Every Step of the Way Podcast - Season two

Every Step of the Way

Conversations that Inspire

The Power of Connection

A podcast series from Children’s Aid

Welcome to “Every Step of the Way: Conversations that Inspire,” the official podcast of Children’s Aid. Hosted by a rotating cast of Children’s Aid executive leaders, each episode highlights the resilience, passion, and triumphs of the alumni and staff who shape our mission.

In Season 2, The Power of Connection, we elevate the voices of Children’s Aid alumni and speak with leaders across the organization about how our programs work together to support children and families. 

This season, you’ll hear stories of perseverance and opportunity — from young people overcoming extraordinary challenges to families finding support, and alumni now shaping their communities and careers. 

Tune in for heartfelt conversations, behind-the-scenes moments, and a celebration of lives transformed. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.

Episodes

  • Frances Lopez and David Giordano

    Looking Back, Moving Forward

    In the season finale, Georgia Boothe and Phoebe Boyer reflect on the stories shared throughout the season. Joined by returning guest Frances Lopez and new guest David Giordano, they discuss the lasting impact of Children’s Aid’s programs and how alumni voices help shape the organization’s future and continued commitment to children and families.

    Host:
    Phoebe Boyer, CEO, and Georgia Boothe, Chief Program Officer
    Guest:
    Frances Lopez and David Giordano
  • Kimberly Mercedes and Tauryian Sparrow

    Redefining What’s Possible

    In this episode of “Every Step of the Way,” hosts Rodney Lee and Brenda Triplett speak with Kimberly Mercedes and Tauryian Sparrow about the role of advocacy, opportunity, and high expectations in helping foster youth pursue ambitious futures. 

    Learn more about Kimberly and Tauryian’s journeys. 

    Host:
    Rodney Lee, Deputy Division Director, Child Welfare & Family Services, and Brenda Triplett, Senior Director, Educational Achievement & Partnerships
    Guest:
    Kimberly Mercedes and Tauryian Sparrow
  • Judy Edwards

    The Enduring Impact of Our Community Centers

    In episode 4 of “Every Step of the Way,” hosts Sarah Jonas and Casper Lassiter have an inspiring conversation with Judy Edwards, a Children’s Aid alumna who credits her experience at our community centers with uplifting generations of her family. 

    Learn more about Judy’s journey. 

    Host:
    Sarah Jonas, Vice President, Youth Division, and Casper Lassiter, Milbank Community Center Director
    Guest:
    Judy Edwards
  • Marlyn Garcia

    A Family Affair

    In this episode of "Every Step of the Way," hosts Moria Cappio and Margot Sigmone engage in an inspiring conversation with Marlyn Garcia, a Washington Heights mother whose children have benefited from Children’s Aid early childhood programs. 

    Learn more about Marlyn’s journey.

    Host:
    Moria Cappio, Chief of Staff, and Margot Sigmone, Vice President, Early Childhood
    Guest:
    Marlyn Garcia
  • Chanel A. Ramírez and Troy Brown

    Hubs of Opportunity

    In the second episode of "Every Step of the Way," hosts Drema Brown and Abe Fernández speak with Chanel A. Ramírez about her experience attending a Children’s Aid community school and how the support she received set her on a path toward a career in neuroscience research. Alumnus Troy Brown joins the conversation to highlight how his community school experience prepared him for college.

    Learn more about Chanel and Troy’s journeys.

    Host:
    Drema Brown, Vice President of Education at Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School, and Abe Fernández, Vice President of National Center for Community Schools
    Guest:
    Chanel A. Ramírez and Troy Brown
  • Karina Melendez

    When Care Means Everything

    In the first episode of "Every Step of the Way," Georgia Boothe and Rhonda Braxton co-host a deeply inspiring conversation with Karina Melendez, an alumna who faced entering foster care and a cancer diagnosis with the help of Children’s Aid’s Medical Foster Care program.  

    Learn more about Karina's journey. 

    Host:
    Georgia Boothe, Executive Vice President, and Rhonda Braxton, Vice President, Health and Wellness
    Guest:
    Karina Melendez

I want to make sure that pregnant mothers know that there's a program out there, so they don't feel like they're alone through that pregnancy.

Marlyn García
Podcast Guest
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Every Step of the Way podcast logo
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I think everything I've gone through, while really hard and challenging, they also put me in the path of folks who became part of my resilience.

Karina Melendez
Podcast Guest
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Children's Aid was a huge part of my life and a huge part of my children's and grandchildren's lives as well.

Judy Edwards
Podcast Guest