Partnership Connections

Setting the P.A.C.E: Charting the Future of Child and Family Well-Being in Rhode Island.

Join us as we sit down with Melissa Aguiar-Rivard, Chief of Strategic Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), to unpack the agency’s five-year strategic plan. Melissa shares insights from DCYF's Listening & Learning Tour, revealing how staff, families, partners, and youth shaped the plan’s core pillars: Prevention, Accountability, Collaboration, and Engagement (PACE).
Here is the Stategic Plan in its entirety!

Substance Use in Transition: Myths, Facts, and the New Reality

Join us as we welcome back Ocean State Recovery Executive Director Chris Dorval and MADD Rhode Island Program Director Jennifer O’Neil to explore the evolving landscape of substance use and impaired driving in Rhode Island. The conversation covers rising trends in alcohol and cannabis use, the impact of fentanyl and xylazine, and the challenges of prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. With a focus on child welfare, the guests emphasize the importance of honest dialogue, myth-busting, and supporting recovery to protect families and communities.

When the Stakes Are Too High: Gambling and Child Welfare

Join us as we chat with Desiree Soto, Program Director for Rhode Island Lottery's Problem Gambling Services Program. We explore intersections between gambling disorder and child welfare, from defining gambling addiction to discussing its neurological and emotional impacts. Learn about some of the latest trends in online betting, the role of mental health, and how child welfare professionals can better screen for and address gambling-related challenges. 

Mindful Moments with Mimi: Alternate Nostril Breathing

The following is a meditation provided by Dr. Mimi Mumm, Professor at the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College. Dr. Mumm is also a certified Yoga Instructor. She has been gracious enough to record several sessions, so please visit our show page for more episodes!
Alternate Nostril Breathing/Nadi Shodhana. (5 minutes). This breathing technique involves breathing through one nostril at a time. It is believe to clear the mind and bring calmness.
Please practice in a safe space and never while operating a vehicle or other machinery! 

Bringing Your Whole Self to Work: Culture, Identity, and Why it Matters

We welcome back Jennifer Gaviria, RIC SSW Adjunct Faculty, School Social Worker and Co-Founder of the Latino Mental Health Network to discuss the importance of integrating one's cultural identity into the workplace. Listen as we explore how cultural values influence professional behavior, the challenges of navigating workplace norms, and the impact of imposter syndrome—especially for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. The conversation offers insights for supervisors and organizations on fostering welcoming environments in child welfare and beyond.

Mindful Moments with Mimi: Gratitude Practice

The following is a meditation provided by Dr. Mimi Mumm, Professor at the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College. Dr. Mumm is also a certified Yoga Instructor. She has been gracious enough to record several sessions, so please visit our show page for more episodes!
This gratitude meditation is a mindfulness practice that focuses on recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of your life. This practice can help shift attention away from stress or negativity and foster a sense of peace and contentment.
Please practice in a safe space and never while operating a vehicle or other machinery! 

Mindful Moments with Mimi: Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra/Yogic Sleep.
Yoga Nidra is a guided relaxation practice that has been shown to help promote restful sleep. You can use this audio recording at bedtime to support falling asleep, or during the day to experience a sense of restoration and deep relaxation. If you choose to use it mid-day, I recommend setting a timer or alarm, just in case you drift off to sleep.
Please practice in a safe space and never while operating a vehicle or other machinery! 

Mindful Moments with Mimi: Loving Kindness

Loving Kindness Meditation: Loving-kindness meditation is used to cultivate  empathy, compassion, and understanding—toward oneself and others. It can increase a sense of connection to others and emotional well-being.
Please practice in a safe space and never while operating a vehicle or other machinery! 
Thank you to Dr. Mumm for providing these for our podcast! 

Mindful Moments with Mimi: Grounding Meditation/5-4-3-2-1

The following is a meditation provided by Dr. Mimi Mumm, Professor at the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College. Dr. Mumm is also a certified Yoga Instructor. She has been gracious enough to record several sessions, so stay tuned for more!
Please practice this meditation in a safe space and never while operating a vehicle or other machinery!
Description: Grounding Meditation/5-4-3-2-1. (5 minutes). This is a mindfulness exercise that helps bring your attention to the present moment, especially when feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. It uses your five senses to gently ground you.

From Misconceptions to Meaningful Support: A Conversation on Autism Spectrum Disorder

Join us as we chat with Ariana DeAngelis, Training Manager at The Autism Project, to explore the complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its implications for child welfare professionals. Ariana shares her deep expertise and lived experiences working with autistic individuals across the lifespan, offering practical strategies for supporting children and families impacted by ASD. From debunking common myths to navigating meltdowns, trauma, and elopement, this conversation provides essential tools and compassionate insights for anyone working in child welfare. Whether you're a caseworker, foster parent, or simply seeking to better understand neurodiversity, this episode is a must-listen.