Spring 2024 Conference: Using the Science of Positive Childhood Experiences to Reduce the Impacts of Trauma and Adversity

Date and Time: Friday May 17th, 2024, from 9:00am to 4:30pm (Registration and Breakfast 8:30 to 9)

Location: Hillsborough Community College, Trinkle Center / 1206 North Park Road / Plant City, Florida, 33563

About:  PACES Hillsborough is focused on creating a trauma-informed community using the science related to the health impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in combination with the hope and resiliency that comes from research based on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Communities can be places where traumatic experiences can occur, but they can also be a source of protection, health promotion, and support for families. We welcome anyone with an interest in decreasing the exposure and impact of trauma and adversity in the lives of children. The Spring 2024 Conference is our 2nd annual conference and will host multiple sessions with a focus on PACES research and science and lived experiences. This training will be beneficial for anyone who works with children and / or families or was ever once a child themself.  

                                                                                   FULL AGENDA

8:30am – 9:00am:               Registration and Breakfast

9:00am – 9:15am:               Welcome Comments

9:15am – 10:15am:             Opening Session: Building Blocks of Resilience: How PCES Counter ACES with Nikki Daniels and Misty Ross. Misty and Nikki will blend lived experience with the Science of HOPE to bring to life the impact Positive Childhood Experiences have on people who have experienced childhood trauma.

10:15am – 10:30am:           Break

10:30am – 12:00pm:           Morning Breakout Sessions

A)   Trauma Informed Schools: Tiered Interventions with Heather Agazzi, Shriya Bhatnagar, and Sarah Dickinson. Tiered Interventions is a Hillsborough County program that implements trauma-informed care in two Title 1 schools. Participants will learn how this comprehensive model is implemented with at-risk students and families through a coordinated effort between USF, Hillsborough County Public Schools, and the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

B)   ACEs to PCEs Through HWC: Handle With Care (HWC) A Piece of the Puzzle with Wendy Samford and Ray Santa Lucia. This team presents data showcasing the relationship between ACEs and school-based outcomes then looks at a national program, Handle With Care, which provides early detection of possible childhood trauma. PCEs can then be offered in a timely manner, providing a vision for Trauma Informed Communities.

C)   Prevention and Intervention Programs in Early Childhood Education with Christine Pickering and Elizabeth Tanner. Participants will learn about evidence-based prevention and intervention programs utilized within early childhood education programs. Detailed overviews along with specifics related to Second Step Early Learning, Prevent Teach Reinforce for Young Children (PTRYC), and other examples will be shared.

D)   Trauma-Informed Classrooms and Youth Voices with Diana Santangelo. This session will include essential components of a trauma-informed classroom and how to incorporate the youth voice, especially in communities that experience high levels of trauma. It will include tangible tools to assess the youth voice and tools to develop and/or strengthen trauma-informed classrooms. Break out groups will include NCTSN components of trauma-informed schools, discussion of ideas and ways to incorporate trauma-informed components in youth settings.

12:00pm – 1:30pm:            Boxed Lunch

 1:30pm – 3:30pm:               Afternoon Breakout Sessions:

E)   Creating Positive Experiences for Children impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Development in the Classroom with Melissa Best and Elizabeth (Liz) Molitor. Learn how to create Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) that promote emotional intelligence (EQ) and foster resilience in all kids impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This session for educators provides an overview of classroom practices you can immediately implement to build EQ and create PCE’s.

F)   Let’s B Safe & Stewards of Children with Brenda Zofrea. Learn a unique approach to protect children and promote literacy all at the same time and learn about the only evidence-informed, adult-focused child sexual abuse prevention trainings in the U.S. proven to increase knowledge and change behavior.

G)  Maternal Mental Health and Its’ Public Health Impact with Melina Santos and Ashlee Libby. Presenters will discuss the impact of adverse childhood experiences on maternal mental health and how it affects infants and children. Defining mental health and perinatal challenges, supportive policies, and parenting challenges. Concluding with initiatives for infant and child well-being, emphasizing the role of public health in addressing maternal mental health challenges.

H)   Wellness On the Go with Lisa Ullven. This course was created to help victim service providers who suddenly find themselves needing help after a major crisis impacts them as well as their clients. Participants will learn how to incorporate WRAP® On the Go to improve any area of their personal or professional lives.

3:30pm – 3:45pm:               Break

3:45pm – 4:30pm:               Closing Remarks, Post Session Surveys, Certificates of Attendance