Shannon Crossbear articulates her purpose as "to demonstrate and promote gentle healing." She expresses her commitment to healing through her work in the world. Her own community and family history propelled her to develop leadership to address disparities that have led to poor outcomes for friends and relatives. Shannon’s work has included facilitating and consulting with the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, Georgetown University, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the Surgeon Generals Conference on Children’s Mental Health. She has worked with tribal and non tribal communities in providing technical assistance to Systems of Care and Circles of Care utilizing traditional interventions and the promotion of culturally congruent and trauma informed practices. Shannon has worked in communities throughout the contiguous United States and Alaska, as well as within Canada, to address systemic change for improved out comes for children and their families. Ms. Crossbear has facilitated and supported practices and services that include the provision of culturally-cemented early childhood; parenting programs; supports for transition age youth, young adults, and families with mental health and substance abuse issue. Ms Crossbear is skilled in trauma-informed community engagement. She has worked with supporting organized stakeholder voice and representation at local and national levels through various behavioral health initiatives.

Dr. Stefanie F. Smith is Chief Clinical Officer at the Hanna Boys Center, a trauma-informed therapeutic boarding school/ residential center for adolescent boys. Hanna transforms the lives of youth, families and communities impacted by trauma and adversity through resilience, connection and spiritual wellness. As CCO she oversees the clinical team (including masters and doctoral trainees), admissions, and the training of all staff, including residential and teaching staff. In these capacities, she trains and supervises on culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices and trauma-specific interventions, and helps design trauma-informed policies and procedures as well as implement activities for the boys that reflect the latest science on the impacts and treatment of complex trauma. She also conducts program evaluation and research. Finally, Dr. Smith helps train and consult to community agencies.

The Society of Care is a leading trauma resource for self-identified Native American youth and their families in Nebraska. We care for our relatives by providing accessible, affordable and culturally sensitive behavioral care. As passionate advocates, we give Native youth a voice, connect them to services, provide wellness education, instill cultural pride and empower them to build resilience. We believe in a brighter future for our relatives and are guided by caring deeply, transforming lives and healing communities.