Getting Practical about the Positive: PCEs and our Local Community
April 26 @ 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Join with local leaders to discover how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can reshape an individual’s future, and where our community is succeeding with PCEs. Practical applications for day to day professional and personal encounters will also be shared.
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize the methodology and outcomes of a recent population health study examining the impact positive childhood experiences on adult mental health.
- Examine and analyze current local data on positive childhood experiences gathered by St. Joseph County Health Department
- Discuss practical ways to bolster PCEs and protective factors among the youth you encounter
Speakers:
Frank Spesia is the PACEs Coordinator for the St. Joseph County Department of Health, focusing on developing public health responses to Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences that are collaborative, preventive, and data-driven. Frank holds a master of Global Affairs degree from Notre Dame, where his research examined low-cost strategies for school improvement in public school districts. Prior to pursuing his degree in global affairs, Frank earned his M.Ed from Notre Dame while teaching 5th grade in Los Angeles.
Rebecca Zakowski is the Development Coordinator of SJC Cares, St. Joseph County’s System of Care. In this role, she paves networks and encourages partnerships to support local youth and families. She also coordinates Partnership for Children of St. Joseph County, a collaborative that supports youth serving agencies in addressing the mental health and well-being needs of their patrons. She is a RN with a bachelor’s degree in Education from Ashland University.