PRESS RELEASE
*****For Immediate Release 1/24/25****
NATIONAL SPEAKERS COMING TO HAGERSTOWN, MD CATALYZING INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION IN SUPPORTING CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Bester Community of Hope is proud to announce our annual community training “Building Bridges: Lessons on Vision and Grit for Families and Communities” with national speakers focused on cross sector collaboration and innovative strategies to address the expressed needs of children, families, and communities. Join us at the magnificent Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown, MD on March 26, 2025, as we explore the importance of vision and grit in overcoming barriers and together building a brighter future for all.
Featured Speakers
Caroline Adams Miller: Caroline is a globally renowned expert in positive psychology, with a special focus on goals and grit. For over 30 years, she has been a trailblazer in advancing these fields, helping individuals and organizations reach their most ambitious goals and improve overall wellbeing. She was among the first to earn a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006, a program pioneered by Dr. Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology. Caroline also graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, laying the groundwork for her future achievements in psychology and personal development. She is a black-belt martial artist and a Masters swimmer.
Astronaut Don Thomas: Don is an astronaut, scientist, professional speaker, educator, and author of Orbit of Discovery about his STS-70 mission aboard space shuttle Discovery. A veteran of four flights, Don has spent 44 days in space and orbited the Earth nearly 700 times. His impossible dream of becoming an astronaut had constant obstacles from the beginning, and his ultimate success and commitment to giving back to the next generation has become the ultimate testament to perseverance.
Dr. John Gaines: John shares his personal journey from hopelessness to hope, sharing his unwavering drive to uplift others. It is through his own story that he earned the nickname “PUSH” (Persevere Until Something Happens), symbolizing his firm belief in the transformative power of perseverance. As the Founder and CEO of his own non-profit PUSH for Dreams, he passionately encourages individuals to embrace a mindset of resilience and approach life’s obstacles with love, ultimately becoming the best versions of themselves.
Sheldon Spotted Elk: Sheldon is Senior Director of Judicial and National Engagement of Casey Family Programs. Sheldon is also a graduate of University of New Mexico School of Law. He and his two sons are Tsistsas (Northern Cheyenne). Sheldon Spotted Elk is an agent of change, improving legal outcomes for children and families involved in the child welfare system. He works regularly as a strategic partner with 20+ Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Courts developing an orientation of proximity to family, community, and culture into practice.
Tickets are available HERE for purchase. Continuing education credits are available for social workers. Group registration discounts available.
Funding and support for the annual community training is made possible by an ongoing partnership with multiple community stakeholders, and lead support from the Washington County Department of Human Services, Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation and the Governor’s Office for Children under award number ENGH-2025-0020. For more information on this year’s event, please contact Brittany Hernandez at 240-513-6370; bhernandez@besterhope.org or visit us at www.besterhope.org .
***All points of view in this document are those of Bester Community of Hope and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal agency.***
###
