THE Division of Youth Services on Friday hosted the inaugural training on Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs at the Aqua Resort Club.
Themed “From Challenge to Change,” the training aims to “do things differently to spark real change in the CNMI,” as DYS “leads the charge for a kinder, safer CNMI.”
Participants included advocates from DYS’ partner agencies and community organizations, such as the Superior Court’s Family Court, Drug Court, the Department of Public Safety, Karidat, the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and many others from across the CNMI.
DYS Administrator Vivian Sablan said the training is part of their ongoing efforts to build a stronger, trauma-informed response system across the islands. The training, she added, is “rooted in compassion, understanding, and evidence-based practices.”
The guest speakers were Myra Strand and Russell W. Strand, co-owners of New York-based Strand Squared Solutions, and Nadine T. Cepeda, lead district school psychologist and clinical director of the Guam Department of Education’s School-Based Behavioral Health Services.
The Strand couple brought with them decades of expertise in trauma response, advocacy, education, and wellness. Myra is a nationally recognized trainer and advocate with nearly 30 years of experience working with youth and survivors. She has been instrumental in advancing trauma-informed service delivery, coordinated response systems, and organizational wellness. Russell, a retired U.S. Army criminal investigator, has nearly 50 years of experience in law enforcement, investigations, and systems change. He is known internationally for his work on trauma-informed interviewing and was inducted into the U.S. Army Military Police Regimental Hall of Fame.
With 25 years of experience in private practice, Cepeda has dedicated her career to supporting families and individuals across Guam. She serves on multiple boards, including the Guam Board of Allied Health Examiners and the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence.
DYS Child Protection Services supervisor Mariah B. Manglona said she is “incredibly grateful” that DYS was able to host such an important training. She also thanked Russell and Myra Strand and Cepeda for sharing their knowledge and helping DYS staff better understand how trauma impacts children and families.
“At DYS-CPS, this work is close to our hearts. We see the real effects of trauma every day, and trainings like this help us respond with more care, more skill, and more compassion,” Manglona said.
She also expressed her appreciation to DYS’ partners from the Family Court, Drug Court, DPS, Karidat, the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and “every advocate who attended the training for showing up with open minds and open hearts.”
“When we learn together, we grow stronger together. DYS is proud to lead this work, and we’re committed to continue doing things differently — moving from the challenge to change, for a better and safer CNMI,” she said.
In an interview, Rota wellness advocate Laura Ogo said it meant a lot to her to be part of the training and to represent Rota.
“Trainings like this give us the tools and support we need to help our island families. I’ll continue to advocate for our community and work closely with the Saipan and Tinian advocates so we can grow together, stay connected, and keep making a difference across the CNMI,” Ogo said.
DYS project coordinator Jerilynn Haruo said the training “is part of our mission to bring real, lasting change to how we support children and families. I’m thankful we could bring together so many passionate people across different fields. It’s about working as one team, and I’m proud of the work we’re doing every day at DYS.”
The participants and guest speakers of the Division of Youth Services’ inaugural Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences training pose for a group photo during a break at Aqua Resort Club’s Kevin Restaurant on Friday.
Strand Squared Solutions’ Myra Strand speaks during the inaugural Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences training at Aqua Resort Club’s Kevin Restaurant on Friday. At right is Russell Strand, co-owner of Strand Squared Solutions.
