Kathy Soden, Manager, Permanency and Adoption Competency Training, Adoption Council of Ontario, saw the significance of the Brain Story science when applied to the adoption journey, bringing understanding of the impacts of early life adversity and the importance of permanent, stable relationships. Her commitment to explaining the impact of these experiences to the wider adoption community through webinars has led to significant impacts for adoptive families and children.

In March 2019, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) brought more than 60 professionals together in Ottawa to share ideas and make plans to “spread and embed” the Brain Story in their networks. The goal of the event – the Brain Builders Lab – was to pave the way for policies, practices and public perceptions around substance use to align with the science of adverse childhood experiences and brain development. This video is part of a series by CCSA illustrating the significant impact that Brain Story Lab participants have had in their communities.

Brain Builder Project Team:
Kathy Soden, Manager, Training and Education, Adoption Council of Ontario