2:45pm Session
Our research has led us to create a new paradigm based on an understanding of how positive childhood experiences (PCEs) drive healthy development and mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Positive experiences allow children to form strong relationships and meaningful connections, cultivate positive self-image and self-worth, experience a sense of belonging, and build skills to cope with stress in healthy ways. The shift in focus builds on previous understanding of the importance of experience in child development, including those in ACEs associated with toxic stress.
About the Presenters
Kathy Hanley, CPS
Behavioral Health Program Manager, Western CT Coalition
Kathy Hanley, Certified Prevention Specialist, has been with Western CT Coalition since 2015 in various roles and capacities. Currently she has taken on the new position of Behavioral Health Program Manager focused on underage nicotine use prevention. In the spirit of supporting all the initiatives of WCTC, Kathy facilitates Overdose Prevention and Naloxone, Question Persuade Refer, Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences, and Asset Builder trainings. She is also an active member of the Gambling Awareness Team in Region 5. Kathy lives in New Fairfield with her husband Chip, and remains active in the community as a member of New Fairfield Together in Wellness and the Suicide Postvention Information Network.
Chelsea Kapitancek, CPS
Behavioral Health Program Manager, Western CT Coalition
Chelsea Kapitancek is a Behavioral Health Program Manager at Western Connecticut Coalition,
focused on the cannabis awareness and prevention program. She is a Certified Prevention
Specialist who has been working in prevention for the past three years, and joined the WCTC
team in 2024. With over a decade of experience in the human services field, she has a deep
understanding and passion for building healthier communities throughout Region 5. In the
pursuit of being an active learner, she is always looking for new information to weave into her
prevention activities, including naloxone administration and suicide prevention trainings, as well
as capacity-building and substance-specific presentations. In her spare time, she enjoys being
out in nature with her family, crocheting, and getting lost in a good book
