Understanding Trauma & Adverse Childhood Experiences


Maya Angelou

I worked with children and teens for nearly 30 years. I have a BS in Child Development and an MA in Human Resource Leadership. I have 4 biological children. I had never heard about the Adverse Childhood Experiences study done in the late 1990’s until about 3 years ago. What I heard and have since learned, has changed the way I teach, serve, lead, counsel, and view those around me. It has truly been a life changer for me. 

Did you know that the higher the level of adversity a child experiences before the age of 18, the higher their chances are for substance abuse? Mental health issues? Thoughts of suicide? Relationship and trust issues? High blood pressure? Increased risk of cardiac disease, cancer, and so much more? Did you know that there are known protective factors that can help kids who are facing adversity, thrive - and that YOU, as an educator, are one of those protective factors?

Knowledge is power, and life-giving! When we understand how trauma affects us; when we understand the power of WITH; when we understand how kids who FEEL safe learn better; when we understand the importance of taking care of ourselves so that we can BRING ourselves to these kids - we give life!  Join us for the 3rd annual Reclaiming Hope Conference. Now, more than ever, we need to understand how trauma affects our ability to learn, build healthy relationships, and our physical and mental health!

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