Upcoming ACEs Training

Join us for a transformative two-day training experience focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) specifically tailored for Indigenous communities. Led by Casandra Stouder (Diné/Seminole), a committed trainer with the AZ ACEs Consortium, this workshop uniquely integrates western science with Indigenous wisdom to develop culturally responsive strategies for addressing childhood adversity.

Key Learning Areas:

- Understanding ACEs: Delve into the profound effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on individuals and communities, and how they shape future outcomes.

- NEAR Science: Uncover the connections between Neuroscience, Epigenetics, ACEs, and Resilience, and how they interrelate.

- Toxic Stress: Examine the generational impacts of toxic stress and explore strategies to reduce its effects.

- Trauma-Informed Approaches: Learn effective methods for supporting Indigenous communities through cultural strengths and traditional healing practices.

Who Should Attend:

- Tribal Program Staff

- Educators & School Personnel

- Community Advocates & Leaders

- Traditional Practitioners

- Anyone engaged with Indigenous communities

Training Details:

- Duration: Two full days

- Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

- Location: Serving Tribal Communities across the country

Don't miss this chance to equip your community with essential knowledge and tools to foster resilience and healing. For more information, please contact Casandra Stouder at casandrastouder@gmail.com

Aware

Am I being self-centered?

Is my self-will taking up too much space?

Have my solutions stopped working?

Did I let old patterns creep back into my life?

Do I genuinely believe I’m thriving?

These are crucial areas in my life that I need to actively engage with. To maintain this awareness, I must take action. I’ll keep attending recovery meetings, continue sponsoring others, and listen to my own sponsor. I need to exercise regularly and be mindful of the nutrients I allow into my body. I will commit to learning and reading every day and actively practice the therapies I share with others. Most importantly, I will connect with my Creator throughout the day and make more space for my Ancestors.

Recap

As autumn 2025 approaches, I reflect on a year of meaningful progress in Indigenous wellness work. September brought valuable experiences in Big Pine, CA., including an immersive week with colleagues practicing traditional ceremonies and grounding techniques that reinforced our collective approach to healing.

At the National Indian Health Board Conference at Wild Horse Pass, my presentation on integrating traditional and contemporary healing practices sparked significant dialogue among healthcare providers and tribal leaders.

This month marked my acceptance as Chairwoman for the Rural and Indigenous Community Committee within Arizona's Adverse Childhood Experiences Consortium—a position focused on developing trauma-informed approaches that honor Indigenous perspectives.

My commitment to personal wellness continued at the Albuquerque Recovery Gathering, where I experienced Indigenous dry needling therapy—reinforcing that effective community support begins with self-care.

I'm particularly pleased to announce my new role as Technical Assistant Consultant for the Opioid Response Network supporting the Southwest region. This free resource is available to all Indigenous communities seeking wellness support. If your community would benefit from these services, please contact the Opioid Response Network directly.

I recently spent a week at Portland's National Wellbriety Conference to discuss approaches that strengthen both individual and community recovery paths.

Key Initiatives Throughout 2025

January: Completed specialized training on identifying and addressing human trafficking affecting Native communities through healthcare systems.

February: Contributed to the Maternal Mortality Review Committee while presenting on traditional dance as a healing practice at UCLA.

March: Took Indigenous Health Policy initiatives to our Senate in Washington, DC and facilitated a blanket exercise educating on Indigenous historical trauma at the 7 Generations conference.

April: Collaborated with an Indigenous botanist on plant medicine practices and organized a culturally-centered sobriety event structured around medicine wheel teachings.

May: Marked my 41st Birthday with renewed commitment to my wellness journey, my family's wellbeing and this work.

June: Facilitated talking circles with the Hualapai Tribe, strengthening connections across the reservation.

July: Presented alongside my children at the Indigenous Substance Use Disorder Treatment Summit in Minnesota, sharing perspectives on family recovery and Arizona's community-based approaches.

August: Led community yoga sessions and received recognition as Arizona's Best Wellness Practitioner—an acknowledgment of our collective efforts rather than individual achievement.

The path forward involves honoring traditional knowledge while developing responsive approaches to contemporary challenges. I invite you to participate in this important work as we continue building wellness resources that will benefit generations to come.

With respect and determination,

Casandra (Cas)