Shows
The Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Sex Education with Cindy Loftus-Vergari & Dr. Meg Part 4Join Dr. Meg and Cindy Loftus-Vergari in this insightful podcast episode as they tackle the complex yet essential topic of talking to kids about sex. With decades of experience in psychology, child welfare, and sex education, they provide practical advice for parents on how to foster open and effective communication with their children about sexuality. From personal anecdotes and memory exercises to the ABCDs of sexuality discussions (Autonomy, Building Healthy Relationships, Connection, and Diversity), this episode covers vital ground for supporting adolescents through their formative years. They also stress the importance of comprehensive sex education, the role of parents...
2025-09-111h 18The Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Sex Education with Cindy Loftus-Vergari & Dr. Meg Part 3In this insightful episode, Dr. Meg, a psychologist and clinical director, discusses how to talk to children about sex with her mother, Cindy, who has over 40 years of experience as a sex therapist and educator. Join them as they cover essential puberty topics through a fun true-or-false quiz format. Learn about breast growth in boys and girls, the importance of hygiene, menstruation norms, misconceptions around wet dreams, and the emotional challenges of adolescence. Cindy provides valuable insights from her extensive experience, making this episode a valuable resource for parents navigating these conversations with their kids.
2025-08-0854 minThe Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Sex Education with Cindy Loftus-Vergari & Dr. Meg Part 2Follow along as we bring back Cindy Loftus-Vergari, aka Dr. Meg's Mom, to continue our latest topic of discussion, "The Talk".
2025-07-111h 08The Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Sex Education with Cindy Loftus-Vergari & Dr. Meg Part 1On this episode of With That In Mind, we begin our newest topic of conversation, "The Talk". Follow along with Cindy Loftus-Vergari and Dr. Megan as we cover how to talk to your kids about sex.
2025-06-1353 minThe Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Navigating the Challenges of Parenting Through Different Stages with Sue GeorgeIn this episode, Dr. Megan Velo-Zorzi, a psychologist and clinical director at Loftus-Vergari and Associates, interviews Sue George, Intake Coordinator at Loftus-Vergari and Associates, to discuss effective parenting strategies for different age groups. They explore the challenges and techniques for managing children from ages 6 to 8, preteens (9 to 11), and young teenagers (12 to 14). Topics include the importance of positive and tailored parenting, dealing with the onset of puberty, and fostering healthy relationships and habits. Together, they provide valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the complex journey of parenting.
2025-05-1537 minThe Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Understanding Post-Permanency Adoption Services: Insights from ExpertsJoin Dr. Megan Velo-Zorzi and Jackie Eckenrode as they look at the intricacies of post-permanency services for adopted children. Learn about the role of post-permanency coordinators, how to access these services through the Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN), and the support available for both children and families after adoption. Discover various services including case management, support groups, respite care, and advocacy for educational needs. Explore how these resources aim to build stronger family bonds and address unique challenges faced by adopted children.
2025-04-1622 minThe Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Kinship Care FAQs: Navigating Foster Care and Adoption ChallengesIn today's episode, Dr. Megan is joined by Sharon DiPietro, LVA Director of Adoption and Permanency Services, and Tracy Buchanan, LVA Foster Care Director, to address frequently asked questions by kinship parents. The discussion covers various aspects of kinship care, from initial steps to formal and informal care options, court involvement, licensing requirements, and the benefits and challenges associated with each choice. The episode also explores the support services available through Loftus-Vergari and Associates (LVA), a private foster and adoption agency in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Learn about the critical decisions kinship parents must make, the assistance available, and the impact...
2025-03-1935 minThe Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Navigating Foster and Kinship Care: Insights from Loftus-Vergari ExpertsIn this episode, Dr. Meg, a psychologist and clinical director at Loftus-Vergari and Associates, is joined by co-hosts Sue George, Kristi McGraw, and Jackie Tona to discuss the intricacies of foster and kinship care. The discussion covers the process of getting licensed, the benefits of kinship care, the challenges kinship parents face, and the support systems available for foster and kinship families. Learn more about the vital services Loftus-Vergari and Associates provides to ensure permanency and stability for children in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
2025-02-2132 minThe Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Creating a System of Care: The Journey of Loftus-Vergari and AssociatesJoin Dr. Meg and her co-hosts, Cindy and Joe Loftus-Vergari, owners of Loftus-Vergari and Associates, as they delve into the foster care and adoption world. This episode explores Cindy and Joe's personal and professional journeys, detailing their inspirational work in child welfare and trauma management. From Joe's foundational work in the Army during Vietnam to Cindy's specialized trauma therapy and sexual abuse prevention programs, the duo shares a decades-long commitment to creating permanency and resilience for children in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Learn about their agency's philosophy, innovative programs, and the tireless efforts of their dedicated team. This heartwarming and informative...
2025-01-2453 minThe Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Navigating Foster Care: Integrating Biological and Foster ChildrenJoin Dr. Meg and her co-hosts, Geneva Mathuse, and Sheila Maslo, as they explore the complexities of integrating biological children with foster children. As experts from Loftus-Vergari & Associates, a private foster and adoption agency, they offer valuable insights into the adoption process, trauma-informed care, and maintaining family dynamics. Learn about the different scenarios families face, including the introduction of foster children to biological siblings, the importance of routine, healthy boundaries, and the emotional impact on all family members. Whether you're considering foster care or are currently navigating it, this episode provides essential guidance and support.
2024-12-1941 minThe Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Parenting Special Needs Children Adopted from Foster Care - Dr. Meg with Tracy Spencer and Nicole SteeveIn this episode, Dr. Meg, the Clinical Director of Loftus Vergari & Associates, gains insight into the experiences of parenting special needs children adopted from the foster care system. Joined by Co-Hosts Tracy Spencer and Nicole Steeve, both experienced foster and adoptive parents, they discuss their personal journeys and the challenges of navigating medical and mental health care for their children. The conversation covers the complexity of diagnoses, the impact of trauma, and the importance of support systems and advocacy for adoptive families.
2024-11-201h 03The Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Becoming a Foster Parent: Insights from Dr. Megan & Geneva MathuseJoin Dr. Megan, a psychologist and clinical director at Loftus-Vergari & Associates, and Geneva Mathuse, a foster care recruiter, as they discuss everything you need to know about becoming a foster parent. They cover the various options available, the common questions and concerns, the approval process, and the importance of providing a supportive home for children in need. Whether you're considering fostering, adopting, or even providing respite care, this episode provides valuable insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions.
2024-10-3138 minThe Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Understanding the Journey of Foster Care and Adoption with Dr. Megan & Sharon DiPietroIn this insightful episode, Dr. Megan interviews Sharon DiPietro, the Director of Permanency and Adoption at Loftus-Vergari & Associates. They discuss various aspects of foster care and adoption, including the processes involved, the importance of permanency, and the support provided by the Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN). Sharon shares her extensive experience since 1993 in facilitating adoption services and highlights the emotional journey of both children and prospective parents. They also explore services such as family profiling, child preparation, family matching, and post-permanency support. Tune in to learn about the efforts made to ensure children find their forever homes and how you...
2024-09-3046 minThe Forever Family PodcastThe Forever Family Podcast | Understanding Foster Care and Adoption: A Deep Dive with ExpertsJoin Dr. Megan and special guest Tracy Buchanan as they explore the intricacies of foster care, kinship care, and adoption. This first episode of the Forever Family Podcast explores the roles of resource parents, foster parents, and kinship parents, explains the support systems in place, and discusses the emotional and practical challenges involved. Learn about the importance of permanency for children and the collaborative efforts of private agencies like Loftus-Vergari and Associates with county agencies to ensure the well-being of children in the foster care system. A must-listen for current and prospective foster parents aiming to better understand and...
2024-08-2138 min
The "With That In Mind" PodcastEpisode 38: With That In Mind | Exploring Sex Therapy with Cindy Loftus-Vergari: Insights from the Intersection of Psychology and Human SexualityOn this episode of 'With That In Mind,' hosted by Dr. Megan of Red Bird Mental Health, we are joined by special guest Cindy Loftus-Vergari, a seasoned sex therapist and Dr. Megan’s mother. They delve into the multifaceted world of human sexuality and sex therapy, sharing insights from the historical development of the field, spearheaded by Masters and Johnson in the 1960s, to the modern techniques and challenges faced by couples. Cindy recounts her extensive experience and training in sex therapy, highlighting the importance of communication, education, and various therapeutic techniques aimed at enhancing intimacy and resolving se...
2024-07-1156 minThe "With That In Mind" PodcastEpisode 32: With That In Mind | Sex Education with Cindy Loftus-Vergari Part 4In this final episode of the series, Dr. Meg and Cindy conclude their discussion on Human Sexuality with finishing thoughts and tips for giving "The Talk."Check out our website to learn more about Red Bird Mental Health @ redbirdmentalhealth.com
2024-01-041h 18The "With That In Mind" PodcastEpisode 31: With That In Mind | Sex Education with Cindy Loftus-Vergari Part 3In this episode, we continue 'The Talk" and we make Cindy take a pop quiz that's all about puberty.Check out our website to learn more about Red Bird Mental Health @ redbirdmentalhealth.com
2023-12-0755 minThe "With That In Mind" PodcastEpisode 30: With That In Mind | Sex Education with Cindy Loftus-Vergari Part 2Follow along as we bring back Cindy Loftus-Vergari aka Dr. Meg's Mom, to continue our latest topic of discussion, "The Talk".Check out our website to learn more about Red Bird Mental Health @ redbirdmentalhealth.com
2023-11-101h 09The "With That In Mind" PodcastEpisode 29: With That In Mind | Sex Education with Cindy Loftus-Vergari Part 1On this episode of With That In Mind, we begin our newest topic of conversation, "The Talk". Follow along with our special guest Cindy Loftus-Vergari, aka Dr. Meg's Mom, as we cover how to talk to your kids about sex.Check out our website to learn more about Red Bird Mental Health @ redbirdmentalhealth.com
2023-10-2653 min