A Place in the Conversation

Believing in Students: Mentorship, Community, and the Power of Showing Up

Mentorship isn’t just about advice. It’s about consistency, care, and meeting people where they are. Loretta Perna, director of the WIN and Hermanitas programs at Kennett High School, has spent decades doing just that. In this conversation, Loretta shares how she went from business school and acting to becoming a mentor, advocate, and lifeline for hundreds of students navigating life after high school.
 
She reflects on the power of small encouragements, the importance of listening to what students actually need, and how the support of a community helped keep her program alive. From personal pivots to public advocacy, Loretta’s story is a reminder that it only takes one person to change a life and a whole community to keep that change going.
 
Highlights from the episode:
How the WIN and Hermanitas programs support students and families
What it means to be a mentor when parents can’t always show up
Loretta’s unexpected path from acting to education
The role of repetition, presence, and long-term commitment in building trust
Why investing in scholarships helps more than just one student

Building Belonging: Community, Connection, and Showing Up for Each Other

In this heartfelt episode of A Place in the Conversation, co-founders Nancy and Nick Everhart sit down with Cat Stenta, Director of Community Engagement at Kennett Library, to explore what it means to truly belong. From neighborhood Halloween parades and women’s lacrosse leagues to environmental film festivals and quiet support groups, Cat shares how she has spent her life creating space for others—sometimes by accident, often on purpose.
Together, they reflect on the evolving needs for connection across life stages, the power of listening, and the importance of safe spaces for both joy and grief. Cat opens up about her Quaker upbringing, the influence of her mother’s activism, and how her own journey through divorce led to a new kind of community care.
Highlights from the Episode:
How libraries act as modern-day community hubs for both newcomers and lifelong residents
The surprising impact of starting a women’s over-35 lacrosse team—and why joy matters
Supporting others through life transitions like divorce by simply holding space
Cat’s passion for environmental advocacy through Trail Creek and Wild & Scenic Film Festival
The invitation to be “the person who welcomes someone in”—and why that role is sacred
If you’ve ever felt unsure of where you belong or wondered how to start something meaningful, this episode offers encouragement, laughter, and real-life wisdom on building community one brave invitation at a time.

Finding Hope Through Grief and Mental Health Awareness

In this deeply moving episode, A Place in the Conversation welcomes Tyra Reeves and Lynn Brown, founders of Just My Reflection: The Jordan Michael Reeves Foundation. They share their personal journey through loss, grief, and their mission to bring mental health awareness and suicide prevention resources to the community.
Highlights from the Episode:
• Turning Grief into Action: Tyra shares how the loss of her son, Jordan, led her to start Just My Reflection as a source of support and hope for others struggling with mental health challenges.• Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health: Lynn discusses the importance of normalizing conversations about suicide, depression, and emotional struggles, especially in communities where these topics are often stigmatized.• Creating Safe Spaces for Healing: Learn about the Just My Reflection wellness group, where individuals can come together to process grief, share experiences, and access mental health resources in a judgment-free environment.• Reaching the Youth: The conversation explores the challenges of providing mental health support to young people, the barriers to accessing help, and how the foundation is working to build connections with schools and families.• A Message of Hope: Tyra and Lynn emphasize that "It's okay to not be okay" and that no one should have to suffer in silence. They share resources, personal insights, and ways to seek support.
Join us for this heartfelt discussion about the power of community, the importance of mental health awareness, and honoring Jordan’s memory by helping others find light in their darkest moments.

The Power of Music and Community in Faith Journeys

In this episode, A Place in the Conversation explores the deep connection between music, faith, and community. Hosts Nancy Nicewonger and Nick Everhart sit down with Nick Goble, a musician and member of the Kennett Square community, to discuss how his journey in music led him to rediscover faith and belonging.
Highlights from the Episode:
• Music as a Spiritual Journey: Nick shares how his love for music, not religion, first brought him into the church, and how it eventually deepened his faith.• Finding Community Through Worship: Moving from Ohio to Kennett Square, he reflects on how music helped him build meaningful relationships and connect with others.• The Role of Music in Worship: From improvisation to contemporary praise songs, Nick discusses how different styles of music impact spiritual experiences and why certain sounds resonate more deeply with different generations.• Faith, Growth, and the Role of Church: The conversation explores what draws people into faith communities and how churches can create welcoming spaces that meet people where they are.
Join us for this thought-provoking discussion about the transformative role of music in personal and collective faith journeys.

Navigating Health Literacy and Community Connection

In this episode, Nancy Nicewonger and Nick Everhart sit down with Rana Sakr, Director of Health Literacy at the Kennett Library, to explore her journey from medical doctor to community health advocate and how she is empowering individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions through education.
Highlights from the Episode:
• From Medicine to Health Literacy: Rana shares how her experience as a medical doctor and certified diabetes educator led her to a passion for health education and community outreach.• The Power of Knowledge in Healthcare: She discusses the importance of providing individuals with trusted health information to help them make informed medical decisions.• Building a Welcoming Community: Rana reflects on her journey from Lebanon to the U.S., her experiences living in various places, and how Kennett Square has become home for her family.• Bridging the Gap Between Patients and Doctors: She offers insights on how both medical professionals and patients can foster better communication and understanding in healthcare settings.
Join us for this inspiring conversation about the role of health literacy in improving patient outcomes, fostering connection, and making healthcare more accessible for all.

Building a Stronger Community Through Healthcare and Support

In this episode of A Place in the Conversation, Nancy Nicewonger and Nick Everhart talk with Kate Wickersham of LCH Health and Community Services about the vital role LCH plays in supporting the Kennett Square community.
Key Highlights:
LCH’s Mission & Growth – Founded in 1973, LCH has expanded from social services to healthcare, behavioral health, and community support.
Beyond Healthcare – LCH connects patients to food, housing, and transportation resources.
Strong Partnerships – Works with local organizations to build a support network.
New Initiatives – Launching an on-site pharmacy and offering chiropractic care for chronic pain.
Advocacy & Accessibility – Kate shares her personal journey and the importance of healthcare for all.
Listen in to learn how LCH is building a healthier, more connected community.

Bridging Gaps and Transforming Communities

In this episode, Nancy Nicewonger and Nick Everhart sit down with Pastor Ace Wright-Riggins, interim pastor of First Baptist Church of Kennett Square and mayor of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, to discuss the transformative power of connection, belonging, and community-building.Key highlights from the episode:• How bridging divides—whether racial, cultural, or ideological—creates opportunities for authentic connection and growth within diverse communities.• The importance of shifting from “serving others” to “being community,” fostering shared ownership and mutual respect across differences.• Insights into the intersection of faith and politics, and how affirming the humanity of all individuals can drive transformation.• The role of a Place in the Conversation in supporting existing initiatives and creating bridges between groups, building stronger, more inclusive communities.Discover how meaningful connections can break down barriers and transform communities, one conversation at a time.

Cultivating Community Through Pollinator Gardens

In this episode, Nancy Nicewonger and Nick Everhart sit down with Lou Florence, a Kennett Library staff member, to explore how pollinator gardens and environmental initiatives are transforming the local community.Key highlights from the episode:• The Meadowitos Project, a volunteer-driven initiative placing pollinator gardens throughout the borough to support biodiversity and educate the public.• How native plants create resilient habitats, even in small spaces, and their vital role in combatting climate change impacts.• The library's Seed Library and how it encourages community members of all ages to grow their own plants, fostering connection and curiosity.• The broader impact of these initiatives, restoring fragmented ecosystems and building community bonds through shared environmental stewardship.Discover how a simple garden can spark big change in both nature and community.

Building Community Through Food

In this episode, Nancy Nicewonger and Nick Everhart sit down with Edie Burkey and Joan Holliday to discuss the vision behind the Kennett Community Grocer, a groundbreaking community-owned grocery store designed to bring people together and promote healthy living.Highlights from the episode:• The unique mission of the Kennett Community Grocer: A co-op model connecting local farms and food producers to the community.• The importance of inclusivity in the store’s design and offerings, ensuring it feels like home for everyone in Kennett Square.• The role of food as medicine and how the grocer will promote healthier eating habits and reduce reliance on processed foods.• Plans for a community gathering space, dubbed the "Supper Club," fostering conversations and connections over shared meals.Join us for the conversation, where we explore the power of food to unite a community and support a more inclusive, healthier future.

Honoring the Past, Looking to the Future

In the first episode of Season 2 of the A Place in the Conversation podcast, Nancy Nicewonger, Lead Facilitator at A Place in the Conversation, and Nick Everhart reflect on the podcast's journey and its future. They honor the legacy of Dan Nicewonger, whose passion for meaningful discussions and storytelling shaped the foundation of this series.
What to expect in this episode:
Insights into how Dan's vision continues to guide the podcast.
Stories of impactful conversations with community members and nonprofits.
Plans to bring more voices from the Kennett Square community to light.
This heartfelt conversation celebrates the power of connection, the importance of sharing untold stories, and the drive to keep the podcast alive.