Over 200 teachers, staff members, school psychologists, principals, and superintendents from eight school districts within the Santa Ynez Valley came together on October 9th for the 8th Annual All-Valley Schools Conference.  The theme for this year's conference was Resilience, and the day started with a screening of the documentary film by KPJR Productions, RESILIENCE: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope.

A panel discussion followed the film and panelists shared their personal and professional insights about ways to support resilience and bring ACEs science into the classroom and into the community. Dr. Maryam Kia-Keating from the University of California Santa Barbara shared three important components that are prevalent in research studies about resilience: social connections, a sense of belonging and practical tools.  Ben Olmedo from the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic emphasized the importance of recognizing toxic stress and looking beyond physical symptoms to discover underlying issues that may need to be addressed.  Dr. Niki Sandoval, Education Director for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and a member of the California State Board of Education advised audience members to listen and have compassion for parents as well as students.  Edwin Weaver, Executive Director of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, highlighted the benefits of knowing how to access community resources and practicing skills for resilience in one's personal life. Dr. Charity Dean, Public Health Officer for the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department stressed the importance of teamwork and mutual support in creating a trauma-informed and resiliency-focused organization. Several panelists appreciated the teachers in their own lives who had helped them overcome adversities. 

The gymnasium at Santa Ynez Valley High School was set up for the day with small café tables, complete with checkered table cloths, flower vases and candles. This set the tone for the "Resilience Café" that followed the panel.  Using the World Café model, participants had the opportunity to make new connections and share ideas with one another.  Teachers and staff alike shared their commitment to engage with and support students, be better listeners and be more compassionate and understanding of families.

The event was coordinated by district leaders in partnership with Arcelia Sencion from Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People and Barbara Finch, Community Network Director for the Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services. School districts represented included Ballard, Buellton Union, College, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Valley Charter School, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Solvang and Vista Del Mar.

As a follow-up to this event, the Santa Barbara ACEs Connection Community has added a SB County Education Community Blog Site so that educators can begin to communicate and share ideas and resources.