Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation

Send us Fan Mail What happens when faith becomes the heartbeat behind the music?  In this episode of Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation , host Hillary Kirkendall sits down with Grand Rapids recording artist Steven Malcolm to talk about his journey from a traumatic, fatherless childhood to becoming an award-nominated Christian hip-hop artist whose music has reached millions around the world....

Send us Fan Mail What does human trafficking actually look like? What does it mean? In this episode of Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation , host Hillary Kirkendall sits down with Andrea Keller, Wedgwood’s Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator, and Katie Green, a nationally recognized advocate and therapist, and survivor of human trafficking. Together, they unpack the myths and misconceptions surrou...

Send us Fan Mail Sometimes one coffee isn’t enough. Join us for a second cup in this special bonus episode! In this bonus episode, Hillary continues the discussion with Marie Brown and Kimber Decker about what it truly means to create safe, healing environments for kids when home doesn’t feel like home.  Together, they explore how trust is built over time, why therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when “home” doesn’t feel like home? In this episode of Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation , host Hillary talks with Marie Brown, Supervisor of Wedgwood’s Human Trafficking residential treatment home, and Kimber Decker, clinical facilitator in Wedgwood’s Intensive Outpatient Program. They unpack how instability, trauma, and unsafe environments affect a child’s sense...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation , host Hillary sits down with LeRae Kuperus, Director of Spiritual Formation, and Maranda Johnson, Aftercare Supervisor, to explore how kids and adults can begin the hard but healing work of unlearning false beliefs about themselves. Together, they discuss how safe environments, consistent relationships, and faith-filled guid...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation , host Hillary sits down with Pastor Arlan Palmer, Wedgwood’s long-time chaplain and diversity coordinator, and Katolo Mendamenda, a residential home supervisor. Together, they explore how kids -especially those who have faced trauma—struggle with honesty, rejection, and self-worth, and how caregivers can walk alongside them...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Hillary sits down with Dr. Dan Gowdy (President & CEO of Wedgwood Christian Services) and Jessica Knoth (Principal of Zeeland East High School) to discuss the latest research on child well-being in Michigan and what it means for kids and families. They unpack the mental health challenges youth are facing, the crucial role schools play in support, and why liste...

Send us Fan Mail Is it anxiety or just stress? In this episode, Hillary sits down with Hannah (Wedgwood Outpatient Clinician) and Brooke Davis (Director of Mental Health at Kenowa Hills Public Schools) to talk about the growing trend of self-diagnosis among teens and why understanding mental health requires more than just a label. They explore the impact of social media, the difference between str...

Send us Fan Mail What helps a kid feel like they truly belong?  In this episode, Judge Kathleen Feeney and Abish Israde (Wedgwood Wraparound Program) join Hillary to explore how one trusted adult can make all the difference in a child’s life—and why a sense of belonging is essential for emotional and social well-being. Hear stories from the courtroom and the community, along with practical strateg...

Send us Fan Mail What kind of connection are teens really finding online?  And what’s being lost or gained in the process? In this episode, Brina Tieymeyer & Mark Washington (Zeeland Public Schools) help unpack the complex relationship between social media and connection. Explore how constant digital interaction can impact emotional well-being, why kids (and adults!) may still feel lonely desp...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to truly belong? Why does it matter so much?  In this episode, Pastor Steve Carigon returns to explore the deep connection between love and belonging, especially for kids who have experienced trauma.  Learn how creating spaces of acceptance and hospitality can transform lives, and why feeling seen, safe, and supported is essential at any age of life.  Whether you...

Send us Fan Mail Why are so many young people feeling alone in a connected world?   Hillary sits down with Dr. Lisa Lowery and Kali Jackson-Dieleman to explore the rising loneliness among Gen Z. They discuss the impact of social media, the importance of validation over sympathy, and how small, consistent acts of empathy can make a big difference in helping people feel truly seen and heard.  For mo...

Send us Fan Mail Hillary sits down with Jason Lheureux, Director of Residential Programs at Wedgwood, to discuss the impact a single trusted adult can have on a child’s life. They explore how safe, supportive relationships build confidence, and how it helps kids navigate life’s challenges. Jason shares real-life examples and practical ways that parents, mentors, teachers, and community members can...

Send us Fan Mail In this Coffee Break Conversation episode , Dr. Dan Gowdy, President and CEO of Wedgwood Christian Services, shares his heart on what it means to lead with purpose and compassion. Drawing from his personal journey—including his education, missionary work, and extensive leadership experience—Dan emphasizes the power leadership in building empowered, engaged teams. He also discusses...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Hillary sits down with Alli Matthews, a physician assistant in Wedgwood's Outpatient Psychiatry Program. They discuss the vital role psychiatry plays in mental health care, how it complements therapy, and the personalized approach she takes when it comes to individual treatment. Alli addresses common misconceptions about mental health diagnoses and medication...

Send us Fan Mail Uncover the true power of generosity and how it can transform lives—starting with yours. In this special end-of-year episode, Hillary sits down with Brooke, V.P. of Advancement, and Judy, a passionate supporter, to explore the many forms of generosity. Through personal stories, they share how 'giving' goes far beyond monetary gifts. From simple acts of service to moments...

Send us Fan Mail Hillary sits down with Jacklyn, a clinician at Wedgwood who specializes in trauma, anxiety, and depression. Together, they explore the impact that social media has on mental health, particularly how "compare and despair" patterns can harm self-esteem and lead to anxiety. Jacklyn offers insights on recognizing when comparison becomes unhealthy, along with practical strate...

Send us Fan Mail Hillary talks with Emily Nykamp, a therapist within Wedgwood's Counseling Team, about her passion for helping clients—especially kids and teens—find creative ways to overcome challenges, build resilience, and grow. Emily explains burnout as a result of prolonged stress, especially in fields like healthcare, education, and caregiving, where people often feel overworked and und...

Send us Fan Mail Hillary sits down with LeRae, the Director of Spiritual Formation, to explore the connection between faith and mental health. LeRae shares insights on how spiritual health can enhance mental well-being and offers practical advice for balancing faith with mental health challenges. Together, they discuss how spirituality can help find meaning in both joyful and difficult seasons, th...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Hillary and Nick Bayer explore the rising trend of substance use disorders among adolescents, focusing particularly on marijuana use. They discuss the environmental and mental health factors contributing to this trend and highlight the importance of addressing these issues to provide effective support for individuals struggling with addiction. The conversation cov...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Hillary and Brina Tiemeyer discuss the critical topic of framing suicide as a public health issue. They highlight the importance of using language that de-stigmatizes suicide and providing trauma-informed care. The conversation covers the need for understanding and intervening in suicidal thoughts, particularly among teenagers and adolescents, and emphasizes appro...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Hillary and Gina Boscarino discuss the complex challenges of raising teenagers in the digital age. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for teens to talk about the issues they face and offer guidance on navigating social media and technology use. Emphasizing the need for strong relationships with teachers, classmates, and community members, they exp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Hillary and Katrina discuss the unique challenges that back-to-school transitions pose for both kids and adults, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Katrina offers practical tips for helping children prepare, such as communication, preparation, and setting expectations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Coffee Break Conversation," Hillary sits down with Asha to discuss the unique challenges faced by diverse communities in accessing mental health care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, education, and community engagement. Asha shares her personal journey of becoming a mental health therapist, shedding light on the spe...

Send us Fan Mail Join Hillary for a special episode of Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation as she sits down with Maranda, a beloved figure in the West Michigan community, and long time partner with Wedgwood. In this episode, Maranda shares her experiences and passion for empowering kids and families through her work in local media. With nearly 40 years of experience working for WOODTV8, Maranda d...