In today’s world, stress is not only personal – it is collective, ongoing, and often overwhelming. For youth in foster care, everyday stress is layered on top of trauma histories, placement transitions, and systemic instability. At the same time, like all young people, they are navigating school pressures, friendships, identity development, and social dynamics, while also being exposed to complex and often distressing global events.
This experiential training supports CASA advocates, staff and other child-serving professionals in meeting youth within this full reality. Participants will learn ways of showing up that foster safety, connection, and regulation in the face of hard topics and big feelings.
Together, participants will explore how to support youth facing both the ordinary stresses of growing up, and the extraordinary stressors many foster youth carry. Advocates will leave feeling more confident, grounded, and equipped to support emotional regulation and connection during visits, even when conversations feel complex or emotionally charged.
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Lacy Alana, MSSW, LCSW is a psychotherapist, facilitator, and founder of Yes And Brain. With over fifteen years of experience across community, education, and healthcare settings, she specializes in nervous-system-informed, experiential training that supports connection, regulation, and resilience. Her work integrates brain science, psychology, communication, and play-based approaches to help caring adults show up with steadiness and compassion – especially in complex or emotionally charged situations. Lacy’s trainings emphasize practical tools, relational presence, and confident support for youth navigating stress, uncertainty, and change.
Phone lines are temporarily down until December 11. Please email us at information@michigancasa.org and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.