Melanie sits down with Joe, co-founder of Choices, to talk about supported living, mentoring new agencies, and his journey from provider to parent. Together, they explore partnership with families, self-determination, and what it means to build a legacy of hope.

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good idea—it may be one of the most powerful tools we have for resilience. In this solo episode of A Side of Hope, Melanie reflects on how gratitude has profoundly shaped her life, both personally and professionally.
Drawing from positive psychology research and lived experience, she explores how gratitude impacts mental health, reduces stress, and even changes the brain. From regulating cortisol to releasing dopamine and serotonin, gratitude literally rewires us toward greater happiness and strength.
This episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t about pushing through—it’s about pausing, noticing, and choosing thankfulness, even in hard places.

In this episode of A Side of Hope, Melanie reconnects with longtime colleague and keynote speaker Al Condeluci, whose work has inspired the human services field for decades.
Together, they explore a bold idea: that social capital—the relationships, trust, and community that surround us—may matter even more than a formal service plan. Drawing from nearly 25 years of shared experience, they reflect on what truly sustains people: connection, dignity, and belonging.

Bio: Al Condeluci, PhD, is a renowned consultant, public speaker, and thought leader specializing in social capital and community engagement. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Condeluci has dedicated his career to fostering inclusion and strengthening community ties through the power of social capital. He is well-known for his dynamic presentations and workshops that inspire individuals and organizations to build meaningful connections and inclusive communities.
As a seasoned facilitator, Dr. Condeluci has led numerous Retreats and World Café sessions, a conversational process that encourages collaborative dialogue and the sharing of knowledge in large group settings. His expertise in this area has helped countless organizations harness the collective wisdom of their members to drive positive change. Through his consulting practice, Dr. Condeluci continues to guide communities and businesses in creating environments where all people can thrive and contribute. He is associated with the University of Pittsburgh and in 2018 was awarded the “Key to the City of Pittsburgh,” the highest civilian honor given to community leaders.
He can be reached at www.alcondeluci.com