Goddesses of Social Work Podcast

Renita Ray Davis, LICSW-S, PIP

Welcome to The Goddesses of Social Work Podcast hosted by Renita Ray Davis licensed clinical social worker, board-approved clinical supervisor, and facilitator of the Goddesses of Social Work supervision community. Join us as we traverse through the social work journeys of licensed master social workers working toward clinical licensure.

  1. SWAG Awards Series | Tanya J. Ashby: Forty Years of Faith, Service, and Social Work Excellence

    -10 MIN

    SWAG Awards Series | Tanya J. Ashby: Forty Years of Faith, Service, and Social Work Excellence

    In this powerful episode of the Goddesses of Social Work Podcast, host Renita Ray Davis, LICSW-S sits down with Tanya J. Ashby, MSW, LSW — the 2023 SWAG Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient — for a conversation that is equal parts heart, wisdom, ministry, and legacy. With 40 years in the field, Tanya’s journey is a testament to what it looks like to serve with compassion, faith, and steadfast dedication. From her early years watching her mother’s gentle care as a VA nurse, to internships that shaped her understanding of trauma and healing, to decades as a beloved school social worker with Pittsburgh Public Schools, Tanya embodies service as both calling and ministry. In this episode, Tanya shares: ✨ The story behind her Sister-to-Sister Women’s Bible Class, a multigenerational circle of women ages 40–90 ✨ Her experiences in crisis response and postvention work — supporting children and schools after tragedies ✨ The mindset, habits, and spiritual grounding that have sustained her across four decades ✨ How she nurtures her own wellbeing through routine, journaling, prayer, and rest ✨ A moving moment when a former student recited a poem she learned from Tanya nearly 30 years ago ✨ Her reflections on youth voice, elder care, and the importance of honoring all stages of life ✨ What receiving the SWAG Lifetime Achievement Award meant to her This episode is a love letter to longevity in social work — a reminder that impact builds quietly, consistently, heart to heart, life to life. Whether you are a new social worker seeking guidance, a seasoned professional looking for renewed purpose, or someone who simply loves stories of resilience and service, Tanya’s journey will bless you. Listen in and be reminded: You never know the ripple effect of your presence. 🔗 Connect & Learn More ✨ Reach out to Tanya Ashby here: tashby1@pghschools.org ✨Find more of Renita's offerings here: 👉 https://linktr.ee/illuminatedexpressions Interested in Mastering Your Therapeutic Techniques for Dementia Caregivers? 👉 https://gamma.app/docs/Interested-in-Mastering-Your-Therapeutic-Techniques-for-Dementia--7fnyf5ydeq70qd5 ✨ Goddess of Social Work Earrings – Etsy: 👉 https://www.etsy.com/listing/1183285270/goddess-of-social-work-earrings

    48 min
  2. SWAG Awards Series | Dr. Sheila Gillespie Roth: Service, Wellness, and the Courage to Reinvent Yourself

    -6 J

    SWAG Awards Series | Dr. Sheila Gillespie Roth: Service, Wellness, and the Courage to Reinvent Yourself

    In this episode of the Goddesses of Social Work Podcast — part of the SWAG Awards Series celebrating the values of Service, Wellness, Advocacy, and Growth — I sit down with Dr. Sheila Gillespie Roth, LCSW, a trailblazing educator, clinician, and advocate for first responders’ mental health. From her early days as a medical social worker in a Level 1 trauma center to her leadership as a founding chair of Carlow University’s social work programs, and now through her private practice, Roth Consulting, Dr. Roth has spent decades helping those who help others. Together we explore: 🚒 How Dr. Roth became a leading voice for first responders and trauma recovery 🧠 The concept of “invisible emotional body armor” and how social workers can learn to lower it 🌿 The connection between teaching, clinical practice, and community healing 💫 The meaning of reinventing yourself after decades of service 💖 The importance of joy, nature, and self-care as lifelong healing practices Dr. Roth’s story is a powerful reminder that even in high-stress professions, growth and renewal are always possible. 🔗 Connect & Learn More ✨ Learn more about Roth Consulting: sheilarothconsulting@gmail.com 🎓 Read Dr. Roth’s research on trauma and first responder wellness: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kE1mijLih12LwTvvZbsTRQzmu0nMryBe/view?usp=sharing🌸 ✨Find more of Renita's offerings here: 👉 https://linktr.ee/illuminatedexpressions Interested in Mastering Your Therapeutic Techniques for Dementia Caregivers? 👉 https://gamma.app/docs/Interested-in-Mastering-Your-Therapeutic-Techniques-for-Dementia--7fnyf5ydeq70qd5 ✨ Goddess of Social Work Earrings – Etsy: 👉 https://www.etsy.com/listing/1183285270/goddess-of-social-work-earrings

    1 h 4 min
  3. Remember Me Series | From Case Manager to Community Bridge: Erica Dixson on Dignity, Independence, and the Power of Home

    16 OCT.

    Remember Me Series | From Case Manager to Community Bridge: Erica Dixson on Dignity, Independence, and the Power of Home

    In this episode of the Remember Me Series, we shine a light on the incredible work happening through the Central Alabama Aging Consortium’s Gateway to Community Living program. Host Renita Ray Davis sits down with Erica Dixson, Transition Coordinator and longtime advocate for older adults, people with disabilities, and those navigating mental health and substance use challenges. A proud graduate of Alabama A&M University, Erica has spent nearly 30 years helping Alabamians transition from nursing facilities back into their homes and communities with dignity and care. Together they explore: ✨ What Gateway to Community Living means in practice ✨ How decades of social work experience shaped Erica’s approach to advocacy ✨ A real-life story that captures the heart of this program ✨ Why community-based care is transforming the landscape of aging in Alabama 💜 Join Us: Register now for the upcoming Remember Me: Dementia in the African American Community screening and community gathering hosted by the Central Alabama Aging Consortium. 🎟️ [Register here ➜ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1588469818989?aff=oddtdtcreator] To learn more about CAAC’s programs and how they support older adults, caregivers, and families across Alabama, visit www.caaclink.org. Find more of Renita's offerings here: 👉 https://linktr.ee/illuminatedexpressions Interested in Mastering Your Therapeutic Techniques for Dementia Caregivers? 👉 https://gamma.app/docs/Interested-in-Mastering-Your-Therapeutic-Techniques-for-Dementia--7fnyf5ydeq70qd5 ✨ Goddess of Social Work Earrings – Etsy: 👉 https://www.etsy.com/listing/1183285270/goddess-of-social-work-earrings

    1 h 2 min
  4. Remember Me Series | From Fleahop to Statewide Change: DeLane Poague on Building Dementia Friendly Communities

    8 OCT.

    Remember Me Series | From Fleahop to Statewide Change: DeLane Poague on Building Dementia Friendly Communities

    In this episode of the Goddesses of Social Work Podcast, we continue our Remember Me Series, highlighting the extraordinary yet often unseen work of aging and caregiving services in Alabama. I sit down with DeLane Poague, Dementia Friendly Alabama Project Coordinator at the Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC). Raised in the small community of Fleahop, Alabama, and a graduate of Auburn University, DeLane has dedicated her career to serving others—from foster care and Meals on Wheels to long-term care and dementia support. Since 2021, she has led the Dementia Friendly Alabama initiative, working to build communities across the state where people living with dementia, their caregivers, and care partners can truly live and thrive. Together we explore: 🌿 DeLane’s journey from Fleahop to leading Dementia Friendly Alabama 🌿 What it means to create a truly dementia-friendly community 🌿 Programs like Memory Cafés and Resource Wallet Cards that change lives 🌿 The hopes she holds for the upcoming Remember Me documentary screening and gathering 🌿 How working the land on her family farm mirrors the patient, steady work of building community care DeLane’s story is a reminder that transformation begins at the roots — with care, creativity, and people committed to ensuring every person is seen and supported. 🔗 Learn more about Dementia Friendly Alabama and CAAC: Home - CAAC 🗓️ Register for the Remember Me event on November 1st: [Event registration link] Find more of Renita's offerings here: 👉 https://linktr.ee/illuminatedexpressions Interested in Mastering Your Therapeutic Techniques for Dementia Caregivers? 👉 https://gamma.app/docs/Interested-in-Mastering-Your-Therapeutic-Techniques-for-Dementia--7fnyf5ydeq70qd5 ✨ Goddess of Social Work Earrings – Etsy: 👉 https://www.etsy.com/listing/1183285270/goddess-of-social-work-earrings

    45 min
  5. Remember Me Series | Rooted in Community: Meghan Germek on Outreach, Social Work, and Showing Up with Heart

    1 OCT.

    Remember Me Series | Rooted in Community: Meghan Germek on Outreach, Social Work, and Showing Up with Heart

    In this episode of the Goddesses of Social Work Podcast, we continue our Remember Me Series, highlighting the extraordinary yet often unseen work of aging and caregiving services in Alabama. I sit down with Meghan Germek, Community Outreach Coordinator at the Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC). Born and raised in Odenville, Alabama, Meghan carries forward the legacy of strong women who shaped her upbringing. With a background spanning nursing home social work, youth services, and mental health outreach, she now leads community engagement efforts—connecting people with vital resources through health fairs, radio appearances, and public events. Together we explore: 🌿 Meghan’s journey into social work and the values that shaped her path 🌿 What community outreach looks like on the ground ~ and why it matters 🌿 The joys and challenges of being on the frontlines of public engagement 🌿 Her hopes for the upcoming Remember Me documentary screening and community gathering 🌿 The message she would whisper to her younger self as she stepped into the field of social work Meghan’s story is a powerful reminder that systems are only as strong as the people within them ~ and that outreach, at its core, is about ensuring everyone feels seen, supported, and worthy of care 🔗 Learn more about CAAC and Ombudsman services here: CAAC link 🗓️ Register for the Remember Me event on November 1st: Event registration link Find more of Renita's offerings here: https://linktr.ee/illuminatedexpressions Interested in Mastering Your Therapeutic Techniques for Dementia Caregivers? https://gamma.app/docs/Interested-in-Mastering-Your-Therapeutic-Techniques-for-Dementia--7fnyf5ydeq70qd5 Goddess of Social Work Earrings - Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/1183285270/goddess-of-social-work-earrings

    1 h 1 min
  6. Blessing the Human Family: Iuri Melo on Hope and Healing Through Social Work

    28 SEPT.

    Blessing the Human Family: Iuri Melo on Hope and Healing Through Social Work

    In this episode of the Goddesses of Social Work Podcast, I sit down with Iuri Melo, LCSW, therapist, father of five, author, and co-founder of SchoolPulse, a nationwide support service reaching over 300 schools in 25+ states. Born out of heartbreak after a wave of teen suicides in his community, SchoolPulse now delivers weekly encouragement, growth-mindset tools, and mental health resources directly to students, parents, and educators. Together, Iuri and I explore: ✨ The story behind SchoolPulse and how it offers hope through consistent care ✨ What it means to “bless the human family” in divided times ✨ How parenthood, authorship, and Adventure Based Therapy have shaped his mission ✨ The real-world impact of showing up with kindness, psychology, and presence Iuri’s journey is a powerful reminder that one consistent voice of care can change lives. 🔗 Learn more about SchoolPulse, Iuri’s books and his weekly messages below. 2 MINUTE VIDEO that quickly summarizes SchoolPulse and how schools deploy its incredible strategies Here is a link to all of luri's extraordinary VIDEOS.Here is a link to the most comprehensive MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE PAGE in the country, created and delivered to every school, parent, and student.Links to luri's books: Know Thy Selfie - t.ly/juUMB Mind Over Grey Matter - t.ly/SxNUU Find more of Renita's offerings here: https://linktr.ee/illuminatedexpressions

    1 h 10 min
  7. Remember Me Series | Camille Jackson: Stories of Service, Respite, and Resilience

    24 SEPT.

    Remember Me Series | Camille Jackson: Stories of Service, Respite, and Resilience

    In this episode of the Goddesses of Social Work Podcast, I sit down with Camille Jackson of the Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC) to explore her journey into the helping professions and the vital role of the Elderly & Disabled Waiver program. Together we talk about: 🌿 The childhood inspirations and early influences that shaped Camille’s path into service 🌿 How she came to work with in-home services and Medicaid waiver programs 🌿 A closer look at the Elderly & Disabled Waiver program — who it serves, and what makes it unique 🌿 The essential services that make a difference every day: homemaker support, adult day health, respite care, and more 🌿 The moments and stories that remind Camille why this work matters, even when it’s hard 🌿 Her hopes for the upcoming Remember Me documentary screening and community gathering on November 1st This conversation is a reminder that service is more than a program — it’s a commitment to dignity, connection, and resilience for our elders and their caregivers. 🔗 Learn more about CAAC and Camille’s programs: CAAC Link 🗓️ Register for the Remember Me event on November 1st: Event registration link Find more of Renita's offerings here: https://linktr.ee/illuminatedexpressions Interested in Mastering Your Therapeutic Techniques for Dementia Caregivers? https://gamma.app/docs/Interested-in-Mastering-Your-Therapeutic-Techniques-for-Dementia--7fnyf5ydeq70qd5 Goddess of Social Work Earrings - Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/1183285270/goddess-of-social-work-earrings

    53 min

Notes et avis

À propos

Welcome to The Goddesses of Social Work Podcast hosted by Renita Ray Davis licensed clinical social worker, board-approved clinical supervisor, and facilitator of the Goddesses of Social Work supervision community. Join us as we traverse through the social work journeys of licensed master social workers working toward clinical licensure.