August 21, 2024 Pennsylvania’s Professional Development Registry Debuts Training Organization Directory The state’s Professional Development (PD) Registry has launched a Training Organization Directory for finding organizations approved by the Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS). Learn More Providers seeking professional development can use the directory to find and contact PQAS-approved organizations to schedule events. To access the directory, visit the PD Registry website. Once there, click on “Search Training Organization Directory” within the left-hand menu. Visitors can search for an organization by name or region (at this time, qualifications will appear blank). To email an organization, click on its name or email icon. To view any professional development events the organization may have scheduled, click on the calendar icon. PQAS-approved training organizations that are interested in listing themselves in the Training Organization Directory should complete the steps in a tipsheet on the Pennsylvania Keys’ website. Any questions should be emailed to pqas@pakeys.org.
August 12, 2024 Theiss Training Center: Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed, and Proficient The University of Pittsburgh’s Theiss Training Center for Trauma and Early Childhood Mental Health is hosting a three-part online course on trauma in August and September. Learn More The three-part virtual training series on Trauma Proficient Practiced is designed specifically for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The series will be offered periodically; each can be taken as a standalone course or participants can attend all three. Teri Pentz, MS, LPC, NCC, Infant Mental Health Mentor (Clinical), will lead all three courses. Microsoft Teams links will be shared with participants after they register for the courses. Becoming Trauma Aware The first course discusses how the path to becoming trauma proficient begins with a basic understanding of trauma and what young children’s reaction to trauma can look like in the context of their play and behaviors. The session will lay the foundation for understanding trauma by developing an awareness of what it is and how it reveals itself. Attendees will discuss the basic definition and different types of trauma and trauma reactions. Then, they will explore trauma in early childhood and what it can look like when processed through behavior. Becoming Trauma Aware will be held on: Aug. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 1 hour of PQAS or Act 48 credit will be available; there is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. PD Registry Course #153308 Event ID: 370793 Register Becoming Trauma Informed With a basic awareness of what trauma response looks like in children, this second session will take a step back to look at recent understanding of early brain development. It will share how babies’ brains develop in tandem with close relationship building; how trauma disrupts relationships and the building of “brain architecture” during this stage; and how strong relationships can build resilience when trauma is present. Becoming Trauma Informed will be held on: Aug. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits will be available; there is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. PD Registry Course #153309 Event ID: 370795 Register Toward Trauma Proficiency This third training applies information presented in the second session. Looking at a case study, the group will analyze trauma and relationship information that may indicate early traumatic experiences impacting the child’s current psychological functioning. It will then assess behaviors presented to identify classroom strengths that support children whose needs are met and understand how to identify children whose history and behaviors may indicate a need to refer for services. Toward Trauma Proficiency will be held on: Sept. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits will be available; there is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. All can attend but prior completion of “Becoming Trauma Informed” is required to receive PQAS or Act 48 credits. PD Registry Course #153312 Event ID: 370796 Register
Theiss Training Center: Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed, and Proficient The University of Pittsburgh’s Theiss Training Center for Trauma and Early Childhood Mental Health is hosting a three-part online course on trauma in August and September. Learn More The three-part virtual training series on Trauma Proficient Practiced is designed specifically for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The series will be offered periodically; each can be taken as a standalone course or participants can attend all three. Teri Pentz, MS, LPC, NCC, Infant Mental Health Mentor (Clinical), will lead all three courses. Microsoft Teams links will be shared with participants after they register for the courses. Becoming Trauma Aware The first course discusses how the path to becoming trauma proficient begins with a basic understanding of trauma and what young children’s reaction to trauma can look like in the context of their play and behaviors. The session will lay the foundation for understanding trauma by developing an awareness of what it is and how it reveals itself. Attendees will discuss the basic definition and different types of trauma and trauma reactions. Then, they will explore trauma in early childhood and what it can look like when processed through behavior. Becoming Trauma Aware will be held on: Aug. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 1 hour of PQAS or Act 48 credit will be available; there is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. PD Registry Course #153308 Event ID: 370793 Register Becoming Trauma Informed With a basic awareness of what trauma response looks like in children, this second session will take a step back to look at recent understanding of early brain development. It will share how babies’ brains develop in tandem with close relationship building; how trauma disrupts relationships and the building of “brain architecture” during this stage; and how strong relationships can build resilience when trauma is present. Becoming Trauma Informed will be held on: Aug. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits will be available; there is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. PD Registry Course #153309 Event ID: 370795 Register Toward Trauma Proficiency This third training applies information presented in the second session. Looking at a case study, the group will analyze trauma and relationship information that may indicate early traumatic experiences impacting the child’s current psychological functioning. It will then assess behaviors presented to identify classroom strengths that support children whose needs are met and understand how to identify children whose history and behaviors may indicate a need to refer for services. Toward Trauma Proficiency will be held on: Sept. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits will be available; there is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. All can attend but prior completion of “Becoming Trauma Informed” is required to receive PQAS or Act 48 credits. PD Registry Course #153312 Event ID: 370796 Register
Theiss Training Center: Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed, and Proficient The University of Pittsburgh’s Theiss Training Center for Trauma and Early Childhood Mental Health is hosting a three-part online course on trauma in August and September. Learn More The three-part virtual training series on Trauma Proficient Practiced is designed specifically for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The series will be offered periodically; each can be taken as a standalone course or participants can attend all three. Teri Pentz, MS, LPC, NCC, Infant Mental Health Mentor (Clinical), will lead all three courses. Microsoft Teams links will be shared with participants after they register for the courses. Becoming Trauma Aware The first course discusses how the path to becoming trauma proficient begins with a basic understanding of trauma and what young children’s reaction to trauma can look like in the context of their play and behaviors. The session will lay the foundation for understanding trauma by developing an awareness of what it is and how it reveals itself. Attendees will discuss the basic definition and different types of trauma and trauma reactions. Then, they will explore trauma in early childhood and what it can look like when processed through behavior. Becoming Trauma Aware will be held on: Aug. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 1 hour of PQAS or Act 48 credit will be available; there is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. PD Registry Course #153308 Event ID: 370793 Register Becoming Trauma Informed With a basic awareness of what trauma response looks like in children, this second session will take a step back to look at recent understanding of early brain development. It will share how babies’ brains develop in tandem with close relationship building; how trauma disrupts relationships and the building of “brain architecture” during this stage; and how strong relationships can build resilience when trauma is present. Becoming Trauma Informed will be held on: Aug. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits will be available; there is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. PD Registry Course #153309 Event ID: 370795 Register Toward Trauma Proficiency This third training applies information presented in the second session. Looking at a case study, the group will analyze trauma and relationship information that may indicate early traumatic experiences impacting the child’s current psychological functioning. It will then assess behaviors presented to identify classroom strengths that support children whose needs are met and understand how to identify children whose history and behaviors may indicate a need to refer for services. Toward Trauma Proficiency will be held on: Sept. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits will be available; there is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee. All can attend but prior completion of “Becoming Trauma Informed” is required to receive PQAS or Act 48 credits. PD Registry Course #153312 Event ID: 370796 Register
July 3, 2024 Pennsylvania Early Childhood Summit Returns in Person This Fall The Pennsylvania Early Childhood Summit will return in person for the first time in four years this October. Learn More The summit is expected to draw hundreds of early learning educators. It has been held annually since 2008 but will be in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme is Celebrating Early Learning: Reconnecting, Reviewing, Revisioning. There will be more than 60 workshops and two keynote speakers as well as OCDEL updates, exhibitors, the Summit Marketplace, prizes, food, and numerous opportunities to build new professional connections. Attendees will be able to receive PQAS and Act 48 credits. The 2024 Summit will be held on October 28 and 29 at the Penn Stater Conference Center, located at 215 Innovation Blvd. in State College. Registration is now open for attendees and exhibitors. Trying Together Presentations Trying Together will hold two presentations at the summit. The first, presented by Lindsey Victoria and Loni Gooden, is titled “Combating the Child Care Crisis: Empowering Early Educators Through Workforce Development.” This session will explore the pivotal role of workforce development initiatives in enhancing the capabilities and skills of early childhood educators. The presenters will examine how current, innovative work contributes to solving the childcare crisis. The second presentation, led by Allison Robinson and Shellie Grooms, is titled “Re-Envisioning Your Classroom: Curiosity Calms Chaos.” The presentation asks whether a re-envisioning of the classroom as child-centered spaces filled with curiosity and joy would calm daily chaos. The session will explore new strategies for classroom set-ups, routines, and management through the lens of curiosity.
April 11, 2023 Dancing Our Way Through STEM Providing children with opportunities to explore creative movement can spark so many natural connections to STEM concepts. During this interactive workshop provided through the Trust Arts Education Center, early childhood and K-12 educators will participate in a variety of dance focused strategies that will deepen understanding in science math, ingenuity, and other fundamental STEM concepts. Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their own creative movement techniques that can support student’s STEM learning. Breakfast will be included. PQAS and ACT 48 Credit available. To learn more and register, visit the Trust Arts Education Center event page.
March 22, 2023 OCDEL Ends Option for Director Instructor PQAS The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development & Early Learning (OCDEL) recently ended the option for individuals to apply for the Director Instructor (DI) Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS). Effective March 21, applications for DI PQAS will no longer be accepted or processed, and the DI PQAS will no longer be available as an option for individuals to provide training to child care staff. Additionally, individuals holding a DI PQAS will no longer have access to train child care staff, as trainings will be made obsolete on April 28. Learn More Directors may pursue a PQAS application and create their own content in alignment with competencies for which they are approved based on expertise and/or education. Visit PQAS Applications – The Pennsylvania Key for information on applying to become a Professional Development Instructor. For child care staff seeking professional development in material similar to the outdated modules, OCDEL is supplying course content to replace the outdated modules within the PD Registry. All content in the PD Registry is offered by approved Professional Development PQAS Instructors in order to count for various professional development requirements. To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key website.
Additional Course to be Required for PQAS Certification The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development & Early Learning (OCDEL) recently adopted a new set of Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators (PA PSCECE), which require an additional self-paced Professional Development (PD) Registry course for Professional Development Instructor Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approval, beginning July 1. The new course, “Submitting PQAS Courses in the PD Registry,” meets enhanced PSCECE standards. Changes to PQAS Application Requirements Currently, instructors seeking Professional Development Instructor PQAS approval must complete the following self-paced PD Registry courses: Overview of Keystone STARS: Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Engaging Adult Learners The Pennsylvania Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators On July 1, Pennsylvania will add “Submitting PQAS Courses in the PD Registry” to this list of required courses, as part of the PQAS application requirements for all new PD Instructor PQAS instructors. PQAS-approved instructors who have already updated courses to align with PA PSCECE do not need take this additional course. However, if you currently have PQAS approval, but have not submitted any courses since May 2022, you must complete the additional course prior to submitting any new courses into the PD Registry. Learn More To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key website.
January 20, 2022 Registration Open for UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care Registration is now open for Trying Together’s “UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care,” which will be held February 8 to February 18, 2022. Between February 8-18, expert-led virtual workshops will share content related to trauma-informed care. We begin the UnConference with keynote speaker Dr. Veirdre Jackson and dive into how we can create an environment of healing through equity and trust. Following the keynote, workshop sessions include how to identify family stressors, how to provide responsive care-giving for children experiencing trauma, and an overview of the recently launched Rapid Response Team from Trying Together. Registration is now open and specific workshop dates and times will be added. For a flat fee of $25, you may attend as many sessions (keynote or workshops) as you like. Sessions will also be recorded for viewing after the UnConference has completed. You must register for the UnConference in order to access session recordings. PNC Grow Up Great is the series sponsor. Featured Sessions Keynote: Co-Creating A Healing Community of Equity & Trust Tuesday, February 8, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Veirdre Jackson, Living Strong Consulting Communities, however defined, are made up of people who bring a range of experiences and histories. Remaining open, curious, and culturally humble is essential to understanding a community’s resilience, strength, and wisdom. Claudia Woody says, “Inclusion means not ‘just we’re allowed to be there,’ but we are valued there.” Participants will explore the 5 Blocks of Building Restorative Relationships that allow caregivers to create holistic and supportive spaces that are responsive to historical trauma and equity literacy which holds us accountable to doing the work of learning together, seeking understanding, and creating a safe, valued, and heard community. Rapid Response Team: Reducing Expulsions and Suspensions in Early Childhood Education Thursday, February 10, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presented by: Alicia Sebastian, Trying Together This session will discuss the ongoing and growing issue surrounding expulsion and suspension in early childhood education that have been linked to staff implicit bias, challenging behaviors, and staffing issues. The presentation will guide parents, caregivers, directors and staff working with children ages 0-5 on how to prevent expulsion and suspension in early childhood education. The session will discuss ways to implement evidence-based strategies to promote positive behavior support, self-regulation, and positive mental health. We will share community resources and programs for children and families in Allegheny County. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Necessary: Practical Tools for Early Childhood Educators to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burn-Out Monday, February 14, 2022 | 12:30 – 2 p.m. Presented by: Tracy Larson, Director, Early Childhood Partnerships, Office of Child Development In this session, participants will learn why self-care is necessary, how to recognize when they need to be more intentional about self-care, and research informed strategies and activities to reduce stress and avoid burn-out. At the end of the session, participants will create a personalized self-care plan. Talking to Listen: Exploring Family Stressors and Creating Positive Relationships to Support Families Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presented by: Patrick M. McKelvey, MS, NCC, National Youth Advocate Program Inc. Children react differently to stress and trauma, which can sometimes exhibit itself as challenging behaviors in the classroom. This workshop helps educators understand the impact that family stressors (such as a death, food insecurity, changes in placement, community violence, etc.) can have on both children and their caregivers. Participants will learn how to notice these family stressors; how to communicate with caregivers to build relationships that provide a supportive environment for young children; and self-regulation strategies to manage strong emotions when having difficult conversations with caregivers. Teaching Children Through a Trauma Lens Thursday February 17, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presenters: Amanda Harrison, MA, LPC, NCC, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with the PA Keys Research continues to show the detrimental effects that complex trauma has on the developing brain with our most vulnerable population. Over time, these young children are at risk for developmental delays, limited positive relationships, and a host of other difficulties. Our early education classrooms can create safe, responsive, and equitable environments to assist in reducing these harmful effects. This presentation will identify different types of trauma, how young children with trauma may present in the classroom, and supportive strategies teachers can implement to foster environments that encourage healing. Registration Registration for the UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care can be found on our UnConference page. For a flat fee of $25, you may attend as many sessions (keynote or workshops) as you like. Sessions will also be recorded for viewing after the UnConference has completed. You must register for the UnConference in order to access session recordings. Participants will receive PQAS and/or Act 48 hours. More Information For questions about the UnConference, contact Yu-Ling Cheng at conference@tryingtogether.org. For additional information, including FAQs, visit our UnConference page.
January 19, 2022 UnConference: Creating a Safe Place with Trauma-Informed Care UnConference Details Between February 8-18, expert-led workshops will share content related to trauma-informed care. We begin the UnConference with keynote speaker Dr. Veirdre Jackson and dive into how we can create an environment of healing through equity and trust. Following the keynote, workshop sessions include how to identify family stressors, how to provide responsive care-giving for children experiencing trauma, and an overview of the recently launched Rapid Response Team from Trying Together. Video recordings of the sessions are available until April 20, 2022. You must have registered for the UnConference in order to access session recordings. If you are having trouble viewing the recordings, please contact Allison Hritz at allison@tryingtogether.org. Please share this flyer with your networks. What Do I Receive? PQAS and/or Act 48 hours. Networking with colleagues. Interactive workshop sessions. Refreshed or refined thinking about your work with young children. Featured Sessions Keynote: Co-Creating A Healing Community of Equity & Trust Tuesday, February 8, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Veirdre Jackson, Living Strong Consulting Communities, however defined, are made up of people who bring a range of experiences and histories. Remaining open, curious, and culturally humble is essential to understanding a community’s resilience, strength, and wisdom. Claudia Woody says, “Inclusion means not ‘just we’re allowed to be there,’ but we are valued there.” Participants will explore the 5 Blocks of Building Restorative Relationships that allow caregivers to create holistic and supportive spaces that are responsive to historical trauma and equity literacy, which holds us accountable to doing the work of learning together, seeking understanding, and creating a safe, valued, and heard community. Rapid Response Team: Reducing Expulsions and Suspensions in Early Childhood Education Thursday, February 10, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presented by: Alicia Sebastian, Trying Together This session will discuss the ongoing and growing issue surrounding expulsion and suspension in early childhood education that have been linked to staff implicit bias, challenging behaviors, and staffing issues. The presentation will guide parents, caregivers, directors, and staff working with children ages 0-5 on how to prevent expulsion and suspension in early childhood education. The session will discuss ways to implement evidence-based strategies to promote positive behavior support, self-regulation, and positive mental health. We will share community resources and programs for children and families in Allegheny County. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Necessary: Practical Tools for Early Childhood Educators to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burn-Out Monday, February 14, 2022 | 12:30 – 2 p.m. Presented by: Tracy Larson, Director, Early Childhood Partnerships, Office of Child Development In this session, participants will learn why self-care is necessary, how to recognize when they need to be more intentional about self-care, and research informed strategies and activities to reduce stress and avoid burn-out. At the end of the session, participants will create a personalized self-care plan. Talking to Listen: Exploring Family Stressors and Creating Positive Relationships to Support Families Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presented by: Patrick M. McKelvey, MS, NCC, National Youth Advocate Program Inc. Children react differently to stress and trauma, which can sometimes exhibit itself as challenging behaviors in the classroom. This workshop helps educators understand the impact that family stressors (such as a death, food insecurity, changes in placement, community violence, etc.) can have on both children and their caregivers. Participants will learn how to notice these family stressors; how to communicate with caregivers to build relationships that provide a supportive environment for young children; and self-regulation strategies to manage strong emotions when having difficult conversations with caregivers. Teaching Children Through a Trauma Lens Thursday February 17, 2022 | 6:30 – 8 p.m. Presenters: Amanda Harrison, MA, LPC, NCC, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with the PA Keys Research continues to show the detrimental effects that complex trauma has on the developing brain with our most vulnerable population. Over time, these young children are at risk for developmental delays, limited positive relationships, and a host of other difficulties. Our early education classrooms can create safe, responsive, and equitable environments to assist in reducing these harmful effects. This presentation will identify different types of trauma, how young children with trauma may present in the classroom, and supportive strategies teachers can implement to foster environments that encourage healing. Registration Individuals may register for this event online. Recordings of each workshop session will be available on this webpage after the conclusion of each session. Please continue to monitor this page for updates. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How Do I Attend this UnConference Virtually? These sessions are hosted using the web-based video conferencing platform Zoom. Please download Zoom to your device of choice prior to the start of the UnConference. UnConference hosts send out all workshop links via email at least 24 hours before the start of each event. How Do I Receive Credit? PQAS and Act 48 credits are available to professionals who registered for and complete these sessions. More information, including the online Attendance form, will be sent via email to individuals who registered. Once completed, Allison Hritz, Professional Learning Coordinator at Trying Together, will process your credit. If you have questions specific to receiving credit, please email allison@tryingtogether.org. More Information For questions about the UnConference, contact Yu-Ling Cheng at conference@tryingtogether.org. Presenter Information Keynote Presenter: Dr. Veirdre Jackson, Living Strong Consulting Dr. Veirdre Jackson is a woman pursuing her purpose, passion, and life’s priority to share her belief that all children deserve the best education available. She is an award-winning author, educator, and entrepreneur who is recognized as a leading educational trainer in trauma informed practices and cultural competence. She is a veteran educator with over 20 years of experience supporting non-profit and executive leadership. Dr. Jackson is the CEO/Founder of Living Strong Consulting LLC and the Co-Founder of Fresh Fountain of Life Counseling and Wellness. She also serves on the educational executive boards of the Black Women’s Educational Alliance and Camp Endeavor. She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, working with organizations like Lakeside Global Institute as a mentor trainer; Penn State Extension as an online course developer; Pennsylvania Early Head Start as a classroom and home visiting coach; Zero to Three as a Certified trainer in Infant Toddler Competencies and the Growing Brain; and various K-12 public and charter school districts as an Equity and Justice Consultant and Relational Coach. Her commitment to leaders and organizational development is elevated through her John Maxwell Team Certification which allows her to support leaders in sustaining growth and maintaining mission through trainings, mastermind sessions, lunch & learns, and coaching in such topics as Today Matters, Leadership Gold, How to Be a REAL Success, Becoming A Person of Influence, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, and more. Dr. Jackson has been recognized for her expertise in professional development by Pennsylvania’s Keystone Stars’ Southeast Regional Key as a Professional Development Champion; is a featured presenter for the newly released “4 Part Trauma and Child Development Series” by Penn State’s Better Kid Care; has been a contributor to Women’s Entrepreneur Magazine; is a reoccurring keynote and breakout session speaker for conferences nationally and the guest speaker on several podcasts, and was recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of 40 Leaders Under 40. Amanda Harrison, MA, LPC, NCC, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with the PA Keys A 2000 graduate with a degree in elementary education from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, Amanda always had a passion for working with children. Soon after returning to her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she went on to complete a Master’s in Clinical Counseling in which she specialized in child and adolescent therapy. For the past 16 years, she has had various roles in the mental health field. Currently, she continues her passion of working with children and families as an Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with the PA Keys. A current doctoral candidate at IUP’s Counselor Education and Supervision, PhD program, she also continues to specialize her education and assist others in becoming competent mental health professionals. Dr. Tracy Larson, Director, Early Childhood Partnerships, Office of Child Development Tracy Larson is a psychologist, educator and consultant who has worked in the early childhood education field for 17 years promoting adult and child social emotional learning and mental health and wellness. Dr. Larson empowers adults to build positive adult-child relationships and create supportive environments where all children thrive. Patrick M. McKelvey, MS, NCC, National Youth Advocate Program Inc. Patrick McKelvey earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Patrick is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. Patrick has served in a variety of roles including a Clinical Program Manager overseeing pediatric and early childhood behavioral health programs in Western Pennsylvania, specializing in evidenced-based trauma treatments for children and families in various community and school-based settings and serving as an educational and outreach coordinator focused on childhood grief. Patrick currently serves as Clinical Supervisor for the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) in Columbus, Ohio where he oversees school-based programming and a newly developed rapid response team for children and adolescents. Patrick has spent the last 4 years collaborating with Allegheny County Children, Youth and Families to develop and implement staff supports to mitigate the effects of secondary traumatic stress. In addition, Patrick is a rostered Child- Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) therapist; and has a passion for developing innovative approaches to working within an interdisciplinary approach with other child-serving systems to advocate for strengthening child-centric and trauma-informed approaches to child and family supports. Alicia Sebastian, Trying Together Alicia Sebastian is currently spearheading a new project in Allegheny County focusing on decreasing and eliminating expulsions and suspensions in child care settings. Her current role as the Collaborations and Support Strategist focuses on creating a Rapid Response Team for child care providers to utilize if they are in need of external support for children, staff, and families. She has been working for Trying Together, a non-profit agency in Pittsburgh, PA since February 2020, where she started as an Early Head Start Coach providing support to Early Head Start staff. Prior to working with Trying Together, Alicia spent three years as a developmental therapist working with infants and toddlers ages zero to three throughout Allegheny and Washington County. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2013 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Disability Services and completed her Master’s Degree in 2016 at the University of Pittsburgh through a program in Early Intervention specializing in Autism. Thank You To Our Sponsors and Partners A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great. About Trying Together Trying Together supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. Trying Together works regionally (in Southwestern Pennsylvania) and takes its expertise and models to statewide and national audiences.
