In this episode of the Hope Discovered Podcast, we explore CommQuest’s Mom + Me Recovery Program, a grant‑funded initiative supporting pregnant women and new mothers facing substance use disorders.

Guests Brooke Burkett, clinical supervising counselor and Mom + Me program coordinator, and Marissa Lindberg, counselor and recovery court coordinator, discuss how the program provides addiction treatment, mental health support, medical care connections, and essential resources like diapers, car seats, and transportation.

They also address the unique challenges these mothers face, including stigma, health risks, and system involvement, as well as how compassionate, coordinated care leads to healthier pregnancies, stronger recoveries, and families staying together.

For more about the Mom+Me Program https://www.commquest.org/mom_me_recovery/

A Legacy of Compassion, Justice, and Mental Health Advocacy

In this episode of the Hope Discovered podcast, the Honorable Judge Mary Falvey (now retired) reflects on her remarkable 34-year career on the Canton Municipal Court.  The conversation traces her professional journey from her early roots in social work to her long-standing role on the bench, highlighting how her commitment to helping people shaped every stage of her career.

Judge Falvey shared her early experiences as a social worker during an era when Ohio was transitioning individuals with serious mental illness from institutional care into community settings. She discussed the challenges of that shift, including stigma, limited resources, and gaps in follow-up care—issues that often led vulnerable individuals into the criminal justice system.

A major focus of the discussion was the creation and success of the Polaris Mental Health Court, a specialized docket Judge Falvey helped establish. Designed as a voluntary, non-adversarial alternative to traditional court processes, Polaris brings together judges, probation officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, clinicians, peer supporters, and community agencies to address the root causes of criminal behavior linked to mental illness. The program emphasizes accountability, treatment, dignity, and long-term stability rather than punishment alone.

Joined by Chief of Probation Kristen Kaplanis, the conversation explored how specialized dockets like Polaris, Recovery Court, and Veterans Treatment Court reduce recidivism, save taxpayer dollars, and—most importantly—change lives. They shared compelling outcomes, including a graduation success rate far exceeding national averages and thousands of jail days avoided through treatment-focused intervention.

The episode closes with Judge Falvey reflecting on the moments that meant the most to her: seeing former participants thriving in everyday life, returning to court simply to say hello, and finding stability after years of struggle. She also offered advice to young professionals—encouraging them to follow their passion, speak up, persist through obstacles, and never lose sight of their ability to make a difference.

This conversation honors Judge Falvey’s enduring legacy: a justice system grounded in dignity, collaboration, and hope.

This episode of the CommQuest Hope Discovered podcast features a deeply personal conversation between Dr. Michele Heberling, Chief Clinical Officer at CommQuest, and board member Nicole Morrett. Together, they explore what it means to be “suddenly sidelined” by illness and physical limitations following the birth of Nicole’s son. Nicole shares her journey and how those experiences disrupted her expectations of early motherhood, career, and independence. The discussion centers on the emotional toll of grieving the life she had envisioned and advocating for herself during an unexpected season of vulnerability.

Throughout the podcast, Nicole reflects on how faith, gratitude, and community support helped her reframe this difficult season—not as a permanent loss, but as a time for growth, deeper connection, and intentional presence. She speaks candidly about learning to accept help, redefining strength, and finding joy in small, meaningful moments with her family.

Dr. Heberling highlights the clinical and human importance of honoring grief, pacing oneself, and maintaining dignity and identity while healing. The episode ultimately offers hope and encouragement to listeners facing sudden diagnoses or life-altering changes, reminding them that while the pain is real, there is goodness to be found, support to be embraced, and hope both in the present moment and beyond.

This episode features an in-depth discussion with Tom, Director of Withdrawal Management and Residential Services, and Dani, Senior Director of Residential Services at CommQuest. Together, they explore substance use disorder as a medical condition—one that affects the brain, behavior, and overall quality of life, but is also highly treatable with the right support. Through clear, compassionate conversation, they address common misconceptions, the impact of stigma, and the real barriers that prevent individuals and families from seeking care.

This episode also highlights how treatment has evolved to become more person-centered, evidence-based, and holistic, including integrated mental health care, medication-assisted treatment, withdrawal management, and recovery supports. Tom and Dani offer practical guidance for individuals considering treatment, as well as for family members supporting a loved one, emphasizing hope, education, boundaries, and the importance of seeking help. Their message is clear: recovery is possible, help is available, and no one has to navigate this journey alone.

For more information about CommQuest please visit: https://www.commquest.org/

This episode of the Hope Discovered podcast explores the often-overlooked mental and emotional impact of being suddenly sidelined by injury or illness.

CommQuest CEO, Elaine Russell Reolfi, shares her personal experience of recovering from a severe ankle injury and the unexpected psychological toll of immobility, loss of independence, and disrupted routines. Joined by Dr. Michelle Heberling, Chief Clinical Officer, and Osamuedemen D. Iyoha, M.D., Medical Director of Psychiatric Services, the conversation normalizes feelings such as frustration, grief, anxiety, and depression that frequently arise after sudden health changes. The clinicians explain common emotional phases people experience—from initial crisis and over-planning to exhaustion and grief—and emphasize that these reactions are typical, not signs of weakness.

The discussion also focuses on how mental health directly affects physical healing and recovery. The panel offers practical guidance for patients and loved ones, including pacing oneself, setting realistic expectations, maintaining routines, using grounding and relaxation techniques, asking for help, and communicating honestly with healthcare providers. They stress the importance of self-compassion, support systems, and seeking professional mental health care when warning signs like withdrawal, hopelessness, or feeling like a burden emerge.

This episode of the CommQuest Hope Discovered Podcast reassures listeners that healing is an active process, rest is productive, and caring for the mind is essential to caring for the body.

In this episode of Hope Discovered, Elaine Russell Reolfi and the CEO of CommQuest, sits down with the Honorable Frank Forchione to explore how community leadership, compassion, and lived experience can transform lives.

Judge Forchione reflects on his upbringing in Canton, the values instilled by his family and Catholic education, and the mentors who shaped his belief that public service should be about making a difference—not just holding a title. From his early dreams of baseball and teaching to his path through law, prosecution, and ultimately the bench, he shares how listening, humility, and a willingness to keep learning have guided his approach to justice.

The holidays are often portrayed as joyful and full of celebration, but for many, they canbring stress, loneliness, and emotional triggers. If you're in recovery or suffering fromdepression, the season can feel overwhelming. 

On this episode of the CommQuest Hope Discovered Podcast, Senior Director of Recovery Services, Danijela Vranesevic, and School-Based Mental Health Coordinator, Steve Kerestes, explore why the holidays can be tough, share practical strategies to protect your mental health, and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey. 

In honor of National Homelessness Awareness Month, Amy Dornack, manager of homeless & support services at CommQuest, sat down with TaKeisha, a former resident of the Family Living Center, to help raise awareness about the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness.

TaKeisha opens up about her journey through homelessness and how asking for help, community support, and compassion made all the difference. Her story is a reminder that homelessness can affect anyone, and that hope and healing are possible.

Learn more about the Family Living Center: commquest.org/family_living_center

“The most important piece of considering reaching out for help is knowing there is something better on the other side. I see so many patients whose symptoms are in remission who say, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner? Why did I suffer for so long?”

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Iyoha, the Psychiatric Medical Director at CommQuest Services, Inc. Dr. Iyoha shares insights into the full scope of psychiatric services provided by CommQuest, offering a detailed overview of what falls under the psychiatric care umbrella and the types of professionals who deliver care to clients.

The conversation explores common misconceptions and stigmas surrounding mental health treatment, particularly concerns about medication and its side effects. Dr. Iyoha addresses these fears, emphasizing the importance of careful patient monitoring as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

“The folks that I’ve taken care of are in business, healthcare, law. They’re thriving in our community and no one has ever known that they were afflicted with a mental health disorder, a disorder that’s well managed with medication, just like any other health condition.”

The interview concludes with Dr. Iyoha highlighting recent advancements in mental health care, including the growing availability of services in our community.

For more information please visit CommQuest.org

Episode Blog Post: https://www.commquest.org/2024/10/commquest-psychiatric-services-overview-with-dr-iyoha/

Guest: Kara Vogt on the CommQuest Hope Discovered Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Kara Vogt, co-founder of the FATHERS Motorcycle Poker Run, a dedicated member of the Stark County Opiate Task Force for 9 years, a volunteer at CommQuest Services, and an advocate for family addiction and recovery. Kara is also a parent of a person in recovery.

During our conversation, Kara shares insights on two key topics: the impact of addiction on families and the resources available to support them.

She emphasizes that addiction is a chronic disease, one that requires long-term solutions, not quick fixes. Kara also touches on important reminders for family members of those in recovery, such as understanding that addiction is a disease. Families dealing with a loved one’s addiction often face overwhelming chaos, guilt, grief, confusion, anger, and hopelessness. However, Kara highlights the importance of resources like Family Support meetings to help navigate these challenges.

Family Support Meetings

CommQuest offers weekly Family Support meetings every Tuesday from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at:

Canton Outpatient Campus – Building A
601 Cleveland Ave. NW | Canton, OH 44702
Phone: 330.453.8252

To attend, enter through the main entrance, take the elevator to the second floor, and check in at the front desk. Please provide your contact details to receive notifications in case of cancellations due to weather or other events.

For those who prefer to attend virtually, send an email in advance to request the meeting link.
The link will be sent via Microsoft Teams:

Email: [email protected]

For more information about CommQuest, visit CommQuest.org.

This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.

In this episode of the CommQuest Hope Discovered Podcast, we focus on Suicide Awareness in Youth. Our guest is Steve Kerestes, a School-Based Mental Health Coordinator and Internship Coordinator for CommQuest Services.Although suicide is a difficult topic to discuss, it's crucial that we raise awareness and recognize potential warning signs in those who may be at risk. Our discussion delves into five key areas of suicide awareness, both generally and specifically for youth:

1. Key Risk Factors for potential suicide.
2. Warning Signs that may indicate a suicide attempt.
3. How to Act when a risk is identified.
4. Reaching Out for Help when needed.
5. Available Resources for those seeking more information about Suicide Awareness.

Our conversation covers these topics in detail, providing an informative and thoughtful dialogue. We hope you'll listen in.For more information about CommQuest Services, Inc., please visit CommQuest.org.