3,000 Good Things

Amanda is 15-years-old and she has seen more than most adults have. In this episode, she and her dad Kris sit down together for their first podcast to share what recovery, foster care, hurricanes, evictions, and a family friend's kitchen table have taught them. Kris talks about the peer support worker who took him by the arm, looked him in the eye, and told him the only way through was radical honesty. Amanda talks about writing in a journal that never judges her, what she wishes adults understood about how children actually experience the foster system, and the way she has watched her father change more than she has heard him talk about it.

Learn more about the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and the work Mike & Ashley are doing at https://pcsao.org.

Kris and Amanda gave us their full permission to share their story in this format.

Jamie was 42, pregnant with her fifth child, newly married to Ben, and parenting four older kids from her first marriage. Then the call came about her one month old niece. In this episode, Jamie and Ben share what it took to say yes together, why they never regretted it even when the moment felt overwhelming, and how their older kids modeled love in a way that made kinship care feel natural. They talk about the car ride when they told their niece about her birth mother, her simple answer that she has two moms, and Ben's phrase for the support system every kinship family needs. Build your hive.

Learn more about the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and the work Mike & Ashley are doing at https://pcsao.org.

Jamie and Ben gave us their full permission to share their story in this format.

When Laurel first met Fawn, she noticed that Fawn listened. Not at her, but with her. That single detail is what makes this systems disruptors episode land. Fawn Gadel, the director of Ohio Start, and Laurel Ridenour, its brand new Family Peer Mentor Technical Assistance Consultant, sit down to talk about what it took to build a state level position dedicated to peer work. They talk about livable wages, benefits, career ladders, and the difference between saying lived experience matters and putting it in the budget. Their message is simple. Systems change when someone makes a position, not just a speech.

Learn more about the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and the work Mike & Ashley are doing at https://pcsao.org.

Laurel and Fawn gave us their full permission to share their story in this format.

A year after submitting a poem and painting to a national journal, Onita found herself keynoting a conference of hundreds of professionals. In part two of our conversation, she talks about saying yes despite the imposter syndrome, stepping into a classroom as a college professor, and the fictional daughter she wrote for Paul Lawrence Dunbar as a way to honor two writers who came before her. She closes on hope, two of her three children pursuing what they love, her new grandbaby, Skylah's recent gifted identification, and what she wants her family to carry when she is gone.

Learn more about the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and the work Mike & Ashley are doing at https://pcsao.org.

Onita gave us their full permission to share their story in this format.

When Onita took in her granddaughter Skylah nearly two and a half years ago, they were two people who barely knew each other. What they have built since is not a rescue story. It is an adjustment story. In part one of this two-part conversation, Onita talks about the invisible grief that kinship caregivers carry, the decisions to chase and not chase the people we love, and how creativity became the language she and Skylah use to understand each other. They write poems together. They paint together. Their art was part of an exhibit at K-12 & Tejas back in May-June. This is what quiet, daily healing looks like.

Learn more about the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and the work Mike & Ashley are doing at https://pcsao.org.

Onita gave us their full permission to share their story in this format.

Tammy and Frank thought they were about to adopt the two little girls they had raised since infancy. Tessa walked into court that same day to bring her granddaughters home. Both women were blindsided. Both were grieving. And what could have ended in silence became one of the most unlikely sisterhoods you will ever hear about.

In this episode, Tammy and Tessa share the story of a Bob Evans coffee meeting that changed everything, how the girls now have a mom, a mommy, and a mimi, and why they believe families and foster parents should be building relationships from day one.

Learn more about the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and the work Mike & Ashley are doing at https://pcsao.org.

Tammy and Tessa gave us their full permission to share their story in this format.

When Kayden was 13, he stood outside a church and told his mom this would be the last time. Nine years later, he's a 23-year-old homeowner and mail carrier, and Jessica is a family peer mentor pouring everything she learned back into her community. In this honest conversation, the two share what it took to rebuild their relationship after years of addiction, prison, and living apart, including the grandma who held space for them both, the husband who refused to give up, and the daily work of hard conversations, healthy boundaries, and showing up again and again.

Learn more about the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and the work Mike & Ashley are doing at https://pcsao.org.

Jessica and Keyden gave us their full permission to share their story in this format.

Teri was a young mom battling addiction. Haley was the daughter who never stopped believing in her. In this tender conversation with Ashley, the two share what it took to break the cycle, not just from substances, but from old patterns of silence, blame, and false hope. They talk honestly about the hard years, the power of boundaries, and the day-to-day work of learning to communicate as mother and adult daughter. Now, with a master's degree, a career helping others recover, and mother-daughter trips on the calendar, their story is proof that relationships can heal, not just people.

Learn more about the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and the work Mike & Ashley are doing at https://pcsao.org/.

Teri and Haley gave us their full permission to share their story in this format.

Mike and Ashley are back for Season 3 of the 3,000 Good Things podcast! Get ready for another inspiring season of the GOOD things happening in Child Protection across Ohio.

This episode features Bonnie and Norm sharing their inspiring journey of recovery, breaking cycles, and building a blended family rooted in honesty, trust, and love. They discuss overcoming addiction, redefining identity, and creating a supportive community, illustrating that it's never too late to change and find joy.

Learn more about PACT here: https://pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/

Check out our 7 Guiding Principles here: https://pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/7-Guiding-Principles-10.30.25.pdf

#3000GoodThings #PACT #ChildProtection #Recovery

In this episode of 3,000 Good Things, Mike and Ashley are joined by Catrina, Amanda, and Ike three family ambassadors serving in Local Advisory Group in three cohort one counties. The group reflects on the power of using your voice, reflections from the PCSAO conference, and hopes and dreams for the future of child welfare.

Learn more about PACT here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/⁠⁠

Read about the PACT Behavioral Research Project here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PACTBehavioralResearchProject.pdf⁠⁠

Find Information about the 7 Guiding Principles of PACT here: ⁠⁠PACT7GuidingPrinciples.pdf (pcsao.org)⁠⁠

#3000GoodThings #PACT #ChildWelfare

In this conversation, Mike and Ashley are joined by Jacqui Fletcher, the executive director of Cuyahoga CountyDivision of Children and Family Services. Jacqui shares her journey and connection to Cleveland, discusses the importance of community, teamwork, and leadership in child welfare. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, understanding the impact of poverty, and creating a safe environment for informed decision-making. The discussion highlights the significance of authentic relationships, collaboration across systems, and the importance ofself-care for leaders. Jacqui also reflects on the successes of her team and the impact of their work on the community, reminding listeners that their efforts matter, even if not always recognized in the moment.

Learn more about PACT here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/⁠⁠

Read about the PACT BehavioralResearch Project here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PACTBehavioralResearchProject.pdf⁠⁠

Find Information about the 7 GuidingPrinciples of PACT here: ⁠⁠PACT7GuidingPrinciples.pdf (pcsao.org)⁠⁠

#3000GoodThings #PACT #childwelfare

In this episode Mike and Ashley have the opportunity to talk with Kara Wente, Director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth and Angela Sausser, Executive Director of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio. We discuss their method of nurturing hope and celebrating wins, their approach to engaging individuals with lived experience, and the advice they would give their younger selves.

We’re back! Mike and Ashley are joined by Tori and Mariah, two members of a PACT Local Advisory group committed and on fire for cultural change. This conversation delves into the experiences and insights of individuals involved in the PACT initiative, focusing on their personal journeys, challenges faced in child welfare, and the importance of empathy and understanding in building relationships with families. The discussion highlights the role of family ambassadors, wishes for future cohorts, and the significance of self-reflection and growth in the field.

Learn more about PACT here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/⁠⁠

Read about the PACT BehavioralResearch Project here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PACTBehavioralResearchProject.pdf⁠⁠

Find Information about the 7 GuidingPrinciples of PACT here: ⁠⁠PACT7GuidingPrinciples.pdf (pcsao.org)⁠⁠

#childwelfare #3000GoodThings #supervision #cultural change #implementation #social work

In this conversation, Mike and Ashley are joined by Tammy Osborne-Smith, Director of Jackson County JFS, to continuetheir series on leadership. They discuss the importance of investing in staff and organizational culture, and the significant challenges that come with leadership roles. They also highlight the necessity of nurturing hope within teams, and explore how to create a supportive environment that fosters open communication and personal growth. The conversation underscores the importance of self-care among leaders and the need for continuous learning and adaptationin leadership roles.

Learn more about PACT here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/⁠⁠

Read about the PACT BehavioralResearch Project here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PACTBehavioralResearchProject.pdf⁠⁠

Find Information about the 7 GuidingPrinciples of PACT here: ⁠⁠PACT7GuidingPrinciples.pdf (pcsao.org)⁠⁠

#3000GoodThings #PACT #childwelfare #leadership

In this insightful episode, Mike and Ashley sit down with Amy Frame, the dynamic Director of Perry County JFS and President of the PCSAO Board of Trustees. Amy shares her journey of leading with heart through significant organizational change, offering a unique perspective on bridging past, present, and future initiatives. Discoverhow Amy's collaborative approach and commitment to growth have shaped her leadership style, and learn valuable lessons on navigating change, fostering hope, andcelebrating small wins. Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores the challenges and triumphs of transformative leadership.

Learn more about PACT here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/⁠⁠

Read about the PACT BehavioralResearch Project here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PACTBehavioralResearchProject.pdf⁠⁠

Find Information about the 7 GuidingPrinciples of PACT here: ⁠⁠PACT7GuidingPrinciples.pdf (pcsao.org)⁠⁠

#childwelfare #PACT #3000GoodThings

This week Mike and Ashley are joined by Lara, an integral contributor the to PACT. They discuss the role of huddles in fostering collaboration and understanding among teams, explores the dynamics of venting and its impact on team culture, as well as the necessity of effective supervision frameworks to enhance relationships and outcomes for families. The discussion emphasizes the need for cross-collaborative efforts to create a supportive environment that centers around the needs of families.

Learn more about PACT here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/⁠⁠

Read about the PACT BehavioralResearch Project here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PACTBehavioralResearchProject.pdf⁠⁠

Find Information about the 7 GuidingPrinciples of PACT here: ⁠⁠PACT7GuidingPrinciples.pdf (pcsao.org)⁠⁠

#PACT #3000GoodThings #childwelfare

Mike and Ashley are back, along with Civonna, Misty, and a new voice to the conversation: Amanda, a PACT Technical Assistant with decades of experience in supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care. This week's episode highlights the vital role of support systems and the significance of advocacy. They also emphasize the importance of connection and the need to prepare youth for independence. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of foster care and the critical role of lived experiences in shaping positive outcomes for children and families.

PACT PROFILE: Joining

Learn more about PACT here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/⁠⁠

Read about the PACT Behavioral Research Project here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PACTBehavioralResearchProject.pdf⁠⁠

Find Information about the 7 Guiding Principles of PACT here: ⁠⁠PACT7GuidingPrinciples.pdf(pcsao.org)⁠⁠

#PACT #3000GoodThings #childwelfare

In this episode, Ashley continues the conversation with Civonna and her dad and introduces Misty, a long-time foster parent, adoptive parent, and kinship provider. The group discusses navigating the complexities of family dynamics with an emphasis on how foster parents can partner with biological families to aid in the healing process. Guests share their lived experiences, emphasizing the importance of empathy, transparency, and support in fostering positive relationships within families. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of breaking generational cycles, the significance of honoring relationships, and the belief that families can heal and grow together.

PACT PROFILE: Partnering

Learn more about PACT here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/⁠⁠

Read about the PACT BehavioralResearch Project here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PACTBehavioralResearchProject.pdf⁠⁠

Find Information about the 7 GuidingPrinciples of PACT here: ⁠⁠PACT7GuidingPrinciples.pdf (pcsao.org)⁠⁠

#3000GoodThings #PACT #childwelfare

NEW MINI-SERIES!

In this conversation, Civonna shares her journey of navigating life with her father and son under one roof, emphasizing the importance of family bonds, caregiving, and personal values. She reflects on her upbringing, being in foster care, the challenges she faced, including a life-threatening incident, and how these experiences shaped her approach to parenting and relationships. The discussion highlight’s themes of resilience, support, and the deep connections formed through shared experiences and challenges.

PACT PROFILE: Giving

Learn more about PACT here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/⁠⁠

Read about the PACT Behavioral Research Project here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PACTBehavioralResearchProject.pdf⁠⁠

Find Information about the 7 Guiding Principles of PACT here: ⁠⁠PACT7GuidingPrinciples.pdf (pcsao.org)⁠⁠

#childwelfare #3000GoodThings #HealingJourney #PACT

In this episode, Mike and Ashley pick up in the third episode of the Rising To Change mini-series with Marla, a Technical Assistant with the Ohio START program, and Amanda, a mother of two who shares her inspiring story of recovery and healing. Amanda shares self-care and growth tactics and discusses why she chooses to recover out loud and combat stigma. Amanda's story will inspire you to step out into bravery and use your voice for change!

Looking for other episodes in the Rising to Change Series? Start Here:

S2, Episode 4: Valuing Others During Implementation: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4jGeLikrj5xlRdQ3gzgzXP?si=4efcff6155584997

S2, Episode 5: Amanda's Journey of Recovery and Healing: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5PVGapxTPS0ftOxezhUFUw?si=55002aa07db14b31

PACT PROFILE: Being Self Aware

Learn more about PACT here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/programs-events/pact/⁠⁠

Read about the PACT Behavioral Research Project here: ⁠⁠https://www.pcsao.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PACTBehavioralResearchProject.pdf⁠⁠

Find Information about the 7 Guiding Principles of PACT here: ⁠⁠PACT7GuidingPrinciples.pdf (pcsao.org)⁠⁠

#3000GoodThings #childwelfare #OhioSTART #recvery #healing journey