In this episode of the Goddesses of Social Work Podcast, we continue our Remember Me Series, highlighting the extraordinary yet often unseen work of aging and caregiving services in Alabama.

I sit down with Meghan Germek, Community Outreach Coordinator at the Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC). Born and raised in Odenville, Alabama, Meghan carries forward the legacy of strong women who shaped her upbringing. With a background spanning nursing home social work, youth services, and mental health outreach, she now leads community engagement efforts—connecting people with vital resources through health fairs, radio appearances, and public events.

Together we explore: 🌿 Meghan’s journey into social work and the values that shaped her path 🌿 What community outreach looks like on the ground ~ and why it matters 🌿 The joys and challenges of being on the frontlines of public engagement 🌿 Her hopes for the upcoming Remember Me documentary screening and community gathering 🌿 The message she would whisper to her younger self as she stepped into the field of social work

Meghan’s story is a powerful reminder that systems are only as strong as the people within them ~ and that outreach, at its core, is about ensuring everyone feels seen, supported, and worthy of care

🔗 Learn more about CAAC and Ombudsman services here:

CAAC link

🗓️ Register for the Remember Me event on November 1st:

Event registration link

Find more of Renita's offerings here:

https://linktr.ee/illuminatedexpressions

Interested in Mastering Your Therapeutic Techniques for Dementia Caregivers?

https://gamma.app/docs/Interested-in-Mastering-Your-Therapeutic-Techniques-for-Dementia--7fnyf5ydeq70qd5

Goddess of Social Work Earrings - Etsy

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1183285270/goddess-of-social-work-earrings

In this episode of the Goddesses of Social Work Podcast, I sit down with Iuri Melo, LCSW, therapist, father of five, author, and co-founder of SchoolPulse, a nationwide support service reaching over 300 schools in 25+ states.

Born out of heartbreak after a wave of teen suicides in his community, SchoolPulse now delivers weekly encouragement, growth-mindset tools, and mental health resources directly to students, parents, and educators. Together, Iuri and I explore:

✨ The story behind SchoolPulse and how it offers hope through consistent care ✨ What it means to “bless the human family” in divided times ✨ How parenthood, authorship, and Adventure Based Therapy have shaped his mission ✨ The real-world impact of showing up with kindness, psychology, and presence

Iuri’s journey is a powerful reminder that one consistent voice of care can change lives.

🔗 Learn more about SchoolPulse, Iuri’s books and his weekly messages below.

2 MINUTE VIDEO that quickly summarizes SchoolPulse and how schools deploy its incredible strategies

1. Here is a link to all of luri's extraordinary VIDEOS.
2. Here is a link to the most comprehensive MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE PAGE in the country, created and delivered to every school, parent, and student.

Links to luri's books:

Know Thy Selfie - t.ly/juUMB

Mind Over Grey Matter - t.ly/SxNUU

Find more of Renita's offerings here:

https://linktr.ee/illuminatedexpressions

In this episode of the Goddesses of Social Work Podcast, I sit down with Cheryl Craig, Long-Term Care Ombudsman at the Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC).

Together we explore: 🌿 Cheryl’s journey into advocacy and how she became an Ombudsman 🌿 What an Ombudsman does — and why this role is so vital for elders and their families 🌿 The realities of navigating complex systems in long-term care 🌿 A story that reminded Cheryl why this work matters, even when it’s hard 🌿 Her hopes for those attending the Remember Me documentary screening and community gathering on November 1st

Cheryl’s reflections remind us that advocacy is not just policy or paperwork — it’s giving voice to those who may otherwise go unheard, and standing beside elders with dignity and compassion.

🔗 Learn more about CAAC and Ombudsman services here:

CAAC link

🗓️ Register for the Remember Me event on November 1st:

Event registration link

Find more of Renita's offerings here:

https://linktr.ee/illuminatedexpressions

Interested in Mastering Your Therapeutic Techniques for Dementia Caregivers?

https://gamma.app/docs/Interested-in-Mastering-Your-Therapeutic-Techniques-for-Dementia--7fnyf5ydeq70qd5

Goddess of Social Work Earrings - Etsy

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1183285270/goddess-of-social-work-earrings