To Mom is To Love with Valerie Probstfeld, NP

Connection In The Classroom with Anne Paonessa, PhD - Episode 165

Dr. Anne Paonessa is an experienced educator, consultant, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in K-12 education, including 10 years as an administrator. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership and has dedicated her career to improving student engagement, fostering inclusivity, and supporting the professional development of educators. Dr. Paonessa is the co-author of Essential Connection Skills (Corwin, 2025) and has contributed to several educational publications, including Education Week, TESOL Publications, IL ASCD Journal, and Language Magazine. Her work emphasizes the importance of building social connections within core content to enhance academic success. She offers professional learning to support the success of multilingual learners and students with diverse needs. Learn more at her website: https://annepaonessa.com/and connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-paonessa-phd-77559292/ 
 

"Unmute Your Voice" with Dr. Rita Renee - Episode 164

Dr. Rita Renee is a TEDx Speaker, international keynote speaker, author, and mentor who empowers women to come off mute and step into bold leadership with their voice, story, and influence. With over 34 years of experience in nursing and corporate healthcare leadership, she has led high-performing teams, shaped culture, and advanced excellence across clinical, corporate, ministry, and entrepreneurial spaces.
Her own journey through emotional, physical, and financial trauma became the foundation of her life’s calling. Refusing to be silenced by pain or expectation, she transformed adversity into assignment and founded Ultimate PowerHouse Coach—a global empowerment platform that helps women turn their stories into strategy and their calling into impact.
Dr. Rita Renee holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Doctorate in Theocentric Psychotherapy and Leadership (PsyThD). Her unique blend of business acumen, clinical leadership, ministry insight, and trauma-informed mentorship positions her as a powerful voice for women ready to rise, heal, and lead.
Learn more: https://drritarenee.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drritarenee/
https://www.instagram.com/drultimatepowerhousecoach
https://www.youtube.com/@drritarenee https://www.facebook.com/drritareneeultimatepowerhousecoach
Listen to her TEDx talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gXmRb0K9uc

Bubbly Nights Out with Christina Podraza - Episode 163

Christina Podraza is the co-owner of Bubbly Nights Out, a women’s social community reimagining how women connect — bringing them together through curated experiences and unforgettable meals at standout restaurants across Chicago’s western suburbs.
Christina met her business partner and close friend, Nicole Robertson, while teaching fifth grade in Lisle, Illinois. Bonding over their shared love of food, the two began exploring a new Chicago restaurant each month with their Supper Club. Friends were always asking them where to eat and how they managed to stay connected despite busy careers and family life.
In 2023, they turned that passion into Bubbly Nights Out. Through their signature experience, The Social Table, they host monthly dinners designed to foster meaningful friendships over exceptional meals. In 2026, they expanded their events to include The Social Hour, a series of smaller, interactive gatherings designed to connect women through shared experiences and common interests.
Christina holds a doctorate in education and works as an educational consultant supporting schools and educators. She is also a proud mother who tries her best to balances entrepreneurship with family life.  One of her greatest joys is sharing culinary adventures with her 10-year-old daughter, a budding foodie with an uncanny ability to describe a dish with surprising precision.
Learn more here: https://www.instagram.com/bubblynightsout/ 

Taking Care of Moms and Sharing Books with Erin Walsh, founder of Bloom Bright Postpartum Doula and Bloom Bright Books - Episode 162

Erin Walsh, LCSW is a mom of three with a background in social work and trained as a full spectrum doula. She is the founder of Bloom Bright Postpartum Doula services and Bloom Bright Books. She empowers families through compassionate care and provides emotional and hands on support for mothers as well as evidence-based guidelines. Learn more at:
https://www.instagram.com/bloombright_postpartumdoula/
https://www.instagram.com/bloombrightbooks/ 

Sparking Change with Kindness Around the World with James Kellock - Episode 161

James Kellock is the Founder of All We Can Foundation and Ripple Core. James scales kindnessinto measurable social impact for businesses, communities, and schools worldwide. Connect with James and learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kellock/ https://www.allwecan.co/ https://www.ripplecore.co.uk/ 
 

Neurodivergence with Jennifer Hill - Episode 160

Jennifer Hill is CEO and Co-Founder of OptiMatch. Jennifer empowers clients to unlock theirpotential and transform accidental adversarial relationships into harmonious connections. Herjourney has taken her to hundreds of stages worldwide, including speaking in front of 100,000people in India and sharing platforms with luminaries like Deepak Chopra. Tune into this episode to learn more about Jennifer Hill's journey with neurodivergence. Connect with Jen and learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkhill/ 

The Science and Benefits of the Alexander Technique with Tommy Swanson - Episode 159

Tommy Swanson is an award-winning and prolific national and international flutist. He received a Bachelor's in Music Performance from the University of Central Florida and received a degree in Music Therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Tommy is a AmSAT certified teacher of the Alexander Technique,  a 3-year 1600-hour training. He currently works in the Chicagoland area for special education as a music therapist. Learn more: https://www.tommyjswanson.com/ and connect with him via email: tommyjswanson@gmail.com or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bazingaflute/ 

Generational Memories with Ed Brenegar - Episode 157

Ed Brenegar is a leadership thought leader, writer, podcaster, and social catalyst. He writes The Future of Leadership on Substack and hosts The Eddy Network Podcast on YouTube. He is the author of eight books. His current book under development is Generational Memory: Restoring Community in the Continuity of Time. He is the father of three grown children and a grandson. You can learn more about Ed here: https://edbrenegar.com/ https://edbrenegar.substack.com/ 

Pelvic Health with Nadia Love, PT, DPT - Episode 156

Nadia Love is an alumni of the University of Alabama and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from my undergraduate alma mater Bradley University. Her clinical experience includes sports/orthopedics, acute care, pediatrics, and pelvic health. As a former athlete, she was always interested in movement science, but has recently geared her focus to the world of Pelvic Health. She is passionate about patient-centered care and treating a variety of conditions as she grows her knowledge. During her time in PT school, Nadia was involved in a variety of organizations and was a chartering member of the IL chapter of the National Association of Black Physical Therapists in 2021. While excellent patient care remains her top priority, she is also passionate about community involvement and education; she was voted by her class to be “The Best Women’s Health and Community Advocate." Outside of the profession, Nadia is a doula, looking to assist mothers in preparation for labor and delivery of their little ones as well as recovery after. She enjoys sports, exercising, spending time outdoors, and aerial fitness in her free time. Connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nlove_pt/ and email: nlovept28@gmail.com 
 

Boundaries with Jan and Jillian Yuhas - Episode 155

Jan Yuhas, M.A., MFT and Jillian Yuhas, MA, MFT are Relationship Consultants and ConflictResolution Experts. Jan and Jillian help entrepreneurs and executives achieve optimalfulfillment, establish healthy boundaries, and confidently communicate their values to createmeaningful relationships in every facet of their lifestyle while achieving personal freedom. Learn more about them and their book "Boundary Badass" https://www.janandjillian.com/ and connect with them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janandjillian/