The HDFS Careers Podcast

This episode is Part 2 of a 2-episode series featuring my interview with Veronica Winsch. In this episode, Veronica discusses her experience in graduate school following a career switch from fashion to human development and her professional experiences through Fall 2023, the time of this recording. Veronica earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) SUNY. She also earned a Master’s of Arts specializing in Human Development from the University of New Mexico’s College of Education. She has also earned the Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Certificate from Central New Mexico Community College and a Certificate in Nutritional Counseling from the Institute of Nutrition. She currently works as a Team Leader for Family Recruitment, Registration, and Referral for a non-profit home visiting organization in New Mexico. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Veronica’s views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

In this episode, Veronica Winsch discusses her background as a fine arts major and first-generation college student, her remarkable career in the fashion industry, and her decision to engage in a career shift that eventually led her to the field of human development. This episode is a bit of a prequel to “Episode 35: Veronica Discusses Working in the Field of Family Home Visitation.” As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Veronica’s views are her own as private citizens and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

In this episode, I share my interview with Laurel Hernandez. Laurel earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston. She is also a Certified Educator of Infant Massage from Infant Massage USA. She also holds an Infant Mental Health-Endorsement (IMH-E) from First 3 Years Texas. In this episode, she discusses finding HDFS and her professional experiences working with families and children in various settings through 2023 (the time of this recording). As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Laurel's views are her own as private citizens and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: https://first3yearstx.org/endorsement/ https://www.infantmassageusa.org/

In this episode, I share my interview with Katherine Fonovic. Katherine earned a bachelor’s degree Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Case Management and a minor in Criminal Justice from Kent State University. In this episode, she discusses finding HDFS and her professional experiences working as an employment specialist with individuals with disabilities through 2021 (the time of this recording). As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Katherine's views are her own as private citizens and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

In this episode, I share my interview with Emerson Fetty, MSW, LISW. Emerson earned a bachelor’s degree Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Case Management and a minor in Gerontology from Kent State University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Youngstown State University. In this episode, he discusses finding HDFS and his professional experiences as a therapist and clinical social worker in various settings through 2021 (the time of this recording). As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Emerson’s views are his own as private citizens and do not reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers.

In this special edition of The HDFS Careers Podcast, I interviewed Dr. Maureen Blankemeyer and Dr. Kathleen Walker who are both faculty at Kent State University and who are both well-known researchers in the area of family sciences careers. Dr. Blankemeyer earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in family relations and child development and Ph.D. in human environmental sciences–both from Oklahoma State University. She is currently an associate professor at Kent State University. Dr. Walker earned Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Pre-Art Therapy from Kansas State University, A Master’s of Science in Art Therapy from Emporia State University, and a Ph.D. in Family Life Education and Consultation from Kansas State University. She is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences at Kent State University. During this interview, they discuss their own professional journeys and their experiences as first-generation college students. They also provide advice for students gleaned from working with many students over the course of their careers.

In this episode, I share my interview with Jasmine Johnson. Jasmine earned a bachelor’s degree Human Development and Family Science from Kent State University and a master’s degree in Instructional Design from Western Governors University. She is currently working as a Grant Director for Upward Bound at Miami Dade College Homestead. In this episode, she discusses finding HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Jasmine’s views are her own as private citizens and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

This episode features Anacleta C. Schmidt (also known as Annie). Annie earned a bachelor's degree in Child Development from San Diego State University. She also earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Mental Health and a Graduate Certificate as an Early Childhood Socio-Emotional Behavior Regulation Intervention Specialist (EC-SEBRIS) from San Diego State University. During this interview, she discusses her work as a Mental Health Program Specialist for Head Start with a nonprofit organization in San Diego, California and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Annie's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. You can subscribe and listen at... Spotify: https://lnkd.in/emk-PJFu Amazon Music: https://lnkd.in/er38eGPi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ez8dHat Google Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/e_mtYuZN

This episode features Jessica Morgan who works as the Chief Program Officer for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Jessica earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University. During this interview, she discusses her experience working as the Chief Program Officer for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and her professional experiences that led her to that position. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Jessica's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Support the Greater Cleveland Food Bank by volunteering or making a donation. Mentioned on this episode: Feeding America - https://www.feedingamerica.org/ For more episodes and inspiration, visit www.HDFSCareers.com. You can subscribe and listen at... Spotify: https://lnkd.in/emk-PJFu Amazon Music: https://lnkd.in/er38eGPi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ez8dHat Google Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/e_mtYuZN

This episode features Heather Cruz-Holley who works as a case manager for Cleveland Angels. Heather earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child and Youth Development from Kent State University. During this interview, she discusses her experience working as a case manager for a family care nonprofit organization and her professional experiences that led her to that position. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Heather's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Support Cleveland Angels by following them on social media or making a donation. For more episodes, exploration inspiration, or to make a suggestion for the podcast, visit www.HDFSCareers.com.

Bradley earned a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Youth Development from Kent State University. He is currently the Senior Director of J Kids and Special Projects at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore. In this episode, he discusses how he found the field of HDFS and his professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Bradley’s views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers.

Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Life Education from Kent State University. She is currently the Public Relations Director for Plains Local School in Ohio. She is also the founder and president of the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Mary’s views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Without further ado, here is her interview.

Rashawn earned a master’s degree in Education in School Counseling from Malone University. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Youth Development from Kent State University. He is currently a Professional School Counselor for a public school in Ohio. In this episode, he discusses how he found the field of HDFS and his professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Rashawn’s views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers. Links to additional information: Video about working as a school counselor: https://youtu.be/U1rrTmpD728 Video about elementary and middle school counselors: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmVWg2oiNxJyZiewS7DPGbW3QWxZBBvFo Rashawn discussing helping students during the pandemic: https://www.ideastream.org/news/kids-returning-to-school-after-isolation-with-mental-health-concerns If you have recommendations for HDFS or other family science alumni to interview, please reach out to me at HDFSCareers.com. Don’t worry if they are not working in a job that would normally be considered “in the field.” I am interested in hearing a variety of stories--especially if they are working outside of academia.

It's our first double-interview episode on the podcast! Alex is currently an Academic Advisor for the College of Communication and Information at Kent State University. She earned a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs, a Certificate in International Education, and a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Life Education from Kent State University. Ted is currently a Senior Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Analyst. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child and Youth Development from Kent State University. Alex and Ted met at Kent State while attending HDFS classes for their major and serving as Resident Advisors in the campus residence halls. In this episode, they share how they found the field of HDFS and their professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Alex and Ted’s views are their own as private citizens and do not reflect the views of their current, former, or future employers.

Ericca is currently a School Social Worker at a charter school in Columbus, Ohio. She earned a master’s degree in social work from The Ohio State University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. Please note that this episode does briefly discuss domestic violence.

Sharonda earned a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University with a major in Child Development and Family Studies and a minor in Business Administration. She also holds a Certified Family Life Educator-Provisional (CFLE-P) credential from the National Council on Family Relations. She is the author of a book titled Mental Makeover:  Reclaiming Your Beauty from the Inside Out. She is currently a Licensed Master Social Worker and Outpatient Therapist working in the field of community mental health services in Tennessee. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Sharonda’s views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Website: http://sharondastiggers.com/

Adrienne earned a master’s degree in Human and Social Services specializing in Mental Health Facilitation from Walden University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University with a major in Child Development and Family Studies and a minor in Psychology. She is currently a Team Lead for the Care Management Department of a nonprofit mental health agency in Tennessee. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Adrienne’s views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

***In this bonus blog post episode, I share 5 tips for starting the process of career exploration within the field of HDFS.*** This season, I am launching a new series of bonus episodes based on content from the blog on my HDFS Careers website--a blog in which I provide unsolicited advice about preparing for and finding jobs as a family science major. I decided to share the blog posts audibly on the podcast because I know first-hand that it can be hard to make time to sit down and read things on the internet. With these bonus episodes, you can listen as you drive, do chores, walk to class, whatever. I will literally just be reading them straight from the website, so don’t expect any frills--just the information. The views on the blog, website, and podcast are entirely my own, based on my own experiences and opinions. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of my current or former workplaces. Also, I make no guarantees about the outcomes of taking advice on the blog, website or podcast. It is simply my opinion, and everyone has to make their own choices that are best for them.

This season, I am launching a new series of bonus episodes based on content from the blog on my HDFS Careers website--a blog in which I provide unsolicited advice about preparing for and finding jobs as a family science major. I decided to share the blog posts audibly on the podcast because I know first-hand that it can be hard to make time to sit down and read things on the internet. With these bonus episodes, you can listen as you drive, do chores, walk to class, whatever. I will literally just be reading them straight from the website, so don’t expect any frills--just the information. The views on the blog, website, and podcast are entirely my own, based on my own experiences and opinions. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of my current or former workplaces. Also, I make no guarantees about the outcomes of taking advice on the blog, website or podcast. It is simply my opinion, and everyone has to make their own choices that are best for them. This first blog post is a brief introducing the aim of the blog.

Amanda is currently an Associate Therapist at Grow Through Life Counseling, a group private practice providing mental health care to children and adolescents. She is also a Music and Fitness Teacher at San Carlos Preschool and a Member of the California Association for Play Therapy. She serves as President-Elect of the San Diego Branch. She earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Mental Health from San Diego State University. She also holds a graduate certificate as an Early Childhood Socio-Emotional Behavior Regulation Intervention Specialist (Ec-SEBRIS) from San Diego State University, and she has a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development (specializing in Trauma-Informed Care) from San Diego State University--California State University. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Amanda’s views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Organization Mentioned in this Episode: https://www.calplaytherapy.org/