Champions for NorCal Kids
by Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall
Join 0-5 experts, rural county lovers and First 5 Executive Directors Wendy (Shasta) and Heidi (Tehama) as they showcase local 0-5 resources, tell the amazing stories of our North-state champions for children and unpack how we can continue to make a difference for young children and families. Be prepared to laugh, learn and feel inspired by your community.
Episodes
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Building Community Resilience w/ Townley Saye
Townley joins us to talk about the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and simple tools that help us recognize stress, find calm, and support one another. We’ll explore how these practices can fit into everyday life—for parents, people working with children, and anyone helping build a more resilient...
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2026 Christmas Jam Anouncement w/ Mari McCurdy
On this episode we are talking donations, community outreach, and Christmas Jams with Mari McCurdy, founder of CAN (Community Alliance Network). Click here to get involved with the 2026 Christmas Jam today! What are your favorite holiday memories? Share with us in the comments below.
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The Father Effect: Personal Experience and Professional Passion w/ Jordan Heberlien
Jordan Heberlien brings his personal experience into a professional passion for supporting fathers and strengthening families. As our Local Champion for Kids guest, Jordan will share the story behind the Father Effect and why connection, support, and involved dads matter for children. Jordan will...
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Talking Libraries w/ Julia Parsons
This week we talked with Julia Parsons about upcoming events and resources at the Shasta Library, and get into some of our favorite reads when we were young. We also go into resources not only for children birth-to-five, but also for adults and how having "third spaces" helps early development…
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Impacting Your Local Community with Front Porch Captains Matt Plummer & Faith Chin
Today we discuss what we can do to build up our local community and get to know our neighbors! Matt Plummer and Faith Chin work with Front Porch Captains, a group dedicated to these community-based principals. Share with us some of your favorite experiences with your local community and what…
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Positive Child Interactions
This week we discuss Heidi's trip to Disney, positive child interactions and the importance of those interactions for children's health and early development. Share with us your memories of positive childhood experiences you've had or that your children remember.
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What's in the News? California Budget, Diapers and the Importance of "One Small Thing"
California just passed a new state budget. So, what does it actually mean for babies, young children, parents and child-care providers in Northern California? In this episode, we discuss that and more. For families, keep trying to enroll in child care. Even if there is a waitlist, add your name....
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From AI to Hopeville: Why Rural Literacy Is Still a Human Story
In a world racing from AI to algorithms, this episode of Champions for NorCal Kids reminds us that literacy still starts somewhere much more familiar: homes, classrooms, libraries, and small towns. We sit down with Kathy Garcia, Executive Director of Expect More Tehama, to talk honestly about the...
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Early Literacy + AI Hot Takes on Rural Literacy!
In this episode of NorCal Champions for Kids, we’re breaking new ground on a topic that matters for families, educators, and community champions across Northern California: Early Literacy in Rural Communities. We dive deep into provocative conversations and bold questions, the kind that make you...
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Episode 1: Our Literacy Story — Journeys That Shaped Us
In the first episode of our series, "it takes a village to raise readers", Wendy and I share our personal journeys in literacy — the moments, mentors, and experiences that shaped how we see reading and the power it has in kids’ lives.
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Celebrating the Strength of Small Communities with First 5 Modoc and AmeriCorps
Join Wendy and Heidi for an in-depth conversation exploring how First 5 Modoc began using AmeriCorps to support preschool classrooms and how that small start has grown into a powerful model for building career pathways and bringing parenting support to some of California’s most rural and isolated...
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Advocacy Series: Inside Shasta Head Start — The Heart of Northern CA’s Early Learning! ❤️👶
What keeps families thriving in some of California’s most remote rural areas? Join Heidi and Wendy as they talk with and learn from Gordon, Shasta County’s Head Start Executive Director with over 20 years of passion and purpose! From serving 3 counties to delivering whole-child, whole-family…
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Advocacy and Awareness for Children and Families: A focus on Rural Head Start Impact
In this series on Advocacy and Awareness, we will hear from many counties and champions for NorCal kids who are actively pivoting and working to fill gaps where services have been cut; specifically in programs like AmeriCorps, SNAP, and Head Start. Join Heidi and Wendy as they discuss the looming...
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Week of the Young Child in the North State: The What and Why We Celebrate!!
Join us for an exciting conversation during the week of the young child, where we talk about local events and opportunities for families with young children in our community. Visit CAEYC here: https://caeyc.org/board-chapters/chapters/california-cascade-chapter/
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Reflecting on a Year of Impact: First 5 Shasta & First 5 Tehama with Data-Driven Insights
Join podcast co-hosts and First 5 Executive Directors of First 5 Shasta and First 5 Tehama as they reflect on the year through data. Getting to know First 5 through data is a powerful way to monitor the effectiveness of early childhood programs and policies. Data helps identify needs, track...
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First 5 Fall Favs!
Join us for a lighthearted and fun conversation for our local First 5 Fall Favorite activities and experiences. Sometimes we can all use a reminder of how to play in nature, enjoy the small moments and regulate our nervous system through connection. Together, we share some of the ways we…
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Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Our Own Champion
Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness has an extra special meaning to us this year. Co-host Wendy Dickens bravely and boldly shares key learning moments; vulnerable moments; and hard moments of her personal journey with Breast Cancer. There is something breathlessly special about being welcomed…
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Celebrating National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Awareness Month
Join us for an extra special episode where we celebrate awareness of the National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and learn about common the "NICU" through our very own co-host Wendy's personal experience having an infant in the NICU as a new mom. Wendy will share her top strategy for supporting new...
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Tips on Water Safety and Norcal Water Play Spots for Families
In this episode Wendy and Heidi discuss tips for keeping our kids safe in the water, tell you about some options for where to swim and how to be safe in the water on those hot summer days.
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MashUp Series - Episode 1: The Best of our Home Visiting Conversations
In this episode we have a compilation of our past discussions of home visiting. Featuring guests like: Tarrah Selland of Northern Valley Catholic Social Service & TAPP Teen SVCS, Denise Hobbs R.N. P.H.N, and Amy Hobbs of Nurse Family Partnership. The episode not only discusses the resources...
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Utilizing holidays to promote social emotional development (Valentines Day Edition)
In this episode, Wendy and Heidi give us tips about utilizing holidays like Valentine's day to encourage our children, help them develop emotionally, and strengthen our bond with them.
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Quality Counts in the North State! ft. Alexis Duffy
Quality Counts North State uses a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early care and education programs. In this episode, Wendy and Heidi chat with Alexis Duffy about QCNS and more.
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TOP TEN with Wendy & Heidi: Why Literacy?
"🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Introducing the 'Top Ten Series! 🎙️ Join us on this thrilling journey as we dive into impactful conversations with incredible advocates for our NorCal kids. 🌈 Episode 1 kicks off with Wendy and Heidi, shedding light on the POWER of literacy. 📚✨ Tune in for insights,...
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#ChampionChat - Hiking Humboldt Kids w/ Mary Ann Hansen of F5 Humboldt
In this enlightening episode, Wendy and Heidi engage in an insightful conversation with Mary Ann Hansen, Executive Director of First 5 Humboldt County, and her colleague Jennifer Gonzalez, Community Engagement Coordinator and Family Support Navigator at First 5 Humboldt. The focus of this episode...
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#ChampionChat - Perinatal & Post-partum support with Anna Bauer of F5 Butte County
Join us in a heartfelt conversation as we delve into the world of perinatal and postpartum care with the incredible Anna, Executive Director of Butte County First 5. 🤱🌟 Whether you're a parent-to-be, a professional caregiver, or simply intrigued by the journey into parenthood, this episode is a...
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Post-Partum Depression Chat with Morgan Vazquez (Part2) #championchat
If you enjoyed part 1, you'll love part 2! Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby. In this #championchat, Wendy and Heidi chat with Morgan Vasquez - licensed family and marriage therapist - regarding post-partum depression and anxiety and how it affects both mothers…
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Post-Partum Depression Chat with Morgan Vazquez (Part1) #championchat
Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby. In this #championchat, Wendy and Heidi chat with Morgan Vasquez - licensed family and marriage therapist - regarding post-partum depression and anxiety and how it affects both mothers and fathers. Follow Morgan on Instagram:...
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#ChampionChat: Understanding your child's development
Get ready for an empowering episode with our fabulous hosts, Wendy and Heidi, as they dive into the world of ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaires) and developmental milestones. They're tackling that common concern of measuring your child's progress and introducing ASQ as a super valuable tool to...
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#ChampionChat: BIG feelings & how to deal
We have them. You have them. Our children have them. You got it, we're talking about BIG feelings. Join Wendy and Heidi on this thought provoking, funny, casual, yet educational conversation. Get in touch and let us know what else you'd like to hear on our podcast! Email Heidi:...
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#ChampionChat - A mental health conversation with Wendy & Heidi
In this episode of "Champions for NorCal Kids," co-hosts Wendy and Heidi get real about mental health. As #Champions who wear many hats, they know how stressful it can be to find balance within it all. They share some of the things that work for them, like connecting with nature and getting…
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#ChampionChat: 40 Developmental Assets with Susan Wilson
Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with special guest Susan Wilson about the 40 Developmental Assets. You'll laugh and learn during this information-packed Champion Chat. Susan Wilson works as a consultant in the community at a variety of nonprofit organizations primarily focused on children and...
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#ChampionChat - Why is modeling so important?
Have you heard the phrase "Do as I say, not as I do?" This episode reminds us that 'role modeling' is one of the most powerful tools we have to positively influence our little one's personalities. Children are constantly absorbing the information they see around them. They are watching everything...
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#ChampionChat - What is kindergarten readiness?
Have you ever wondered what it means for a child to be “kindergarten ready”? In this episode, Wendy and Heidi discuss this topic and share valuable resources that will help us set our little ones up for success. Email Heidi: [email protected] | Email Wendy: [email protected]...
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Book Walk: Hope Rising - A conversation with the Author: Dr. Chan Hellman
In this episode, Wendy and Heidi chat with Dr. Chan Hellman about his book "Hope Rising" (Co-authored with Casey Gwinn) Listen in as Dr. Chan shares more on his book and the fulfilling work he is blessed to be a part of. We have a few copies of "Hope Rising" to give away, please contact us via…
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National #ChampionChat: Dr. Chan Hellman on the Science of Hope
We are in for a treat! Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Dr. Chan Hellman. Chan M. Hellman is a professor at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center. He has written more than 150 scientific publications and has presented at numerous national and international...
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Training and Coaching Chat with Tamarra Barrett-Osborne 2/2 - Book Walkthrough
In the second part of this this two part episode, Heidi and Wendy chat with Tamarra Barrett-Osborne about training and coaching from the heart. Listen in as Tamara shares a walkthrough including the "golden nuggets" or main takeaways in each chapter of her upcoming book “The introductional…
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Training and Coaching Chat with Tamarra Barrett-Osborne 1/2
In this two part episode, Heidi and Wendy chat with Tamarra Barrett-Osborne about training and coaching from the heart. Listen in as Tamara shares a bit about the writing process for her upcoming book “The introductional coaching handbook”. Part two includes a book walk through where Tamara…
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Champion Chat with Julie Kurtz (trauma, play, and the in-between)
Julie Kurtz is an author, national speaker and the Co-founder of the Center for Optimal Brain Integration. Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Julie about trauma, the importance of play, and many other interesting topics. This episode is CHAMPION APPROVED! Learn More about Julie Kurtz at:...
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Book Walk: The Deepest Well (Discussion)
Today’s episode is special! Join our book discussion of “The Deepest Well” by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris. This discussion features Anna Bauer of First 5 Butte County, Mary Ann Hansen of First 5 Humboldt County, Nicole Hinton of First 5 Modoc County, and as always Heidi Mendenhall of First 5 Tehama…
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Book Walk: The Deepest Well - Intro
Wendy and Heidi have embarked on a new adventure! Listen in as they introduce "The Deepest Well" by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and stay tuned for the next episode where other Champions in the 0 to 5 space share their comments and findings after reading this wonderful book. DM us on Instagram to get…
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Home Visiting 4: Tarrah Selland of Northern Valley Catholic Social Service & TAPP Teen Svcs
Meet one of the CHAMPIONS in our region! Tarrah Selland is a Supervisor at Northern Valley Catholic Social Service and shares a passion for helping Teen Parents connect to the resources they need in order to be better equipped for their little one. Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with her and...
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Champion Chat with Pamela Newman of North State Parent Magazine
On this episode of Champions for Norcal Kids, join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Pamela Newman, founder and publisher of North State Parent Magazine. North State Parent Magazine is an important resource for Shasta, Tehama, and surrounding counties. Learn more about Pamela’s passion for…
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Updates on Early Childhood Education with Renee Menefee
Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Renee Menefee from the Shasta County Office of Education - Early Childhood services about Preschool and Kindergarten! There have been a few changes regarding universal transitional kindergarten in the recent years. This episode will update and inform you on...
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Home Visiting 3: Nurse Family Partnership
Join Wendy Dickens as she chats with Denise Hobbs R.N., P.H.N, and Amy Hawes, of Nurse Family Partnership. Nurse Family Partnership is a Home visiting program in Shasta county and across the nation that pairs a nurse that has received specialized training with a first time new mom. This program...
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Champion Chat with Erika Jones
We’re in for a treat this week as Wendy and Heidi chat with Erika Jones (Professor of Psychology at Simpson University, Library Foundation) You will enjoy this information packed episode where we touch learning styles, behavioral changes, early literacy, forming habits, rewards & gratitude, and...
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Home Visiting 2: Michelle Schmidt
Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Michelle Schmidt, Supervising Public Health Nurse for Tehama County about Home Visiting. This episode is rich with experiences and perspective. Enjoy! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: [email protected] Email Wendy:...
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Home Visiting - 1
Join Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall as they discuss home visiting. Whether it be for early intervention, school readiness or a distinct model, all home visiting programs aim to support families and children. Listen to part one of this series and stay tuned for more. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM...
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What is Bright by Text? featuring Jackie Scott
You've probably heard about First 5 Shasta's new partnership with Bright by Text. On this episode, Wendy and Heidi chat with First 5 Shasta's very own Grant Coordinator, Jackie Scott about this amazing new program. Listen to learn more! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi:...
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Rural vs. Urban: A conversation with Anne Schulte from Chico State
Many resources train teachers for urban spaces but not many prepare them for rural spaces. How far north have you partnered with your community? Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with Anne Schulte about rural spaces, urban spaces, and the space in-between. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM...
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Fatherhood Series 6/6: Brian Cole
Join Wendy and Heidi as they discuss the importance of a Father figure and talk about Brian's Fatherhood journey. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @championsfornorcalkids Email Heidi: [email protected] Email Wendy: [email protected] first5shasta.org | first5tehama.org
About this show
Join 0-5 experts, rural county lovers and First 5 Executive Directors Wendy (Shasta) and Heidi (Tehama) as they showcase local 0-5 resources, tell the amazing stories of our North-state champions for children and unpack how we can continue to make a difference for young children and families. Be prepared to laugh, learn and feel inspired by your community.
Hosted by
Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall