This interactive workshop explores how early life experiences shape brain development, behavior, and long-term outcomes for children and adolescents. Participants will be introduced to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs), and how the balance of these factors influences resilience and risk.

Through a hands-on brain-building activity, attendees will experience how positive supports and toxic stress impact development over time. The session highlights how adversity, especially when cumulative, can significantly increase the risk of negative health and social outcomes, while also emphasizing that resilience is possible with the right supports.

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of trauma-informed perspectives, including shifting from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”, and practical ways to apply this mindset in schools, organizations, and everyday interactions.