Trauma & Resiliency

“We see how early childhood experiences are so important to lifelong outcomes, how the early environment literally becomes embedded in the brain and changes its architecture.” Andrew S. Garner, M.D., Ph.D.

Since 2009, FIRST 5 Mendocino has encouraged our community to learn about the prevalence and destructive effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). At this time, we invited one of the founders of the landmark “ACEs” study (Dr. Vincent Felitti) to speak at an inland Mendocino County event for professionals. Since then we have continued to provide trainings for professionals, parents and community members that build upon the framework of understanding that stressed brains can’t grow, learn or thrive. But we also want to provide resources for families and individuals to learn about the impact of trauma and the importance of building resilient communities.

Resources and Links:

What is the ACEs Study?

How does Toxic Stress alter a developing child’s brain? Watch Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’s TedTalk where she explains why preventing trauma is our nation’s current #1 Public Health crisis.

How many children in Mendocino County have experienced trauma? View this document from Kidsdata.org

What about Resilience? The Science of Resilience from Harvard University’s The Center for the Developing Child

Resilience