VSC Podcast

In this episode of the VSC Podcast, host Olivia Oropeza discusses the different entities who work together to provide survivors of sexual violence with the car and justice they deserve after experiencing a sexual assault. In popular media, we don’t always see the coordinated efforts that go on behind the scenes. However, in real life, collaboration is the key to justice. Episode 2 Segment 1: Law Enforcement – Detective Rick SalcedoUCF Detective Rick Salcedo shares the role of law enforcement in how they work alongside other entities to support survivors. Rick Salcedo is a Sex Crimes Detective at the University of Central Florida’s Police Department. Prior to working at UCF’s Police Department, Rick worked for the Orlando Police Department for 26 years and created their Orlando Police Department’s Special Victims Response Team (SVRT), which consists of 32 volunteer patrol officers/first responders who respond to sex crimes and child abuse cases.Episode 2 Segment 2: Forensic Nursing – Mary Yoder, SANE/FNE Nurse, Volusia CountySANE/FNE Nurse Mary Yoder shares why forensic evidence collection is important, how nurses collaborate with law enforcement and advocates, as well as unique ways her role makes a difference. When someone experiences sexual violence, one of the most important steps in both the healing journey and the pursuit of justice is forensic evidence collection. These exams are conducted by specially trained forensic nurse examiners, who not only collect vital evidence after an assault, but also provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to their patients during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Episode 2 Segment 3: Dr. Erin Hanson, Ph.D.Forensic Scientist Dr. Erin Hanson, Ph.D. explains how advancements in technology are transforming the way we pursue justice for survivors. In this segment, Dr. Erin Hanson discusses how advancements in forensic science are shaping investigations, strengthening cases, and ultimately, bringing closure and justice to survivors. Additionally, Dr. Erin Hanson shares more about her background in forensic science and DNA analysis and why this is essential when it comes to sexual assault. Below are hotlines we recommend:VSC Helpline: (407) 500-4325National Sexual Assault Helpline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 OR visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠myflfamilies.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to report online.Victim Service Center of Central Florida, Inc.2111 East Michigan Street, Suite 210Orlando, Florida [email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the VSC Podcast, host Olivia Oropeza introduces a new program that VSC has launched in partnership with Orlando Ballet. This initiative uses the power of movement and dance to promote healing, empowerment and reconnection for survivors of violence, abuse and trauma. Guests interviewed include Co-creators Brandi Godbee and Shane Bland and Emotions in Motion participant Renzo. Brandi Godbee, Lead Therapist/Clinical Manager at Victim Service Center, Co-creator of Emotions in Motion - Brandi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor. Education: Master's degree with Honors in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College and a Bachelor's degree in English. Trained in EMDR & DBT.Shane Bland, Head of Community Enrichment at Orlando Ballet and Co-creator of Emotions in Motions - As head of Orlando Ballet’s Community Enrichment Division, Shane is a dynamic theater artist with an accomplished career spanning Broadway, national tours, regional theater, television, choreography, and directing. His Broadway credits include Bombay Dreams, Show Boat (Harold Prince), and Disney’s The Lion King. In Orlando, Shane has starred in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Cabaret (as the Emcee at Orlando Shakes), and Beauty and the Beast (as The Beast at the Garden Theatre). His choreography credits include Frozen Jr., Matilda (Broadway World Nominee), and Hairspray. Shane also serves as an adjudicator for the Applause Awards, supporting young performers across the region.Below are hotlines we recommend:VSC Helpline: (407) 500-4325National Sexual Assault Helpline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 OR visit ⁠⁠⁠myflfamilies.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to report online.Victim Service Center of Central Florida, Inc.2111 East Michigan Street, Suite 210Orlando, Florida [email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode focuses on how individuals—especially thosenavigating dating and romantic relationships—can stay safe, assert their needs, and foster mutual respect. While love and connection are universal, dating can also come with risks. From personal safety to consent conversations to boundary-setting, this episode equips viewers with tools to navigate dating with confidence and clarity. Prevention isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about empowering people to choose healthy, respectful relationships. In our first segment, we’re joined by Keri Higby, ProgramSpecialist with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office and Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Florida. Keri created the S.A.F.E. Women’s Self-Defense program and brings over a decade of experience in crime prevention, empowerment education, and community safety. In our second segment, we’re joined by Natasha D’Arcangelo,a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works closely with clients processing trauma and rebuilding their sense of self. Natasha’s work frequently involves helping individuals explore what healthy love and connection look like—especially when they’ve experienced harm or have never had a model for respectful relationships. In our third segment, we are joined by Corrine Phillips, aForensic Nurse Examiner with the Victim Service Center. Corrine works directly with survivors of sexual violence and brings valuable insight into the real-world impact of consent misunderstandings and dating violence. Guest Speakers Keri HigbyTitle: Specialized Services Senior Program Specialist;Adjunct ProfessorOrganization: Seminole County Sheriff's Office; [email protected] or [email protected],407-474-5127 Natasha D’Arcangelo, LMHCTitle: Licensed Mental Health CounselorOrganization: LBee HealthContact information to be displayed on screen: LBee [email protected] Corrine Phillips, FNETitle: Forensic Nurse Examiner CoordinatorOrganization: Victim Service Center of Central FloridaBelow are hotlines we recommend:VSC Helpline: (407) 500-4325National Sexual Assault Helpline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 OR visit ⁠⁠myflfamilies.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to report online.Victim Service Center of Central Florida, Inc.2111 East Michigan Street, Suite 210Orlando, Florida [email protected]⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode explores the understanding of the intersection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sexual violence prevention—including breaking stigmas, clarifying neurodiverse experiences in relationships, and promoting safety and respect. Individuals with ASD and neurodivergence experience the world in a unique way. However, they also face disproportionate rates of marginalization, discrimination and violence. Additionally, this group is more than 3 times as likely to experience sexual violence compared to those without disabilities. At VSC, we aim to understand the nuances of neurodivergence and how we can all be a part of protecting and supporting this community. In our first segment, we’re joined by Maria Torres, a volunteer for the Autism Society of Florida, an educator in the field and a parent of a child affected by autism spectrum disorder. Maria shares some of the safety challenges that she see’s children with autism struggling with today – including wandering and being drawn to water, which increases the risk of drowning. Also, Maria discusses the importance of families seeking support groups and community. In the second segment, we’re joined by Michelle Zeman, a neurodivergent self-advocate, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and co-host of the REACH podcast—an initiative from the Autism Society of Florida. Michelle uses both personal experience and professional insight to uplift neurodivergent voices, challenge stigma, and expand the conversation around relationships, communication, and safety.In the third segment, we're joined by Catharine Warren, an Autism Specialist with the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Catharine will share how CARD supports individuals, families and professionals in creating safer, more inclusive spaces for people on the autism spectrum. For many neurodivergent individuals, safety is a concern. Catharine shares some of the practical safety strategies that have been effective in supporting neurodivergent people and protecting their family.Guest SpeakersMarria Torres: volunteer, educator, parent and volunteer at Autism Society of FloridaMichelle Zeman: Host of the REACH PodcastOrganization: Autism Society of Florida. REACH - https://www.autismfl.org/reachSafe Space the ABA Podcast - https://www.safespaceaba.com/ IG - @theautisticbehavioranalystCatharine Warren: Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist at UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)UCF Center of Autism and Related Disabilities Contact method: Phone: 407-823-6011 or Email [email protected] Website: https://ucf-card.org/Below are hotlines we recommend:VSC Helpline: (407) 500-4325National Sexual Assault Helpline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 OR visit ⁠myflfamilies.com⁠⁠⁠ to report online.Victim Service Center of Central Florida, Inc.2111 East Michigan Street, Suite 210Orlando, Florida [email protected]⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode explores how we, as a community, can raise boys into men who reject harmful gender stereotypes, respect others, and contribute to a culture free from violence. While prevention often focuses on protecting women, we must also empower boys with the tools and guidance to become upstanders—leaders in empathy, respect, and accountability. In our first segment, we’re joined by Dr. L. Trenton S. Marsh, Assistant Professor of Urban Education at the University of Central Florida and the founder of H.O.P.E. Circle—a youth-driven initiative based in the historic Parramore neighborhood that gives boys of color a safe space to explore mental health, identity, and leadership.In our second segment, we broaden the lens to look at how community leadership can shape safe, supportive pathways for youth—especially boys and young men who are too often overlooked. Joining us is Commissioner Mike Scott, Vice Mayor and Orange County District 6 Commissioner. A lifelong Orlando resident, Air Force veteran, and passionate youth mentor, Commissioner Scott brings a community-centered perspective to leadership and community.In our third segment, we're focusing on culture—and how it shapes the way boys learn to express themselves, seek help, and treat others. Joining us is Fidel Gomez Jr., a community educator and advocate at Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, Florida. Fidel works directly with youth and is here to provide some insights on gender norms and machismo. Guest SpeakersDr. L. Trenton S. Marsh, Associate Professor of Urban Education at the University of Central Florida and the founder of H.O.P.E. Circle—a youth-driven initiative based in the historic Parramore neighborhood that gives boys of color a safe space to explore mental health, identity, and leadership.Website: www.wearehopecircle.comCommissioner Michael “Mike” Scott, District 6 Commissioner for City of OrlandoFidel Gomez Jr., LGBTQ+ & Immigrant Justice Organizer for Hope CommUnity Center. Email: [email protected]: www.hcc-offm.orgInstagram: @hccapopka Below are hotlines we recommend:VSC Helpline: (407) 500-4325National Sexual Assault Helpline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 OR visit myflfamilies.com⁠⁠ to report online.Victim Service Center of Central Florida, Inc.2111 East Michigan Street, Suite 210Orlando, Florida [email protected]⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠