Thriving Forward

Megan Lasaponara & Sarah Collins-McGowan
  • 5.0 (14)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Too often Rochester, NY is featured in the news for its problems. But this area is rich with community-based organizations striving to improve the lives of its residents. Join local a pediatrician, Dr. Megan Lasaponara, as she interviews people who are involved in good works all over the region. We will learn about each organization and how our guests found their path to community-based work. If you are ready to hear good news and feel inspired by what Rochester has to offer, join us as we talk to the people making our community ever better.

  1. SEP 15

    Growing Together - Kristin Bergholtz and Stacia Paganelli

    On this episode we welcome the founders of Growing Together. Kristin Bergholtz has been a practicing Speech Pathologist for over 20 years. Stacia Paganelli is a Speech Pathologist and Feeding Specialist who has been working primarily in a home-based setting since 2001. Their mission "is to continue to fill the gaps in the community for families just like yours. [Their] goal is to normalize the idea that we can all benefit from some parenting support and education on infant and toddler development. And, as we play with our babies together, we'll all help build strong foundations and healthy families. Website: https://www.growingtogetherroc.com/ Support the show

    33 min

  2. AUG 7

    Marcus Cooper: Teen Empowerment

    Since 2003, Teen Empowerment Rochester has provided life-changing opportunities to hundreds of youth in the City of Rochester. Through their involvement, these inspiring individuals have mobilized thousands of their peers, adults, and community leaders to participate in youth-led initiatives that drive change. Marcus Cooper is the Lead Program Coordinator at Teen Empowerment in Rochester. In this episode we discuss this youth-led organization and how they decide on projects, recruit new teens, and bring back former members to lead. Website: https://teenempowerment.org/rochester Support the show

    30 min

  3. JUN 18

    Keyvo Owens: Rise Up Rochester

    Rise Up Rochester, Incorporated (RUR) works to interrupt violence and provides support to crime victims and their families.  RUR mediates disputes, mentors high-risk individuals, facilitates support groups for families of homicide victims, and provides case management and other wrap around services for victims, families and neighborhoods impacted by violence. RUR can be found in schools, on the streets, and at other community events to communicate, “It doesn’t have to end this way!” Keyvo Owens is the CERV Coordinator for Rise Up Rochester. In this episode we discuss what brought Keyvo to RUR, the work they are doing now, and hope for the future. Website: https://www.riseuprochester.net/ Support the show

    30 min

  4. JUN 4

    Lindsay Jewett: Best Buddies

    Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Lindsay Jewett is the Director of Mission Advancement for the Rochester Office of Best Buddies. In this episode we discuss why she was drawn to working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how her personal mission has evolved over the years. We also spend time discussing the amazing work of the local, national, and international arms of this nonprofit organization. Website: https://www.bestbuddies.org/newyork/ Support the show

    39 min

  5. 02/07/2024

    Jennifer Philips - Director of Expressive Arts and Music Fundamentals at the Hochstein School.

    The mission of The Hochstein School is to provide people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with access to excellent music and dance education in a community that nurtures and encourages personal achievement. Today's guest is Jennifer Philips. She is the Assistant Dean and Chair of Expressive Arts and Music FUNdamentals at the Hochstein School. She is a Board Certified Music Therapist and a Certified Neurologic Music Therapist. Listen in to learn more about the programs offered at this local arts organization. Website: https://hochstein.org/  Support the show

    22 min

  6. 08/02/2023

    Brighid Gavin - Childhood Behavior Solutions

    Brighid Gavin is a Parent Coach and the owner of Childhood Behavior Solutions. Brighid has a Bachelors Degree is Early Childhood Education from John Carroll University and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Buffalo State. She is currently pursuing her licensure in applied behavior analysis. She is a behavior specialist and parent coach. Tune in to learn more about how she is working to support families with their quest toward understanding and optimizing their children's behaviors.  Website: http://childhoodbehaviorsolutions.com/ Instagram: @childhoodbehaviorsolutions  Support the show

    27 min

  7. 05/24/2023

    Pamela Reed Sanchez - President and CEO of the Seneca Park Zoo Society

    Pamela Reed Sanchez is the President and CEO of the Seneca Park Zoo Society.  The Seneca Park Zoo Society is a nonprofit education and conservation organization that works as a support partner to Monroe County in operating the Seneca Park Zoo. The Monroe County website notes, "In 1957, the Seneca Park Zoo Society was chartered as an educational institution by New York State. Since that time, the Society has evolved into a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the zoo by running educational programs, special events, marketing and public relations efforts, fund raising, and food and gift operations. The Society offers memberships that are very popular with area families. The next major improvement to the zoo was opened in the early 1970s and provided a polar bear grotto, which was a great improvement for the zoo’s two famous polar bears, Penny and Nickels. As their names suggest, Penny and Nickels were brought to the zoo through the pennies and nickels collected by the area’s school children." Listen in to learn more about the Zoo's mission, the educational work occurring both inside the zoo and out in the community, as well as the role zoos play in conservation at home and abroad. Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-zoo Website: https://senecaparkzoo.org/ Support the show

    36 min

  8. 04/19/2023

    U of R Medical Student Brittany Hodges

    On this episode, Sarah talks with Brittany Hodges, a medical student at the University of Rochester.  Britt serves as a Health Equity Leader, a program of the National Medical Fellowships to develop future health care leaders with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to promote health equity for medically under-served communities.  Listen in as they discuss food insecurity, urban gardening, and medical education. To connect with Britt, you can find her on Twitter:  @FutureDr_Britt Support the show

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Too often Rochester, NY is featured in the news for its problems. But this area is rich with community-based organizations striving to improve the lives of its residents. Join local a pediatrician, Dr. Megan Lasaponara, as she interviews people who are involved in good works all over the region. We will learn about each organization and how our guests found their path to community-based work. If you are ready to hear good news and feel inspired by what Rochester has to offer, join us as we talk to the people making our community ever better.

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Lasaponara & Sarah Collins-McGowan
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Thriving Forward
  • Show Website
    Thriving Forward