policy. As the daughter of a single working mother and a survivor of domestic violence, Rep. Hartman brings a unique perspective to the legislative process. She emphasizes the importance of centering the voices of...

In this episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention , Desmond Meade , Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, shares his extraordinary journey from homelessness and addiction to leading one of the most significant civil rights victories of our time—restoring voting rights to more than 1.4 million returning citizens. With honesty and hope, Desmond challenges us to rethink how...

Get ready to kickstart your journey with Melissa on the very first day of our special series! In this episode, she dives into the powerful themes of growth, transformation, and the importance of starting strong. Tune in for some game-changing insights and inspiring energy to set the tone for what’s to come. You won’t want to miss this! Subscribe for more episodes

In this powerful episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention , host Nathan Fink converses with Leah Schluter and Adrian Amezcua from the Center for Childhood Safety and Wellbeing at the University of Oregon . Together, they share how youth leadership and data partnerships are transforming child- and family-serving systems. Leah Schluter brings years of practice and research experience in violence p...

In this powerful episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention , Prevent Child Abuse America’s leadership team—Dr. Melissa Merrick (President & CEO), Dr. Bart Klika (Chief Research Officer), and Jennifer Jones (Chief Strategy Officer)—come together to reflect on a pivotal moment for the prevention movement. With candor and urgency, they explore what it means to lead at the intersection of equity,...

In this episode of The Shift: Voices of Prevention, we sit down with Jessica Moyer , Senior Principal Strategist at the FrameWorks Institute , to explore what it truly means to reframe how we support children and families. Jessica takes us beyond the surface of policy and practice into the deeper cultural narratives that shape our systems—examining how reactive, individualistic approaches can be t...

Join us for the third and final installment of our conversation series, hosted by our Chief Strategy Officer, Jennifer Jones. We’re wrapping up with a crucial discussion on Technology and Child Welfare, featuring Takkeem Morgan, Executive Director of Mosaic Parent Hub. Subscribe for more episodes

PCA America is thrilled to bring you the second episode in its first ever conversation series hosted by our very own President & CEO, Dr. Melissa Merrick.  Dr. Merrick explores the importance of working together, in partnership, to support families further upstream so all kids can have a brighter future with special guest, the esteemed President & CEO for The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Lis...

PCA America is thrilled to bring you its first ever conversation series hosted by our very own President & CEO, Dr. Melissa Merrick.  Dr. Merrick explores the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on children’s lives with a special guest, the esteemed Director of the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Dr. Allison Arwady. This groundbreaking conversation marks a...

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