Family Engagement Fridays Podcast by ELV
Join hosts Jennifer Garcia Rosendo, Colleen Roahrig, and Sue Kansteiner as they sit down with leading organizations dedicated to supporting families during the critical early years. Whether you’re searching for Colorado-specific resources or national programs, this podcast is your go-to guide for trusted information.
Each episode delivers expert advice, practical tips, and actionable tools to help parents and caregivers navigate challenges like early childhood education, nutrition, health and wellness, and social-emotional development. Our guests share proven strategies and programs designed to give your child the strongest start in life.
Episodes
156 episodes
126 Screen Time Struggles? A Mental Health Expert Breaks It Down
Are screens stealing your child’s attention? In this eye‑opening episode, mental health therapist Elizabeth Clark, who works directly with students and families in Mesa County’s SD51, breaks down the real impacts of excessive technolog...
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20:41
Replay Measles
In light of the recent measles cases confirmed here in Colorado, including a rare breakthrough infection in a vaccinated individual, we’re re‑releasing one of our most relevant conversations. In this episode, Colleen Roahrig sits down with Heid...
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19:38
125: Getting More Out of Your Pantry: Smart Storage, Zero‑Waste Cooking & Budget‑Friendly Hacks
Unlock the secrets to stretching your groceries, reducing food waste, and creating delicious meals with what you already have! In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Caroline from We Don’t Waste to e...
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19:32
Replay: Toddler Sleep Struggles? Let’s Talk Solutions with the Pyramid Model
March 1st was Baby Sleep day which highlights the importance of healthy sleep for infants and their families, preceding World Sleep Day. In honor of Baby Sleep day we are replaying this heartwarming episode, we’re joined by Robin Levy, a ...
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16:01
124 Dealing with being overwhelmed- Julie Mendenhall
Who has not been overwhelmed at certain times in life? It is a normal human feeling. The important thing is recognizing the feelings of being overwhelmed and how to address those feelings. Julie will share some ideas and strategies to help you ...
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7:59
Replay: Oral Health Basics
In this episode, we sit down with Kim Wolff from Healthy Child Care Colorado to talk through the five basics of oral health every family should know. Kim covers why baby teeth matter, why wat...
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10:10
123- How Cavities Form & How to Prevent Them
In honor of Dental Awareness Month, Brittany Williams, RDH, breaks down how cavities form and what parents can do to prevent them. Cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting kids across communities every day. Even though ...
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8:41
122 Who Owns The Problem?
In this episode, Julie Mendenhall talks about how parents can tell who is responsible for solving a problem—the parent or the child. She explains that unsafe behaviors like hitting are the parent’s problem to solve, while feelings and emotions ...
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10:31
121 Building a Dental Home: Early Oral Health Tips for Young Children
In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we talk with Nikki Weaver from Kids In Need of Dentistry (KIND) about the importance of early dental care for babies and toddlers. Nikki explains when ...
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7:55
120: Understanding Elopement and Safety in the Autism Community
Join Ariana DeAngelis from The Autism Project as she discusses essential strategies for keeping both children and adults safe within the Autism community. In this episode, Ariana explains what elo...
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19:49
119 – The Different Parts of the Autism Diagnosis
In this episode, Ariana from The Autism Project takes a deeper dive into understanding Autism. She explains the different subcategories within the diagnosis and shares insights on behavi...
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29:18
Replay: New Year, New Money Habits
We’re kicking off the year by revisiting an important conversation with our partners at 3rd Decade, who are now accepting applications for their 2026 cohorts.In this replay, Jennifer Garcia Ros...
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17:07
Replay Understanding CCCAP & the Current Enrollment Freeze
As the year comes to a close, we are highlighting our top episodes of the year. This one was the most listened to podcast in 2025. In this episode, we’re joined by Carlie Reed, Mesa County CCCAP Supervisor, to break do...
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7:06
Replay: Toddler Sleep Struggles? Let’s Talk Solutions with the Pyramid Model
To celebrate a new year of FeF we are replaying the top episodes from this year. This one comes in at number 2. In this heartwarming episode, we’re joined by Robin Levy, a Pyramid Model Coordinator, ...
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16:01
Replay Take Time to Play
We are doing our end of the year celebration of our favorite episodes. Here is Number 3In the whirlwind of parenting responsibilities, it’s easy to forget one of the most powerful ways to connect with your child: play....
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10:03
118 - Holiday Health & Safety Tips for Kids and Adults
The holidays are full of joy—but they can also bring hidden hazards and seasonal illnesses. In this episode, Heidi Belatti, RN, shares practical tips to keep your home safe while decorating, plus strategies to prevent and manage common winter i...
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23:48
117: What every parent needs to know- Measles
In this episode, Colleen Roahrig sits down with Heidi Belatti, RN, to unpack everything parents need to know about measles, from early signs and symptoms to effective prevention strategies. Heidi explains how to recognize risk factors in...
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19:38
116- Understanding Autism – Insights from The Autism Project
Join Ariana from The Autism Project as she breaks down the clinical definition of Autism and provides a clear, accessible overview for parents and caregivers. In this episode, you’ll learn what Autism...
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21:32
115 Tattling and Telling – Helping Kids Know when to Speak Up
Ever wonder why kids tattle—and how to help them know when to speak up? In this episode, Colleen sits down with Julie Mendenhall to unpack the difference between “tattling” and “telling.” They share practical strategies for parents to gui...
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12:38
Replay: My Plate Will Look Different Than Your Plate
As families across Colorado face the SNAP benefit freeze, we’re revisiting a powerful conversation that feels more relevant than ever. In this episode, Jennifer Garcia sits down with Cooking Matters facilitators Paul Soderstrom and Brigid...
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37:23
114: Navigating the SNAP Freeze
In this special episode of Family Engagement Fridays, Jennifer Garcia Rosendo shares timely information and practical resources to help families navigate the November 1 SNAP benefit freeze in Colorado. With federal funding paused, many...
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13:25
113: Keeping Halloween Safe
In this special Halloween edition of Family Engagement Fridays, Jennifer Garcia shares practical, family-friendly tips to help keep your trick-or-treaters safe—whether they’re tiny toddlers in strollers or older kids exploring th...
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6:07
112 – Empowering Children Through Meaningful Choices and Questions
In this episode, Julie Mendenhall joins us to explore how offering intentional choices and asking reflective questions can positively shape children's behavior and emotional development.🧠 Learn how to:Use choices as a behavio...
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9:04
111: Your Vote, Your Voice: Ballot Measures That Impact Families
In this episode, we’re joined once again by Monica Dewitt, Civic Engagement Specialist at the Community Resource Center, to talk about what’s on Colorado’s statewide ballot this November—and why it matters for families with young children. ...
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23:02