Jared has been working for Washington County Mental Health for 5 years as a wellness coach and CYFS Wellness program coordinator. He uses his passion for biking, hiking, weightlifting, and sports to promote healthy living and overall wellbeing in youth. 

Austin (on the right) is a college student studying business administration. He loves connecting with youth and demonstrating healthy habits through golf, hockey, lacrosse and music.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. Research shows that high ACE scores are linked to an increased risk of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. ACEs can also impact brain development and stress regulation, leading to long-term effects on behavior and health.

Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) act as protective factors. These include having supportive relationships, being part of a community, and having positive relationships with one or more non-parent adults. PCEs help build resilience, support emotional development, and buffer the negative effects of stress and trauma. They are crucial in fostering a sense of belonging, hope, and self-worth.

While ACEs can increase vulnerability to mental health issues, PCEs can promote healing, stability, and overall well-being. Focusing on strengthening PCEs is a key strategy in supporting healthy emotional development and preventing long-term harm.

Physical Activity- Encouraging regular physical activity: through play, sports, or even fun family movement, can lay the foundation for strong mental health, emotional regulation, and resilience in children.

Peer interaction: spending time and engaging with other children—plays a key role in a child’s development. Through these relationships, kids learn how to communicate, cooperate, and build the social skills they need throughout life.

Self-advocacy: learning how to speak up for yourself, ask for what you need, and express your thoughts and feelings in a respectful way. For kids, self-advocacy is a powerful skill that helps them grow into confident, independent, and emotionally healthy individuals.

Jared and Austin will be in school offering one on one support as well as some small group support through the above mentioned activities. If you feel your child could benefit from some additional support please click on the referral linked below. Your student may also pick up a paper copy at school from Heather Grate or Maria Amador.