Thriving Forward

Hosted by Megan Lasaponara & Sarah Collins-McGowan

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Latest episode

Sep 2025

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EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 15, 202533 min

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

August 7, 202529 min

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/rochesterSupport the show

June 18, 202529 min

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

June 4, 202539 min

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

February 7, 202421 min

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

August 2, 202326 min

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

May 24, 202336 min

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-zooWebsite: https://senecaparkzoo.org/Support the show

April 19, 202325 min

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_BrittSupport the show

March 1, 202318 min

Amanda Gozigian - Ronald McDonald House Charities

On this episode of the podcast we welcome Amanda Gozigian. She is a Program Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY (RMHCR). RMHCR's mission is to support the health and wellness of children and families through innovative programming, supportive services and community partnerships. Amanda discusses many of the RMHCR programs in our area and how this agency works to provide a "home-away-from-home" to families while their loved one receive necessary medical care. Website: https://rmhcrochester.org/Support the show

February 1, 202321 min

Shawn Gee from SRGMF Creative Brand Consulting

In this episode Sarah talks with Shawn Gee from SRGMF, a strategic brand consulting firm here in Rochester. Listen in to learn about his journey from the music industry to consulting with organizations such as Hinge Neighbors to his work mentoring youth.To learn more visit: https://www.srgmf.com/Support the show