A space for our Humboldt community to connect, learn, and grow. We explore the big and small moments that shape children, families, and caregivers—sharing stories, expert insights, and practical tools to nurture resilience, equity, and the power of connection.
From the Archives - Understanding Domestic Violence & Supporting Families
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re revisiting this important conversation with Liz Rockenbach and Jess Aguirre from Humboldt Domestic Violence Services (HDVS).
HDVS is a vital local resource working to break the cycle of domestic violence through services, education, and advocacy. In this episode, Liz and Jess help guide us through what domestic violence can look like beyond common misconceptions, signs of unhealthy relationships, and how we can support loved ones with care and compassion.
We also explore how to navigate difficult conversations—as community members, service providers, and families—and why these conversations are so important for the wellbeing of children and caregivers.
This episode offers a meaningful way to engage with a hard but necessary topic, while centering local support and community care.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, confidential help is available 24/7 through Humboldt Domestic Violence Services at (707) 443-6042.
In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we sit down with Leticia Padilla to talk about how stress, uncertainty, and larger systems impact young children especially those in immigrant families.
Together, we explore what trauma can look like in early childhood, how children express fear and stress through behavior, and the ways these experiences shape their development over time. We also name the realities many families are navigating that often go unseen, from disrupted routines to barriers in accessing support.
This conversation also highlights the concept of secondary trauma—how supporting families through difficult experiences can impact providers, educators, and caregivers—and why care for the helpers matters too.
Most importantly, we focus on what helps: simple, meaningful ways caregivers and communities can support children so they feel safe, connected, and supported.
This episode is for anyone who cares for children and wants to better understand what they may be experiencing and how to show up for them with care.
19 Aug 2026
Honoring Childhood: Why Early Educators Matter More Than We Realize
In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re joined by Star Fishel Mohatt to explore the importance of early childhood and the systems that support children, families, and caregivers.
Star shares her journey into the field and offers insight into why early childhood education is both essential and often undervalued. Together, we talk about what it means to truly honor childhood, the importance of investing in the childcare workforce, and how communities can better support those doing this critical work.
We also break down key concepts like protective factors and trauma-informed care, offering practical ways to understand how children and families build resilience and thrive.
This conversation highlights the connection between supporting providers and strengthening families and why both matter for the future of our communities.
15 Jul 2026
From the Archives- Resiliency Pause: Everyday Tools for a Balanced Nervous System
We’re revisiting one of our Resiliency Pause episodes because these gentle reminders to slow down and reconnect are something we can return to again and again.
In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we explore how simple, body-based skills can help us find balance during stressful times. In this episode we introduce the Community Resiliency Model (CRM®)—a practical, science-backed approach to understanding and resetting the nervous system.
Together, we talk about what happens in the body when we experience stress or trauma, and how everyday practices like Tracking, Resourcing, and Grounding and Gesturing can support us in coming back to calm and connection.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or community member, these tools offer accessible ways to build resilience—not just for ourselves, but for those around us.
Take a moment, take a breath, and join us for a Resiliency Pause
17 Jun 2026
Body Safety Starts Young with Playgroup Navigator Mary Douglas
Talking about body safety with young children can feel challenging, but it’s a critical part of helping them grow up safe, confident, and supported.
In this episode, we’re joined by a Family Support Navigator who shares practical, age-appropriate ways to introduce body safety concepts to children ages 3–5. Together, we explore how to use correct body part names, teach children that they are the boss of their own body, and help them understand boundaries in a way that feels simple and not overwhelming.
We also talk about how to explain private parts, the difference between safe surprises and unsafe secrets, and how to support children in identifying trusted adults they can turn to.
📌 Show Notes & Resources
Parent Resources:
Darkness to Light (D2L): https://www.d2l.org/
A national organization focused on child sexual abuse prevention, offering free downloadable guides on boundaries, recognizing grooming behaviors, and how to talk with children at different developmental stages.
Stop It Now: https://stopitnow.org/
Offers conversation scripts, family safety planning tools, and guidance for navigating concerns, including a confidential helpline for parents.
Children’s Books About Respect & Consent:
Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Maude Spelman
C is for Consent by Eleanor Morrison
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders
My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders
Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finison
Books About Body Parts:
Amazing You!: Getting Smart About Your Private Parts by Dr. Gail Saltz
Who Has What? All About Girls' Bodies and Boys' Bodies by Robie H. Harris
20 May 2026
From the Archives- Child Health & Community Resilience: A Pediatrician’s View on Stress and Trauma
We’re celebrating one year of Nurturing Humboldt!
To mark this milestone, we’re revisiting our very first episode, the conversation that started it all.
Over the past year, this podcast has grown into a space for connection, learning, and support for families across our community. And this episode still holds so much of what we believe in: showing up for families, sharing knowledge, and building resilience together.
Whether you’re new here or have been listening since day one, thank you for being part of this journey.
In our very first episode, we sit down with local provider Dr. Mangahas for a real, honest conversation about what it takes to support child and family well-being here in Humboldt. He shares his perspective on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), healing-centered care, and the systemic shifts needed to truly support our communities. This episode offers a grounded look at the work already happening—and the hope that fuels it.
15 Apr 2026
Honoring the Heart of Child Care with Leah Sanders
In this Week of the Young Child episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we explore what it truly means to honor the heart of child care.
Leah, a longtime childcare provider and mentor teacher, shares her journey supporting children and families and her deep commitment to creating nurturing, relationship-centered environments where children can thrive.
Together, we talk about the importance of community among childcare providers, the role of music and creativity in fostering connection and joy, and why the early years matter so much.
This conversation is a celebration of the care, intention, and heart that early childhood professionals bring to their work every day and a reminder of how vital they are to the wellbeing of children, families, and our community.
18 Mar 2026
Screens Without the Struggle: Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits
In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re talking about something many families are navigating every day , screen time.
From tablets and TV to gaming and phones, technology is a big part of childhood today. But how much is too much? And why does it so often turn into a struggle?
I’m joined by coworkers Heidi O'Hanen and Jen Mager as we explore what’s really behind screen time challenges, how to prevent them before they start, and practical ways to manage conflict when it comes up. We also talk about how to support children in building healthy, balanced relationships with technology as they grow.
Whether you’re parenting a toddler or an older child, this conversation offers realistic, supportive guidance you can actually use in everyday life.
18 Feb 2026
Nurturing Children Amid Uncertainty
This episode explores how caregivers can support children through uncertain times by having calm, honest conversations that foster emotional safety and resilience.
10 Dec 2025
A Year of Connection and Community
First 5 Humboldt reviews its 2025 programs like Help Me Grow and Welcome Baby, spotlighting achievements and future plans for community support in 2026.
12 Nov 2025
Help Me Grow Humboldt
Bilingual specialist Ana Guerrero-Gonzalez describes Help Me Grow Humboldt's services, which connect parents to local programs and developmental support, in an interview with Karina Virgen.
8 Oct 2025
Resiliency Pause: Everyday Tools for a Balanced Nervous System
This episode explores the Community Resiliency Model, where listeners discover body-based skills like tracking and grounding to balance the nervous system and build resilience during stressful times.
10 Sept 2025
Building a Culture of Care: Insights from Humboldt Domestic Violence Services
Host interviews Jess Aguirre and Liz Rockenbach of Humboldt Domestic Violence Services about recognizing unhealthy relationships and supporting loved ones.
13 Aug 2025
Welcome Baby: Pathways to Resilience – Pregnancy, Postpartum, and the Power of Connection
Program Director Ashley Hilliard and CHR Tammy Valles discuss the Welcome Baby program's wraparound care, highlighting the power of connection for families from pregnancy through postpartum in this interview.
9 Jul 2025
Healing Is Not One Path: A Conversation with Dr. Carrie Griffin
Dr. Carrie Griffin shares her unique perspective on healing, exploring her journey through spiritual and medical worlds, and sees the body’s natural ability to heal in this interview.
11 Jun 2025
Playgroups : Protecting Connection, Powering Community - Featuring Our Family Support Navigators and Executive Director
Family Support Navigators and Executive Director discuss how playgroups foster connection and resilience for Humboldt families, while also addressing funding challenges in this interview episode.
14 May 2025
Child Health & Community Resilience: A Therapist’s View on Healing, ACEs & Parent-Child Connection
In the second half of our two-part episode on child health and resilience, we sit down with Julie Branson, a mental health therapist with over 15 years of experience working with children and families in Humboldt County.
Julie brings a grounded, compassionate lens to our ongoing conversation about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), exploring how they show up in everyday family life and how healing is possible through connection, play, and presence. We talk about what resilience looks like in practice, the role of caregivers in creating regulation and safety, and simple ways adults can support kids — and themselves — through challenging moments.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, provider, or someone invested in community well-being, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for building stronger, more connected relationships.
9 Apr 2025
Child Health & Community Resilience: A Pediatrician’s View on Stress and Trauma EP. 1 Understanding ACEs: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Mangahas
In our very first episode, we sit down with local provider Dr. Mangahas for a real, honest conversation about what it takes to support child and family well-being here in Humboldt. He shares his perspective on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), healing-centered care, and the systemic shifts needed to truly support our communities. This episode offers a grounded look at the work already happening—and the hope that fuels it.
Who has been a guest on Nurturing Humboldt
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Ana Guerrero-Gonzalez
Jess Aguirre
Liz Rockenbach
Dr Carrie Griffin
Family Support Navigators
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
37
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Nurturing Humboldt
Guest appearances
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