In Person - No virtual options. Some of the sessions may be presented virtually on site

Alma Marquez - Therapeutic teaching model- “How to Stay Curious” attunement, prevention interventions and strategies when supporting behavioral students. 

 Addressing intergenerational and historical trauma, promoting healing and protective factors, and reducing adversity in future generations will require the involvement of many creative, collaborative, and passionate people.

 The goal of the Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities presentation is to offer a common language and understanding of core concepts from neurobiology, epigenetics, epidemiology, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and resilience research. This presentation will be shared in three sections:

1. Neurobiology & Epigenetics focus on how our brains adapt to our environment during childhood and some basic concepts related to how toxic stress can impact healthy development
2. Key Findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study highlights some of the data from the original ACE study
3. Resilience provides a framework for thinking about resilience and focuses primarily on attachment and belonging, supporting individual capabilities, culture, community, and spirituality as key protective systems

This information can be applied to your sphere of influence in your work, family life, and community.

Let’s be BLUNT: All About Youth Nicotine and Cannabis Use - PH Moua and Abby Tricker. Attend this session to learn about the current landscape and strategies to help students. 

The impact of ACEs on students can leave us feeling powerless or unsure of how to address challenging behaviors. Transform concern into action by learning how to implement the HOPE framework. In this session, delve into the science of HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) and discover practical ways to integrate it into your daily work. Participants will practice strengths-based screening, focusing on protective factors that support students and families, and will leave equipped with practical tools to implement strategies immediately. 

Bruce Bomier- Cannabis expected challenges and proactive measures schools and municipalities can adopt to safeguard students' health and well-being

"What to do When a Student is in Need"

Kate Hengy-Gretz is a life-long resident of the Mankato area

Graduated MN State University, Mankato with a degree in Social Work

Over 35 years of experience working with:

• families with young children,
• low-income persons seeking employment / training &
• persons experiencing homelessness

Wife, mother of 5, grandmother of 2

Project Community Connect committee chairperson for 14 years

Volunteer Experience / Membership – A Fresh Start, Optimist Club, Connections Shelter, Merely Players