Mental Health 2.0 Trauma and the Brain will focus on the effects traumatic experiences have on the child and adult brain.  This training will provide a basic overview and understanding of the workings of the brain, and identify how neuroscience helps in understanding the response to stress.  The second half of the training will incorporate art therapy.  Finding creative outlets provides a much needed break and can help us heal from stress.  String art is a great activity for this! String art is also known as pin art or thread art.  It involves weaving coloring string around nails that have been pressed into a canvas to create different shapes and designs.  Benefits of string art include relieving stress, improved mood, and increased brain function. 

Parents and caregivers will receive a $20 gift card to Target or Amazon for attending this training.  Please note: you must attend the entire training to receive the gift card!

Presenters: Holly Brabeck and Megan Hunt

Holly Brabeck earned her Master of Arts degree in Mental Health and Addiction Counseling from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies.  She is currently in school for her doctoral degree in Community Care and Counseling: Traumatology.  Holly recently completed her hours and is in the process of becoming a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) for the State of Minnesota.

Holly is currently the Director of Family and Community Engagement at Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative.  Prior to starting with the collaborative in 2020, she was a Managed Care Case Coordinator on the UCare team at RADIAS Health where she conducted health risk assessments and developed culturally sensitive treatment plans focused on health care needs.  She has also worked for Rise, Inc. and Northeast Youth & Family Services.

Megan Hunt is pursing her Master of Social Work degree at Augsburg University and is an intern with the Collaborative for the 2020-2021 academic year.  She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Global Studies with a focus on the environment and sustainable development. After graduating she worked for a mental health clinic managing the front office as well conducting intakes for new clients to start services. It was working with clients there that motivated her to pursue an education in social work. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at Augsburg University. After graduating she hopes to continue to work in community engagement within Ramsey County.