Month: May 2023
Aging With Dignity as an LGBTQ+ Person with Arden O’Connor and Sam Van Kalkeren (Ep. 4)

Aging With Dignity as an LGBTQ+ Person with Arden O’Connor and Sam Van Kalkeren (Ep. 4)

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How does aging affect the LGBTQ+ community and what can we do to help them age with dignity?

In this episode, Tim Volk speaks with Arden O’Connor and Sam Van Kalkeren, MSN, RN, CDP, CADDCT about the challenges of aging with dignity for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. Arden and Sam discuss the challenges faced by aging LGBTQ+ individuals, highlight the lack of education among care providers and the public about these issues, and emphasize the need for senior living communities to invest in staff education around culturally competent care for the LGBTQ+ community and to be more inclusive and safer for their LGBTQ+ residents.

Arden and Sam’s key takeaways: 

  • The public and care providers need more education about the issues facing aging members of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Senior living communities need to invest in staff education around culturally competent care for the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Senior living communities need to be more inclusive and safer for their LGBTQ+ residents.
  • Senior communities should have zero-tolerance policies for harassment and discrimination against anyone.
  • States need more legislation protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from being denied culturally competent care, especially from organizations or communities that accept government funding.
  • Like their heterosexual counterparts, LGBTQ+ individuals need support in planning for their future and understanding the costs.
  • Why it’s so important for LGBTQ+ members to have all their legal affairs in order and up to date to ensure their wishes are respected.
  • And more

 

Resources:

Connect with Tim Volk: 

Connect with Arden O’Connor and Sam Van Kalkeren: 

About our Guests: 

Arden O’Connor founded the O’Connor Professional Group to address the needs of families and individuals struggling with various behavioral health issues, including addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders, learning, and other developmental challenges. With several relatives in recovery, Arden is passionate about helping families and individuals navigate the highly fragmented treatment system in a way that creates positive outcomes and allows families to heal. Arden is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School. She remains heavily involved in community activities, as a board member of Winsor School Corporation, Collaboration for Family Flourishing, and Massachusetts Association of Mental Health. Previously, she served as a board member for the Justice Resource Institute (former chair), C4 Recovery Solutions, Attorneys for Family Held Enterprises, Harvard Club of Boston, Victory Programs, and Harvard Business School Alumni Association of Boston.

Sam Van Kalkeren, MSN, RN, CDP, CADDCT is OPG’s Director of Aging Services. He has been working as a psychiatric RN since 2012 and is a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer and a Certified Dementia Practitioner through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Sam has worked with all age populations, from pediatrics to geriatrics, suffering from mental illness. He has experience working with clients suffering from substance use and co-occurring disorders, complex mental health diagnoses, neurocognitive disorders, and personality disorders. Most of his nursing career has been in the inpatient psychiatric setting. Sam joined OPG from Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was the Clinical Nurse Director for the inpatient psychiatric department. Prior to Tufts, he was the Patient Care Director for the geriatric and adult inpatient psychiatric units at Carney Hospital, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Sam received his Master of Science in Nursing degree, specializing in Leadership and Management, from Aspen University. He also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs, from Florida State University. Sam has a passion for teamwork and helping others. He is dedicated to delivering high-quality care and superior service. Sam enjoys traveling the globe with his husband, cooking, CrossFit, and playing with his two dogs Max and Beertje.

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Tackling Addiction And Helping Those In Crisis With Arden O’Connor (Ep. 3)

Tackling Addiction And Helping Those In Crisis With Arden O’Connor (Ep. 3)

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Did you know that out of the staggering 140 million individuals aged 12 and above who consume alcohol, a startling 20% grapple with the harsh realities of alcohol abuse or addiction?

In this episode, Tim Volk engages in a profound conversation with Arden O’Connor, the founder, and CEO of O’Connor Professional Group. Together, they delve into the intricate world of addiction, exploring Arden’s remarkable efforts in guiding individuals through their most challenging crises.  Arden sheds light on the limitations of conventional 30-day rehabilitation programs, raises awareness about the heightened vulnerability to addiction within the LGBTQ+ community, and underscores the alarming risks associated with laced drugs. Furthermore, she touches upon the progress made in mental health awareness across America.

Arden discusses: 

  • What addiction is and why she’s passionate about her work in helping people through addiction-related crises
  • Why the standard 30-day rehabilitation program treats the issue instead of solving it
  • Why the LGBTQ+ community is increasingly susceptible to addiction
  • Why laced drugs are one of the worst risks out there for those who suffer from addiction
  • The improvements in increased awareness for mental health in America
  • Her top 3 takeaway points for those who are struggling or know someone who is struggling with addiction
  • ….And much more

Prepare to be captivated as Arden shares her key takeaways, offering invaluable insights for those grappling with addiction or seeking to support someone on their journey to recovery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of addiction and the transformative power of compassionate support.

Resources:

Connect with Tim Volk: 

Connect with Arden O’Connor: 

About our Guest: 

Arden O’Connor founded the O’Connor Professional Group to address the needs of families and individuals struggling with various behavioral health issues, including addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders, learning, and other developmental challenges. With several relatives in recovery, Arden is passionate about helping families and individuals navigate the highly fragmented treatment system in a way that creates positive outcomes and allows families to heal. Arden is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School. She remains heavily involved in community activities, as a board member of Winsor School Corporation, Collaboration for Family Flourishing, and Massachusetts Association of Mental Health. Previously, she served as a board member for the Justice Resource Institute (former chair), C4 Recovery Solutions, Attorneys for Family Held Enterprises, Harvard Club of Boston, Victory Programs, and Harvard Business School Alumni Association of Boston.

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Exploring the Five Capitals of a Successful Family Legacy (Ep. 2)

Exploring the Five Capitals of a Successful Family Legacy (Ep. 2)

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Get ready to learn about the 5 capitals that can help your family thrive for generations to come! Join Tim Volk on this episode as he shares his expertise on human, intellectual, social, spiritual, and financial capital. You’ll discover how to create a strong foundation and sense of purpose that transcends generations by managing and optimizing each capital.

But that’s not all – this episode is all about inclusivity too! Tim dives into topics like creating a mission statement for inclusion in the family’s purpose, eliminating entitlement, and the challenges of leadership in a family council.

Whether you’re a family with enormous wealth or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a successful and happy family legacy. Tune in now!

Tim dives deep into the following topics:

  • The meaning of the 5 capitals and how he applies them
  • The importance of creating a mission statement for inclusion in the family’s purpose
  • The challenge of eliminating entitlement in families with enormous wealth
  • The purpose and benefits of having a family committee or council
  • The complexities of leadership in a family council

Join us for a fascinating discussion on how to optimize each of these capitals for a long-lasting family legacy.

Resources:

Connect with Tim Volk: 

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Unlocking the Mind of a Financial Expert: An Inside Look with Tim Volk (Ep. 1)

Unlocking the Mind of a Financial Expert: An Inside Look with Tim Volk (Ep. 1)

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Are you eager to build a lasting legacy for your family, but concerned about the unique challenges that come with multi-generational wealth? Look no further than our inaugural episode with Tim Volk, a financial expert and proud member of the LGBTQ community, who is dedicated to resolving family financial issues.

Join Tim as he shares his personal journey and the reasons behind his decision to enter the industry. He’ll reveal the secrets to creating multi-generational wealth and navigating the challenges that come with it. With Tim’s expertise, you’ll discover how to build a legacy that lasts for generations to come.

In this episode;

  • Discover how Tim’s unique experience with a multi-generational family business propelled him to build a successful career in the financial industry
  • Learn about Tim’s approach to helping the wealthy overcome the common pitfalls of discussing finances, and how he helps them navigate the star-struck mentality
  • Hear about Tim’s philanthropic endeavors and how he gives back to the community
  • Listen to Tim’s coming out story and the role it plays in the work he does
  • Explore Tim’s interests outside of work and how it informs his approach to helping families
  • And much more in-depth insights and wisdom from Tim’s experience in the financial industry

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and pay it forward for your own family’s financial future.

Resources:

Connect with Tim Volk: 

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