TLC Connections
TLC Connections is where educators, counselors, and community leaders come together to inspire change. In each episode, we share real stories, actionable insights, and practical tools to empower you to make a lasting impact on the youth, families, and communities you serve—one connection at a time.Follow the show today and join this thriving community of changemakers.
Siamak Namazi - Eight Years a Hostage: Strategy, Survival, and Freedom
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, GT Freeman sits down with Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American consultant, strategist, and former hostage who spent 2,898 days imprisoned in Iran.
Siamak shares how what he expected to be a four-day trip to Iran in 2015 became more than eight years of captivity. He describes his arrest, time in solitary confinement, the devastating experience of being left behind during a hostage deal, and the imprisonment of his father. But much of the conversation focuses on what Siamak did when he realized he needed a different way to think about his...
Aaron Bell, LPC, M.Ed. - Building Trust in School-Based Counseling
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Alyssa Brouse sits down with Aaron Bell, LPC, M.Ed., an intervention counselor at Spring-Ford Area High School, for a conversation about what effective school-based counseling looks like when connection comes first.
Aaron shares how he builds trust with high school students by being visible, approachable, and authentic—not just during scheduled counseling sessions, but throughout the school day.
The conversation also explores some of the challenges Aaron sees regularly, including anxiety and school avoidance. Aaron discusses helping students understand what is keeping them from school, bu...
Marlanea Heaven - How Social-Emotional Learning Helps Students Thrive
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Alyssa Brouse welcomes Marlanea Heaven, a counselor with The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth, for a thoughtful conversation about social-emotional learning, resilience, and the importance of helping young people build the skills they need to thrive.
Drawing from her work in schools throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, Marlanea explains how social-emotional learning helps students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. She shares how classroom workshops, student success plans, and relationship-centered support can improve both academic performance and student well-being while creating safe spaces where young...
Nunuye Charity - Building Educational Opportunity in Ethiopia
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen welcomes Daniel Teklu and Yette Asfaw, co-founders of Nunuye Charity, for a heartfelt conversation about education, opportunity, and the lasting impact of community service. Inspired by the life of Daniel's late sister, Nunu, the organization began as a family effort to support one orphanage in Ethiopia and has since grown into a nonprofit improving educational access and basic resources for children and families across the region.
Daniel and Yette share how their experiences growing up in Ethiopia shaped their belief that education is one of the...
Patricia Omoqui - Finding Purpose Through Life's Hardest Challenges
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, GT Freeman welcomes executive coach, speaker, and author Patricia Omoqui for a deeply personal conversation about purpose, resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of life's unexpected challenges.
At the center of her story is her daughter Maggie, whose diagnosis with Prader-Willi syndrome profoundly changed Patricia's understanding of success, purpose, and what it means to lead a meaningful life.
Listeners will also hear Patricia reflect on lessons from athletics, corporate leadership, motherhood, and executive coaching, while offering practical insights for anyone seeking greater clarity, purpose, and fulfillment...
Radnor PD - How Embedded Social Workers Support Police and Communities
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen sits down with Officer Kaitlin Karmilowicz and Isabel Cook, LCSW, members of the Radnor Township Police Department's Community Support Unit, to discuss an innovative co-response model that combines law enforcement and behavioral health expertise.
The conversation explores how Radnor became one of the first departments in Delaware County to fully embed a social worker within its police department. Isabel and Officer Karmilowicz explain how this partnership allows officers and clinicians to respond collaboratively to mental health crises, domestic violence situations, substance use concerns, school-related issues, and...
Dennis Mahoney - Connecting Government, Nonprofits, and Communities for Impact
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, GT Freeman welcomes Dennis Mahoney, founder of AOI Solutions, for a conversation about leadership, partnership, and helping communities navigate both crisis and opportunity.
Dennis shares how his work brings together nonprofits, businesses, governments, faith communities, and local leaders to address some of the world's most complex challenges. Whether responding to hurricanes in the Caribbean, supporting refugee communities, expanding educational opportunities, or helping local organizations collaborate more effectively, Dennis focuses on one central principle: meaningful change happens through relationships.
The conversation explores Dennis's journey from the insurance...
Chief James Cadden - Officer Wellness Is Changing Police Culture
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen sits down with Chief James Cadden of the East Lansdowne Police Department for an honest and thoughtful conversation about policing, leadership, and officer wellness.
Drawing from nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Chief Cadden reflects on how dramatically the culture of policing has changed since he began his career at age 19. He discusses the evolution from a profession where officers were discouraged from expressing emotion or seeking support to one increasingly focused on wellness, mental health, and resilience.
Julie and Chief Cadden also explore the...
Jennifer Anderson - How Community Gardens Improve Food Access & Health
TLC Connections EP39
Jennifer Anderson - How Community Gardens Improve Food Access & Health
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, GT Freeman sits down with Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director of Trellis for Tomorrow, for a thoughtful conversation about sustainability, leadership, and building healthier communities through local food systems.
Jennifer shares her career journey, from a successful path in financial services and global business to a turning point where she realized her work was no longer “feeding her soul.” That realization led her back to school to study public health and...
Dr. John Wilson - How AI Is Changing Entrepreneurship and Education
SUMMARY:
GT Freeman sits down with Dr. John Wilson for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, purpose, and the future of work.
John shares the origin of his now well-known “$10 million question”—a simple but powerful prompt that asks: What would you do if money weren’t the constraint? Over time, he’s used this question with thousands of people to help uncover what they truly want to build, create, or pursue—and to challenge the belief that those things require massive resources to begin.
A major focus of the episode is how AI is reshaping...
Mary Anders - Advocating for Abused Children in Court
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen sits down with Mary Anders of the Montgomery County Child Advocacy Project (MCAP) for a powerful conversation about what it means to truly advocate for children facing abuse, neglect, and the legal system.
The conversation explores the full scope of MCAP’s work, from representing children in protection from abuse cases to helping navigate adoption, foster care, and complex family dynamics. Mary also highlights the importance of partnerships with law enforcement, child welfare agencies, and community organizations to provide comprehensive support.
A particularly powerful pa...
Bernard Dagenais - Connecting Students, Leaders, and Opportunity in Our Region
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, GT Freeman sits down with Bernard Dagenais, President and CEO of The Main Line Chamber of Commerce, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, connection, and creating opportunity across a region.
Bernie shares how early moments of exposure—like meeting a journalist as a teenager—helped shape his career path, and why those same moments are critical for today’s students. He reflects on his journey from journalism to leading a major business organization, and how his work now focuses on bringing people together to grow businesses, develop leaders, and st...
Nicole Martin - Trauma-Informed Work with First Responders
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen welcomes Nicole Martin, LCSW, for an in-depth conversation about trauma-informed care, stress regulation, and the work of supporting first responders.
Nicole explains how trauma-informed approaches differ from trauma-focused treatment, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are, respecting boundaries, and understanding how the brain and body respond to stress. Drawing from her clinical background and her work delivering trauma-informed de-escalation trainings, she shares how neuroscience, experiential learning, and practical tools can help first responders navigate high-stress encounters more effectively.
The conversation also explores...
Nicole Martin - Trauma-Informed Work with First Responders
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen welcomes Nicole Martin, LCSW, for an in-depth conversation about trauma-informed care, stress regulation, and the work of supporting first responders.
Nicole explains how trauma-informed approaches differ from trauma-focused treatment, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are, respecting boundaries, and understanding how the brain and body respond to stress. Drawing from her clinical background and her work delivering trauma-informed de-escalation trainings, she shares how neuroscience, experiential learning, and practical tools can help first responders navigate high-stress encounters more effectively.
The conversation also explores...
Matt Zaun - How Story Builds Connection, Trust, and Influence
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, GT Freeman welcomes speaker and strategist Matt Zaun for a compelling conversation about leadership, communication, and the transformative power of story.
Matt shares why storytelling isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s an essential leadership skill. He breaks down how stories bypass resistance, build empathy, and help people connect to purpose in a way that data and directives simply can’t.
Together, GT and Matt explore real-world examples from education, mental health, and organizational leadership where storytelling has created culture shifts, unlocked clarity, and inspired action. Matt als...
Crystal Haas - Creating Schools Where Students Feel Safe
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen sits down with Dr. Crystal Haas of Red Clay Consolidated School District for a thoughtful conversation about restorative practices and what it truly takes to build healthy, inclusive school communities.
Crystal shares her journey from the music classroom into district-wide restorative leadership, and explains how restorative practices help schools move from punishment and removal toward listening, accountability, and repair. She describes practical strategies like treatment agreements, restorative language, classroom circles, and re-entry conversations that support students not just academically, but relationally and emotionally.
Listeners...
Craig Tinneny - The Hidden Struggles of 911 Operators
SUMMARY:
In this powerful episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen welcomes 911 dispatcher Craig Tinneny for a conversation about trauma, peer support, and the unseen emotional toll of being a first responder behind the headset. Craig shares how his work in emergency communications—especially a series of tragic calls, including one involving his own family—brought him to a breaking point. He opens up about the dark places he went, the support systems that helped him recover, and how he now serves as a lifeline for others through Montgomery County’s CISM Team.
The conversation explores what i...
Chimère Holmes - Communication, Respect, and Modern Relationships
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Alyssa Brouse sits down with Chimère Holmes for a rich and honest discussion about mental health, relationships, and the work required to sustain meaningful connection. Chimère shares insights from her role as an Outpatient Program therapist, explaining the continuum of mental health care and the emotional labor involved in true therapeutic change.
The conversation explores common challenges couples and families face today, including communication breakdowns, parenting differences, intimacy struggles, financial stress, and the impact of unresolved family-of-origin patterns. Chimère discusses attachment styles, emotional regulation, and the...
Rob D'Alonzo - The Power of Connections in Mental Health
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, GT Freeman welcomes Rob D’Alonzo, SVP of School-Based Services at The Lincoln Center, for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about mental health, relationships, and meaning-making.
Rob shares formative experiences from his personal and professional life—from growing up as a fraternal twin to working on the front lines of psychiatric crisis care in hospitals and emergency response centers. He reflects on powerful moments of connection with individuals in extreme distress, the role of empathy and instinct in effective care, and why systems—not individuals in isolation—are crit...
Erin Milbourne - Helping Survivors Find Strength
Victim Services Center: https://www.victimservicescenter.org
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, host Julie Knudsen speaks with Erin Milbourne Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Direct Services Supervisor at the Victim Services Center of Montgomery County (VSC). Erin shares her 18-year journey in victim services, her deep sense of purpose, and what keeps her committed to such emotionally demanding work. She describes VSC’s free, confidential, trauma-informed services—including counseling, 24/7 crisis hotline support, police/hospital/court accompaniment, and specialized support groups for survivors of sexual assault, childhood abuse, gun violence, homicide, and grie...
Reggie Newson - Strengthening Communities Through Collaboration
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Reggie Newson, CEO of Wellpoint Care Network, sits down with GT Freeman to discuss leadership, community impact, and the future of human services. Reggie reflects on his journey from a blue-collar upbringing in Milwaukee to senior roles in state government, healthcare, and now nonprofit leadership.
He shares stories about the people and experiences that shaped his career, the responsibility he feels to strengthen his hometown, and the mission-driven work happening at Wellpoint — including their focus on education, employment, housing, community connection, and behavioral health.
The conversation al...
Deborah Broderick, EdD - Preparing the Next Generation of Teachers
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, host Julie Knudsen sits down with Dr. Deborah Broderick—educator, researcher, artist, and passionate advocate for future teachers. Deborah shares her journey from English teacher to leader of the Secondary Education Academy at Central Montco Technical High School. This program gives high school students early field experiences and college credits before they even step onto a university campus.
Deborah discusses how her early work in alternative education transformed her approach to teaching, how arts-integrated practices deepen reflection and engagement, and why relationships, not content, sit at the heart of...
Andre Young - Mastering the Art of Modern Leadership
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, host GT Freeman welcomes Andre Young, the dynamic Founder of You Evolving Now, LLC. Andre shares insights from his journey from mental health professional to leadership coach, author, and speaker.
Listeners will hear Andre discuss:
The inspiration behind his five leadership books, including 7 Ways to Lead and the newly released The Complete Leader.The creation and purpose of his new AI tool, Ask AndreThe importance of emotional intelligence and communication in leadershipHow leaders can “protect their people” and build meaningful one-on-one connectionsWhy work-life harmony is less about bala...Kelly Canally - Adapting to Serve: Building Stronger Communities Together
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Kelly Canally, CEO of Family Services of Montgomery County, reflects on the organization’s 125-year legacy of serving residents across Montgomery County, and how that mission continues to evolve in response to today’s challenges.
Kelly shares her journey from intern to CEO, the power of partnerships that drive community service, and the creativity needed to sustain impact across generations. From youth diversion and reentry initiatives to housing and senior services, Family Services continues to adapt its programs to meet the community’s most pressing needs.
Listen...
Fiona Purcell - Supporting Communities Through Co-Responder Programs
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, we speak with Fiona Purcell, a licensed counselor embedded with the Plymouth Township Police Department through The Lincoln Center’s co-responder partnership. Fiona shares what it’s like to navigate the intersection of mental health and public safety—working side by side with officers to respond to crises, support residents, and build stronger community trust.
From connecting unhoused and elderly residents with critical services to helping individuals access addiction treatment, Fiona’s work demonstrates how collaboration can transform outcomes for both citizens and first responders. She also discusses how trus...
Jeff Ennis - Building Trust and Support in Special Education
SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections, Jeff Ennis, Special Education Supervisor at Norristown Area High School, shares insights from his journey as an educator and leader. Jeff discusses the challenges and opportunities of special education today, from supporting hundreds of high school students with individualized needs to helping families build trust with schools. He reflects on the importance of preparing students for life beyond graduation, teaching employability and soft skills, and tailoring academic paths to real-world goals. Jeff also shares a personal story of the teacher who inspired his career and how that influence continues to shape his...
Johnny Crowder - Healing in Community: The Power of Peer Support
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Johnny Crowder takes us on a journey from the intensity of heavy metal stages to founding Cope Notes, a mental health tech company impacting individuals and organizations worldwide. He candidly shares his personal experiences with mental health, the strategies that sustain him, and how embracing vulnerability has shaped his leadership. Listeners will discover how music became his first language of expression, the challenges he faced along the way, and why peer support lies at the core of his mission. Honest, inspiring, and deeply human, this conversation delivers a powerful message...
Johnny Crowder - Healing in Community: The Power of Peer Support
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Johnny Crowder takes us on a journey from the intensity of heavy metal stages to founding Cope Notes, a mental health tech company impacting individuals and organizations worldwide. He candidly shares his personal experiences with mental health, the strategies that sustain him, and how embracing vulnerability has shaped his leadership. Listeners will discover how music became his first language of expression, the challenges he faced along the way, and why peer support lies at the core of his mission. Honest, inspiring, and deeply human, this conversation delivers a powerful message...
Johnny Crowder - Healing in Community: The Power of Peer Support
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Johnny Crowder takes us on a journey from the intensity of heavy metal stages to founding Cope Notes, a mental health tech company impacting individuals and organizations worldwide. He candidly shares his personal experiences with mental health, the strategies that sustain him, and how embracing vulnerability has shaped his leadership. Listeners will discover how music became his first language of expression, the challenges he faced along the way, and why peer support lies at the core of his mission. Honest, inspiring, and deeply human, this conversation delivers a powerful message...
Amy Lynch - Ghostwriting: How Experts Can Become Authors
SUMMARY:
Have an idea for a book but not sure where to start? In this episode of TLC Connections, we sit down with Amy Lynch, founder of Fernling Creative, to unpack the world of ghostwriting and book development. Amy shares how her team helps subject matter experts—like therapists, educators, healthcare professionals, and business leaders—turn their insights into high-quality nonfiction books. From book coaching to publishing and bundling content for social platforms, Amy offers practical advice for anyone considering authorship.
Whether you’re looking to publish for influence, legacy, or business development, this episode offers...
JC Jones, LAPC - School Counseling: The Power of One Caring Adult
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, JC Jones, school counselor and outpatient therapist, reflects on his path into education and mental health, and the moments that most shaped his approach to supporting students.
Drawing from his dual roles in schools and private practice, JC shares how relationships built on consistency, presence, and belief can make all the difference for students navigating trauma, self-doubt, or difficult circumstances. Whether he is helping teens reframe their choices or guiding families through a crisis, JC emphasizes that support, not punishment, is what young people need most.
...
Fran Dunphy - Lessons in Service, Leadership, and Legacy
SUMMARY:
Fran Dunphy may be best known as one of Philadelphia’s most respected college basketball coaches, but his legacy stretches far beyond the hardwood. In this episode, Dunphy shares how his upbringing shaped a lifelong commitment to leadership and service.
From helping young athletes develop as people, to championing causes like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Coaches vs. Cancer, Dunphy reflects on what it truly means to lead, to give, and to show up for others. He opens up about hard lessons, second chances, and why even the smallest gestures can say the most ab...
Michael Flynn - Navigating Change with Middle School Students
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, we sit down with Michael Flynn, a school counselor at Penndale Middle School in the North Penn School District, to talk about the power and importance of connection in middle school. With over a decade of experience in school counseling—and a previous career in construction—Michael brings a grounded, relatable perspective to the often-overlooked complexities of middle school life.
The conversation touches on:
Mental health challenges facing today’s studentsThe impact of cell phones and screen cultureSupporting families through tough conversationsTeaching basic social-emotional skills in structured and un...Christa Lee-Chuvala, PhD - Educating Purpose-Driven Business Leaders
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, we speak with Dr. Christa Lee-Chuvala, Dean of the College of Business and Leadership at Eastern University, about the evolving mission of business education. Christa shares how Eastern is preparing students to become transformational leaders through programs that integrate ethics, purpose, and relationship-building into every level of the learning experience.
The conversation explores Christa’s journey, from urban economics and social justice advocacy to higher ed leadership, and how Eastern is leveraging online innovation and AI, combined with real-world experiences and values-driven curriculum, to create accessible and impactful pr...
Tory Bright - Leading Change in Community Mental Health
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, we’re joined by Tory Bright, Director of the Southeastern Regional Mental Health Services Coordination Office. Representing five Pennsylvania counties, Tory shares her powerful insight into the evolution of the public mental health system—discussing key shifts in crisis response, the impact of closing civil beds at Norristown State Hospital, and the need for coordinated, compassionate alternatives to incarceration.
She dives into her work around co-responder programs, reentry planning, and the importance of data-informed decisions and community partnerships. Listeners will also learn more about Mental Health First Aid and...
Chief John C. Myrsiades - Co-Responder Units: Meeting the Moment in Policing
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Plymouth Township Police Chief John Myrsiades joins us to discuss an important partnership with The Lincoln Center, a collaboration that embeds a licensed social worker into the department to support officers in addressing behavioral health needs in the community.
Chief Myrsiades shares the personal story that helped shape his belief in the need for more than just policing when people are in crisis. He walks us through how the program came to be, why it matters, and the impact it’s already having, not only for the people th...
Todd Shirley, LPC - From Crisis to Connection: Supporting Teens Through Struggle
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Todd Shirley, school counselor and licensed professional counselor, shares how a series of tragedies and professional curiosity led him to discover Attachment-Based Family Therapy.
When multiple student suicides rocked his school community, Todd was determined to find tools that could truly support students and their families in crisis. He describes how this therapeutic approach helps rebuild connection and trust between adolescents and parents, sometimes making the difference between despair and healing.
Todd also reflects on his dual experience in public schools and private practice, offering thoughtful...
David Bronkema, PhD - Humility, Influence, and the Heart of Leadership
SUMMARY:
This week on TLC Connections, Dr. David Bronkema—professor, international development leader, and former collegiate coach—shares a leadership journey defined by open doors, unexpected detours, and meaningful relationships. From his early years living abroad to decades of academic and nonprofit service, David reflects on the setbacks that became stepping stones and how love and humility guide his approach to life and leadership. If you've ever wondered whether you're on the right path, this conversation offers clarity and encouragement. We hope you enjoy the episode.
GUEST BIO:
Dr. David Bronkema is a prof...
Kristen Harootunian - Connection as a Catalyst for Recovery & Healing
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, we welcome Kristen Harootunian, national speaker with Minding Your Mind, to share her deeply moving personal story. Kristen reflects on her teenage years struggling with substance abuse, self-harm, and mental health challenges—and how a single moment of vulnerability began her path to recovery.
Now more than 10 years sober, Kristen travels the country speaking to students about the importance of asking for help, building coping skills, and knowing they’re not alone. She opens up about her relationship with her father, the pivotal role of supportive adults, and the...
Cara Addis - Supporting Students Through Art Therapy
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, we welcome Cara Addis, a licensed professional counselor and board-certified art therapist, to explore how art therapy can help students navigate emotions, build resilience, and develop essential social skills. As a mobile school-based therapist, Cara works with students from ages 4 to 18, integrating creative expression into counseling to support emotional regulation and problem-solving. She shares insights on the unique challenges of working with different age groups and the importance of providing students with safe and consistent spaces to explore their thoughts, emotions, and creativity.
GUEST BIO:
Cara...
