The DMF Podcast

Childhood Education With The Montessori Model ft. Camille Brandt

In a world where high-tech tools dominate every aspect of our lives, why has a 100-year-old teaching philosophy that encourages playing with wooden toys and doing math with your hands become more popular than ever? To answer that question, our host Whitney Isaacson brought in a local expert in Montessori education, Camille Brandt, Executive Director at Children’s Montessori. In this episode, Camille shares with us all about the Montessori model and why it’s produced some of the most successful business leaders, artists, and political leaders in the world. With its emphasis on independence, hands-on learning, and minimal structure, Montessori prepares kids to solve real-world problems from an early age.

A New Approach to Servant Leadership ft. Pat Traynor

In this episode, our host Pastor Devlyn Brooks sits down with Executive Director of Dakota Medical Foundation, Pat Traynor, to discuss a new leadership program, hosted by Dakota Medical and Impact Foundations, that is teaching leaders how to offer a hopeful vision where there is doubt, despair, and a lack of direction – while also bringing civility and love where there is discord and difference of opinion. This new approach to servant leadership develops leader’s capabilities to create healthy, high-performing environments where those around them will shine brightly.

Technology Is Best When It Brings Kids Together ft. Tech4kids

In this episode of the DMF Podcast, our host, Whitney Isaacson, interviewed Amy Longtin, a leader in the field of IT and the founder of Tech4Kids, a nonprofit working to repurpose technology for children in need.

Every Donor Has A Story ft. Crosses for Cameron

In this episode of the DMF Podcast, our host, Whitney Isaacson, interviewed Sarah & Arlin Fisher, co-founders of the nonprofit Crosses for Cameron. Crosses for Cameron provides education, support, and hope through organ donation awareness and improves our community’s physical and emotional health through the Garden of Healing. They took their story of tragedy and turned it into a mission to spread awareness on how every donor has a story and every recipient has a new beginning. 

Nurturing Children, Enriching Parents and Strengthening Community ft. Peace Academy

In this episode of the DMF Podcast, our host, Whitney Isaacson, interviewed Jana Bruhschwein, Executive Director and founder of Peace Academy, and Living Waters Director Elizabeth Strinden. They both shared Peace Academy’s approach to childcare, focusing on kids’ wellness.
Jana and Elizabeth work to nurture children, educate parents, and strengthen the community along the way. Bruhschwein is the Executive Director and founder of Peace Academy and is an advanced trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach®. Elizabeth is the Living Waters Director at Peace Academy and loves fostering the development of children through play.  

Helping Kids See A Brighter Future ft. Jason Schaff, O.D.

Dr. Jason Schaff has been practicing as an optometrist at Valley Vision Clinic since graduating in 2008 with his Doctor of Optometry degree. He has a special interest in ocular disease, children’s vision and contact lenses and is committed to providing comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages using the latest technology in contact lenses and diagnostic testing.
In this episode, Optometrist Dr. Jason Schaff shared:
The opportunity for kids ages 4-7 to receive free eye exams with Vision Start
The importance of early vision detection among children
Why eye health is a vital part to our overall well-being

Defining Your Fight ft. Mariah Prussia

In this episode of the DMF Podcast our host Whitney Isaacson sat down Mariah Prussia. Mariah is the founder of Define the Fight, a nonprofit empowering youth to lead from within through a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
Mariah shared how we can help our children define their fight and build resiliency in a world with so many factors against us. As well as how to teach kids to tackle life like an MMA fighter!

The Nurtured Heart Approach ft. Peace Academy

In this episode of the DMF Podcast, our host, Whitney Isaacson, sat down with Jana Bruhschwein, Executive Director and founder of Peace Academy, and Kellie Knodel, assistant director and teacher at Peace Academy. Together, the two of them they have 45 years of experience in early childhood education.
Jana and Kellie are both advanced trainers in the Nurtured Heart Approach® and in this conversation they share all about what the Nurtured Heart Approach is and why it’s important in early childcare. This approach to early childhood education focuses on creating connected relationships, emphasizing positive behavior, and transforming difficult emotions into abundant Inner Wealth.

Friendraising for Soul Solutions Recovery Center ft. Gerri Leach

This month, we welcomed Soul Solutions Development Director Gerri Leach, who talked about:
The unique family-centered approach that Soul Solutions takes to addiction treatment and recovery
Impact stories about how lives are being transformed through Soul Solutions’ work
How important it was to build a dedicated fundraising team to maximize their impact

Preventing Addiction From Stealing Lives ft. Matto Foundation

In this episode of the DMF Podcast, our host, Whitney Isaacson, spoke with Mary Beth and Mike Traynor, Founders of the Matto Foundation. The Matto Foundation is working to end addiction through community-fueled awareness and education. The Foundation educates kids and families to Delay, Decrease, and Defeat substance abuse and addiction.