How did you first get involved with SCAN?

SCAN drew me in when I was looking for jobs for the coming school year. After reading a bit about the Circle Preschool Program, I felt aligned with their mission to help children and families who have experienced adversities. When I received the job offer, I had no choice but to move from NOVA down to Richmond to join the team! 

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

My current role is a therapeutic aide at the Circle Preschool Program. I used to work as a substitute for Loudoun County Schools and spent the Summer at a Summer camp. During my work with the children in head start preschool programs and preschool summer camp, I learned that I was drawn to the children that needed more support. I was intrigued by helping children navigate their big feelings and solve the issues that arose on a daily basis. 

What inspires you to stay involved with SCAN?

SCAN inspires me in many ways. Most of all, the Circle Preschool Program inspires me to be the change that I want to see, to practice the self care and regulation techniques/resources that are taught and given to the children. 

Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?

I wish people knew that, even though the work can be very challenging, SCAN is filled with incredibly kind and dedicated individuals who pour their hearts into lifting others up. Their impact reaches far beyond the children we serve—so many people benefit from the compassion and commitment found here. 

What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?

I have only been here for about 2 and a half months. The staff retreat at the beginning of November was so nice and grounding. I really appreciated the staff who made time for it and worked towards it being a lovely start to the day! I also experience something new everyday when I walk into school. I am met with many challenges to get through and one thing about me is - I love a good challenge! 

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 hoping to continue to learn and grow within my roll at CPP. I will be starting up classes soon to complete my associates degree in early childhood education. From there I wish to continue to study play therapy, music therapy, and occupational therapy. I am looking forward to learn all that I can about working with children with trauma exposure. 

Are you involved with any other community organizations, hobbies, or activities?

I used to attend a Unitarian Universalist Church back from where I used to live and am hoping to get involved in a community down here! I really enjoyed singing in the choir and helping out with facilitating the youth program. 

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a huge music aficionado—you can talk to me about almost any genre, and I probably have a playlist for it. I love live music, and I’ve not only seen countless concerts but have also performed in quite a few myself. I’m also a big theater nerd, and if you ever want to dive into the world of Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, I’m your person!

Thank you to Kris Coronado for the donation of books to SCAN's programs.

Thank you to Beth Ahabah and CrossRidge Community for their donation of supplies and snacks to SCAN's programs.

Thank you to Nannette Hutchens for the donation of fleece blankets to the children and families served by the CACs.

Thank you to the following foundations for their support of SCAN's five programs and the children and families served by those programs.



St. James’s Episcopal Church

Jackson Foundation

Herndon Foundation

Memorial Foundation for Children

Altria^

On November 4th, SCAN staff gathered for the yearly staff retreat where they focused on keeping hope afloat in life, community, and the organization.

Some quotes used during the retreat were:

"It looks the world full on, it looks reality in the face, and it refuses to accept that things have to be this way. And then this orientation of hope throws one’s intelligence, one’s energy, one’s persistence, one’s creativity, and courage behind that insistence." -Krista Tippet

“The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof. What I want is so simple I almost can’t say it: elementary kindness. Enough to eat, enough to go around. The possibility that kids might one day grow up to be neither the destroyers nor the destroyed. That’s about it. Right now I'm living in that hope, running down its hallway and touching the walls on both sides.” -Barbara Kingsolver

CASA is looking for volunteers for the upcoming Winter 2026 cohort beginning February 17th. We are actively looking for volunteers in Richmond and Petersburg to join the class. You have to be at least 21 years old with no felony charges. There is no required education or experience, we provide all the training.

If you're interested in collecting supplies or donating items to SCAN over the holidays, check out our wishlist on SCAN's Website.

Upcoming Trainings & Screenings

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

December 2, 2025 | TI Technique Tuesday: Containment Strategies

11-11:30am ET via Zoom

This week, participants will have an opportunity to learn about how containment strategies are used in the context of trauma therapy and engage in an experiential to practice a containment strategy for emotion regulation and establishing an internal sense of safety.

Register

December 3, 2025 | Importance of Building Long-Lasting Relationships on the Road to Self-Sustainability

10-11am ET via Zoom

Join Greater Richmond SCAN's Community Engagement Specialist, Tamika Daniel, for an interactive conversation based on her life experience with building the types of relationships that are supportive in accomplishing goals. The conversation will include challenges and barriers to supportive relationships and offer ways to overcome these.

Register

December 3, 2025 | Stewards of Children (virtual)

12-2:30pm 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.

Register

Use code FFVA at checkout.

December 4, 2025 | Trauma-Informed Strategies

11-1pm 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.

Register

December 8, 2025 | Mindful Monday: Moving Meditation with Progressive Counting

11-11:30am ET via Zoom

If you find your mind wandering during typical meditations, we invite you to try this week's moving meditation. By combining progressive counting with arm and neck movements, this meditation will keep your brain and body focused on the present moment.

Register

December 8, 2025 | Playing for Keeps film screening

1-2:30pm ET via Zoom

Playing for Keeps: The Upside of Downtime examines the value of play through a health lens. We feature high-performing individuals who prioritize play as essential to a happier life. We witness how play is a particularly powerful antidote to those subjected to stress and danger on the job, while highlighting the power of a playful approach to our daily lives, regardless of our circumstance.

Learn more about the film at https://kpjrfilms.co/playing-for-keeps/

Register

December 10, 2025 | Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience

1-3pm 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.

Register

December 11, 2025 | Social Emotional Health in Early Childhood

12-1:30pm ET via Zoom * CEUs available

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.

Register

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.