HOPE 101
This training was presented on
March 4, 2026
REPLAY & RESOURCES:
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TRAINING DETAILS:
HOPE offers a paradigm shift in the way practitioners approach their work with families and children, from one that emphasizes deficits and problems, to one that actively seeks out strengths and assets.
The training presents background information on the health effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the research showing how key positive childhood experiences (PCEs) prevent and mitigate the effects of ACEs and toxic stress resulting in improved health outcomes. The biologic mechanisms of how PCEs affect the brain are presented. Participants learn about the 4 Building Blocks of HOPE and participate in skill building exercises that enable them to begin to incorporate the HOPE framework into their work. Different themes of HOPE implementation are explored, including how to use the HOPE framework to address racial and socioeconomic disparities at your organization.
Learners will be able to:
- Have a greater understanding of how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect mental and physical health.
- Explore how positive childhood experiences (PCEs) through the HOPE framework can mitigate the effects of ACEs.
Who should attend: County staff and leaders working in child welfare, FRC staff and leadership, CAPCs, CBOs, advocacy groups, and professionals and leaders in groups that have the highest mandated reporting rates (education, healthcare, and law enforcement)
IMPORTANT TRAINING INFORMATION:
- This is an interactive training. Please be prepared to participate in activities such as group discussions, breakout rooms, and/or demonstrations. Your training experience will be best with the use of a webcam, audio, and a training environment conducive to active participation.
- This training will be recorded. The recording will be available to registered learners within 2 days of the training.
- California privacy laws mandate consent for recording conversations using AI applications. To ensure a respectful and secure learning environment for all participants, AI assistants are not allowed in CalTrin training. We value an accessible learning environment. If you require an accommodation to support your learning, please email us at least three business days before the training.
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MEET THE SPEAKERS
Dr. Rhonda Williams is a Certified Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (H.O.P.E.) Facilitator. Dr. Williams’ educational background includes an undergraduate degree earned at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Psychology, two graduate degrees, one in Human Behavior and the other in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a doctorate in Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction.
Dr. Williams has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in the foster care system. She has also volunteered in communities of color to provide counseling services to individuals facing domestic violence, depression, anxiety, interpersonal communication issues, infidelity, stress, and other maladaptive behaviors. She has been employed with Rady Children’s Health for over 25 years and specifically for the Chadwick Center for over 10 years. She works for the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse to advance the effective implementation of evidence-based practices for children and families involved with the child welfare system.
Dr. Williams is one of the co-chairs of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-racism (IDEA) team at the Chadwick Center, helping staff provide services that infuse cultural competence into the current trauma-informed practice. She is currently working with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NTCSN) to support Chadwick Center’s efforts to become an antiracist system by tackling racial bias, disproportionality, disparities, inequities, and diversity and inclusion involving Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC).
Dr. Williams has presented at the San Diego Child and Maltreatment Conference, The Live Well San Diego Conference, and to various other organizations on the issues of BIPOC communities affected by mental health and justice systems disproportionalities. Dr. Williams is committed to helping individuals realize the benefits of using the HOPE framework to improve mental and physical health and educational outcomes for those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). In her spare time, Dr. Williams enjoys volunteering in various communities to uplift those in need and loves traveling with family and friends.
RHONDA WILLIAMS, PhD
Social Worker, Educator & Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, Michelle Neumann (she/they) currently serves as a Training Coordinator for the California Training Institute (CalTrin) at Rady Children’s Hospital, where she designs and facilitates engaging, evidence-based training for professionals supporting children and families across California. Her work bridges trauma-informed care, prevention, and community healing. A queer-identifying former foster child and lifelong advocate, Michelle has more than nine years of experience in youth and young adult development, higher education, and community-based mental health. She has supported community college students as a College Navigator, helping them strengthen academic success, personal growth, and self-care skills. Michelle has also provided direct clinical and programmatic support within prevention and early intervention programs at CASA of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, centering healing and equity. Michelle is a certified trauma-informed yoga instructor who integrates mindfulness and nervous system regulation into her workshops. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California.
MICHELLE NEUMANN, MSW
Kasey is a Training Coordinator for the California Training Institute (CalTrin), where she designs and facilitates learning opportunities to strengthen families and prevent child maltreatment. She holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice and has extensive experience in forensic interviewing, child advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. Kasey is also a certified facilitator for Stewards of Children® and HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences), equipping professionals and community members with everyday tools to both prevent abuse and promote child and family well-being. Her previous work at a children’s advocacy center gave her deep insight into the challenges faced by children who have experienced abuse and neglect, reinforcing her belief in prevention as the most powerful strategy. In her role at CalTrin, Kasey is committed to delivering high-quality, engaging trainings that empower practitioners to recognize, respond to, and prevent abuse while creating safer, healthier environments where children and families can thrive.
KASEY WHITE