Community Conversations

Where Eastern Connecticut Comes Together

Community Conversations is where connection, community, and impact meet. Every other Wednesday, we sit down with nonprofit leaders, volunteers, event organizers, funders, and everyday changemakers who are working to make life better across eastern Connecticut.

Each episode helps listeners:

Discover local resources they or their neighbors can use
Learn about nonprofit programs and upcoming events
Find meaningful ways to volunteer, donate, and get involved

There is always something new to learn, share, support, and connect to on Community Conversations.

Airs every other Wednesday | 3–4 PM on 14 WILI & 95.3 FM

MEET THE HOSTS

Community Conversations is hosted by three nonprofit professionals who know the region and the people who power it.

Together, they bring decades of experience, strong community relationships, and a shared passion for connecting listeners to the causes and resources that matter most. Whether you are looking for help, hope, or a way to give back, they are here to help point you in the right direction.

Allison Heneghan

Allison is a community connector, storyteller, and longtime advocate for nonprofits across eastern Connecticut. She believes deeply in connecting people to the resources they need right now and to the organizations where their time, talent, and donations can make a real impact. With decades of experience in communications and fundraising, Allison brings heart, curiosity, and purpose to Community Conversations, shining a spotlight on the people and ideas strengthening our communities.

Kathleen Krider

Kathleen is a community engagement leader with a passion for building strong partnerships and programs that truly meet local needs. With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, she brings deep knowledge of community resources, program development, and collaboration across eastern Connecticut. Kathleen believes in the power of connection, between people, organizations, and opportunities to create lasting impact. On Community Conversations, she shares insight, practical perspective, and a genuine commitment to helping listeners find support, get involved, and strengthen their communities.

Kristin Hempel

Kristin is an educator and community advocate with a passion for lifelong learning and civic engagement. With 30 years of experience in education, from pre-k to adult learners in both traditional and non-traditional settings, she believes in the power of curiosity, collaboration, and compassion to strengthen individuals and communities. Kristin is committed to breaking down barriers and building partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for growth. On Community Conversations, she brings insight into education, community building, and the connections that help us all learn and thrive together.

UPCOMING SHOWS

July 1, 2026

Veterans Voices – Service, Transition, and Community

Show Description:

What inspires someone to serve their country, and what happens when their military service ends? Join us as we sit down with a military recruiter and two local veterans to discuss their journeys into the Armed Forces, the lessons they learned while serving, and the challenges and opportunities of transitioning back to civilian life. Through personal stories and practical advice, our guests will offer insight for those considering military service and help listeners better understand the experiences, sacrifices, and strengths of our nation’s veterans.

July 15, 2026

Serving Those Who Serve: First Responders in Our Community, How They Support Us and How We Support Them

Show Description:

First responders play a vital role in keeping our communities safe, healthy, and connected. On this episode of Community Conversations, we will explore the many ways police officers and firefighters help our communities and ways we can support them.

PAST SHOWS & PODCASTS

Missed an episode? Do not worry, Community Conversations is available as a podcast so you can listen anytime.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Building Stronger Communities Through Philanthropy: The Funding That Fuels Our Future
Local funders discuss how philanthropic investments and nonprofit partnerships help address community needs and strengthen services across the region.

Guests:

Angela Smart, Chair, Windham Regional Advisory Board, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
Samantha Martinez, Director of Regional Engagement, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
Megan Brown, Vice President, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
Mirellise Vazquez, Vice President of Investment, CT Project
Nereida Braasch, Executive Vice President of Retail Banking, Beacon Bank

🎧 Listen to the episode:

06-17-2026 – Angela Smart – Samantha Martinez – Megan Brown – Mirellise Vezquez – Neredia Braasc.mp3

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Summer in the Community: Free Meals, Fun, and Family Resources
Learn about free summer meals, affordable camps, and community programs that help children and families stay healthy, active, and connected throughout the summer.

Guests:

Mark Billingsley, Assistant Recreation Director, Town of Windham –
Dr. Diane Tarricone, Assistant Coventry Lake Community Rowing, -CLCR, Coach and Athletic Counselor at ECSU
Vania Galicia Bacilo, Co-Director, Grow Windham

🎧 Listen to the episode:

06-03-2026 – Mark Billingsley – Vania Galicia – Diane Tarricone.mp3

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Mental Health in Our Schools

A discussion focused on mental health wellness in our schools for both the students and the educators.

Guests:

Eric Protulis, Executive Director, EASTCONN
Ravit Stein, Director of Psychological & Behavioral Consultation, EASTCONN
Kurt Mias, Director of Clinical Services, EASTCONN
Meghan Hayes-Garcia, Case Manager, Jobs, Education & Training Program, EASTCONN

🎧 Listen to the episode:

05-20-2026 – Eric Protulis – Ravit Stein – Kurt Mias – Meghan Hayes-Garcia.mp3

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Mental Health Awareness

A discussion focused on mental health awareness, behavioral health services, and practical strategies for emotional wellness.

Guests:

Jennifer Mendes, LCSW, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, Generations Family Health Center
Laura Davis, LCSW, Clinician, Generations Family Health Center
Amy DiMauro, Senior Vice President of Adult Behavioral Health Services, Community Health Resources
Winky Gordon, OTC, Retired Mental Health Worker & Nervous System Educator

🎧 Listen to the episode:
05-06-2026 – Laura Davis – Jennifer Mendes – Amy Dimauro – Winky Gordon.mp3

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Lifting Others, Lifting Ourselves: The Value of Volunteerism on Campus & in the Community – Part 2

A continuation of our conversation highlighting the impact of volunteerism and community engagement.

Guests:

Lana O’Connor, Director, ECSU Center for Community Engagement ECSU graduate 1993
Lexie Mastroianni, CCE Community Engagement Coordinator
Josie Udell, ECSU, Student Leader
Steve Merlino, WAIM VOLUNTEER – Merle Potchinsky, Sr. Case Manager/Partners in Independence Adult Mentor Program Mgr., WAIM
Dwayne David Paul, Executive Director, WAIM

🎧 Listen to the episode:
04-15-2026 – Lana O’Connor – Lexie Mastroianni – Josie Udell – Steve Merlino – Merle Potchinsky -…

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Lifting Others, Lifting Ourselves: The Value of Volunteerism on Campus & in the Community – Part 1

Learn how volunteerism strengthens communities while creating meaningful experiences for students and residents alike.

Guests:

Rebecca Beltrán Benoit, UConn Community Outreach
Miguel Colon, Associate Director for Student Activities & Director of Community Outreach, UConn
Vangmayee Upadhyay, Student Coordinator, UConn
Emilie Ulc, Program Director, Mansfield Middle School Tutoring & Mentoring Program
Bruce John, Community Volunteer
Ray Aramini, Community Volunteer
Chris Grant, Community Volunteer

🎧 Listen to the episode:
04-01-2026 – Miguel Colon – Vangmayee Upadhyay – Emilie Ulc – Bruce John – Ray Armini – Chris Gra…

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Nutrition for the Body

Guests:

Shannon Haynes, RD, CD-N, Dietitian Consultant
Bianca Grover, Day Kimball Healthcare WIC Program Nutritionist; Willimantic WIC Manager, Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Lactation Consultant, IBCLC
Eugene Theroux, Director of Nutrition Services, TVCCA – Meals on Wheels

🎧 Listen to the episode:
03-18-2026 – Shannon Haynes – Bianca Grover – Eugene Theroux.mp3

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Nutrition for the Mind

Discover how nutrition, education, and emotional wellness work together to support healthy minds for students and families.

Guests:

Melisa Roberson, Manager, United Services EAP Program
Donna Clouette, Mt. Hope Montessori School
Matthew Kyer, Media Specialist, Coventry Grammar School

🎧 Listen to the episode:
03-04-2026 – Melisa Roberson – Donna Clouette – Matthew Kyer.mp3

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Future Builders: Supporting Youth Success

Hear how schools, nonprofits, and youth programs are empowering young people through mentorship, education, and workforce development opportunities.

Guests:

Jason Hyland, Founder & Executive Director, Project Imo
Kelli Carchidi, Family, School & Community Liaison, ACT & QMC
Milly Stony, ACT Student & Project Imo Participant
Kiki Crespo, ACT Student & Project Imo Participant
Cyndi Wells, Assistant Director, EASTCONN Youth Employment Program
Giselle Valentine, Program Graduate & Current Participant

🎧 Listen to the episode:
02-18-2026 – Jason Hyland – Kelli Carchidi – Milly Stony – Kiki Crespo – Cyndi Wells – Giselle Va…

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Matters of the Heart: Healthy Hearts & Healthy Relationships in 2026

Explore the connection between heart health and healthy relationships with insights from healthcare and relationship experts.

Guests:

Laurie Gerber, Relationship Expert & Author
Christina Cote, RN, Nurse Manager, Generations Family Health Center

🎧 Listen to the episode:
02-04-2026 – Laurie Gerber – Christina Cote.mp3

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Stronger This Season: Physical, Mental & Financial Wellness Tools

A conversation focused on wellness in all areas of life, including financial stability, mental health, and staying active during the winter months.

Guests:

Taniqua Huguley, Director of Economic Mobility Initiatives, United Way of Central and Northeast Connecticut
Orlando Edwards, Financial Opportunity Center Coordinator, VITA Program at the Village
Fran Kefalas, Assistant Director, The Last Green Valley

🎧 Listen to the episode:
01-21-2026 – Orlando Edwards – Taniqua Hugley Chaplin – Fran Keflas.mp3

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Dry January: Recovery Resources & Sober Fun

Learn about the benefits of Dry January, local recovery support services, and fun alcohol-free activities happening in our community.

Guests:

John Schwartz, Manager, Windham Recovery Community Center
T.J. Aitken, Manager, Young People & Families Program, Windham Recovery Community Center
Carin Esty, Event Coordinator, ArtReach, Inc.

🎧 Listen to the episode:
01-07-2026 – John Schwartz – TJ Aitken – Carin Jennie Estey.mp3

____________________________________________________