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 critical to long-term healing.

The conversation also explores burnout, vicarious trauma, and how mental health professionals can care for themselves while caring for others. Rob discusses the importance of physical activity, family, optimism, and authentic relationships in sustaining a long career in a demanding field. Together, GT and Rob examine the current state of mental health in our communities, particularly for youth, and why access, prevention, and personalized support matter now more than ever.

GUEST BIO:

Rob D’Alonzo, MA, LPC, is the Senior Vice President of School-Based Services at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth. Rob joined TLC in 2011 and has held several leadership roles, including Director of the Family Resource Center, where he oversaw services with the Office of Children and Youth and led Family Focused Solution Based Services in partnership with Central Behavioral Health.

In his current role, Rob leads TLC’s School-Based Services division and provides clinical supervision to counselors and graduate interns across the agency. With decades of experience in crisis response, residential treatment, and community-based mental health, Rob brings a systems-focused, relationship-driven approach to supporting youth, families, and professionals.

Rob earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Syracuse University and his master’s degree from Antioch University in Santa Barbara, California. He has been a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania since 2002.

SPONSOR:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.

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 grief.

Erin explains how VSC ensures zero barriers to care: no insurance needed, no requirement to report to police, no immigration questions, and free interpretation for any language. She also highlights the agency’s proactive outreach model, strong collaborations with police departments, hospitals, schools, and courts, and the critical role of advocacy in helping victims navigate complex legal processes. Additional topics include the rise of elder fraud, the importance of language access, and the emotional rewards and challenges of the work. The conversation illuminates how VSC’s small but mighty team supports thousands of survivors and why community awareness, partnerships, and financial support remain vital.

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Erin Milbourne, LCSW, is the Direct Services Supervisor at the Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, the county’s only nonprofit providing comprehensive, free, and confidential support to survivors of crime and their loved ones. With nearly two decades at VSC, Erin oversees clinical services, advocacy programs, crisis response, and multiple specialized support groups offered both in person and virtually.

A trauma-informed clinician and longtime social worker, Erin is recognized for her leadership in expanding language access, strengthening partnerships with law enforcement and courts, and improving service pathways for survivors of sexual violence, homicide, gun violence, and elder fraud. She has been instrumental in implementing outreach initiatives such as countywide bilingual awareness campaigns and innovative virtual support groups. Motivated by her own lived experience as a survivor, Erin brings deep empathy, expertise, and purpose to her work supporting victims across Montgomery County and throughout Pennsylvania.

SPONSOR:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.

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 also highlights the growing partnership between Wellpoint and The Lincoln Center and how strategic collaboration can expand reach, improve outcomes, and support families more holistically.

GUEST BIO:

Reggie Newson is the Chief Executive Officer of Wellpoint Care Network, a 175-year-old human service organization serving children and families throughout the Milwaukee region. A seasoned executive with more than two decades of experience across government, healthcare, and the private sector, Reggie is known for leading organizational transformation, advancing community partnerships, and championing equitable access to essential supports.

Before joining Wellpoint, he spent nearly a decade in leadership roles with Ascension Wisconsin and previously served as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. His career spans roles at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, WE Energies, and multiple statewide policy and workforce initiatives.

Reggie holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Concordia University-Wisconsin, along with advanced certifications in project management, Six Sigma Black Belt, and nonprofit leadership through institutions including Duke University and the National Urban League.

SPONSOR:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.

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 effective education. The conversation explores the national teacher shortage, the changing landscape of public education, teacher agency, culturally responsive teaching, and the complicated emergence of AI in the classroom.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or community leader, this episode offers an honest, hopeful look at the future of teaching and the profound impact of helping young people discover their place in education.

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Deborah Broderick is an educator, researcher, and program coordinator with more than twenty years of experience preparing future teachers. She leads the Secondary Education Academy at Central Montco Technical High School, where high school students gain hands-on classroom experience, complete college-level coursework, and explore careers in education.

Deborah holds a doctorate in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania and has dedicated her work to arts-integrated teaching, critical literacy, culturally responsive pedagogy, and teacher recruitment through Educators Rising. Her career spans work in traditional public schools, alternative education, higher education, and graduate-level teacher preparation. Passionate about cultivating reflective, relationship-centered educators, she continues to champion creativity, agency, and the human side of teaching.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Deborah Broderick, Ed.D.

Website: https://www.deborabroderick.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debora-broderick-ed-d-405406a/

Educators Rising: https://educatorsrising.org/

Central Montco Technical High School https://www.cmths.org/

SPONSOR:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.

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 Andre
• The importance of emotional intelligence and communication in leadership
• How leaders can “protect their people” and build meaningful one-on-one connections
• Why work-life harmony is less about balance and more about intentionality

Andre’s practical wisdom and contagious energy will leave you rethinking how you lead, live, and evolve.

GUEST BIO:

Andre Young is a sought-after speaker, author, leadership trainer, and the Founder of You Evolving Now, LLC, a company dedicated to enhancing leadership and work-life harmony for organizations and individuals. Drawing from his diverse background as a former athlete, mental health professional, and entrepreneur, Andre has spent over two decades helping teams, leaders, and employees evolve personally and professionally.

He’s the author of five books, including 7 Ways to Lead and The Leader’s Toolbox, and recently launched Ask Andre, an AI-powered leadership tool built from his own teachings to provide real-time guidance and communication scripts for leaders everywhere.

HELPFUL LINKS:

You Evolving Now, LLC: https://youevolvingnow.com/

Andre Young on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youevolvingnow/

Books by Andre Young: https://youevolvingnow.com/evolve-the-book/ Ask Andre – Leadership AI Tool:

https://training.youevolvingnow.com/askandre

SPONSOR:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.

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.

Listeners will gain insight into how long-standing organizations can stay responsive, innovative, and mission-driven in an ever-changing world.

Helpful Links: Family Services:

https://fsmontco.org/

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.montcopa.org/hhs

GUEST BIO:

Kelly Canally is the Chief Executive Officer of Family Services of Montgomery County, one of the region’s longest-serving human service agencies. Over her 30-year career with the organization, Kelly has led programs ranging from substance abuse prevention and family strengthening to reentry and housing initiatives. Beginning as an intern in 1994, her leadership now guides a team committed to responding to the evolving needs of Montgomery County residents—from children and families to seniors and individuals returning to community life after incarceration. Kelly’s dedication to innovation, collaboration, and compassion has helped Family Services sustain 125 years of continuous impact in the community.

SPONSOR:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.

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 trust is built over time with officers, how compassion and humor play a role in her daily work, and why co-responder programs are reshaping the future of community policing.

GUEST BIO:

Fiona Purcell, MS, is a licensed mental health professional with The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth, serving as the co-responding counselor with the Plymouth Township Police Department. With a background in trauma-informed care and first responder wellness, Fiona provides on-the-ground mental health support for individuals in crisis while strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and social services. Her previous experience includes clinical work with the First Responder Addiction Treatment (FRAT) Program at Livengrin Foundation, where she led individual and group therapy for police, firefighters, and EMS professionals.

SPONSORS:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.

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 work with students and staff.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of special education, the evolving role of schools in addressing mental health, and the power of connection in helping young people succeed.

GUEST BIO:

Jeff Ennis is the Special Education Supervisor for Norristown Area School District, overseeing programs and services for high school students in grades nine and above. With a career spanning roles from elementary teacher to supervisor, Jeff brings deep expertise in individualized education plans (IEPs), inclusive programming, and student transitions to life after high school. He is passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, and staff to ensure every learner feels supported and prepared for success. Jeff is also pursuing his doctorate with the goal of mentoring the next generation of educators.

EPISODE LINKS:

Norristown Area School District: https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/

SPONSORS:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.