People Power: Maintaining Professional Support Through Teams and Networks

Featuring conversations with Bob Bertsch, Web Technology Specialist, North Dakota State University and Elizabeth Wright, Program Manager, U.S. Military Exceptional Family Member Program, this episode explores what researchers know about professional support networks and offers key strategies to help professionals thrive.

About This Podcast

Each month host Alicia Cassels introduces individuals who excel in challenging professional fields and interviews experts in medical, social and management sciences to explore what keeps professionals engaged and thriving at work. 

Guest Bio: Bob Bertsch

Bob Bertsch – Web Technology Specialist / Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University

After more than 20 years in communications, education and web technology, Bob has found a passion for building human networks, especially those focused on collective action. He seeks and shares insights on weaving collaborative networks and on developing a culture of innovation through his work with North Dakota State University Extension Service, OneOp and as the host of the Working Differently in Extension podcast.

Host Bio: Alicia Cassels

Alicia Cassels, MA – OneOp (MFLN) Program Development and Evaluation Specialist, Auburn University

Alicia has 25 years of experience working with professionals, young people and families in university and behavioral healthcare settings. Alicia’s Cooperative Extension work is informed by 15 years of previous work as a clinical therapist and program director, gaining valuable knowledge of the challenges and opportunities faced by families and service providers in under served and rural communities. For the past 10 years, Alicia has focused on the delivery of research and evidence-based Cooperative Extension programs, providing training, program development and educational resources for professionals, young people, and families with an emphasis on special needs, rural and under-served populations. Alicia has secured and managed more than 8 million dollars in competitive grant awards to fund Cooperative Extension initiatives.

This material is based on work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy, U.S. Department of Defense Award Number 2015-48770-24368.