State of the Child Summit Highlights the Power of Awe and Joy in Healing Trauma

Ukiah, CA – On May 16th, First 5 Mendocino hosted its State of the Child Summit, bringing together professionals, community leaders, and advocates dedicated to improving the lives of children. This event featured keynote presentations by Dr. Dacher Keltner, a distinguished psychology professor at UC Berkeley and Director of the Greater Good Science Center, and Dr. MC McDonald, a trauma expert, life coach, and author. They each shared their research and insights on how emotions like awe and joy can play a transformative role in healing trauma.

Keynote Speakers Deliver Powerful Messages

Dr. Dacher Keltner, known for his work on the science of emotions and consulting on the popular Pixar movies “Inside Out,” presented findings from his book “Awe: the New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life.” He emphasized the profound impact of awe on mental health and community building. “Awe is more than just a fleeting emotion—it’s a tool for connection, resilience, and healing,” shared Dr. Keltner. His work highlights how moments that inspire wonder can help mitigate the effects of stress and trauma. He added that awe can also help heal relational bonds between children and their caregivers.

Dr. MC McDonald is a trauma researcher and author of “Unbroken: The Trauma Response is Never Wrong.” Her newest book was just released – “The Joy Reset: Six Ways Trauma Steals Happiness and How to Win it Back.” Dr. McDonald offered a complementary perspective, focusing on how joy can serve as a counterbalance to anxiety and adversity. She explored practical strategies for integrating joy into daily life, especially for individuals and families affected by trauma. “Joy is a revolutionary act in the face of hardship,” said Dr. McDonald. Her presentation inspired attendees to rethink how Tiny Little Joys can create lasting change.

A Focus on Healing and Resilience in Mendocino County

This State of the Child Summit provided a much-needed opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue on the challenges facing children and families. Attendees benefitted from interactive keynote presentations, question & answer sessions, networking & interactive opportunities. All participants left with actionable insights and tools to help foster resilience and emotional well-being across all sectors of child development.

In between keynote presentations, participants had the opportunity to connect with other professionals from all over Mendocino County. The Community Education team at First 5 planned interactive elements, encouraging professionals to consider the personal ways they experience awe and joy. All were invited to write them down to add to a large patchwork hot air balloon poster. Community Education Manager, Megan Carson, reflected, “The final result of the hot air balloon was a beautiful representation of how we are genuinely connected by the healing power of shared awe and joy.”

First 5 Mendocino’s Executive Director Townley Saye remarked, “This year’s summit was a powerful reminder of the importance of focusing on the emotional and psychological well-being of our children. The insights shared by Dr. Keltner and Dr. McDonald will help shape how we approach trauma-informed care in our community for years to come.”

About First 5 Mendocino

First 5 Mendocino is committed to the health and development of children ages 0–5 and their families in Mendocino County. By investing in programs and initiatives that promote early childhood education, emotional well-being, and family resilience, First 5 Mendocino is building stronger, healthier communities. For more information about First 5 Mendocino and the State of the Child Summit, please visit their website. To learn more about previous State of the Child events, please go here and here.