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
177 episodes
Check the Back Seat
Summer is a great time to review family safety practices. In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we focus on child passenger safety and the importance of building routines that help keep children safe around vehicles. Learn prac...
Disability Awareness
In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, Petora Manetto-Spratt, PT, DPT, PCS, IMH-E Infant Family Specialist, discusses the services and supports available for children with disabilities and developmental differences. Petora explains how f...
143: The Power of Rest featuring The Nap Time Show
In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we welcome Sierra Boone, host and executive producer of The Nap Time Show. Together, we explore the important role rest plays in young children's growth, learning, emotional...
142 Simplify Your Life
Life with young children can feel busy, overwhelming, and sometimes just plain complicated. In honor of National Simplify Your Life Week, this episode of Family Engagement Fridays encourages parents to take a step back and focus on what ...
141 Helping children find their voice
In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, Laura Vega Flores, Early Learning Ventures' Early Intervention Manager, shares her personal experience as the parent of a child with autism and the journey of helping her son develop self-a...
140 Boredom isn't Bad
July is Anti-Boredom Month, but what if boredom isn't actually a bad thing? In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we explore how unstructured play helps young children develop creativity, independence, problem-solving skills, and confid...
139: Building Communities with Dignity and Respect
In this episode, Michelle Gilman, Speech-Language Pathologist with Early Intervention Colorado, discusses the importance of Disability Awareness and how greater understanding can strengthen families, schools, and communities. Michelle shares pr...
138 Every Day Moments with Vroom
In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we welcome Lucy Soffer from Parent Possible, a Colorado organization dedicated to helping parents access the tools, resources, and support they need to help their children thrive. ...
137: Encouraging Independence and Confidence
In this episode, Julie Mendenhall explores the concept of helicopter parenting—what it means, how to recognize the signs, and the impact it can have on children's growth and development. Julie discusses practical ways parents can step back whil...
136: A Safe and Fun Fourth of July for Families
As Colorado communities navigate wildfire conditions, poor air quality, and changing holiday celebrations, families may be wondering how to celebrate the Fourth of July safely with infants and toddlers. In this special episode of Family Eng...
135. Men's Mental Health
In honor of Men’s Mental Health Month, this episode features Darnell Anthony, MSW, LSW (Grand Junction, CO) sharing valuable insight on the importance of mental wellness for men. He discusses strategies and services available to help men meet t...
134: Dads Matter (What the Data Shows)
In this special Father’s Day episode, we take a closer look at what the research really says about fathers and their impact on young children. While dads are often overlooked, the data tells a powerful story—engaged fathers play a critical role...
133 Common Car Seat Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
In honor of National Safety Month, we’re focusing on one of the most important ways to protect young children—car seat safety. In this episode, we’re joined by Megan Chapman, Early Learning Ventures’ Early Head Start Health and Safety Co...
Replay: Tiny Wings and Curious Things
In honor of the dawning summer we are playing one of our favorites!Get ready to explore the miniature world of bugs with Vail Shoultz-McCole and Colleen Roahrig! In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating lives of insects and how...
132 Grief Isn’t Just About Loss: Coping with Emotional Overload in Today’s World
In this episode, Licensed Professional Counselor Barb Kamlet shares expert insight on how grief, stress, and emotional overwhelm are impacting families in today’s uncertain world. Many parents and caregivers are experiencing anxiety, exhaustion...
Replay: Splash Safely: Water Safety with Kids
Send us Fan MailIn honor of Water Safety Month we are replaying this oldie but goodie. Join Christie Caster from the Western Colorado Red Cross as she share...
131: Children's Chores
In this episode, Julie Mendenhall and Colleen Roahrig share practical strategies for getting children involved in household chores. Learn why age‑appropriate responsibilities are important for building independence, confidence, and a sense of b...
130 A Pep Talk for Mothers
In this special Mother’s Day episode, we offer a heartfelt reminder for moms of young children: you are doing better than you think. Parenting can feel overwhelming, but your presence, love, and everyday moments matter more than perfecti...
129- Nutrition and Eating Habits for Children
In this episode, Jess shares practical guidance on how to introduce solid foods to babies and build healthy eating habits from the very beginning. She offers easy, realistic strategies to encourage children of all ages to try a variety of foods...
128. From Waste to Wellness: How “We Don’t Waste” Brings Recovered Food to Our Communities
What happens to perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste? In this episode, we’re joined by Caroline from We Don’t Waste, an organization transforming surplus food into meaningful community nourishment across Colorado.Caroline...
127- The Importantance of Well Child Visits
Jessica King PA talks about the importance of your child’s “Well Child Visits”. You will learn what you can do to prepare for these appointments, what you can expect to discuss, and questions that you could and should be asking. You will learn ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...