As a health care professional with a passion for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) I was having difficulty wrapping my mind around the emerging ACEs related science. Take epigenetics for example, what does epigenetics really mean? And, how did my grandmother's health influence my health today? As a parent, have my lived experiences influence the wellbeing of my children? These questions and more were laying dormant in my mind, sort of like an itch I wanted to scratch, but could not reach.
Probably like you, I've read articles and listened to presentations and was feeling like the door to understanding epigenetics (and so much more) was starting to open and shed light on the subject. But I was still itching for a deeper understanding of the science of epigenetics, especially as it relates to childhood trauma and resilience building.
Aww, finally my yearning for understand of epigenetics, that itch, was scratched! Sitting down with B. Sue Stephenson, MD was a transformative experience! Her excitement and passion for all things ACEs was contagious! We discussed ACEs in the context of preconception influences, functional brain imaging, external health factors (poverty, food insecurity, etc.) and so much more!
By the time we had finished our lattes I was visualizing "micro RNA" that "looks like a hair pin" and imagining all the ways they can influence gene expression! Sue, as she likes to be called, has a gift for translating complex information into easily understood chunks and she does this with aww inspiring, contagious excitement!
In case you were wondering...YES... she is available to share her knowledge, warmth, passion and PowerPoint presentation with folks in your community too! You can find B. Sue Stephenson MD here on ACES Connection Network. She is an active member of the Sonoma County ACEs Connection team!
Attached is a booklet that she assisted in developing - specifically for families of those who are incarcerated. Feeling inspired yet?
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