Dream Team Podcast

Season 2: Episode Links

Welcome to Season 2 of PEI Kids Presents: Dream Team! Host, Ereaunna LaCava

Episode 2.7: Fran Bartlett, Renaissance Woman, on Community Engagement and the Importance of Active Listening | Fri, Dec 19, 2 PM

This episode of Dream Team is sponsored by Szaferman Lakind.

 

We’re joined by Francesca Bartlett, all-around Renaissance woman–community activist, philanthropist, trustee, and Champion for Children honoree. Fran discusses her involvement with PEI Kids, how she engages with the causes she cares about, and the importance of active listening as the first critical step in meaningful engagement. 

To learn more about Fran and the causes that inspire her, read her full bio in the episode description on Spotify.

Episode 2.6: Kim McNear, Executive Director of Anchor House NJ, Addressing Youth Homelessness in NJ, and more | Fri, Dec 5, 2 PM

This episode of Dream Team is sponsored by NJM Insurance Group.

 

We’re joined by Kim McNear, Executive Director of Anchor House NJ. Kim discusses how Anchor House is addressing youth homelessness in New Jersey, the challenges faced by youth seeking help, and the importance of developing positive relationships with trusted adults. 

To learn more about Kim and the work that inspires her, read her full bio in the episode description on Spotify.

Episode 2.5: Debbie Riveros, Executive Director of NJCA, on Her Role, Misconceptions Surrounding Child Abuse, and more | Fri, Nov 28, 2 PM

 

Meet Debbie Riveros, Executive Director of New Jersey Childrens Alliance (NJCA). Debbie discusses misconceptions surrounding child abuse, the importance of education in shifting perspectives, and the collective responsibility of communities in prevention efforts. 

To learn more about Debbie and the work that inspires her, read her full bio in the episode description on Spotify.

Episode 2.4: Bernadette Trapp, Lifelong Educator, on Community Schools and Her Role at MSF | Fri, Nov 21, 2 PM

This episode of Dream Team is sponsored by Taco Bell and Ventura Wealth Management.

 

Meet Bernadette Trapp, Director of Community Schools, at Mercer Street Friends. Bernadette reflects on her transition from school based educator to community leader, noting both challenges and successes. Bernadette is leading the charge to expand the Community School model throughout Mercer County.

To get to know more about Bernadette and the work that inspires her, read her full bio in the episode description on Spotify.

Episode 2.3: Steven Campos on NJ’s Violence Intervention & Victim Assistance (VIVA) Initiative | Fri, Nov 14, 2 PM

This episode of Dream Team is sponsored by Capital Health.
 

We’re joined by Steven Campos, Director of the New Jersey Office of Violence Intervention and Prevention–an office within the Division of Violence Intervention & Victim Assistance at the Attorney General’s Office. Steven discusses community-based violence intervention (CBVI) and the power of community involvement. Steven also explains how a broad public health approach, connecting different levels of support, strengthens collaboration, effectiveness, and shared responsibility.

To get to know more about Steven and the work that inspires him, read his full bio in the episode description on Spotify.

Episode 2.2: NJM Insurance Group & Community Investment | Fri, Nov 7, 2 PM

This episode of Dream Team is sponsored by the Bartlett Family Foundation.
 

Jeffrey Richardson is Corporate Giving Supervisor at NJM Insurance Group, a leading property/casualty insurer in the Mid-Atlantic region. Jeff leads community impact initiatives, employee engagement, charitable partnerships, and coordinating NJM’s support for charitable causes.

As a representative of NJM Insurance Group, Jeff serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County and on committees at the Father Center of New Jersey, Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Greater Mercer County. Additionally, he has served as a guest speaker for the Chamber of Commerce Southern NJ’s Nonprofit Council and the State of NJ’s Governor’s Forum on Volunteerism.

Jeff discusses a range of issues including his creative approach to corporate partnership, the importance of self-care, and advice for young people entering the field. Jeff’s personal interests include hiking, running, travelling, reading, sports, and philanthropy.

Episode 2.1: A Gentle Paw or a Listening Ear–Insights with Det. Marlon Webb (and K9 Sonny) | Fri, Oct 31, 2 PM

Detective Webb serves with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, C.O.R.E Community Outreach Restorative Engagement unit where he’s working to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community—especially with young people. As a husband, father, pastor, and military service member, he approaches his role not just as an detective, but as a servant of the community, striving to bring compassion, accountability, and healing into spaces that need it most.

Det. Web discusses his work in restorative justice—facilitating circles, listening deeply, and helping youth navigate conflict in ways that honor their dignity and potential, and his partner, Multi--discipline Police Therapy Canine Sunny, a therapy dog working with children impacted by trauma or court involvement. Together, they’re exploring how presence—whether through a gentle paw or a listening ear—can open doors to healing. It’s a journey, and one Detective Webb is committed to walking with humility, hope, and a heart for service.

Season 1: Episode Links

Introduction: A Brief History of Child Abuse Response

Premier Episode | Fri, April 22, 2 PM

Welcome to PEI Kids Presents: Dream Team! Host Julia Spano takes us through a chronology of child abuse response over the decades as well as the history of PEI Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping child survivors of sexual abuse and violence in Mercer County, New Jersey. Over the course of this season’s podcast, we interview the people behind this organization uncovering how they deliver on the mission and keep the organization moving forward.

Ep 1: Roses and Thorns | Fri, April 26, 2 PM

Roslyn Dashiell, PEI Kids’ Executive Director

Like conducting a symphony, running an organization means keeping all the moving parts working together in harmony. Roz has a background in business and shifted into nonprofit work later in life. In this episode, Roz reflects on her prior work and how it impacts her role today, benefits of working with a great team, and the “roses and thorns” that come with keeping PEI Kids humming in tune.
Sponsors: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Szaferman Lakind

Ep 2: The Power of Process | Fri, May 3, at 2 PM

Carmen Alicea, Supervisor of Family Visitation

Organization is key, but how do you enforce an effective process with so many moving parts? Carmen candidly shares the ups-and-downs and what it takes to ensure a successful supervised family visitation program.
Sponsors: Nottingham Insurance, The Bartlett Family Foundation

Ep 3: The Long Game | Fri, May 10, 2 PM

Juanita Johnson-Brooks PhD, Clinical Program Director

Dr. Brooks has worked with child victims of sexual abuse for over 30 years, and her expertise is remarkable. Dr. Brooks discusses how the field of child maltreatment has changed over time and how that reflects in her caseload and clients’ needs. She also shares the importance of the family dynamic and the power of peer support.
Sponsor: Bristol Myers Squibb

Ep 4: Taking the Deep Dive | Fri, May 17, 2 PM

Ariana Rodriguez, Case Manager | Council Against Youth Violence

The most important aspects of good case management include a better understanding of the client’s needs…which can be vast and varied. Ariana shares the complexities of working with youth impacted by community violence and her process for creating in-depth care plans to guide youth through school, therapy, and the legal system following the trauma of a violent victimization.
Sponsor: Fennelly Associates

Ep 5: Audrey’s Secret Sauce | Fri, May 24, 2 PM

Audrey Massey, Director of Family Support Services

How do you keep members of a diverse and busy team all rowing in the same direction? Audrey shares her secret sauce for keeping a busy department on-target, productive, and focused on building healthy families.
Sponsor: Mr. & Mrs. Chris and Denise Pratico

Ep 6: Minecraft and Mental Health | Fri, May 31, 2 PM

Dan-Anh Tran, Clinical Therapist | Council Against Youth Violence

Dan-Anh Tran, clinical therapist for our Council Against Youth Violence (CAYV) program, works in local schools and his own private therapy practice to support youth victims of violence in their recovery. In Episode 6, Dan shares his experience as a first responder and how this has shaped his work; plus, how an unexpected video game console can help kids on their journey of healing.
Sponsor: Princeton Area Community Foundation

Ep 7: Two Sides of the Same Coin | Fri, June 7, 2 PM

Annette Henderson, Director of Primary Prevention

In this episode, we’re talking to Annette Henderson, Director of PEI Kids’ Prevention Programs. Annette has a fascinating background in law enforcement investigating cases of child abuse and maltreatment. She discusses how that experience influences her work today preventing instances of abuse and maltreatment by making sure that children across Mercer County have access to education about consent, assault, digital dangers, and maintaining healthy boundaries.
Sponsors: NJM Insurance Group, Customers Bank

Ep 8: The Root of the Matter | Fri, June 14, 2 PM

Noah Possible, CBVI Supervisor

In this episode, we’re talking to Noah Possible, Community-based Violence Intervention (CBVI) Program Supervisor. Noah teaches Violence Interrupters at local schools to deescalate violence among students and ensure that counselors and staff get to the root cause of student aggression. We discuss overcriminalization in schools, his time working as a TCNJ Bonner Scholar, and more.
Sponsors: Delectabell (Taco Bell), Capital Health

Ep 9: Why Was That a Good Idea? | Fri, June 21, 2 PM

Rob Fiorello, Director of Juvenile Intervention Services

For the final episode of Dream Team’s first season, we speak with Rob Fiorello, chair of Mercer County’s Gang Task Force and Director of Juvenile Intervention Services at PEI Kids. Rob shares the importance of connecting with youth involved in violence and gangs to address youth violence culture, posing probing questions that bring about change, taking a holistic approach to build youth support in our communities, and what keeps him motivated to do the work.
Sponsors: Merancas Foundation, Ada Howe Kent Foundation

Visit Spotify for updates and new episodes.