This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

Dr. Catherine Barrett, a licensed clinical forensic psychologist, shares her journey and expertise in the field of forensic psychology, particularly focusing on domestic violence and risk assessment. She discusses the importance of understanding the complexities of domestic violence, the role of forensic psychologists in legal cases, and the challenges faced in family court. Dr. Barrett emphasizes the need for proper training in domestic violence for legal professionals and the significance of building a supportive legal team to ensure justice for victims. The conversation also highlights the importance of recognizing risk factors and the historical context of abusive behavior in assessing future risks. In this conversation, Catherine Barrett and Ali Kessler delve into the complexities of parenting, the influence of cults, and the failures of the judicial system in protecting children. They discuss the psychological implications of being involved with narcissistic individuals and the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic change in family courts to prioritize child welfare over parental rights and the challenges faced by mothers in custody battles. They also touch on the healing process from toxic relationships and the intersection of mental health and true crime.

About Catherine Barrett:

Dr. Catherine Barrett is a licensed Clinical Forensic Psychologist, based out of Los Angeles, California. She first gained clinical experience after graduating from the University of Southern California in 2009, with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Through her training and experience, she has worked with marginalized communities, committed to social justice in mental health, and has developed a practice that is not only cross-culturally competent but also affirmative.

Clinical training and populations include addiction recovery, LGBTQ+, domestic and intimate partner violence, chronic mental illness, and narcissistic personality disorder. Dr. Barrett specializes in narcissistic abuse recovery.

Following a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Dr. Barrett continued her commitment to social justice and psychology in the law by obtaining a Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Forensic Psychology. She graduated from Alliant International University’s California School of Forensic Studies in 2014. A significant amount of her training was in risk assessment, evaluation, and treatment of sex offenders, sexually violent predators, mentally disordered offenders, and individuals found not guilty because of insanity. Dr. Barrett completed her Pre-Doctoral internship at the San Francisco Forensic Institute, where she evaluated, treated, and ran psychological assessments on sex offenders and sexually violent predators. Dr. Barrett was first certified with the Sex Offender Management Board at this time.

Dr. Barrett has performed various clinical and forensic assessments, including psycho-educational evaluations, risk assessment, and psychological evaluations for court. Dr. Barrett has been clinically trained and certified to administer the ABEL Assessment of sexual interest and the STABLE-2007, which measures potential risk for future violence. She has also assisted Dr. Charles Flinton in administering the Penile Plethysmograph (PPG) to forensic hospital patients at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino, California. Dr. Barrett has spent a significant amount of time providing group and individual therapy, as well as risk...

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

In this episode of Grey Minds Think Alike, host Ali Kessler speaks with Sheri Kurdakul, the founder and CEO of Victim's Voice. Sheri shares the story behind the creation of Victim's Voice, a groundbreaking web-based app designed to help domestic violence victims collect and store legally admissible evidence. This tool aids victims in documenting their experiences safely and securely, ensuring that their abusers can be held accountable. Sheri also discusses the development process, the legal considerations, and the impact the app has had on users and legal professionals. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in technology, victim advocacy, and legal reforms.

About Sheri Kurdakul

Sheri Kurdakul is the Founder of EBinRA, Inc., dba VictimsVoice and serves as its Chief Executive Officer. Sheri focuses on making a measurable difference in the lives of victims and survivors so their abusers can be held accountable and they can begin to reclaim and rebuild their lives in safety and on their own terms. Formerly, she was the Managing Partner of Holistic Business Solutions, a small business and nonprofit consulting firm. As a survivor of child abuse and domestic violence, she has devoted herself to ensuring victims of discrimination, harassment, and abuse are heard, believed, and able to seek legal justice. She resides in Central New Jersey with her husband and daughter, as well as a myriad of adopted furry family members.

VictimsVoice was designed for legal admissibility, allowing users to document information that holds up in court, investigators to collect relevant evidence, and prosecutors to build a stronger case. It’s built to meet HIPAA, VAWA, VOCA, and FVPSA regulations, ensuring the strictest privacy and security standards are upheld.

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About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.” Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

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This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

About Lily Schwark: Lily Schwark is a dedicated family court advocate and domestic violence survivor who turned her personal experience into a mission for change. While navigating the family court system and securing full custody of her daughter, she became passionate about supporting other parents facing similar battles. As the President of Families Against Court Travesties and the Vice President of Florida Protective Parents, she actively works to protect children, ensure court transparency, and advocate for family court reform. With years of experience in court watching, she brings a unique and informed perspective on the challenges families face in custody disputes.

Contact:

Florida Protective Parents

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About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

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This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

In this episode, Ali Kessler speaks with Leah Vejzovic, the regional manager of the Safe and Together Institute, about her journey in domestic violence advocacy and the importance of child welfare. They discuss the Safe and Together model, which focuses on keeping children safe and together with non-offending parents while holding perpetrators accountable. Leah shares insights on the challenges faced by protective parents, the need for systemic change, and the importance of training for professionals in the field. The conversation highlights the complexities of domestic violence, the impact on children, and the necessity for awareness and education in addressing these issues.

About Leah Vejzovic, LMSW

Leah has been working as a social worker in the fields of child welfare and domestic violence victim advocacy since 2007. She has experience as a child welfare services provider, a domestic and sexual assault victim advocate, a therapist specializing in work with adult and child survivors and perpetrators, a men’s behavior changes program facilitator, and the coordinator of domestic violence training and response for the Department of Human Services in Iowa. Leah first became connected to the Safe & Together Institute during her tenure as state coordinator when she helped facilitate the implementation of the Safe & Together Model across the state. She came on board in 2020 as a Resource Development Specialist, creating a DV-informed curriculum, eLearning, and practice tools. She also worked to coordinate programming for our Events. Leah is passionate about equipping professionals with the tools they need to do effective work with families and engage in larger agency and systems change.

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Safe and Together Institute

academy.safeandtogetherinstitute.com

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About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or...

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

In this episode of Grey Minds Think Alike, host Ali speaks with experienced family law attorney Robin Scher, who discusses her extensive career and passionate involvement with domestic violence cases in Florida. Robin shares her journey from starting her practice to representing victims and perpetrators in domestic violence cases. She highlights the importance of addressing the full spectrum of abusive behavior, including providing resources for rehabilitation. Robin also discusses the systemic challenges in family law, such as the need for better training for judges and legal professionals on trauma-informed care. Additionally, she mentions her work with the Palm Beach County Domestic Violence Coordinated Community Response Team and the National Divorce Coalition to improve support for domestic abuse survivors. The conversation underscores the complexities of legal responses to domestic violence and the importance of comprehensive approaches to both victim support and perpetrator accountability.

About Robin Scher:

With 30+ years of experience in Marital and Family Law, Robin assists in all aspects of marital and family law, including paternity, pre-and post-judgment matters, parenting, child support, alimony, and asset and liability distribution. Most cases focus on those involved in domestic, dating, sexual violence, and stalking matters, as well as civil injunctions and related criminal matters. This holistic representation approach helps ensure that a client's interests are protected and that they receive consistent, cohesive representation in a comprehensive manner.

Robin’s interest in this area of legal practice began early, and her personal experiences led her to study. Her passion for assisting others has evolved into “Transforming the future of families in conflict.” Robin serves clients from Broward to St. Lucie Counties and parts of SW Florida.

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About Ali Kessler

Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

Contact Ali:

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

Advocating for Family Court Reform: A Deep Dive with Danielle Pollack, Originator of Kayden's Law

In this episode of Grey Minds Think Alike, host Ali talks with Danielle Pollack, the policy manager at the National Family Violence Law Center at GW Law and founder of the National Safe Parents Organization. Danielle shares her journey in creating systemic reforms to improve family court outcomes for children and their safe parents. She discusses the passage and impact of Kayden's Law, aimed at ensuring child safety in custody cases, and the ongoing efforts to implement its provisions across various states. The conversation delves into key elements like evidence-based judicial training, mandating consideration of family violence evidence, regulation of expert testimony on abuse, and the need for safe and effective reunification programs. Danielle also provides insights on how advocates can engage lawmakers to drive change, the challenges of legislative processes, and the importance of informed public awareness.

About Danielle Pollack:

Danielle Pollack is the Policy Manager at the National Family Violence Law Center at GW Law in Washington, D.C., and the originator of Kayden’s Law. She collaborates closely with state and federal lawmakers, partner organizations, advocates, and families to create comprehensive child-centric policy reform and provide public education on family courts.

She has advised on, co-drafted, and provided testimony on custody and coercive control laws enacted in many states and federally, including the newly passed section of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Title XV, called the Keeping Children Safe From Family Violence Act (aka “Kayden’s Law”), signed into law by President Biden in March of 2022. The new federal law incentivizes states to train family court judges and court personnel on coercive control and other types of family violence. It restricts them from making child-endangering custody orders.

Her recent state work includes Connecticut’s Coercive Control Law, Jennifers’ Law, Colorado’s Julie’s Law, Florida’s Greyson’s Law, Pennsylvania’s Kayden’s Law, and Washington State’s new coercive control law. Her short documentary film, Voices for Reform, about family court system failures when children are at risk of violence, has been used to raise awareness at the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), in courts, and at universities internationally. She is co-founder of the National Safe Parents Organization (NSPO) and co-director of The Court Said USA.

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About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative...

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

In this conversation, Anne Wintemute, co-founder and CEO of Aimee Says, discusses the innovative AI companion designed to support individuals experiencing domestic violence and abuse. The discussion covers the technology behind Amy, its accessibility, the importance of privacy, and the future developments planned for the platform. Anne shares her journey in this work, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed support and the role of AI in providing a safe space for users. In this conversation, Anne Wintemute discusses the role of AI in supporting victims of domestic violence through the platform Amy. The discussion covers the importance of providing resources to organizations and nonprofits, the impact of domestic violence on workplaces, and the positive feedback received from users. The conversation also highlights the growing awareness of domestic violence issues, the cultural shifts in understanding these topics, and the global reach of the platform. The speakers emphasize the importance of leveraging technology for good and the opportunities for partnerships with organizations to enhance support for survivors.

About Anne Wintemute: Anne Wintemute is Co-Founder and CEO of AimeeSays, a companion app that uses the power of AI to support survivors of domestic violence in their fight for safety and justice. Anne is a dedicated and visionary leader and is also the founder of A Garden Grows, a consultancy offering vital support services to women experiencing post-separation abuse. Anne is passionate about transforming the discourse around intimate partner violence and advocating for a narrative that holds perpetrators accountable. While working as the Head of School at an elementary school, she began supporting women navigating especially difficult divorces. She is passionate about helping women re-envision and reclaim control of their lives and protecting children from the adverse impacts of parental conflict. When she’s not with her clients or three children, you can find her tending her urban farm. In both plants and humans, it is the skillful attendance to the needs of a living thing that allows it to flourish!

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About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in...

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

In this enlightening conversation, Nova Gibson, a therapist and expert on narcissistic abuse, shares her insights on the complexities of narcissistic relationships. She discusses the definition of narcissism, the dynamics of coercive control, and the manipulative tactics used by narcissists, such as love bombing and word salad. Nova emphasizes the importance of self-love and setting boundaries, especially when co-parenting with a narcissist. She also highlights the challenges faced in family court and offers practical advice for victims of narcissistic abuse. Her book, 'Fake Love,' serves as a guide for understanding and healing from these toxic relationships.

About Nova Gibson

Nova Gibson is the director, founder, and primary counselor of Brighter Outlook Narcissistic Abuse Counselling Service and the go-to expert on narcissistic abuse recovery in Australia. She is passionate about helping victims identify narcissistic abuse and coercive control and find a way to break the toxic cycle and heal. With more than ten years of experience, Nova has helped thousands of clients in Australia and around the world with one-on-one professional support and her popular Q&A and abuse recovery sessions on social media, providing regular information and support. Nova has also worked in the child safety sector and has supported individuals, couples, and families experiencing crisis and trauma. She lives in Brisbane, Australia.

Book: Fake Love:

Visit www.brighteroutlooknarcissisticabusecounselling.com.au

https://www.brighteroutlooknarcissisticabusecounselling.com.au/about/

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

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