Agents of Humanity
The Nicholas Center presents Agents of Humanity, the podcast that features conversations about being human hosted by individuals who just happen to be on the autism spectrum. In the end, we’ll always ask the question, ”how do you make the world a better place and become an agent of humanity?”
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella - DiverseAble Individuals in Schools
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella is the Founder of wellBe Consulting, offering expertise in Health Solutions for employees and employers – working on product design, implementation, and the management of complex global health and other benefit offerings for employers. She is also a member of the Global Health Care Leaders Executive Program at Harvard Medical School. Previously, Jaqueline worked at IBM & Kyndryl as the Director of Global Benefits and Wellbeing. She holds an MBA and an Actuary (MIBA).
Being a mom to a beautiful teenager with special needs, Jaqueline has been a fierce advocate for the inclusion of DiverseAble individuals in schools, employment settings, and society.
Follow Jaqueline at: linkedin.com/in/jaquelineoc
Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Jason, Tara, Tomas, and Amanda.
Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.
Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Dr. Michael Romas - Radio and Podcasting
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
In today's episode, the agents chat with Dr. Michael Romas, a licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been involved in the support and treatment of persons with Developmental Disabilities for more than 30 years. He is also the Coordinator of Training and Professional Development for Developmental Disabilities Institute in Smithtown, NY. His diverse experience brings a unique perspective from multiple domains inclusive of treatment education options.
He hosts a radio show called, “Keeping an Eye on Autism and Giving a Voice to its Long Island Community” on Saturdays at 10:00 am on LI News Radio 103.9. DDI on Autism is a 30 minute show that shares and explores all relevant issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Michael Romas engages leading Autism professionals in thought provoking conversation to inspire, inform, and support families and individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Listen to past programs:https://soundcloud.com/jvcbroadcasting/sets/ddi-keeping-an-eye-on-autism
Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Jason, Tara, Tomas, and Amanda.
Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.
Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Thomas Sullivan - Museums
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
In today's episode, the agents chat with Thomas Sullivan, Executive Director of the Westchester Children's Museum in Rye, NY. Mr. Sullivan holds a Masters in Museum Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City. As Director of Education and Programs at DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville, IL, he supervised a team of 58 full and part-time staff, and oversaw a budget of $2.75 million.
“Children’s museums provide a safe and healthy environment for fun, play, and creativity apart from school. The Westchester Children’s Museum is poised to serve as that hub for this region and be a new kind of town square welcoming families, schools, and communities of all kinds to play and learn together."
The Westchester Children's Museum has made a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Nicholas Center is proud of our new community partnership with the museum where some of our participants work as "Play Ambassadors" organizing, cleaning and welcoming and interacting with guests!
After the interview, the agents have a great chat about museums and their importance in the community. Stick around folks, you won't want to miss it!
Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Jason, Tara, Tomas, and Amanda.
Check out SMUSHT Ice Cream here: https://www.smusht.com/
Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.
Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Steve Edelson- Neuroinclusive Employment
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
In today's episode, the agents chat with Steve Edelson, owner of SMUSHT ice cream in Port Washington, NY which is a family owned shop, making small batch hand-crafted ice cream and freshly baked cookies. A self-taught cookie and ice cream maker, Steve loved the idea of opening a store where customers could build their own ice cream sandwiches and walk out the door feeling a little bit happier than when they came in. Edelson partnered with The Nicholas Center to employ some of their participants. The Nicholas Center employees currently work alongside job coaches at Smusht. After the interview, the agents talked about the importance of neuroinclusive employers and discussed what jobs they would like to have.
Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Jason, Tara, Tomas, and Amanda.
Check out SMUSHT Ice Cream here: https://www.smusht.com/
Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.
Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Jennifer DeSena - Political Leaders
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
The agents chat today with Jennifer DeSena who was elected the 38th Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead in November 2021, her first time holding elected office. Before seeking elected office, Supervisor DeSena was an attorney and a leader of nonprofit organizations supporting family health and safety. She supports and promotes accessibility, diversity and inclusion of all community members, including The Nicholas Center. After the interview, the agents have a chat about political leaders that you don't want to miss!
Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Jason, Tara, Tomas, and Amanda.
More about Supervisor DeSena at: https://northhempsteadny.gov/content/16253/35121/35125.aspx#:~:text=Jennifer%20DeSena%20was%20elected%20the
Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.
Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Discrimination - Robert Valli, Jr.
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Our guest for this episode, Robert Valli, Jr., is a founding partner of Valli Kane & Vagnini LLP practicing for 27 years as a litigator in the areas of employment discrimination, False Claims Act litigation and Wage and Hour litigation. Robert and his partners have recovered over $100 million in verdicts/settlements for their clients. He is also the father of one of the Agents of Humanity co-hosts, Robert Valli! After the interview, the agents get into a great conversation about discrimination.
Agents of Humanity is presented by The Nicholas Center, an organizations that acts as an agent of change to inspire, encourage and motivate communities to include Autistic individuals in all facets of community life. The organization supports individuals to learn critical life skills, improve social and communication abilities, gain meaningful vocational training, and engage in community projects.
The podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Jason, Tara, Tomas and Will.
Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.
Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Community Service - Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
In today's episode, the Agents talk to Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte who serves the 6th District in the Town of North Hempstead on Long Island, NY. A 4th generation Port Washington resident, her love of the community has been reflected in her passionate engagement with local organizations, including The Nicholas Center. Mariann’s service evolved to also include key roles in important organizations that achieved significant successes for the community and its residents. More importantly, she built a reputation for bringing people together. After the interview, the Agents have a conversation about community service that you won't want to miss!
Agents of Humanity is presented by The Nicholas Center, an organizations that acts as an agent of change to inspire, encourage and motivate communities to include Autistic individuals in all facets of community life. The organization supports individuals to learn critical life skills, improve social and communication abilities, gain meaningful vocational training, and engage in community projects.
The podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Jason, Tara, Tomas and Will.
Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.
Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Hope, Inspiration, and Knowledge - Brigitte Shipman
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
In today's episode, the Agents of Humanity chat with author and life coach Brigitte Shipman about her experiences as the parent of a child with autism. The agents also talk about Brigitte and her son Jospeh Shipman's book "A Mother's Guide Through Autism," which you can purchase at the link below in the show notes. After the interview, the agents have a talk about life on the autism spectrum and chat about hope, inspiration, and knowledge. Stick around for another good one today!
Check out the website for "A Mother's Guide Through Autism here: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/
Purchase Brigitte and Joseph Shipman's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Guide-Through-Autism-Guided/dp/1737563959/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QIHG7KR1VHTQ&keywords=mother%27s%20guide%20through%20autism&qid=1655255702&sprefix=mother%27s%20guide%20through%20a%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1
Register for the "A Mother's Guide Through Autism" author event with The Nicholas Center at the Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington, NY here: https://www.landmarkonmainstreet.org/event/a-mothers-guide-through-autism/
Agents of Humanity is presented by The Nicholas Center, an organizations that acts as an agent of change to inspire, encourage and motivate communities to include Autistic individuals in all facets of community life. The organization supports individuals to learn critical life skills, improve social and communication abilities, gain meaningful vocational training, and engage in community projects.
The podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Jason, Tara, Tomas and Will.
Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.
Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Hunger - Marvin Makofsky
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
In today's episode, the Agents of Humanity discuss Plant A Row for the Hungry in Port Washington, which was founded in 2010 by long-time resident Marvin Makofsky who inspired a group of Port Washington volunteers to help solve the community's local hunger issues through gardening. The goal? Deliver fresh, nutritional food to hundreds of families in need living in Port Washington, NY by encouraging residents to grow their own vegetables and share a portion to those in need. Since 2010, Plant A Row PW has delivered more than 50,000 pounds of produce to food pantries which support hundreds of needy Port Washington residents. After their interview with Marvin, the Agents have a conversation about hunger that you don't want to miss.
Check out Marvin Makofsky and Plant-a-Row for the Hungry here.
Agents of Humanity is presented by The Nicholas Center, an organizations that acts as an agent of change to inspire, encourage and motivate communities to include Autistic individuals in all facets of community life. The organization supports individuals to learn critical life skills, improve social and communication abilities, gain meaningful vocational training, and engage in community projects.
The podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Jason, Tara, Tomas and Will.
Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.
Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Law Enforcement - Police Chief Erik Grutzner, Pleasantville Police Department
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
This episode's guest, Chief Erik Grutzner, was the honoree of The Nicholas Center's 1st Spring Gala in Westchester (on May 4). He is a very forward-thinking chief and devotes a lot of time to making sure the disabled population in Pleasantville is safe and connected with resources to support them, including the Police Department. All the officers receive training on how to communicate and support disabled individuals. The officers frequently visit TNC in Westchester, attend our events, provide support during events (help with parking and security) and have even hosted the Annual Coffee with a Cop reception at TNC for families, participants and staff. After chatting with Chief Erik, the agents get into their newest "Conversations of Humanity" about law enforcement. Enjoy the show!
Check out the Pleasantville PD and Chief Erik here: https://www.pleasantville-ny.gov/police-department
Agents of Humanity is presented by The Nicholas Center, an organizations that acts as an agent of change to inspire, encourage and motivate communities to include Autistic individuals in all facets of community life. The organization supports individuals to learn critical life skills, improve social and communication abilities, gain meaningful vocational training, and engage in community projects.
The podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Jason, Tara, Tomas and Will.
Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.
Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!