How did you first get involved with SCAN?

I had heard of SCAN within the community for years, especially through my social work schooling at VCU. I learned about Circle Preschool Program when I was placed here for my Clinical Internship while getting my MSW at VCU. It was a perfect fit!

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

Before joining SCAN and CPP I wore many hats. I started my career off in early childhood education followed by being a stay-at-home mom with my son for a few years. While my son was young, I worked as a labor and postpartum doula supporting families later shifting to becoming a Montessori Teaching Assistant and learning more about different educational pedagogies.

Currently I am a Mental Health Clinician at Circle Preschool Program providing therapeutic services for our children and their families.

What inspires you to stay involved with SCAN?

I am inspired by the families and children who come to us seeking support and healing.

Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?

SCAN is a hub for so many incredible resources for children and families! I am very proud of the work we do at Circle Preschool and wish more families knew about the care and support we provide. Not only do we provide therapeutic services for our children, but we help connect our families to resources within the community, provide caregiver coaching, and family therapy.

What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?

My best experiences with SCAN involve my co-workers and the families we serve. This year I have been involved in bringing back in-person caregiver meetings quarterly here at CPP. Children and families have the opportunity to engage with CPP staff through a shared craft, a meal, and then play time for the children and a presentation on caregiver topics for the adults. This is also a time when the staff get to work together to provide this opportunity which increases our comradery and teamwork.

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 excited to continue to work towards my license and become an LCSW. I am looking forward to attending more trainings in the future to expand my clinical skills, especially within play therapy. I will also continue to work towards becoming a registered play therapist.



What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I am looking forward to beginning an Improv class next month!

Help us spread the word!

Circle Preschool Program's enrollment for the 2025-2026 School Year is now open. Visit our website to learn more or reach out to Emily Taylor.

Thank you to The House Finch and St. Mary's Hospital for your donations of art supplies and toys for children in our programs!

Thank you Argo Group and HUB International for your donation of snacks for our programs!

SCAN is now accepting applications for the Board of Young Professionals for the 25-26 fiscal year. Find more information and download the application on our website. We would like all applications in by June 1.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is essential for overall well-being at every stage of life. Regardless of age, background, or experience, prioritizing mental health strengthens individuals, families, and communities.

At SCAN we have been using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA)'s website as a resource for valuable information throughout the month and in our trainings.

You can find tips, resources, guides to talking about mental health and more at samsa.gov.

CASA Swearing In

On May 21st and 22nd Petersburg and Richmond's new cohort of CASAs were sworn in. We are so thankful for these incredible volunteers and wish them the best as they begin picking up cases to advocate for children in our area.

SCAN Volunteer Orientation

Come learn about volunteer opportunities with Greater Richmond SCAN.

June 16th, 6-7:30pm

2810 North Parham Road Richmond, VA 23294

CASA Information Session

Ever wondered what it means to advocate for our most vulnerable children? Come learn about how you can be a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

June 25th, 6-7:30pm

Belmont Branch Library

SummerSupperSomm, the acclaimed experiential dinner series, returns for the fifth year with its most ambitious season yet--22 unique heirloom tomato and Virginia Wine dinner celebrations--spanning from the Lowcountry of South Carolina to the mountains of Southwest Virginia. Hosted at leading restaurants and Virginia wineries from June 30 through August 25, the series celebrates local food, spirits and community with collaborative multi-course dinner experiences that offer sustenance for body, mind and soul.

Each year this dinner series supports SCAN and we are honored to be included again.

Check out https://www.virginiawine.org/pages/summer-supper-somm to view the list of dinner and for reservation links as they come available.

SCAN's Community Resilience Block Party

Thank you to everyone that showed up, volunteered, or provided resources for the event on May 3rd at the Powhatan Community Center.

Click the image to see the recap video.

Upcoming Trainings & Screenings

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

June 4, 2025 | Playing for Keeps

3:00-4:30pm 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/ 

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YWvZOesdSMqozPEMbNrVlA

June 5, 2025 | Introduction to Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

11:00am-1:00pm ET via Zoom *CEUS available for purchase

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.

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2j-1z3YAT8Gha5Ilwbzk9Q

June 11, 2025 | The Importance of Building Long-Lasting Relationships on the Road to Self-Sustainability

10:00-11:30am 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.

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rBB9Jwn5QquuwWyag_vr9w

June 12, 2025 | Social and Emotional Health in Early Childhood Development

12:00-1:30pm ET via Zoom *CEUS available for purchase

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.

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EpYuZwrvTfmPAaxDejrJaQ

June 17, 2025 | Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience

1:00-3:00pm ET via Zoom *CEUS available for purchase

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.

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/VpOYKbbAR0Cwo1JKyIl8Pw

June 24, 2025 | Stewards of Children (in-person)

10am-12:30pm ET in-person at Tuckahoe Library Conference Room (1901 Starling Dr. Henrico, VA 23229)

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.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/FPQC7D2ghDNVVsBp9

June 26, 2025 | Trauma-Informed Strategies

12:00-2:00pm ET via Zoom *CEUS available for purchase

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.

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Eev9TpJ9R_qusJO7FlxEzA

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.