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1. Be patient, while allowing those in need to communicate following a tragic occurrence. When tragedy strikes, one may not be readily open to communicate . 2. Acknowledge how the individual looks and feels. Ask open ended questions when needed. 3. Provide support. Allow sufficient resources and assistance to be provided to individuals when needed. 4. Provide comfort in the form of physical touch (i.e. hug, gentle rub of the shoulder or hand within boundaries), to ensure the individual feels...

Attention span is of great importance when working with an ever-changing school and environment. With the constant change of policies, procedures, standards, and job duties, one has to continuously stay the course, while managing to juggle work and family life. I have provided a few simple ways to improve attention span. 1. Create a to-do list that includes a time line. Ensure that these tasks are within your means to complete. In other words, don’t place more on your plate than you can...

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To all of you, who, like me, love this website and want to see it and its communities flourish as we work to prevent and heal trauma; build resiliency: please know there is a move afoot by a small group of strategic partners to find a suitable host for PACEs Connection. More will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, friends, we are figuring out email addresses and other communications logistics and opportunities. PEACE! Carey Sipp, former director of strategic partnerships ...

Resilience is the art of giving thanks when less is more. It is seeing expectancy, when there seems like no end. It is simply staying true to what matters most; faith, respect, dignity, and persistence. Resilience is often displayed daily. Whether we have a small or large task to achieve. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel. What will allow one to have the greatest hope and resiliency in any situation is to remain grounded. Never forget the solid principles that allowed you to navigate...

There is a famous quote that comes to mind when we speak of Anthropology in Black. “One must speak for one’s self if they wish to be heard.” I had the opportunity to review an article by Lynn Bolles, a famous African American anthropologist, who based her research on African American women and their accomplishments and career goals. In the words of John Gwaltney (1981) ,“telling the story straight” is an inspirational quote for many African American women who have made amazing strides in...

The Model Minority Myth is a model that stems from various false beliefs about the Asian American culture. This term debunks the fact that Asian Americans are the thriving force within America culture, both in society and the workforce. These stereotypes coincide with the belief that Asian Americans are “the smartest” culture in industries of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The terms reveal that this culture is the leading force, and trumps other cultures. It is a...

As we embark on the Holiday Season and the beginning of a new year, I invite you to focus on everything you have received and gave back to self and others. This reflection will allow you to be grateful, and prepare for a new and improved year ahead. Take some time to create a vision, some goals, or a task you wish to accomplish in the next year. Ensure that you set aside some time and might to accomplish each task in its own timing. Always remember to be blessed where you are, and where you...

The holiday season is filled with peace and happiness, and sharing time with friends and family. For many, this is a time where family and friends get together and reflect on the birth of Christ, while preparing for the new year. These events can cause those with behavioral health concerns to exacerbate. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) (2023), over 64% of individuals mental health concerns worsen. I have provided some tips on how to improve mental wellness during...

Mental Health Professionals are continuously working with individuals who have several traumatic events that may have occurred in their lives. A perfect example would be the disastrous event of Hurricane Katrina that occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana. There were several Mental Health Professionals who worked numerous amounts of hours to assist these individuals in healing post-Katrina. These Mental Health Professionals also began to encounter negative mental health problems from counseling...

Being positive is a complete state of mind. It is looking at self, and determining what brings a positive spirit within. Rather it be an enjoyable activity, or spending time with inspirational individuals, you ultimately determine your happiness. There are a few simple steps to remaining positive, especially during the holiday season. Keep a positive mindset by harping on small successes over failures. Find what inspires you each day. Keep pushing, no matter how hard the task may seem.

Beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), our members seek to deeply understand strengths-based insights embedded in the remaining ACEs quadrant: Adverse Community Environments, Adverse Climate Experiences, and Atrocious Cultural Experiences.