Presenter:
Lee Easterling Shirley, M.Ed
Topic: ACEs, Trauma and Resiliency relating to Substance Use Disorder
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stored in our body even if we cannot remember the incident. Our reactions are shaped by the human nervous system—which trauma can severely impact. Trauma can manifest as risky behaviors such as drug and alcolhol misuse, violence and addiction unless addressed and worked through. Building resilience is key to negating these serious effects. Learning and being knowledgeable about the effects of trauma on the brain is vital to building resilience in ourselves, healing our families and strengthening our communities.
Brief Bio:
Lee Easterling Shirley serves as a Training Associate in the Center for Resilient Schools and Communities. A native of Spartanburg, Lee is a graduate of Spartanburg High School and Clemson University, where she studied education. Her passion for child development led her to earn a Master of Education degree in School Counseling from The Citadel Graduate College. Lee is a former school counselor having served in the Beaufort County School District, Clover County previously served as Community Leadership and Program Director for Mental Fitness, Inc., a position she held since 2019.