About Us
The Chester County ACEs Coalition, a collaborative network of individuals and organizations, increases awareness, knowledge, and prevention strategies on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, and toxic stress. Building resilience and fostering hope can offset the cycle of trauma as well as contribute to long-term health benefits, bringing strength to our communities.
How the Chester County ACEs Coalition is Making a Difference
Raise Awareness
We believe that understanding trauma is the first step to healing.
Our coalition works to bring conversations about trauma, its impacts, and the power of resilience into the spotlight. We do this through:
Offering engaging and interactive trainings, professional development opportunities, discussions, workshops, and presentations
Developing and promoting educational campaigns to share information
Distributing resources to ensure that trusted, trauma-informed resources are available to the people who need them most
Build Resilience
Raising awareness is just the beginning — building resilience is where lasting change happens.
We create and support programs that foster:
Connection & Support - Bringing people together reduces isolation and strengthens community bonds. We host events, supportive gatherings, and opportunities for shared learning.
Healing - Trauma can have deep, lasting effects, but healing is possible. Our programs integrate evidence-based strategies to support emotional, social, and mental well-being, always guided by community voices and cultural sensitivity.
Collaborative Partnerships
While we collaborate with schools, faith groups, and organizations, our goal is not to work behind closed doors — it's to bring helpful, trauma-informed information directly to the people these groups serve.
We work hand-in-hand with:
Schools: Supporting educators and staff to create safe, trauma-informed classrooms where students can thrive.
Faith Groups: Partnering with faith-based organizations to provide education and resources that align with their mission of care and compassion.
Community Organizations: Building strong networks with professionals, nonprofits, and service providers to ensure a coordinated, community-wide response to trauma.
Our Leadership Committee
The Chester County ACEs Coalition’s Leadership Committee plays a vital role in guiding our efforts to raise awareness about trauma and strengthen community resilience. This dedicated group of volunteers represents the diverse voices, experiences, and strengths of our community.
Their role is to:
✔ Provide direction for the Coalition's work, ensuring it stays rooted in the needs and priorities of our community
✔ Help develop and implement strategies that increase awareness, build resilience, and promote healing
✔ Foster collaboration and connection among Coalition members, partners, and community groups
✔ Ensure that all voices — especially those directly impacted by trauma — are heard and valued in shaping our programs and initiatives
The Leadership Committee is essential to keeping our work grounded, inclusive, and focused on real solutions that empower our community to heal and thrive.
Meet the Leadership Committee
-
James Albright
Quality Assurance Manager
Chester County Department of Children, Youth, & Families
-
Teyanna Brunson, MA
Children’s Mental Health Services Coordinator
Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
-
Tiffany A. Cooke, MD, MBA, MA, CLC, FAAP
Pediatric Hospitalist/Medical Director for Health Equity
Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital
-
Tim Hubbard
Retired First Responder
Westtown & East Goshen Police Departments
-
Dr. Autumn Dae Miller
Director of Behavioral Health Supports & Services
KenCrest
-
Chad Thomas, MPH, PMP
Community Health Education Coordinator
Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital
-
Cierra Walker
Substance Use Educator & Lived Experience Coach
Conscious Connections, LLC.
-
Shardae Wescott, LCSW, CTCP, CGT
Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator
Coatesville VA Medical Center
-
Christine Zaccarelli
Chief Executive Officer
The Crime Victims Center of Chester County, Inc.