Conference Focuses on Resiliency Strategies to Thwart Substance Abuse

WILDWOOD – Over 220 educators, law enforcement, parents and youth group leaders attended the Pride Committee’s Fifth Annual Conference in January.
According to a release, the two-day conference, “Strategies to Address the Needs of Our Youth,” focused on resiliency strategies that could help prevent substance abuse.
“Since adverse childhood experiences have a proven effect on future substance abuse, “ stated Natalia Wilber, Pride Committee coordinator, “Educating and training the community on how to treat these children was the goal of the conference.”
The School Resiliency Teams that were formed in the summer of 2018 met on the first day of the conference and revisited and expounded their work as it relates to behaviors, brain development, and discipline of students.
The goal of Resiliency Teams is to provide training and  support to the rest of the school staff so they can promote a trauma-informed and responsive environment in schools.
On the conference’s second day, attendees learned about the effect adversity has on a child’s brain development and on stress response systems with regard to teaching, parenting, law enforcement, and learning.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Lori Desautels, an assistant professor at Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind. Presenters included Michael McKnight, county educational program specialist with the state Department of Education and Sgt. Mark Higginbottom, from the Middle Township Police Department.  
Dan Tumolo, one of the founders of the Pride Committee and president of Sea Isle City Board of Education, stated “The conference was outstanding. If I went back to teaching, I’d know how to connect with kids that are at risk.” Tumolo taught economics at Holy Family University in Philadelphia. Attendees had the following to state about the conference.
 “It was powerful, and I’m excited to get to work!”
“Thank you. As a school counselor, this was all extremely helpful and informative.”
“This is hands down the best workshop I have ever attended as an educator. “
“Awesome presentations. Really great information. I can’t wait to share with others.”