Welcome to Let’s Talk, the podcast that explores Motivational Interviewing in the context of working with children and families. Join us as we define Motivational Interviewing, discuss its benefits in working with families, and provide strategies to avoid common pitfalls. Discover how this evidence-based approach can enhance communication, build trust, and foster positive change within families and even our own personal lives. Click the link and Let’s Talk because change begins with a conversation.
Let’s Talk: An Illinois Child Welfare Podcast
Welcome to Let’s Talk: an Illinois Child Welfare Podcast, a podcast of the Office of Research and Child Well-being to educate, provide updates and support the implementation of best practice within Illinois Department Children and Family Services. Let’s Talk: an Illinois Child Welfare Podcast is hosted by Michelle Moreno and LaTanya Riggs. Our goal is to provide valuable information that will strengthen well-being, the use of best practice within the field, and increase awareness of programs and practices. We’re glad you tuned in with us today. Let’s talk!
Do you have feedback on the podcast, a topic you'd like to learn more about, or research you'd like to share with our audience? Contact us at dcfspodcasts@niu.edu.
Meet the Podcast Hosts
Michelle Moreno
Michelle Moreno, MPA (bilingual English/Spanish) is currently an implementation site director for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She holds a master's degree in public administration and has over 20 years of experience implementing strong Systems of Care in Indiana, Florida and Illinois. She is a strong advocate for the implementation of High-Fidelity Wraparound and the system reforms needed to achieve improved safety, permanency and well-being for children and families.
La Tanya Riggs
La Tanya Riggs, MSW, is a native of Detroit, MI, and a tea lover. She embarked on her child welfare career nearly 20 years ago and held various roles in case management and supervision. She is currently an implementation site director within the Office of Research and Child Well-being. She is passionate about empowering and supporting children, youth, families and the dedicated field staff in their journey towards positive transformation and stability.
Episodes
Seasons one and two of Let’s Talk: An Illinois Child Welfare Podcast was supported by a contract with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from the Illinois Department of Child and Family Welfare.
Season One
Welcome to Let’s Talk! In this episode, we will discuss how to avoid falling into the “Righting Reflex Trap”. This is when we begin with providing solutions immediately when we see what is wrong and when working with children and families this approach can hinder the process of change. Tune in as La Tanya and Michelle provide information on how to empower families by fostering effective communication and collaboration to avoid this trap.
Welcome to Let’s Talk! In this episode, Michelle and La Tanya delve into the topic Avoiding the Expert Trap when working with children and families. We will discuss how using Motivational Interviewing skills help to avoid this common trap and shift your perspective to becoming a partner and empowering families to take the lead in their own change journeys.
Join La Tanya and Michelle on Let’s Talk as we explore the Question-and-Answer Trap. We will discuss how to use Motivational Interviewing skills to avoid this trap and provide effective ways to gather information, understand needs, and create a comfortable and safe environment. Click the link, tune in and enhance your Motivational Interviewing skills while working with children and families!
On this episode of Let’s Talk, Michelle and La Tanya explore the spirit of Motivational Interviewing: Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion, and Evocation or for short P.A.C.E. Join the conversation and invite your peers as we share valuable MI tips and tools for incorporating the spirit of MI when working with children and families. So, click the link and Let’s Talk and embrace the spirit of MI together!
Join La Tanya, Michelle, and special guest Verletta Saxon, Ph.D., CRC, QMHP on Let’s Talk as they explore the transformative power of reflective listening in Motivational Interviewing. Experience the profound impact of being truly heard and understood, while cultivating a strong partnership with children and families. Don’t miss this enlightening interview – click the link and join the conversation today!
Dr. Saxon is the Deputy of Research and Child Well-Being at the Illinois Department of Children and Families (DCFS) and a Licensed Clinical Practicing Counselor (LCPC) who is passionate about well-being, well-becoming and resilience. She believes that children, youth, and adults can transform their lives by building and developing relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and leveraging their strengths to achieve their goals. Her bold mission is to be a well-being ambassador who supports lifelong learning and helps others find purpose and power in their lives.
Season Three
In this episode of Let’s Talk, La Tanya Riggs and Michelle Moreno kick off the new season by exploring the meaning of change and how it shapes the work of child welfare professionals. Using insights from Motivational Interviewing (MI) and the stages of change, they discuss the emotional reactions people often have when faced with shifting behaviors, routines, or expectations—whether it’s something as small as a detour on the way to work or as significant as a family making difficult decisions.
Through thoughtful reflection, examples, and supporting quotes, the hosts highlight how change is a process, not a single moment, and how MI skills can help practitioners recognize where families are in that process while honoring their autonomy. This episode sets the stage for a season focused on understanding and guiding change with empathy, patience, and respect.
Listeners are invited to reflect on how change shows up in their work this week and to share their experiences or questions with the ORCW team.
In this episode of Let’s Talk, a podcast from the DCFS Office of Research and Child Well-Being, Michelle Moreno and La Tanya Riggs explore one of the most common — and most human — parts of the change process: ambivalence. Building on the previous episode about navigating change, they break down why people often feel torn between wanting things to be different and wanting them to stay the same.
Through everyday examples and practical insights, Michelle and La Tanya explain how Motivational Interviewing (MI) can help professionals support families who are stuck in this “tug of war.” They walk through the OARS skills — open‑ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries — and show how each tool can guide individuals from uncertainty toward meaningful action.
The hosts remind us that ambivalence is normal, learning is ongoing, and growth is possible. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
In this episode of Let’s Talk, the DCFS Office of Research and Child Well-Being continues its exploration of Motivational Interviewing (MI) by focusing on an important part of the change process: Sustain Talk. Building on the previous discussion about ambivalence, hosts Michelle Moreno and La Tanya Riggs explain how Sustain Talk shows up as doubts, fears, or hesitations — the “struggle” that often appears when individuals face change.
La Tanya breaks down what Sustain Talk sounds like, from “I don’t think I can do that right now” to “I’ve tried that before.” Michelle explains how MI tools such as open‑ended questions and reflections can help guide families through these moments without arguing, persuading, or shutting down the conversation. Together, they demonstrate how these skills encourage understanding, uncover root causes, and support the path toward Change Talk.
As Frederick Douglass wisely stated, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Sustain Talk is not a barrier — it’s a natural step in the journey.
Season Two
Welcome back to Let's Talk…, a podcast brought to you by the Office of Research and Child Well-Being at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. We're excited to kick off Season 2 with a deep dive into the Transtheoretical Model, also known as the Stages of Change, and its connection to Motivational Interviewing (MI).
In this episode, hosts La Tanya Riggs and Michelle Moreno explore the first stage of change Precontemplation and how it shows up in our work with families. You'll hear how to recognize when someone isn't yet ready to change and how to use MI core skill Reflections to build engagement and reduce resistance.
In this episode, La Tanya and Michelle dive into Stage 2: Contemplation a critical point in the Stages of Change where families may recognize a need for change but feel stuck in uncertainty. This is where sustain talk often surfaces statements like “I don’t think I can…” or “I’m not ready to…” and where the power of Motivational Interviewing really shines.
You’ll learn how to identify sustain talk and respond with empathy and intention using the Spirit of MI – partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation to support families in moving from contemplation to preparation. We will use real-world examples, practical tips, and powerful insights to help you strengthen your MI practice and support families in meaningful ways.
In this episode, La Tanya and Michelle guide us through Stage 3: Preparation where individuals recognize the need for change and begin to explore how they’ll take action. This is the stage where we start to hear Change Talk like “I want to…” or “I’m ready to…”
You’ll learn how to recognize these important cues and respond using Reflections and Summaries, two essential Motivational Interviewing tools that help build momentum and move families toward real transformation. We’ll share practical tips, real-play examples, and MI strategies that help keep families engaged and moving forward without pressure or persuasion.
In this episode, La Tanya and Michelle dive into Stage 4: Action in the Stages of Change where families begin to actively shift behaviors, apply new strategies, and work toward their goals.
This stage is a turning point, and Affirmations play a powerful role in supporting families through it. You’ll learn how to affirm meaningfully by recognizing effort, honoring values, and reinforcing strengths so families feel seen, heard, and encouraged to keep going.
Discover how to move beyond praise and use affirmations as a tool to deepen trust, reduce discouragement, and celebrate real progress. Click the link, tune in and enhance your Motivational Interviewing skills while working with children and families!
In this episode, La Tanya and Michelle explore Stage 5: Maintenance, where families are sustaining real change and preparing to transition away from formal supports like DCFS. This is where change becomes part of daily life and where Partnership becomes more important than ever.
You’ll learn how to recognize signs that a family has reached the Maintenance stage and how to use the MI spirit especially Partnership to affirm progress, reinforce autonomy, and strengthen long-term support systems. We discuss practical ways to collaborate with families as they build lasting habits, connect with community supports, and continue their journey without formal intervention. So, click the link and Let’s Talk and embrace the spirit of MI together!
Northern Illinois University and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Disclaimer
Northern Illinois University's Department of Psychology is providing the content of this podcast series with funding and support from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speakers' own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Northern Illinois University, the University's Board of Trustees, the State of Illinois or the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The material and information presented here: is for general information purposes only; is presented "as is" and not as a guarantee that the information is complete or accurate; does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service; and is not to be construed as a substitute for personal, individualized advice or guidance. The information contained in this podcast series may not be used or reproduced without the express, written authority of Northern Illinois University and/or the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and does not grant anyone permission to use the name, logos, or other intellectual property of Northern Illinois University, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services or the State of Illinois. All rights reserved.
Contact Us
Do you have feedback on the podcast, a topic you'd like to learn more about, or research you'd like to share with our audience? Contact us at dcfspodcasts@niu.edu.