Sunny Side: Joy and Humor in Outreach, Continued

Resource Type

Podcast

Subject Areas

Capacity Building
Community Health
Mental Health

To The Point Maryland Podcast: Season 1, Episode 9

We are at it again! This episode continues our exploration of the moments that make outreach work meaningful, memorable, and fun. This episode features a new team whose humor, teamwork, and passion for serving their community help fuel their success in the field. Join us as we share stories that highlight the power of connection, the importance of workplace joy, and the ways laughter can sustain us through even the most challenging days.

Host
Leo Sheridan (Senior Capacity Building Manager) is a certified Community Health Worker residing in Baltimore city. He specializes in workforce development, drug user health, HIV prevention and care, and community-based public health initiatives. With a background spanning direct service and healthcare law, Leo works to strengthen the capacity of providers and community organizations serving disproportionately impacted populations. Leo has traveled throughout Maryland training CHWs through the TEACH program, certified outreach workers for HIV testing protocols through ALIVE Maryland, and has spoken and facilitated discussions surrounding rural healthcare access and polysubstance use.

Guests
Willow Koger works as a Syringe Services Outreach Worker delivering harm reduction services to underserved populations. Provides safer use supplies, overdose prevention education, wound care resources, and referrals to medical and behavioral health services. Advocates for compassionate, nonjudgmental care while fostering trust within the community.

Marrisa McGinnisis a public health professional with extensive experience in behavioral health, substance use services, crisis intervention, and harm reduction. Throughout her career, she has worked across clinical, community, and public health settings, leading initiatives that expand access to care, reduce stigma, and strengthen connections to evidence-based services. She is passionate about advancing health equity through collaboration, community engagement, and person-centered approaches that meet people where they are.

Starr works for the Anne Arundel County Health Department as a Peer Support Specialist. Using her advocacy skills she supports and directs participants to numerous resources that can assist in positive change. By building a rapport with the individuals she meets, she maintains the ability to act as a safe space that enables trust and familiarity. She incorporates her lived experience when connecting with participants and educates them on different ways that have worked for her in her own life.