Celebrating Nine Years of Impact: A Farewell to the Adverse Childhood Experiences in Adolescents Workgroup
The Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Adolescents Workgroup gathered for what was both a poignant and joyful occasion on Monday, August 19 – their final gathering after nine years of dedication, collaboration, and community impact. This gathering served as a celebration, reflection, and a deep sense of gratitude for the work that has been accomplished and the bonds that have been created. The decision to close the Workgroup was based on the tremendous success they have experienced in their work to educate on, prevent, and treat ACEs in Frederick County.
Since its inception, the ACEs Workgroup has been a beacon of hope and resilience for Frederick County as their efforts have worked towards ensuring our communities better understand and realize how to prevent and treat the adverse experiences that so many adolescents face. Through their efforts, such as the Mind+Body Kids Yoga Series held at the C. Burr Artz Public Library, they have not only made a tangible difference in the lives of countless young people but have also contributed to the broader understanding of childhood trauma and its lasting effects. The Mind+Body Kids Yoga Series helped children manage emotions and discover ways in which Frederick County supports youth development.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the ACEs Workgroup has been the personal and professional growth experienced by its members. Over the years, individuals have developed new skills, transitioned jobs, and developed friendships with one another that will last long after the group’s formal conclusion.
During the celebration, members expressed their gratitude for the strong leadership that guided the Workgroup. The ACEs Workgroup Leadership Team consisted of well-rounded, dedicated leaders, including:
Pilar Olivo
Workgroup Lead and Board President
Principal, Adepta LLC
Erin Gambrill
Awareness Co-Lead
Frederick County Public Libraries, Youth Services Coordinator
Pat Rosensteel
Awareness Co-Lead
Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership, Board President
Kathy Allen
Prevention Co-Lead
Frederick County Public Schools, Coordinator of ECE & Judy Centers
Barb May
Prevention Co-Lead
Frederick County Health Department, Director, Family Partnership
Lynn Davis
Treatment & Intervention Co-Lead
Frederick County Public Schools, Coordinator of Mental Health Services
Jay Hessler
Treatment & Intervention Co-Lead
Frederick County Health Department, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services Division
The Workgroup’s success can be attributed largely to the exceptional leadership that guided it over the past nine years. From the start, the leaders of this group showed a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding childhood trauma and a commitment to addressing it within our community. What set this leadership apart, and all participating Workgroup members, was not just their expertise but their ability to foster an environment of collaboration, innovation, and empathy. They understood that to tackle such a significant issue, it would take more than just knowledge – it would require building strong relationships, encouraging open dialogue, and empowering every member of the group to contribute their unique perspectives and skills.
When asked to reflect on the past 9 years of the ACEs Workgroup and think about what the most rewarding aspect of leading this initiative has been, Workgroup Lead Pilar Olivo responded,
“A lot of dedicated and thoughtful people came together to create a vision for thriving children and families and reduce the impact of toxic stress. We learned about brain science and developed shared language and understanding for more effective communication. We explored questions together and identified solutions that we implemented together and are making a difference for children and their families right now.
I’m extremely grateful for the collaboration and how so many of the members are continuing to carry out the vision for thriving children and families in Frederick County.”
The Workgroup has successfully been granted funds from Frederick County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to increase the capacity of the local mental health system to provide evidence-based trauma treatment modalities for children and families, based on the results of the ACEs and Mental Health Workgroup surveys of Frederick County mental health providers. These funds will be invested in scholarship training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Ego States Intervention therapies for Frederick County mental health providers. These initiatives will empower local therapists to offer specialized treatment to those who need it most, furthering the group's mission to support adolescents affected by adverse experiences in Frederick County.
Another notable achievement of the Workgroup was the Strong Families page on the Frederick County Government website. This page is dedicated to supporting and strengthening families within the community. This resource hub provides information, tools, ans services aimed at helping families navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster healthy relationships. The range of resources includes parenting support, brain building techniques, family support, and resources related to physical and mental health, such as the Mind+Body Kids Yoga YouTube channel.
When asked about his point of view on the Workgroup’s evolvement since he was involved prior to serving his role as Executive Director at the Coalition, Malcolm Furgol responded,
“The accomplishments of the ACEs LHIP Workgroup over the last 8 years cannot be overstated. In a similar way to the dissemination and awareness of the Asset Limited Income Constrained and Employed Report (ALICE), this Workgroup has made sure ACEs has been added to the vernacular in the field of health and human services work in Frederick County. Having a common language to identify opportunities for change is critical to moving the needle on health indicators in our community. Accomplishing that has made everything else possible, including the revolutionary Family Connects Frederick County universal newborn nurse home visiting program that has connected hundreds of families to the services and care that they need and will benefit untold thousands in the years to come. To put it simply, we all owe a tremendous amount of thanks to the ACEs Workgroup and its leader Pilar Olivo. They have made a difference for generations to come!”
Though this chapter is closing, the story of resilience, community, and dedication continues. On behalf of the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County, ACEs Workgroup Leadership, and its members, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the Workgroup’s success. As we move forward, let us continue expanding the Workgroup's efforts and mission, striving to make a positive impact in others' lives.