The NW Children's Foundation presents Dr. Kandace Thomas as a featured speaker for the 2022 NW Children’s Foundation Forum, Buffering Intergenerational Trauma: Child Well-Being and Community-Based Resilience. Passionately committed to her work at the intersection of research, policy, and practice in the field of early childhood and infant mental health, her focus is squarely on racial and social justice. Dr. Thomas is nationally recognized for her innovative work in child development, diversity-informed practice and mindfulness. She brings an array of strength and community-based research and practices to support children and families ‒ and those who work with them.

Dr. Thomas shines the light on the concept of “buffering” intergenerational trauma, expanding on the perspective that trauma and wisdom are imprinted from one generation to the next. She describes trauma that happens outside as well as inside the home – and how trauma can also be created and shaped by society, impacting segments of our population disproportionately. Sharing her newest research along with easy-to-implement techniques that benefit all of us, Dr. Thomas’s approach to healing is refreshing, practical and holistic.

Building on Dr. Thomas’s presentation, Dr. Ben Danielson (community leader in health equity and clinical professor of pediatrics at the UW School of Medicine) will engage three panelists to talk about the concrete ways they are working to promote resilience through community-based strengths and strategies. 

• Shivon Brite (Nakota), MBA
  EVP, Empire Health Foundation
  Healing Together: Indigenous Wisdoms and Practices
• Keoki Kauanoe
  Master Trainer / Director of Father Engagement at Family Education and Support Services
  Reimagining the Fatherhood Narrative: The Role of Fatherhood in Child Well-Being
• Kristina Lovato, PhD, MSW
  School of Social Work, Cal State Long Beach
  Latinx Kinship Care and Grandfamilies Toolkit