PACES Spring 2026 Conference: The Power of Positive Experiences
Spring 2026 Conference: The Power of Positive ExperiencesDate and Time: Friday May 15th, 2026, from 8:30am to 4:45pmLocation: Hillsborough Community College, Trinkle Center / 1206 North Park Road / Plant City, Florida, 33563Join us as we explore how nurturing relationships, resilience building strategies, and community collaboration can transform childhood outcomes and reduce the effects of trauma an adversity. This inspiring event will bring together leaders, practitioners. and advocates committed to advancing trauma-informed care and promoting positive childhood experiences.FULL AGENDA8:30am to 9:00am: Registration and Breakfast9:00am to 9:15am: Welcome Comments by: Nikki Daniels with Champions for Children and our conference sponsors. 9:15am to 10:45am: Opening Keynote:Dr. Robert Sege, MD, PhD, and FAAP. Dr. Sege is a Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine and Director of the HOPE National Resource Center. He is a board-certified general and child abuse pediatrician with over 20 years of experience, known for his research on social determinants of health and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs).11:00am to 12:30pm: Morning Breakout Sessions (4)12:30pm to 1:30pm: Boxed Lunch 1:30pm to 3:00pm: Afternoon Breakout Sessions (4)3:15 to 4:45pm: Afternoon Breakout Sessions (4)4:45pm: End of conferenceBreakout Session Schedule and DescriptionsMorning Breakout Sessions11:00 am to 12:30pmBeyond ACES: Gratitude as a Trauma-Informed Practice for Regulation, Healing, and Well-BeingThis interactive, trauma-informed session explores gratitude as a relational and evidence-based practice that supports nervous system regulation, mental health, and overall well-being. Participants will engage in experiential exercises and learn how gratitude can strengthen protective factors and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) for both providers and the children, families, and communities they serve. EQ as a Pathway to ResilienceEQ as a Pathway to Resilience" invites you to discover how emotional intelligence can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Together, we’ll explore what EQ really means, why it helps protect against the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and learn strategies that strengthen resilience in both children and the adults who support them. Expect an engaging, hands-on session that equips you with tools to foster emotional strength, connection, and lasting wellbeing. Be the Light: Becoming an Agent of TransformationWhen professionals cultivate alignment, courage, and innovation, they become the light that guides others toward healing, connection, and growth. Transformation is a fundamental shift in one’s internal world that reshapes behavior, leadership, and impact. This presentation challenges professionals to align their words and actions, navigate resistance and letting go, and lead transformation within themselves and their organizations. Tina equips attendees with the knowledge and motivation to become catalysts for authentic, sustainable change in mental health systems and communities. Sensory Motor Development and Foundations to Enhance Learning for the Birth to Five PopulationThis training will review typical developmental sensory/motor milestones in children and the importance of their progression as it sets a strong foundation for mental health/well-being and higher thinking skills. Participants will discuss and plan activities to enhance sensory processing, sensory motor skill acquisition, and overall development in children. Training will also offer strategies and adaptations that support children with sensory and social-emotional needs so they can participate in inclusive early childhood environments. Breakout Session Schedule and DescriptionsEarly Afternoon Breakout Sessions1:30pm to 3:00pmAn Overview of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®)This session introduces the three core principles of TBRI®—Empowering, Connecting, and Correcting—and explains how they work together to support regulation and healthy development. Participants will explore how trauma affects the brain and behavior, why relationships are central to healing, and how everyday interactions can make a meaningful difference. Practical examples will highlight how TBRI® strategies can be used in classrooms, homes, early childhood programs, faith communities, and other family-serving settings. Designed for educators, Extension professionals, clergy, and community partners, this overview offers a hopeful, strengths-based approach for supporting children and caregivers while strengthening the systems that serve them. Built to Respond: Designing Systems That Deliver Concrete Supports When It MattersThis session explores how strength-based systems influence access to Concrete Support in Times of Need for children and families. Participants will examine how organizational policies, workflows, decision-making practices, and culture enable or delay support and identify acti...
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3622554-0
