This bonus episode "Go Friend Me," was inspired by Leadership Rochester’s Thrive Project, where participants select a local nonprofit to support in advancing its mission. Co-Host Nick Koziol alongside fellow LR 2025 cohort members Tiera Proctor, Danielle Novara, Jaime Ciccone, Pat Rojas, and Rhonda Morien chose Compeer Rochester to create a volunteer drive called "Go Friend Me" encouraging people to sign up to be mentors for Compeer Rochester.

In this Bonus TST in the 585 Epsiode, Nick and Christine sit down with Sara Passamonte to spotlight this initiative and dive into all things Compeer. Sara, a previous guest on the TST goes deeper and shares her personal journey with the organization. This episode shines a light on how personal relationships, community partnerships, and dedicated volunteerism are reducing stigma and building a healthier, more connected Rochester.

About Sara Passamonte, CEO Compeer Rochester

Email: spassamonte@compeerrochester.org

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-passamonte

Sara Passamonte was born and raised in Rochester, NY within a family of musicians. She obtained a bachelor’s in psychology from Nazareth College in 2005, having completed a summer internship at Compeer Rochester. After being employed in multiple roles at Compeer post-graduation, Sara became the Director of Programs in 2014 and assumed the role of President in January 2020. In this first year, Sara led the organization through the challenges of COVID-19 and the social justice movement, taking every opportunity to keep mental health in the spotlight. Sara was honored as a member of Rochester Business Journal’s “Forty under 40” in 2021. Sara previously served on the Monroe County Youth Bureau Board, serves on the advisory board of Crossroads of Caring, and maintains ongoing collaborative efforts with other nonprofits in the area. Sara is trained in Critical Incident Management, Advancing Youth Development, and Trauma-Informed Care. She is a long-time Compeer volunteer.

Connect and Follow Compeer Rochester:

Website: www.compeerrochester.org

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/compeerrochester

Instagram: www.instagram.com/compeerrochester

Facebook: www.facebook.com/compeerrochester

Youtube: www.youtube.com/compeerrochester6598

During her long rehabilitation from a near-fatal automobile accident in 1975, Rochesterian Bernice “Bunny” Skirboll discovered the healing power of friendship and vowed to make a difference in others’ lives. She got involved in the Mental Health Association’s Adopt-A-Patient Program and soon transformed it into the community-based Compeer model, serving as Executive Director from its inception through 2006.

Under Skirboll’s leadership, Compeer grew from a small program in Rochester to an internationally recognized mental wellness model and organization — one that has demonstrated solid results and been replicated around the globe.

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this inspiring episode, hosts Nick and Christine welcome Angelina Hilton, a powerful advocate, creative visionary, and founder of Native Made. A proud member of the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri and a descendant of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska's Buffalo Clan, Angelina is deeply rooted in her heritage and passionate about lifting up Indigenous voices in the Rochester area and beyond.

From organizing free lunch Fridays to founding the Native Made Market. Angelina shares how her mission began with feeding the community and blossomed into a movement of empowerment, education, and healing. Her work with the White Corn Project at Ganondagan and her focus on food sovereignty underscore the importance of connecting to culture, nature, and tradition.

Angelina also opens up about mindfulness and the balance between caring for community and caring for self. This episode is a meaningful reminder to rest, to honor where we come from, and to share cultural joy every step of the way.

Connect with Angelina Hilton, Founder of Native Made:

Nativemadehq@gmail.com

instagram.com/angelinamarieunfiltered

Angelina Hilton is an advocate, organizer, and digital creative with a heart for community and culture. As the founder of Native Made, she uplifts Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs, bringing visibility and voice to Native communities. Angelina organizes the Native Made Market, held annually on Small Business Saturday, where vendors and presenters share knowledge, culture, and creativity.

Her involvement with the Indigenous Peoples Day Committee, the Indigenous Health Coalition, and the White Corn Project speaks to her holistic and inclusive vision. With her digital marketing expertise and her deep commitment to education and equity, Angelina is building bridges between generations, cultures, and communities. A mother, artist, and storyteller, Angelina is helping to heal through heritage and heart.

Connect and Follow Native Made:

nativemadehq.com

Linktr.ee/nativemadehq

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this heartfelt episode of That Sounds Terrific in the (585), Nick and Christine speak with Neal Gorman, Chief Strategist of NRG Communications and Board Chair of Camp Haccamo, a local summer camp dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences for children and adults with disabilities.

Neal shares the inspiring origin story of Camp Haccamo, which began in 1956 through the collaboration of four local Rotary clubs. As a child, Neal was unknowingly drawn to the camp's joyful spirit, which would later become a major part of his life's work. Now, he helps lead this vital nonprofit that not only brings laughter and adventure to its campers but also offers a much-needed break for their caregivers.

Listeners will learn about the incredible programming at Camp Haccamo—from crafts and campfires to their beloved railroad ride this is an episode not to miss!

Connect with Neal Gorman, Chief Strategist at NRG Communications & Board Chair of Camp Haccamo:

• Email: nealgorman@nrggopr.com

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nrgorman

• 
  

  About Our Terrific Guest:

  Neal Gorman is the Chief Strategist at NRG Communications and serves as Board Chair of Camp Haccamo. A lifelong Penfield resident, Neal's connection to Camp Haccamo began with the joyful sounds of summer he heard as a child near Panorama Plaza—sounds that would shape his future involvement.

  
  

  Connect and Follow Camp Haccamo:

  Website: www.camphaccamo.org

  Facebook: facebook.com/haccamo

  LinkedIn (Organization):www.linkedin.com/company/54412741

  
  

  Camp Haccamo is an overnight summer camp for children and adults with diverse special needs. The camp provides a supportive environment where campers can build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories. Neal is deeply committed to ensuring the camp's sustainability through strategic fundraising, operations, and community outreach.

  
  

  More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

  
  

  For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

  
  

  Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

  585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

  
  

  Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!