How did you first get involved with SCAN?

While working and volunteering with other local organizations, I learned about SCAN at community events. I was volunteering at the time with Safe Harbor in their Court Advocacy Program. I dug in more and was particularly inspired by the CASA program. Once I learned about the BYP, I applied right away. 

What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN? What is your current role?

I received my Bachelor’s in criminal justice from VCU and was really drawn to SCAN’s work. I have always wanted to participate in CASA but the Board of Young Professionals has been a great avenue to get involved and support those that are able to keep these programs running. This is my second year with the BYP and I currently serve as the vice chair of the fundraising committee. 

What inspires you to stay involved with your work at SCAN?

Events like Holiday Shop really put on display the impact of SCAN’s work. It’s really humbling to be able to contribute to eliminating a barrier for something so seemingly routine like holiday shopping. It’s very easy to take things like that for granted but knowing that SCAN works so hard to provide that comfort to families is really inspiring. 

Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?

I wish more young professionals were aware of the Board of Young Professionals. We have such a great group of young professionals from diverse backgrounds, who all come together to work towards advancing SCAN's mission. It is a really great networking opportunity, as well as a stepping stone for further involvement in non-profit boards. 

What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?

Last year's 90's Bash was so much fun - it was the first big event of SCAN's that I'd been really involved with and it was so fulfilling to see the BYP's months of hard work come together. I loved the opportunity to spend time with other BYP members and SCAN supporters in a fun, relaxed environment and really get to enjoy what makes SCAN so special. 

Do you have any goals or hopes for the next year with SCAN? Is there anything coming up/happening in your work that you are excited about or want to share?

I am so excited for our 2nd round of the Totally 90’s Bash this May 9th at Mainline Brewery. We had such an amazing turnout at this event last year and I’m certain it’s only going to get better this year. We already have incredible corporate sponsors and community partners who have donated to the event and the silent auction. We are hoping to have even more fun and activities planned so stay tuned! 

 SCAN Totally 90s Bash!

Presented by the SCAN Board of Young Professionals

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Mainline Brewery

Dust off your butterfly clips, slap on a bracelet, and get ready to

rewind the clock at SCAN's Totally 90s Bash. Celebrate with a night of nostalgia featuring 90s music, childhood games (think Skip-It and four square),

plus your favorite 90s snacks. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best

90s gear and embrace the throwback vibes.

All proceeds benefit Greater Richmond SCAN, supporting their mission to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect throughout the Greater Richmond area by protecting children, promoting positive parenting, strengthening families, and creating a community that values and cares for its children. Don’t miss this chance to party like it’s 1999 while making a difference!

Interested in hosting a pinwheel garden this April? Email Kasey Johnson at kjohnson@grscan.com to be added to the list.

Suggested donation of $1 per pinwheel.

Host a private Stewards Training for your business, organization, or school during Prevent-A-Thon. Click here to indicate your interest and learn more.

Interested in learning more about joining SCAN's Board of Young Professionals for the 26-27 year? Email Sarah Mersereau at smersereau@grscan.com for more information.

Congratulations New CASA Volunteers

10 new volunteers were recently sworn in as part of SCAN's Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. This included 5 volunteers in the City of Richmond and 5 Petersburg CASA volunteers. We are so grateful for their commitment to serving as a voice for children in our community!

Become a CASA Volunteer

SCAN's CASA Program is currently recruiting for our Spring 2026 training class, which will begin in May. Learn more about what it takes to be a CASA Volunteer on our website. For more information and to apply to be a CASA Volunteer, contact SCAN Volunteer Coordinator, Pilar Ortiz-Waters at volunteer@grscan.com

Children, Screens, and Well-Being Forum and Resources

Seventy individuals came together at Shineforth (formerly United Methodist Family Services) for the Greater Richmond SCAN Children, Screens, and Well-Being Forum on February 26.

The day began with a 2-hour research-informed training by Greater Richmond SCAN's Community Programs Director, Lucy Rimington, exploring what current evidence tells us about the impact of digital media on infants, children, and adolescents, examined through developmental, relational, and safety lenses. Attendees learned how screen use can influence brain development, mental health, behavior, peer relationships, and the parent–child relationship, while also considering protective factors and healthy uses of technology.

Attendees then took part in a 1-hour presentation by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), titled: Inside the Digital Playbook: Sextortion Tactics, AI Risks and Prevention that Works. This session provided critical, up-to-date information on recognizing risks, responding to concerns, and accessing national reporting and support resources. 

In the afternoon, the forum concluded with a facilitated afternoon panel featuring experts, practitioners from relevant fields, and parents. Panelists discussed real-world challenges and solutions related to children’s digital lives, shared perspectives across systems, and engaged participants in conversation around best practices and next steps for supporting children and families. 

Find the full resource list from the Children, Screens, and Well-Being Forum here.

You can also find more information on the topics discussed at the forum

from our partners at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Common Sense Media.

Save the date for the 7th Annual Resilience Week Virginia on May 1-7!

This year, we are building community and connection with

the 7 Stressbusters from ACEs Aware.

Stay tuned for more details about events, activities, and training opportunities during Resilience Week 2026. Visit the Resilience Week webpage for more information.

Thank you to the following foundations and corporations that

support SCAN's programs:



Jenkins Foundation

Emily S. and Coleman A. Hunter Charitable Trust



TowneBank

Upcoming Trainings & Screenings

Find the full list of upcoming SCAN trainings and register to attend HERE

April 1, 2026 | Trauma-Informed Strategies

1-3pm ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training will provide a brief review of trauma and its impacts as well as introduce the 6 Principles of a Trauma-Informed Approach. Using these principles, participants will learn strategies for creating physical & psychological safety, developing collaborative & supportive relationships, empowering others through voice & choice, and addressing systems of oppression.

April 2, 2026 | It Takes a Village: How to Find & Build Your Support System—Part 3

12-1pm ET via Zoom

This workshop explores the importance of having a strong, healthy “village” and provides practical tools for building meaningful connections in your life. Participants will reflect on their current relationships, identify what support looks like for them, and learn skills to create and maintain a village that feels safe, supportive, and aligned with their needs. 

April 7, 2026 | Cultivating Authentic Community Engagement

10-11:30am ET via Zoom

Guided by her lived and professional experience, Community Engagement Specialist Tamika Daniel facilitates this supportive workshop for organizations to discuss how to engage community voice with authenticity and intentionality. 

April 9, 2026 | Trauma & Attachment

9-10:30am ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This workshop explores how disruptions in early attachment—particularly within the first five years of life—can be experienced as trauma by young children. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how trauma and attachment are interconnected, and how early relational disruptions can affect a child’s emotional, social, and developmental well-being. The session will also examine the types of trauma that most commonly impact attachment, including loss, neglect, and family violence. Emphasis will be placed on strategies for supporting and strengthening the caregiver-child bond, with a focus on practical tools and approaches that professionals can use in their work with families.

April 15, 2026 | Pushout (film screening)

1-3pm ET via Zoom

PUSHOUT is a feature length documentary that takes a close look at the educational, judicial, and societal disparities facing Black girls. Inspired by the groundbreaking book of the same name by renowned scholar, Monique W. Morris, Ed.D. The documentary confronts the ways in which the misunderstanding of Black girlhood has led to excessive punitive discipline, which in turn disrupts one of the most important factors in their lives, their education.

April 16, 2026 | Social Emotional Health in Early Childhood Development

12-1:30pm ET via Zoom

This training explores developmental milestones of early childhood, shares ways to build and strengthen connections between caregivers and young children, and provides strategies for addressing challenges such as temper tantrums and big behaviors typical for this age group.

April 21, 2026 | Stewards of Children

1-3:30pm ET via Zoom

Stewards of Children® is an evidence-informed, award-winning two and a half hour training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Through interviews with a very diverse group of people with lived experience, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities.

April 22, 2026 | Stewards of Children

6-8:30pm ET via Zoom

Stewards of Children® is an evidence-informed, award-winning two and a half hour training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Through interviews with a very diverse group of people with lived experience, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities.

Use discount code: FFVA at checkout

April 23, 2026 | Steward of Children

9:30am-12pm ET in-person at Libbie Mill Library Meeting Room  

Stewards of Children® is an evidence-informed, award-winning two and a half hour training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Through interviews with a very diverse group of people with lived experience, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities.

April 28, 2026 | Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience

12-2pm ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training will provide a brief review of trauma and its impacts as well as introduce the 7 Cs of building resilience. Participants will learn about adverse and positive childhood experiences as well as strategies for building individual and community resilience.

April 29, 2026 | Child Development Basics (Early Childhood)

12-1pm ET via Zoom

This training will begin by providing an overview of typical developmental milestones during early childhood (birth-age 5). Next, we will explore strategies that parents, caregivers, and professionals can use to assist with child development. The training will conclude by recommending actions adults can take when they have concerns about a child's development.

April 30, 2026 | The Developing Adolescent Brain: Strategies for Connection & Support 

1-2pm ET via Zoom

Adolescence is a time of profound brain growth, creativity, and transformation — not just turbulence. This workshop explores what’s happening inside the adolescent brain and how these changes shape behavior, emotion, and connection. Participants will learn practical ways to stay connected, offer guidance, and nurture strong, supportive relationships with teens.

May 12, 2026 | Introduction to Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

2-4pm ET Via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training provides a foundational learning experience around the topics of trauma and trauma-informed care. We will define trauma, discuss the many types of trauma/adversity, explore the impact of trauma on the brain and behavior, introduce resilience, and discuss SAMHSA’s 4 Rs of trauma-informed care. Throughout the presentation, we will share useful tools and techniques.

May 14, 2026 | Trauma-Informed Supervision

8:30-10:30am ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training will provide a discussion of six trauma-informed principles and how each can be applied to the practice of supervision. The principles include creating physical & psychological safety, building trust, creating collaborative and empowering spaces, utilizing peer support, and practicing humility & responsiveness. Supervisors will learn about the importance of addressing secondary traumatic stress in themselves as well as those they supervise. 

Find the full list of SCAN Trainings and register to attend HERE

 *Some of these trainings are eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) from the National Association of Social Workers. Check SCAN's training page for details.