Small Talks: A Think Small Speaker Series is Back!

Come to learn about and discuss:

• Key findings on the impact of trauma and stress on child development
• Specific care efforts and initiatives supporting children and families in Minnesota, and
• Public policies that can help foster healing, resilience, and supportive environments.

Leave with a deeper understanding of trauma-informed practices, actionable strategies to support children and families, and new connections to further your work in building healthy, nurturing communities.

Agenda

• 8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.  Breakfast and Networking
• 9:15 a.m. Welcome & Introductions
• Presentations
• Audience Questions
• 10:30 Adjourn

Speakers

Brandon Jones

Brandon, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, brings a wealth of expertise in consulting and Mental Health. His focus areas encompass Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Historical and Intergenerational trauma, Social/Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Leadership, and the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Brandon’s academic journey boasts a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in Community Psychology from Metropolitan State University, and a master’s in Psychotherapy (MFT) from Adler Graduate School. His distinction as a 2013 Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow also speaks to his dedication to leadership excellence.  His life ethos is encapsulated in the motto: “Live life with Purpose on Purpose”

Angie Clair

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in early childhood education, Angie Clair, serves as the Director of Early Childhood Services at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. Angie holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood from Metropolitan State University. Her expertise and commitment to early childhood development has driven impactful programs that create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Josh Crosson

As executive director of Ed Allies, Josh sets the direction for the organization’s work to ensure that all Minnesota students, especially those most underserved, have access to quality education. He previously worked in D.C., where he transformed his passion for public policy into a fulfilling vocation, or, as his friends put it, made a living out of doing something “activisty”—first at the Human Rights Campaign and later on Capitol Hill. At HRC, Josh spearheaded student outreach operations and expanded the organization’s mission to incorporate LGBTQ+ students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He then spent four years writing legislation and advising his hometown congressman, Rep. Adam Smith (WA-9), on labor, health, budget, and tax issues. When he’s not working for Minnesota’s kids, Josh enjoys spending time with his husband, Jon, and their dogs, Jujubee and Symone, in their North Minneapolis home.

Watch the Recording