Title: Flipping the Script: How HOPE Changes the ACES Conversation
Date: September 12th, 2025
Time: 10-12pm CST/ 11-1pm EST
Description: Discover how the HOPE, Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences, model can transform the way we support children and families. This interactive session offers practical guidance in applying a strengths-based approach that identifies, celebrates, and expands access to the Positive Childhood Experiences essential for every child’s health and thriving. We’ll explore the science behind Positive Childhood Experiences, examine their relationship to the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) model, and highlight how resilience grows from moments of connection.
Grounded in research, participants will learn the story behind the development of the HOPE framework and its Four Building Blocks, gaining tools to integrate these principles into daily practice. Through guided reflection and real-life scenarios, you’ll practice “Type 2 thinking” to see strengths first, and discover ways to foster meaningful, strengths-based interactions in your unique role—whether as a direct service provider, prevention partner, educator, or community leader.
This session is both informative and restorative, offering space to pause, reflect, and reimagine the role of positive experiences in shaping a child’s future. Together, through a reflective space opportunity, we’ll explore multiple perspectives on HOPE and uncover practical strategies for creating environments where all children can thrive.
*This is an AIMHiTN Member’s Training.
Presenters: Sarah Manley Judkins, MSW, ECMH-E®
Hello, I’m Sarah Manley Judkins, the Child Welfare Sector Coordinator at AIMHiTN. I am thrilled to join AIMHiTN in it’s progressive work in the 0-6 world. I graduated from Belmont University with my Bachelor’s of Social Work, and Tennessee State University with my Master’s of Social Work.
I worked in the child welfare world, in various shapes and forms, for about a decade. The bulk of my work was in the severe child abuse unit with child protective services investigations. After that, I worked in inpatient mental health treatment. I am passionate about the importance of early childhood years. I have two young children, so this work is very personal to me.
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Rachel Hanson, MS, CLC, IMH-E®, Project Manager Centerstone
Rachel Hanson graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a degree in social work and a Master’s degree in Psychology with a focus in Child and Adolescent Development from Capella University. Rachel started work in community mental health working with at-risk youth providing family behavioral therapy. Currently, Rachel is the Project Manager for Healthy Start Tennessee and Tennessee Maternal Workforce Solutions Project at Centerstone. Rachel is a Resilient TN Building Strong Brains Tennessee, HOPE Champion, and FAN trainer. Rachel has a large focus for collective impact in the community to address gaps and disparities that impact families and community members. Rachel resides in Lawrenceburg, TN with her husband and three children.