Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction such as witnessing domestic violence, or growing up with substance abuse, mental illness, parental discord, or crime in the home. ACEs are strongly related to development and prevalence of a wide range of health problems, including substance abuse, throughout the lifespan. Because ACEs are common and strongly related to a variety of substance abuse and related behavioral health outcomes, prevention of ACES and early identification of those who experience ACEs could prevent a number of negative consequences and have a significant impact on a range of critical health problems. During this presentation we will define ACEs and how ACEs effect you and your community.

A certified prevention specialist, LaShonda Williamson-Jennings is responsible for providing and coordinating the delivery of tailored, state-of-the-science training and technical assistance that optimizes the ability of states, tribes, and communities to achieve substance abuse prevention outcomes.   As co-director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Prevention Technology Transfer Center for region 6 she monitors service delivery among multiple clients and staff, assuring solutions and service quality are of the highest standards.

She has extensive experience managing projects, facilitating face-to-face and online trainings, delivering customized technical assistance, and coaching staff and clients on removing  barriers and optimizing performance.

Ms. Williamson-Jennings holds a Master of Education in adult education and administration from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from University of Oklahoma.  In 2014 she was named the Oklahoma Drug & Alcohol Professional Counselor Association’s Prevention Specialist of the Year.