The Bounce Coalition, backed by Kentucky Youth Advocates, was invited to present at the 2025 COSSBA Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in March. The conference brought together school board members and education leaders from across the country, all dedicated to strengthening public education and improving student outcomes.

During our session, the Bounce team led an interactive conversation focused on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), positive childhood experiences (PCEs), and trauma-informed practices. We emphasized how these concepts are key to whole-student development—an approach that prioritizes not just academic achievement, but the emotional and social well-being of every child.

“As a locally elected school board member in northern Kentucky, I was able to shed some light on how our board has prioritized building resilience within our school district through policy and budget investments. I also shared how important it is that local school board members be involved in advocating at the state level. In Kentucky, statute requires every local district to have a trauma-informed plan. We know that now more than ever, we need to be tending to emotional well-being and holistic development, in order for our students to flourish!”

  • Hannah Edelen, Bounce Coalition Presenter and Covington Independent Schools Board Member 

Bounce Coalition presenter Dr. Joseph Bargione, a licensed psychologist and longtime resilience advocate, offered insights from his career working with children, families, and systems to combat trauma and promote healing.

“As a psychologist, I’ve spent my career working with other professionals to combat trauma and build strong, resilient children, families, organizations and communities. A major component of this effort is to support policy makers at all levels of influence. Presenting at the 2025 COSSBA conference allowed me to interact with local school board members throughout the United States.  The focus of the presentation was to highlight the key principles of building resiliency for those who provide and receive educational services within K-12 schools.  I believe the information I shared was well received by participants in the audience.  Providing an opportunity for participants to share what they were doing in their Districts to build resilience enabled everyone to learn from each other.”

  • Joseph Bargione, PhD, Bounce Coalition

At Bounce, we believe that equipping educators and decision-makers with knowledge and tools to foster resilience is a crucial step in transforming school systems and student lives. It was inspiring to see leaders from across the country reflect on their roles in cultivating trauma-informed ecosystems and walk away with actionable strategies. We’re proud to continue lifting up the importance of resilience-centered and hope-filled education—one school, one board, one community at a time.

Learn more about our work and how to bring Bounce to your community here.