The Impact of Stress on Brain Development and Brain Resiliency
September 2021
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1 hour, 40 minutes
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58 minutes
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48 minutes
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Presented by Judy Cameron, PhD. In this session Dr. Cameron will explain how experiences shape brain development, and how increased anxiety and stress influence a number of processes in the developing brain. She will focus on how experiences can also help children build resilience to the impact of stress and anxiety, and on how parents and communities can enhance their use of social supports to optimize children's brain development.
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Judy Cameron, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychiatry; Behavioral & Community Health Sciences; and the Clinical Translational Science Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Cameron’s research focuses on the effects of everyday life stresses on behavioral development and long-term health. Dr. Cameron’s newest research initiative is Working for Kids: Building SkillsTM (www.workingforkids.com), which is a novel community-based educational program that teaches the fundamentals of brain development to those who work with children at a community level. Working For Kids includes games such as The First Pathways Game (www.firstpathwaysgame.com) which is freely available and provides activities that parents and children (0-8 years of age) can play together to strengthen brain development. This initiative provides a community training program and is evaluating the effect of this intervention on child development as well as health. Working For Kids has won several innovation awards in Pittsburgh, as well as from the National Science Foundation. |
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11:45-12:00PM
Break 12-1PM A Year in Review: Lessons from the Pandemic. An hour-long panel discussion on the impact of COVID-19 and lessons learned on early intervention and family support services. |
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1-2PM
Intentional Happy: How Things Big, Small, and In-between Can Increase One's Joy, presented by Elaine C. Brown and Melissa Brown. Though most people think they know what makes them happy, we find ourselves often attempting to increase or search for happiness in our lives. Through describing research on the experience of happiness, as well as, sharing personal reflections and stories the presenters will provide an opportunity for participants to examine how changes in behaviors and perceptions may lead to increased happiness and well-being in day-to-day life. |
Elaine C. Brown, Ph.D. serves as the Chief Psychologist for the State of Nevada Developmental Services, Aging and Disabilities Services Division. Dr. Brown has worked in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities for over 20 years and is a Fellow of the American Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She has conducted numerous trainings and consultations for families, schools, and agencies in support of children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. She supervises graduate externs and is an adjunct faculty with the University of Nevada, Reno. Recently, Dr. Brown has participated in statewide activities to promote awareness of alternatives to guardianship, address victimization of adults with disabilities, and expand volunteer efforts aimed at improving social connectedness for persons with disabilities. Melissa Brown creates and sells hand-painted note cards and jewelry. She has worked at her family-run store called “Imagine That” where she provided coffee/tea service. She has volunteered for Meals on Wheels, attended Treasure Valley Community College and presented at conferences/meetings along with her sister Dr. Elaine Brown. |
