The Fostering Solutions podcast, with Dr. Michelle Foster, uplifts people and enterprises making a positive community impact in Appalachia and Urban America.
Holding the Mission Together: Leadership in the Face of Uncertainty - Dr. Jake Vanhorn
In this episode of Fostering Solutions, Dr. Michelle Foster speaks with Dr. Jake VanHorn, Chief Program Officer at Cabin Creek Health Systems, about what it means to hold the mission together when uncertainty looms.
Dr. VanHorn received his Doctor of Clinical Psychology from Marshall University, where he developed a passion for working in communities that face systemic barriers to care. Since joining Cabin Creek Health Systems in 2017 as a Behavioral Health Provider, he has helped lead the organization’s efforts to develop systems of care that decrease barriers, increase access, and improve patient outcomes.
Believing that “good healthcare does not happen in a silo, but as part of a community that meets people where they are,” Dr. VanHorn champions a “no wrong door” approach—linking healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, and community partners to ensure comprehensive and compassionate care. His professional interests include developing models of care that support community integration into the healthcare system, behavioral health as public health, program development, advocacy, and organizational structure.
In this conversation, Dr. VanHorn shares how thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community well-being guide his work at Cabin Creek. Together, we explore how leaders can stay grounded in mission, even in the face of uncertainty—and how cross-sector partnerships can strengthen both systems and the people they serve.
31 Oct 2025
Holding the Mission Together: Leadership in the Face of Uncertainty - Margaret Chapman Pomponio
Welcome to Fostering Solutions, where we explore the stories of changemakers who are building a better future for our communities.
Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Margaret Chapman Pomponio, Executive Director of WV FREE, joining us from right here in Charleston, West Virginia. Margaret's journey is one of deep commitment to justice and community empowerment. After earning her Master's in Political Science from Western Washington University—where she even taught Women and Politics—she made the choice to return home to West Virginia. That was back in 2002, and she's been on the front lines of reproductive health, rights, and justice work ever since.
Under Margaret's leadership, WV FREE has grown significantly, achieving meaningful policy victories at every level of government, even in one of the most challenging political landscapes in the country. But what really sets Margaret apart is her approach: she knows that lasting change doesn't happen in isolation. She's a firm believer in coalition-building, in lifting up new voices, and in the power of partnership to create transformative social change.
Beyond her work at WV FREE, Margaret serves on the board of the West Virginia Interfaith Refugee Ministry, sits on the West Virginia Lawyer Disciplinary Review Board, and is active in her church community at St. John's Episcopal here in Charleston. She's also a busy mom to young twins and stepmom to two young adults—somehow finding time for family travel adventures between fighting the good fight.
Margaret, thank you so much for being here today. Welcome to Fostering Solutions.
31 Oct 2025
Holding the Mission Together: Leadership in the Face of Uncertainty - Tricia C. Kingery
Welcome back to Fostering Solutions. I'm your host, Dr. Michelle Mickle Foster, and today we continue our "Holding the Mission Together" series—conversations with nonprofit leaders who have navigated extraordinary challenges with grace, grit, and unwavering commitment to their missions.
I'm thrilled to introduce you to someone who truly embodies what it means to be a connector and change-maker: Tricia C. Kingery.
Tricia is the founder and president of Kingery & Company, a West Virginia-based consulting firm dedicated to strengthening nonprofits through strategic planning, training, marketing, and fundraising. But her impact extends far beyond consulting. As Executive Director of EveryChild NOW and Statewide Leader for the ACEs Coalition of West Virginia, Tricia has positioned herself at the forefront of child advocacy and trauma-informed systems change in our state.
What makes Tricia's story particularly compelling is her ability to see connections where others see only challenges. With a Master's in Counseling, a Bachelor's in Psychology, and an MBA, she brings both heart and strategic thinking to her work. She's not just advising nonprofits from the sidelines—she's in the trenches with them, understanding firsthand what it means to hold a mission together when resources are uncertain and the stakes are high.
Tricia's commitment to creating community led her to establish The Retreat and The Cottage—peaceful, productive spaces where nonprofits can gather, plan, and grow. It's this same spirit of nurturing and connection that has made her a sought-after keynote speaker and mentor to emerging leaders across our state.
As someone who has dedicated her life to making life better for others—particularly children and families affected by trauma—Tricia understands the weight of leadership during uncertain times. Today, she'll share her insights on navigating funding cuts, maintaining organizational resilience, and finding hope when the path forward isn't clear.
So let's dive into this important conversation. Tricia, welcome to Fostering Solutions.
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