P R O G R A M A G E N D A

Building Resilient Communities:

ACEs19Where You Live, Work and Play!

ARK ANSAS ADVERSE CHILDHOODEXPERIENCES AND RESILIENCE SUMMIT

THURSDAY–FRIDAYSEPT. 26–27 THE VINES CENTERLIT TLE ROCK, AR

SATURDAYSEPT. 28 PULASKI HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHLIT TLE ROCK, AR #ArACEs

7:30–9 a.m. REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

9–9:15 a.m.WELCOME | Audrey Freshwater, MS, Early Childhood ACEs Administrator, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE), Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS)

9:15–10 a.m. “LET’S TALK”• Preventing and Managing Challenging Behaviors — What is Arkansas’ Behavior Help System? Kim Whitman, LCSW, ECMHC, Statewide Program Coordinator, Project Play, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS);

Early Childhood Coordinator, RED Mid-South Health Systems • The Gift of Self-Care Stacey Reynolds, C-IAYT, ERYT 500, RPYT, RCYT, Registered Yoga Therapist, North Little Rock;

Owner of Blue Yoga Nyla and Blue Yoga Nyla Registered Yoga School

10–10:15 a.m. BREAK (Sponsored by Quality Care Pediatrics)

THURSDAY, SEPT. 26 | The Vines Center

DISCLOSURES

ACCREDITATION STATEMENTS

• In order to obtain nursing contact hours, you must attend the entire program and complete the evaluation form

• No conflicts of interest were identified for any planner or presenter

• This continuing education activity was approved by the Midwest Multistate Division, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation

• PHYSICIAN/PHARMACY:

Application for CME credit has been filed with the American Academy of Family Physicians. Determination of credit is pending.

• NURSING:

This activity has been submitted to the Midwest Multistate Division for approval to award nursing contact hours. The Midwest Multistate Division is accredited as an approver of continuing nursing

education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

• SOCIAL WORKERS:

The Board does not have the capacity to pre-approve all continuing education workshops. It is the licensee’s responsibility, using his/her professional judgment, to determine the workshops that are applicable and appropriate to his/her professional development as a social worker. You

are encouraged to read the social work continuing education guidelines in the Social Work Licensing Law and Regulation section of our website, www.

arkansas.gov/swlb. Only continuing education as defined in the guidelines are acceptable.

• CASE MANAGERS:

CCMC Ethics credit approval is pending for this course. The CCMC Code of Professional Conduct will be referenced in this presentation.

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Continuing medical education (CME) disclosure and accreditation statements are only applicable for the ACEs Health Care Provider Symposium. CME is not offered for the ACEs Summit. Up to 6.5 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit is jointly provided by AFMC and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 26 (CONTINUED) | The Vines Center

10:15–11:45 a.m.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS

INTENSIVE TRACK 1 INTENSIVE TRACK 2

Communicating about ACEs and Resilience• Jennifer Drake-Croft, MSSW, IMH-E, Director, Early Child Well-

being, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth• Mathew Portell, MEd, Principal, Fall-Hamilton Elementary,

Metro Nashville Public Schools• Mary Rolando, MS, ACEs Innovations Director, Tennessee

Department of Children’s Services

Trauma-Informed Community Building: The Road to Resilience Moderator: Chad T. Rodgers, MD, FAAP • Marquita Little Numan, MS, President and CEO, Urban League of

Arkansas• Sara Tariq, MD, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, UAMS

INTENSIVE TRACK 3

ACEs: Policy and Systems Change• Dyann Daley, MD, Associate Professor, Anesthesiology and Pediatrics, UAMS; Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Division of Pediatrics• Rebecca Zimmermann, MPS, Outreach Director, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families

NOON–1:30 p.m. LUNCH KEYNOTE | Elizabeth “Liz” Huntley, JD, Lightfoot, Franklin and White, LLC

1:30–3 p.m. CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS

INTENSIVE TRACK 1 INTENSIVE TRACK 2

Communicating about ACEs and Resilience• Jennifer Drake-Croft, MSSW, IMH-E• Mary Rolando, MS

Trauma-Informed Community Building: The Road to Resilience • Jennifer Conner, DrPH, MPH, MAP, Regional Program Associate,

University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service• Mathew Portell, MEd

INTENSIVE TRACK 3

ACEs: Policy and System Change• Loretta Alexander, MHSA, Health Policy Director, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families• Dyann Daley, MD• Rep. Denise Garner, BSN, RNP, Arkansas State Representative, House District 84• Kirk Leach, PhD, MBA, Assistant Professor, Public Administration, UA Little Rock;

Coordinator, Center for Nonprofit Organizations, School of Public Affairs, UA Little Rock

3–3:15 p.m. BREAK

3:15–3:30 p.m. CLOSING REMARKS AND FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

3:30–4:30 p.m. ONSITE BOOK SIGNING

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7:30–8:30 a.m. REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:30-8:40 a.m. OPENING WELCOME | Ray Hanley, President and CEO, AFMC

8:40–9 a.m. REMARKS FROM ARKANSAS FIRST LADY, SUSAN HUTCHINSON

9–10 a.m. KEYNOTE | Jim Henry, Former Deputy Governor and Chief of Staff for the Governor, State of Tennessee

10–10:15 a.m. BREAK (Sponsored by Derek Lewis Foundation)

10:15–11:45 a.m. PANEL DISCUSSION

MODERATOR: Ashelyn Abney, MEd, Assistant Director, Operations and Program Support, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS)• Payton Christenberry, Senior Program Officer, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute• Susan Dale, BES, Pre-K Teacher, Little Rock School District• Jim Henry, Former Deputy Governor and Chief of Staff for the Governor, State of Tennessee• Rep. Jamie Scott, MA, BA, State Representative for Arkansas House District 37; Executive Director, Pulaski County Youth Services

NOON–1:30 p.m. AWARD LUNCH | PRESENTER: Chad T. Rodgers, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer, AFMC• PHOENIX AWARD: ADVOCATE – Hon. Joyce Williams Warren, JD• RISE AWARD: LIVED EXPERIENCES/RESILIENCE – Lorenzo Lewis

1:30–3:15 p.m. CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS

INTENSIVE TRACK 1 INTENSIVE TRACK 2

Trauma-Informed Organization• Nicola Edge, PhD, Professor, Department of Family and

Preventive Medicine, UAMS• Emily Robbins, LCSW, Social Work Program Manager, Trauma

Care, Department of Psychiatry, UAMS

Trauma-Focused Treatment of Pregnant Women and Their Infants: Breaking the Cycle of Violence and Substance Use• Jessica Coker, MD, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and

OB/GYN, UAMS• Hannah Roe, JD, Legal Aid of Arkansas

INTENSIVE TRACK 3

ACEs in the Legal System• Kevin De Liban, JD, Attorney and Leader, Economic Justice Workgroup, Legal Aid of Arkansas• Hon. Carlton Jones, JD, Circuit Judge, 1st Division Circuit Court, 8th South Judicial District• Hon. Joyce Williams Warren, JD, Circuit Judge, 10th Division Circuit Court, 6th Judicial District• Hon. William Randal Wright, JD, Circuit Judge, 1st Division Circuit Court, 8th North Judicial District

3:15–3:30 p.m. BREAK

3:30–4:30 p.m. CLOSING KEYNOTE | Steve Gross, MSW, Founder and Chief Playmaker, Life is Good Kids Foundation

4:30 p.m. CLOSING REMARKS

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27 | The Vines Center

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SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 | Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church

9:30–10 a.m. REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING

10–10:45 a.m. ACEs 101 | Chad T. Rodgers, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer, AFMC; Pediatrician, Little Rock Pediatric Clinic

10:45–11 a.m. BREAK

11 a.m.–NOON KEYNOTE | Steve Gross, MSW, Founder and Chief Playmaker, Life is Good Kids Foundation

NOON–1 p.m. LUNCH

1–2:15 p.m. CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS

INTENSIVE TRACK 1 INTENSIVE TRACK 2

Foster/Adoptive ParentsRobyn Gobbel, LCSW, RPT-S, Psychotherapist, Central Texas Attachment and Trauma Center

Parents of Children with Special Needs Loretta Cochran, MD, Associate Professor, Arkansas Tech University; Chair, Arkansas Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council

INTENSIVE TRACK 3

Building Trauma-Informed Preschools and Schools

• Jenny Barber, MA, Supervisor, Preschool and Federal Program, Russellville School District

• Jodi Veit-Edrington, MS, BA, EdSpec, EdD, Coordinator, Early Childhood Program, North Little Rock School District

• Nicola Edge, PhD, Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, UAMS

• Audrey Freshwater, MS, Early Childhood ACEs Administrator, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE), Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS)

• Jackie Govan, EdS, Collaboration Director, Arkansas Head Start State Collaboration Office

• Allison Martin, LMSW, AR-ECMHC, Mental Health/Disability Program Manager, Heath Start/Early Head Start, UAMS

• Melissa Sutton, MSE, Program Coordinator, Arkansas State University Childhood Services

2:15–2:30 p.m. BREAK

2:30–3 p.m. KEYNOTE | Robyn Gobbel, LCSW, RPT-S

3–3:30 p.m. SELF-CARE: MEDITATION AND YOGA | Amy Routt, BA, Program Developer, Curricula Concepts

3:30 p.m. CLOSING REMARKS

ACEs HEALTH CARE PROVIDERSYMPOSIUM

7:30–8 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast

8–8:45 a.m. ACEs 101 | Chad T. Rodgers, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer, AFMC

8:45–9:30 a.m. The Science of ACEs | Alan Mease, MD, FAAP, Arkansas Medical Director, eQ Health Solutions

9:30–9:45 a.m. Opioids in Arkansas | Kent Thompson, MPH, Supervisor Program Evaluation, AFMC

9:45–10:30 a.m. Addressing Opioids Abuse through a Health System ApproachRandy Jernejcic, MD, MMM, Vice President, Clinical Integration, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio

10:30–10:50 a.m. Q & A | Morning Speakers

11:00 – NOON KEYNOTE SPEAKERSteve Gross, MSW, Founder and Chief Playmaker, Life is Good Kids Foundation

NOON–1 p.m. LUNCH

1–1:45 p.m. Predictive Analytics | Dyann Daley, MD, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics,University of Arkansas For Medical Sciences (UAMS); Founder and CEO of Predict-Align-Prevent

1:45–2:30 p.m. Screening and Intervention | Moderator: Chad T. Rodgers, MD, FAAP

Panel: • Lorraine McKelvey, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Family and Preventative Medicine,

UAMS College of Medicine• Meredith Carpenter, MHA, Medical-Legal Partnership Coordinator, Arkansas Children’s Hospital

2:30–3:15 p.m. The Missing Piece of the Primary Care Puzzle — Behavioral Health Integration

• Moderator: Alan Mease, MD, FAAP• Patty Gibson, MD, Medical Director, Behavioral Health Integration Program, Arkansas Health Group• Eduardo R. Ochoa Jr., MD, FAAP, Pediatrician, Arkansas Children’s Hospital; Principal Investigator,

Children’s HealthWatch site, Arkansas Children’s Hospital; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, UAMS

3:15–3:45 p.m. Q & A, Closing Remarks | Afternoon Speakers

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NOTE: Symposium attendees will join

summit attendees for keynote and lunch.

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Thanks to All Our Sponsors!CHAMPION LEVEL

MENTOR LEVEL

LEADER LEVEL

AMDPA Foundation • Quality Care Pediatrics

GUIDE LEVEL

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BIOGRAPHIESAshelyn Abney, MEdMs. Abney earned a master’s degree in education from Texas A & M. She spent 11 years in the classroom prior to becoming the principal of an elementary school in Texas. She has been instrumental in the implementation of the behavior help support system, which serves the entire state assisting families and early childhood programs with challenging classroom behaviors.

Loretta Alexander, MHSAMs. Alexander earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Henderson State Univer-sity and a master’s degree in health services administration from UA Little Rock. Her professional career includes work in clinical care, state policy, pediatric program administration, research, evaluation and long-term care administration.

Jenny Barber, MAMs. Barber has worked in early childhood education throughout her career. She taught and was assistant principal in the West Memphis School District and worked at Great Rivers ESC, coordinating a demonstration grant for early childhood special education. When Arkansas Better Chance was created, Ms. Barber wrote one of the first grants for more inclusive preschool classrooms. She is excited about the trauma-informed classroom project.

Meredith Carpenter, MHA Ms. Carpenter earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in health administration from the Ohio State University. She collaborates with legal aid attorneys, clinical teams and external agencies to build, improve and expand the Medical-Legal Partnership. Ms. Carpen-ter is responsible for the design and implementation of a social needs screening tool to identify social determinants of health. Prior to joining ACH she worked with a pediatric accountable care organization.

Payton Christenberry Mr. Christenberry is a trained facilitator, designing and implementing nonprofit programming around the Rockefeller Ethic. Former Arkansas Governor Rockefeller left the state a legacy of positive change. The Ethic brings diverse viewpoints and backgrounds to bear on problems to create collaborative solutions. Mr. Christen-berry chairs the WRI’s Leadership Advisory Council and works closely with the WRI’s development department applying for and managing a wide variety of grants.

Loretta Cochran, PhDDr. Cochran earned a bachelor’s degree in business and behavioral science from Erskine College, and both a master’s degree in psychology and a doctorate in operations management from Clemson University. As a single parent of three, she embraces prevention and recovery as necessary investments. She has worked in the areas of developmental disabilities and behavioral health diagnoses, including

trauma, ADD, ADHD, autism and mental health. Dr. Cochran is a strong advocate for behavioral health reform and innovation.

Jessica Coker, MDDr. Coker has focused on psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and the postpar-tum period. She received the Marion B. Lyon New Scientist Development Award from the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute examining the metabolism of nico-tine in newborns. She has also received a pilot award to harmonize data collection among pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Dr. Coker works closely with the Center for Distance Health and the Department of OB/GYN to provide consultations statewide and update the ANGELS psychiatry guidelines on an annual basis.

Jennifer Conner, DrPH, MPH, MAPDr. Conner has more than 20 years’ experience in behavioral and health services research, grant programs and public health policy. She was an assistant professor at the University of Texas School of Public Health and served on the San Antonio Mayor’s Fitness Council. She holds many board appointments including Healthy Active Arkansas Priority Lead, the Governor’s Advisory Board for Cycling, and chair-elect of the Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention. Dr. Conner is chairman of the Lake Village Economic Development Commission.

Susan Dale, BES Mrs. Dale has taught for 23 years, 14 of those years in pre-k. In her classroom, she focuses on teaching emotional intelligence as she teaches academics. It is her goal to help all her students gain the skills they need to be successful in life. She was introduced to ACEs and the effects of trauma when she attended Conscious Disci-pline Training in 2012. She says it changed her life and view of teaching forever.

Dyann Daley, MDDr. Daley is a board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist with 13 years of clinical experience. She found her passion for preventing child maltreatment while caring for severely abused and neglected children in the operating room. PAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of child maltreatment.

Kevin De Liban, JDMr. De Liban works with low-income Arkansans on legal issues involving health, employment, benefits and education. He directs two of Legal Aid’s Medical-Legal Partnerships in Clarendon and West Memphis. He has led successful litigation campaigns challenging Arkansas’ reduction of Medicaid home-care benefits to individuals with disabilities and, along with the National Health Law Program and the Southern Poverty Law Center, Arkansas Medicaid’s work reporting require-ments that ended the health insurance of 18,000 Arkansans.

Jennifer Drake-Croft, MSSW, IMH-EMs. Drake-Croft earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Berry College. She has helped lead and shape initiatives and policies to promote healthy child devel-opment, prevent ACEs, and support resilient communities. She was a founding

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member of All Children Excel (ACE) Nashville, a public health initiative working to reduce ACEs and promote resilience. Ms. Drake-Croft helped develop a training curriculum focused on brain development, ACEs and fostering resilience.

Nicola Edge, PhDDr. Edge conducts research on factors that place children at risk for poor social and emotional outcomes; and designs, implements and evaluates interventions for high-risk children and families. She focuses on maternal substance use, depression, traumatic events and interventions designed to build social and emotional skills. Dr. Edge directs an early childhood mental health consultation program called Project PLAY and a teacher training and coaching program called REACH. She is co-director of Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma.

Audrey Freshwater, MSMs. Freshwater earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social work from Arkansas State University and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Argosy University. She is a national consultant and speaker on attachment, trauma-informed care and child development, and a trainer for the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth’s Building Strong Brains curricu-lum. Ms. Freshwater is passionate about the lasting impact teachers can have on children and believes that education can change a child’s trajectory in life.

Rep. Denise Garner, BSN, RNPRep. Garner is a retired RNP, small business owner and serving her first term in the Arkansas House. She is founder and board chair at Role Call; founder of Feed Communities; UAMS Psychology Research Institute Board member; WRMC Founda-tion Board Chair; and University of Arkansas Foundation Board. Ms. Garner is the recipient of numerous philanthropic and civic awards including the Martin Luther King Lifetime Achievement Award.

Patty Gibson, MDDr. Gibson is board certified in psychiatry, addiction medicine and anesthesiology. In her role as medical director, she is part of the CPC+ Practice Transformation team. Prior to that she led the primary care mental health integration program at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock. Dr. Gibson is president and co-founder of a nonprofit organization called Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network. The organization’s purpose is to create professional collaboration and network opportunities for training and support to implement behavioral health integration.

Robyn Gobbel, LCSW, RPT-SMs. Gobbel has more than 10 years of practice in family and play therapy, special-izing in complex trauma, attachment and adoption. She earned a post-graduate certificate in therapy from Portland State University. Her diverse clinical training includes EMDR, Theraplay, attachment theory, yoga and other disciplines. Ms. Gob-bel consults, teaches and trains extensively throughout the United States.

Jackie Govan, EdS Ms. Govan has worked as a public school teacher and principal, and as a liaison between local Head Start programs, state agencies and early childhood organiza-tions in Arkansas. She chaired the Governor’s Arkansas Early Childhood Commission and has worked with Head Start grantees as a mentor, coach and team leader, focusing on the education and disability content areas with Head Start programs in five states. Ms. Govan has worked as state coordinator for Early Reading First and administrator at Chicot Elementary’s Early Childhood Center.

Steve Gross, MSWMr. Gross’ foundation is a nonprofit organization that spreads the power of opti-mism to kids who need it most. His approach has been widely adapted across the country and throughout the world in response to the social and emotional needs of children facing poverty, violence and illness. Mr. Gross works with corporations to demonstrate how optimistic leaders can inspire people and organizations through times of change.

Jim HenryMr. Henry has served as commissioner of the Department of Intellectual and Devel-opmental Disabilities and the director of the Department of Children’s Services. He was a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1980-1992. He is largely credited with the cultural paradigm shift surrounding ACEs and the holistic support of children. Mr. Henry worked on the “Tennessee ACEs Initiative,” and was pivotal in highlighting how ACEs had an impact on the state’s economy, educa-tional system, medical services, government and community health.

Elizabeth “Liz” Huntley, JDMs. Huntley earned a juris doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law and undergraduate degree from Auburn University, where she is a member of the Auburn University Board of Trustees. She works as a corporate litigation attorney, child advocate, author and lecturer. She is regularly appointed to represent the legal interests of children in civil cases and frequently consults on children’s issues and legislation to protect children. Ms. Huntley is president and co-founder of the Hope Institute.

Randy Jernejcic, MD, MMMDr. Jernejcic earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics and a medical degree from Ohio State University; and a master’s degree in medical management from Carnegie Melon University. He is board certified in family medicine and has 20 years of clinical experience in both primary care and emergency medicine, and 10 years of executive physician leadership. Previously, Dr. Jernejcic was the chief medical officer for University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center and interim director, Pain Institute, University Hospitals.

Hon. Carlton Jones, JDJudge Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law. After law school, he worked with

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East Arkansas Legal Services. He was elected as prosecuting attorney in 2011 for the 8th Judicial District South, the only African American elected in Arkansas. In 2015 he became a circuit court judge. Judge Jones serves on many committees and boards.

Kirk Leach, PhD, MBADr. Leach received his doctorate from Rutgers University. He specializes in commu-nity development and nonprofit management. His work is dedicated to improving economic and political inclusion of marginalized populations. Dr. Leach’s research focuses on trauma-informed policy, nonprofit strategy and innovation, and economic development.

Allison Martin, LMSW, AR-ECMHCMs. Martin oversees the provision of special services for children, as well as training and supporting staff in the use of interventions and strategies in the early child-hood classroom, supporting social-emotional development. She was previously a children/family therapist specializing in working with children ages 0–6 and trained their families in evidence-based treatments. Ms. Martin is a certified early childhood mental health consultant.

Lorraine McKelvey, PhDDr. McKelvey is actively involved in the study of children and families at-risk for adverse developmental outcomes. She has published and presented findings examining outcomes for children living with adverse childhood experiences. Dr. McKelvey has published with colleagues on ACEs in infancy, toddlerhood and early childhood; the impact of specific ACEs on child development; the impacts of interventions on development; and protective factors against ACEs on cognitive development.

Alan Mease, MD, FAAPDr. Mease’s medical degree is from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and he completed his internship and residency at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. He previously served as medical director, child and adolescent health, Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). He is an adjunct associate professor of public health behavior, UAMS Boozman College of Public Health. Dr. Mease has more than 30 years of clinical experience and telemedicine in the U.S. Army Medical Department.

Marquita Little Numan, MSMrs. Numan’s career in the nonprofit and government sectors has focused on implementing programs and shaping public policy to empower and support vulnerable populations. She previously served as health policy director, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and as director of policy and planning at the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

Eduardo R. Ochoa Jr., MD, FAAPDr. Ochoa earned his bachelor’s degree in religion from Princeton University and his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. His research

interests include Latino health, health disparities, children with special health care needs and community engagement. As an advocate for Arkansas’ Latino commu-nity, he launched the Latino Clinic for special needs children at ACH in 2009 and the West Little Rock Primary Clinic in 2010. Dr. Ochoa was named medical director of ACH’s Southwest Little Rock Community Clinic, which opened in 2017.

Mathew Portell, MEdMr. Portell has worked as a teacher, instructional coach and school administrator for 15 years. This is his fifth year as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, a nation-ally recognized model school for trauma-informed practices. The school’s work has been featured on NPR, PBS and Edutopia.org. Mr. Portell is an international trainer and speaker around trauma-informed practices through his consulting company Paradigm Shift Education.

Mary Rolando, MSMs. Rolando earned a master’s degree in behaviorism from Southern Illinois University. She manages Three Branches Institute and Building Strong Brains Tennessee, the state’s activities to address and prevent ACEs. Previously she oversaw implementation of the department’s agreement with TennCare, the state’s Medicaid agency, and the network of five Centers of Excellence for Children In or At Risk of Custody. Ms. Rolando was also a policy analyst at the Vanderbilt University Center of Excellence.

Stacey Reynolds, C-IAYT, ERYT 500, RPYT, RCYTMs. Reynolds’ own journey to yoga originated from debilitating chronicillness and a lifelong history of anxiety and depression. Her yoga instruction focuses on healing. Her mission is to serve — making yoga accessible to special populations. Ms. Reynolds works with therapists and doctors who treat mental health problems, trauma, addiction, chronic illness, and end-of-life needs.

Emily Robbins, LCSWMs. Robbins has implemented multiple evidence-based mental health treatments for trauma in children ages 0–17 years. She is an advocate for traumatized children to immediately receive evidenced-based treatments. She works with the courts, DCFS and community partners to leverage resources. Ms. Robbins focuses on protecting children who have been sexually exploited commercially throughout Arkansas. She co-leads a resource call monthly to support and connect state resources that support this population.

Chad Rodgers, MD, FAAPDr. Rodgers’ bachelor’s degree in biology is from Baylor University; and his medical degree from UAMS. He has practiced pediatrics for 18 years. He is past president of the AR Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, president-elect of the Arkansas Medical Society and board member of Arkansas for Advocates for Chil-dren and Families. Dr. Rodgers’ professional interests include child development, health literacy, social determinants of health, preventive care, nutrition and fitness, and a passion for addressing ACEs.

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Hannah Roe, JDMs. Roe has a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law. First working on family law cases in the private sector, she joined Legal Aid of Arkansas in 2017. She became the firm’s domestic violence group leader and worked with clients facing domestic abuse and sexual violence. At Arkansas Children’s Hospital she provides and oversees legal representation for health-harming legal needs of patients and families, including those affected by domestic violence.

Amy Routt, BAMs. Routt earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the Uni-versity of Central Arkansas and has a trauma-informed yoga certification. She has worked in health and wellness for more than 16 years teaching yoga, Pilates, cycle, barre and other formats. Ms. Routt has worked as AETN’s early childhood education coordinator and currently serves as co-chair of ArCOP’s growing healthy kids team.

Rep. Jamie Scott, MA, BARep. Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and sociology and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Arkansas State University. Her career in public service has focused on fighting for equal rights and fair opportunities for all. She served on the Legislative Task Force on Abused and Neglected Children and is a recipient of the Women of Excellence in Education Award and the Arkansas Advo-cates for Children and Families Legislative Leader award.

Melissa Sutton, MSEMs. Sutton supports conscious discipline implementation in Arkansas and co-leads the BehaviorHelp support system developed to prevent the expulsion or suspen-sion of children who are experiencing challenging behaviors. She has a strong interest and passion to support the social and emotional well-being of all children and teachers in Arkansas, with a focus on those who have experienced trauma.

Sara Tariq, MDDr. Tariq received her medical degree from UAMS in 1998 and joined the UAMS faculty in 2002, becoming a professor in 2018. She has served as assistant dean for undergraduate clinical education since 2009 and serves as the medical director of the Center for Clinical Skills Education. She has earned many national awards for patient advocacy and teaching awards from UAMS. Dr. Tariq’s research includes improving students’ learning environment, teaching advanced communication skills and the care of LGBTQ patients.

Kent Thompson, MPH, BAMr. Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hendrix College and a master’s degree in public health, with an emphasis in biostatistics, from UAMS. He serves as the statewide evaluator for the prescription drug/opioid overdose-related deaths, state targeted response to the opioid crisis and state opioid response grants. Mr. Thompson and his team manage the statewide Naloxone reporting database and produce the archival risk factors state report.

Jodi Veit-Edrington, EdD, MS, BAMs. Veit-Edrington serves on the State Early Childhood Commission and Head Start Governing Board. In 1991, she opened the first ABC pre-kindergarten classroom in North Little Rock, growing the program over 28 years to serve 624 children. Most recently the school committed to becoming a trauma-informed care program to meet the increasing needs of children, families and teachers.

Hon. Joyce Williams Warren, JDJudge Warren earned a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law, where she was the first black female graduate. She was appointed as a Juve-nile Court Judge in 1983, the first black female judge in Arkansas. She was the first black person elected to a state level trial court judgeship in 1990. She presides over juvenile and domestic relations cases in Pulaski and Perry counties. In 2010, Judge Warren helped create the Arkansas Pilot Team for Safe Babies, over which she still presides. It has become a benchmark for similar programs nationwide.

Kim Whitman, LCSW, ECMHCMs. Whitman earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Ohio Wesleyan University. She is a certified early childhood mental health consultant, a licensed clinical social worker and has served on the Governor’s Early Childhood Commission since 2015. She has worked more than 15 years as a mental health therapist, trainer and con-sultant. Ms. Whitman has a clinical practice in Jonesboro, treating mental health issues of young children, particularly trauma.

Hon. William Randall Wright, JDJudge Wright earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting from Hen-drix College and a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law, Fayetteville. He was a law clerk for the Arkansas Supreme Court before opening a private practice in 1979. He was a prosecuting attorney for the 8th North Judicial District from 1999 to 2006. Judge Wright was then appointed by the Arkansas Supreme Court as circuit judge for that district.

Rebecca Zimmermann, MPSMs. Zimmermann earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and Latin American studies from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and a master’s degree in public service from the Clinton School of Public Service. Before joining AACF, she served as program and advocacy director, the Arkansas Nonprofit Alliance, working to expand advocacy efforts of nonprofits to increase their impact in Arkansas communities.

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