Doing What Works

In this episode of Doing What Works, Colleen Murphy, Principal on the Homeless Solutions team at LeSar Development Consultants, joins host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins to discuss the urgent need to strengthen LA County’s homeless services workforce. Drawing from the recently developed labor market report in collaboration with Santa Monica College, Colleen explores the root causes of staffing shortages, the skills and training frontline workers need, and strategies to improve retention and career pathways. She also highlights the role of community colleges in creating scalable, equitable workforce development programs—and shares inspiring stories that remind us why this work matters.

In this inspiring conversation, Doing What Works host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins speaks with Patricia Kusaba, a graduate of Santa Monica College’s Homeless Services Certificate Program. Patricia shares her deeply personal journey—from hidden homelessness and recovery to finding empowerment and purpose through education. She reflects on the support, skills, and community she gained in the program, the living resource toolkit she’s helping to build, and why she believes training programs like this are essential in addressing homelessness with humanity and lasting impact.

In our Season 2 finale, we flip the mic and hear from someone just beginning their career in homeless services. Meet Tamyra Simpson, a student from the inaugural cohort of Santa Monica College’s Homeless Services Certificate Program. With warmth, candor, and insight, Tamyra reflects on her path into the field—from growing up surrounded by helpers, to discovering the program on LinkedIn, to finding her voice through coursework, community, and a life-changing internship on Skid Row.This episode highlights the transformative potential of education—not only as a professional springboard, but as a way to deepen purpose and reshape lives. It’s a raw, uplifting look at what happens when students are given the right support, the right mentors, and the right chance.Whether you’re curious about the program, considering a career pivot, or just want to hear a powerful story of growth and impact—you’ll want to hear this one.

In this compelling episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, we sit down with Dr. Ryan Smith, President and CEO of St. Joseph Center in Los Angeles. With a personal history of youth homelessness, Dr. Smith shares how his lived experience shapes his professional mission to create a more compassionate and effective homeless services system. From the formative influence of his mother to his first job as a youth organizer at 15, Dr. Smith recounts the journey that led him to lead one of LA’s most impactful service organizations. He walks us through the four foundational pillars of St. Joseph Center—Housing, Outreach, Mental Health, and Economic Mobility—and explains why investing in frontline workers and replicating community college programs like SMC’s Homeless Services Certificate are essential steps to ending homelessness. This episode is both a call to action and a testament to the power of care, dignity, and workforce development in driving sustainable change.

In this powerful episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, we speak with Dr. Sam Tsemberis, founder of the Housing First model and CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute. He was also on the Distinguished Time Magazine list of 100 Most Influential People of 2024!Drawing from decades of experience in psychology and frontline mental health services, Dr. Tsemberis shares the journey that led him to challenge the status quo of homelessness treatment—shifting from a "treatment first" approach to one that prioritizes permanent housing without preconditions.From his early days at Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital to founding Pathways to Housing, Dr. Tsemberis witnessed firsthand the systemic gaps and human costs of policies that deny housing to those not yet "compliant" with treatment.Through compelling stories, research-backed results, and global replication efforts, this episode explores why Housing First isn’t just effective—it’s a matter of human dignity. Listeners will also hear his thoughts on workforce needs, replication of successful models like SMC's Homeless Services Certificate Program, and why shared public vision is essential to ending homelessness.

In this deeply moving and expansive episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins speaks with Matt Walton, Executive Director of Clare Matrix and a longtime innovator in health technology. With a career that spans decades and industries—from DARPA-backed tech startups to pioneering medical record systems—Walton now leads one of the Westside’s most vital behavioral health organizations.Walton shares how a lifetime in systems thinking and entrepreneurial innovation unexpectedly led him to the addiction treatment field. Through personal stories and professional insights, he illustrates the urgent need for integrated care, compassionate infrastructure, and the kind of recovery-focused models that treat people, not just symptoms.This episode examines the role of healthcare interoperability, the societal roots of addiction and homelessness, and how institutions like Clare Matrix—and educational partners like Santa Monica College—can fill critical workforce gaps with heart, purpose, and integrity. Walton’s clear-eyed optimism and deep belief in service challenge listeners to rethink what’s possible when tech, humanity, and mission align.

In this compelling episode of "Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins engages in a profoundly insightful conversation with Leepi Shimkhada, Deputy Director of LA County's Department of Health Services Housing for Health. Shimkhada shares her powerful journey on the front lines, her transition into public policy, and the human impact of her work. This episode illuminates how Housing for Health integrates public health and housing, creating pathways for long-term stability and human dignity for those experiencing homelessness. Shimkhada's experience showcases the significant wins and devastating losses inherent in this work while underlining the importance of a holistic approach, collaboration, and a skilled and passionate workforce in achieving our shared goals.She also underscores the vital need for systemic change to address the root causes of homelessness. Shimkhada's words resonate with a deep sense of purpose, highlighting the urgency of supporting prevention efforts and creating genuinely equitable and inclusive communities. Join us as we explore the critical steps needed for meaningful change in our communities through a public health lens and the crucial role each of us plays in advocating for this change.

In this episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins speaks with Dr. Nancy Greenstein, a long-serving board trustee at Santa Monica College and a passionate advocate for marginalized communities. Dr. Greenstein shares how her education and social work background, including early experiences teaching in a Navajo Nation community, shaped her perspective on social disparities and inspired her lifelong commitment to social justice.The conversation focuses on the launch of Santa Monica College's new Homeless Services Program, launched in Fall 2024. Dr. Greenstein explains how the program emerged from years of discussions with industry professionals and highlights its goal to provide standardized training and career advancement opportunities for those working in the homeless services sector. She emphasizes the program’s potential to fill workforce gaps, improve service delivery, and create career pathways for students.Dr. Greenstein also expresses excitement about the program’s first cohort, emphasizing the diversity of its students and the program’s long-term goals of expanding to other community colleges. The episode concludes with her vision for the program's future, including potential expansions into degrees in social work and collaborations with municipalities and agencies to address homelessness at a larger scale.

In this episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins interviews Becky Denison, Executive Director of Venice Community Housing. With over 20 years of experience in the homeless services sector, Denison offers her perspective on the root causes of homelessness in Los Angeles County, focusing on housing unaffordability, income inequality, and systemic issues such as institutional racism.She discusses how Venice Community Housing adopts an innovative, equity-centered approach emphasizing community-led design and inclusion. Denison highlights the importance of supporting homeless service workers through sustainable workplaces and addresses the need for scaled-up solutions like permanent supportive housing and street medicine programs. The episode concludes with Denison's vision for addressing homelessness through large-scale public or social housing programs.

This episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy" features an interview with Terrence Mosley, Senior Advisor for STEM and University Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The conversation explores Mosley's background, including his experience at an HBCU and in the automotive industry, before delving into his current role promoting diversity in STEM fields and clean energy. Mosley discusses various initiatives to attract underrepresented groups to careers in renewable energy, including the blue economy. He emphasizes the importance of exposing students to these emerging fields early and creating pathways for diverse talent to enter the workforce. The episode also touches on broader challenges and opportunities in implementing renewable energy technologies across the United States.

In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins interviews Christy Sterner, Technology Project Manager for the Advanced Algal Systems Program at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The discussion covers Christy's career journey, from her first job as a cashier at Target to her current role, and delves into the potential of algae as a renewable energy resource. Christy shares insights about the Algae Prize competition, the importance of the blue economy, and how algae can be transformed into valuable products. The conversation also explores the importance of developing a skilled workforce in bioenergy and fostering innovation among students.

In Episode 7, we delve into the fascinating world of aquaculture and its pivotal role in the blue economy. Join host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins as she interviews Dr. Gary Fleener, Science, Sustainability, and Farm Education Manager at Hog Island Oyster Company. Dr. Fleener shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable seafood production, highlighting the importance of ocean stewardship and the environmental benefits of shellfish farming.

In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins engages in a dynamic conversation with Terry Tamminen, President and CEO of AltaSea. The episode delves into Tamminen's extensive experience in the blue economy, from his early days working with tropical fish breeding to his role in shaping environmental policies as Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and explores innovative solutions for sustainable development in the oceanic sector.

In Episode 5 of the podcast, Dr. Jo Tavares and Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins dive deep into the topic of the blue economy and its intersection with climate action, policy, education, and community engagement. Through insightful conversation, they explore the power of individual actions versus systemic change, the role of policy in addressing climate change, and the importance of inclusive collaboration in shaping a sustainable future. The episode highlights successful restoration efforts in wetland areas and emphasizes the need for ongoing education and industry collaboration to foster opportunities in the blue economy sector.

In this episode of "Doing What Works," we delve into the exciting world of the blue economy with Eliza Harrison, Director of California Operations at Ocean Rainforest. Eliza shares her journey into the aquaculture space, discussing the challenges and opportunities of seaweed cultivation and its potential to mitigate climate change. From navigating the complexities of permitting to fostering community buy-in, Eliza provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ocean farming.

In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," hosts Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins and guests Torre Polizzi and Leslie Booher delve into the world of aquaculture, specifically focusing on their company, Sunken Seaweed. Torre and Leslie share their journey from studying marine biology to founding a seaweed farming business and discuss the potential and challenges of the blue economy. They highlight the importance of seaweed aquaculture for environmental restoration, economic growth, and community development in California. The episode explores the dream state for the blue economy, hurdles to overcome, and lessons learned from successful initiatives like the Port of San Diego's blue economy program.

In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins delves into the vast potential and challenges of the blue economy with guest Stephen CH, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation and the World Trade Center Los Angeles. Together, they discuss the importance of preparing LA County and Southern California for the growth of the blue economy, highlighting the need for coordination, collaboration, and strategic investment to capitalize on this emerging sector.To learn more about SMC's innovative Aquaculture Certificate, please visit: https://www.smc.edu/academics/academic-departments/life-sciences/aquaculture.php

In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins delves into the world of sustainable aquaculture with Dr. Nathan Churches, co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Holdfast Aquaculture. Dr. Churches shares his journey from working at a local marina to founding a company dedicated to strengthening and expanding the sustainable aquaculture industry. The conversation explores the concept of the blue economy, the importance of aquaculture in maintaining ocean health, and the challenges and successes of starting a company in this field.To learn more about SMC's innovative Aquaculture Certificate, please visit https://www.smc.edu/academics/academic-departments/life-sciences/aquaculture.php

In this episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins interviews Celina Alvarez, the Executive Director of Housing Works, a nonprofit organization focused on providing sustainable, affordable housing options for individuals with limited resources. Alvarez shares her 31-year journey in the homeless services field, from her early days working on Skid Row in Los Angeles to her current leadership role. Throughout the episode, Alvarez discusses how her background and frontline experiences shaped her approach to homeless services and led her to prioritize human connection and relationship-building in addressing homelessness.The conversation highlights Housing Works’ unique approach, which supports the unhoused and emphasizes the importance of caring for frontline workers. Alvarez also details her involvement in creating a new Homeless Services Program at Santa Monica College, which aims to train the next generation of homeless services professionals. She underscores the need for systemic changes in the sector, including addressing isolation, fostering a sense of community, and providing housing solutions. By sharing personal stories and reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of her career, Alvarez provides a compelling perspective on the holistic needs of those experiencing homelessness.To learn more about SMC's innovative Homeless Service Work Certificate, please visit www.smc.edu/HomelessServiceWork