Welcome our new community manager/journo -- Rebecca Ruiz

James, 

Thank you so much for reading and commenting on my article. I found the DOJ's "Defending Childhood" report to be immensely helpful in understanding that agency's efforts. Here is the link (PDF) in case you or others would like to review it. I was also touched by Javier's story. While it's clear that many children and young adults struggle, it's as important to show that some of their peers have found a path to recovery. 

Hi Rebecca,

I had the pleasure of reading your article, "Life, Death, and PTSD in Oakland", it's a powerful piece! The quote that  you cite from Karol Mason from the US Department of Justice -- " at the core of poor performance in school, disciplinary problems, and entering the juvenile justice system is some form of trauma", gives me great hope because from awareness come solutions. I also enjoyed and was touched by Javier Arango's story of struggle and redemption. Welcome Rebecca and thank you

Kathy, Brenda and Carolyn: Thank you for your kind words.  I look forward to learning more about your work! 

Rebecca, great to have you with us!

I hope everyone reads your article “Stress Can Be Really Good For You—But It Might Also Lead to Mental Illness."

What a great quote: “Without stress, we couldn’t respond to threats to our lives—and livelihoods. However, stress can overwhelm the brain and become toxic when it becomes too intense, constant or unlinked from an ability to control your environment and reduce that stress.”

You said it: “too intense, constant or unlinked from (our) ability.” That’s Judith Herman’s definition of trauma: “Something is radically wrong, but no amount of action is of any avail.”

So what if stress is constant for weeks/months/years before age 3-5, while the brain is developing? It’s great to hear that quote is from David Panchision, chief of Developmental Neurobiology at NIMH.

Welcome Rebecca!  Looks like you'll fit in just fine.  Haven't found an ACEsConnection member who isn't passionate about the topic.  We are a growing force to be reckoned with.

We are fortunate to have Rebecca and all of the great community managers now on ACEsConnection. Your work makes it possible for all of us to connect around the ACEs issue...Thank you!! and Thanks to RWJF for investing in all of us through ACEsConnection.

Jane, 

Thank you for this introduction! I am very excited to join the ACEs Connection Network Team as there is so much inspiring research and journalism happening in this field. I look forward to getting to know network members. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments about my work or the site. 

Rebecca