This conversation is about racism and the need for an inclusive perspective on the history of the nation and the world to help bridge the gap between races. Marcus LeGrand, Bend-LaPine School Board Member and Advisor/Coordinator of the COCC Ethnocentric Program and Mark Montgomery, facilitator for Coming To The Table, explore race relations and healing. We are reminded that historical events are seen and experienced differently by various ethnic groups. Often the experiences are sanitized and briefly mentioned, if at all, from the mainstream telling of history.
Mental Health Professional Weighs In on Immigration Trauma
Professional Counseling Associate Ofelia Sanchez tells us about the psychological impacts on immigration, and where Latinos can find support right here in Central Oregon.
"We Bring Trauma With Us" The Emotional Impact of Immigration
Claire Merydith talks with Catalina Sánchez Frank, Executive Director of Central Oregon's Latino Community Association. Catalina shares personal stories of immigrating to the U.S. from Colombia in the 1990's, and sheds light on the emotional issues that many immigrants are grappling with.
What's Your Number? Exploring The Enneagram
Author Elizabeth Orr joins forces with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Sarah Peterson to tell us about the Enneagram. This personality model consists of nine different types, and many say it can help us understand ourselves and improve our relationships.
Bend City Update with City Councilors, Mike Riley and Ariel Mendez
Every two months representatives from the Bend City Council update community members on current issues and projects of the City. The "August Update" highlights the Housing (affordability and meeting housing need), fire safety both preparation and planning, and the Bend City website at bendoregon.gov.
Healing from the Wounds of Slavery and Racism - A Conversation
This is a conversation about racism and the need for an inclusive perspective on the history of the nation and the world, bridging the gap between races. Marcus LeGrand, Bend-La Pine Schools Board Member and Advisor/Coordinator of the COCC Ethnocentric Program, and Mark Montgomery, facilitator for Coming To The Table, explore race relations and healing. comingtothetable.org/organizer/bend
Climate Fee and Automated Traffic with Bend City Councilors Mike Riley and Ariel Mendez
Every two months, representatives from the Bend City Council update community members on current issues and City projects. The June update highlights the Bend Climate Fee, automated traffic enforcement tools, City goals, and the Bend City website at bendoregon.gov.
Healing from the Wounds of Slavery and Racism
This conversation is about racism and the need for an inclusive perspective on the history of the nation and the world, bridging the gap between races. Marcus LeGrand, School Board Member/Bend-LaPine School District and Advisor/Coordinator of the COCC Ethnocentric Program and Mark Montgomery explore healing the racial divide.
The Rainbow Bridge: Coping with Pet Loss
The hardest part of loving our pets is the day we have to say goodbye. Claire Merydith talks with Dr. Lauren Stayer of Paw Town Veterinary Care about how we can prepare and cope when this sad but inevitable day comes.
Not Crazy, Just Afraid: Destigmatizing Schizophrenia
Though it affects less than 1% of the world's population, schizophrenia is one of the most well-known brain disorders. It is also highly misunderstood. Claire Merydith talks with Dr. Sam Murray and Lindsay Hoffman of Central Oregon's EASA program. EASA helps young people and their families navigate schizophrenia and first episode psychosis. Hoffman and Murray provide insight into what it really means to live with schizophrenia, and how we can find support.
Bend City Update with Mike Riley and Ariel Mendez - April 2026
The April Bend City Update with City Councilors focused on upcoming road maintenance projects, automated enforcement of running red lights and speeding, and the challenge of meeting equity and fairness in City government.
Swapping our Cognitive Distortions for Healthy Thinking Habits
Some people call them thought distortions, others refer to them as thought loops, thought traps or cognitive distortions. These phrases refer to unhealthy thinking patterns, which most of us humans engage in from time to time. Most experts say there are around 13 common thought distortions, and therapist Scott Cypress walks us through them. We provide an example of each thought trap, and Scott provides some healthier thoughts to replace them.
Race, History, Education - A Conversation
This is a conversation about racism, the need for an inclusive perspective on the history of the nation and the world, justice and healing, and bridging the gap between races.
Surviving PTSD: What Is It, Who Experiences It, and How We Can Heal
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is caused by experiencing terrifying or particularly stressful events. Once known as "shell shock" due its prevalence among combat veterans, PTSD is not limited to war or violence. There are many treatment options for PTSD, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is said to be one of the most effective therapies. On this episode of The Point Podcast, Claire Merydith sits down with Licensed Professional Counselor Stephanie Stockham-Ronollo to learn more about PTSD, and how EMDR can help.
Bend City Update with Mike Riley and Ariel Mendez
This bi-monthly Bend City Update with city councilors Mike Riley and Ariel Mendez focuses on ICE and how the City addresses actions by the federal agency, as well as houselessness and affordable housing issues.
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do with Julian Pijuan
Most Americans experience a breakup during their lifetime. In fact, during the time it takes to watch a romantic comedy film (roughly two hours) over 172 couples get divorced! Breaking up is a part of life, and it's hard to do. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Julian Pijuan gives us some tips on how to cope when a relationship ends.
Conflict Resolution Services with Kyra Coke Duffy from Community Solutions
Kyra Coke Duffy, Executive Director of Community Solutions (formerly Central Oregon Mediation), talked about services and mediation training for volunteers. The offered services provide an alternative to going to court to resolve conflict.
"We can do anything you can do...we all need to dream big": Local College Student on Living With Down Syndrome
When her daughter Victoria was born with Down syndrome in 2003, Dianne Hanson was given outdated medical literature and few local resources. She joined forces with a few other moms to create Central Oregon Disability Support Network. At age 22, Victoria attends college, works at a restaurant and has big dreams for her future. Claire Merydith sits down with these women to learn more about Down syndrome, and of the opportunities CODSN provides.
Integrating our Trauma with Somatic Therapy
Claire Merydith learns about somatic therapy with mental health professional Taryn DuBose. We hear about how this body-based treatment can help us heal from past trauma, and other conditions.
Black History Month with Marcus LeGrand, COCC Afrocentric Program Coordinator
This discussion is about the value of "having knowledge" about the contributions of Black Americans during Black History Month and all year long. Guest Marcus LeGrand talked about the variety of activities available during the month of February through Central Oregon Community College and why celebration is important. More info can be found at cocc.edu/snv.