Agents of Humanity

The Nicholas Center | Launchpad 516 Studios

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?” read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Hillside Food Outreach - Anna LaRochelle
May 9 2024
Hillside Food Outreach - Anna LaRochelle
Today's guest on Agents of Humanity is Anna Larochelle, the Assistant Director of Hillside Food Outreach which is located in Mount Kisco, NY and Danbury, CT. Hillside Food Outreach delivers high-quality, nutritious food that enables low-income, chronically ill, disabled and those who are not able to access a traditional food pantry to achieve a better quality of life. The pantry works to positively impact the health and wellness of each individual served and strengthen the overall community through access, education and caring hearts.   Ms. LaRochelle has an extensive background in the field of Human Service and has made a tremendous impact on many different communities, not only addressing food insecurity, but has also worked with challenged teens and the elderly.   Through her work at Hillside Food Outreach, Anna has seen the need throughout Westchester and Putnam, NY along with Fairfield, CT. It is heartbreaking to see so many who are going hungry. Says Anna, "This is a team effort and could not be done without all of the volunteers and donors who support Hillside regularly"    *Note, that includes The Nicholas Center who as Community Partners, volunteer time to help sort and organize donations at the Pantry.   https://hillsidefoodoutreach.org/     Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, 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!
Tips for Parents of Special Needs Indivduals - Chantai Snellgrove
Mar 13 2024
Tips for Parents of Special Needs Indivduals - Chantai Snellgrove
Welcome to the newest episode of Agents of Humanity entitled Tips for Parents of Special Needs Indivduals with Chantai Snellgrove, Founder & Publisher of Parenting Special Needs Magazine - the first free, bi-monthly digital publication allowing access anywhere and anytime. In its 16th year, “Parenting Special Needs Magazine” continues to support and serve the special needs community and their families raise these remarkable children by providing them with information and inspiration. Ms. Snellgrove is mother to 2 daughters. Ms. Snellgrove shares, "Becoming a parent of a child with special needs has changed my life forever. My child has taught me many lessons and I believe has made me a better person. At Parenting Special Needs Magazine, we make it our mission to provide parents of children with special needs - of all ages and stages of life - information and inspiration." Join the second part of our episode where the agents have a lovely conversation that we know you'll enjoy.   https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/   Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, 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!
Dr. Michael Romas - Radio and Podcasting
Dec 6 2023
Dr. Michael Romas - Radio and Podcasting
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!
Thomas Sullivan - Museums
Nov 22 2023
Thomas Sullivan - Museums
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!
Discrimination - Robert Valli, Jr.
Oct 11 2023
Discrimination - Robert Valli, Jr.
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!
Community Service - Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte
Sep 27 2023
Community Service - Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte
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!
Hope, Inspiration, and Knowledge - Brigitte Shipman
Sep 13 2023
Hope, Inspiration, and Knowledge - Brigitte Shipman
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!
Hunger - Marvin Makofsky
Aug 30 2023
Hunger - Marvin Makofsky
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!
Law Enforcement - Police Chief Erik Grutzner, Pleasantville Police Department
Aug 16 2023
Law Enforcement - Police Chief Erik Grutzner, Pleasantville Police Department
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!