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Building the HOPE Ecology: A Replicable Model for Community-Based Prevention

Thursday, December 3 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM

Positive childhood experiences don't just improve outcomes, they protect mental health across the lifespan. This session highlights an innovative care model that treats caregiver stability, community connection, and relational health as core drivers of child well-being. Learn how Wellroot Family Services combines two-generation services, behavioral health supports, and trauma-informed workforce training to create a community-wide ecology of hope. Participants will leave with actionable ideas for designing systems that build resilience before intervention becomes crisis response.

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Explain the evidence base for PCEs and relational health with enough precision to move beyond general awareness — citing specific HOPE and NAS findings.

  2. Assess where their own agency currently sits on the awareness-to-action continuum for Positive Childhood Experiences, and identify at least one structural or measurement change required to move from acute-service delivery toward a strength-based, preventative continuum.

  3. Identify a replicable path for extending prevention-oriented, strength-based care out of the clinic and into the community systems where children spend their days.

About the Presenter: Christina Lennon, MSUPS

Christina Lennon is the architect of Wellroot Family Services' statewide expansion of Family Preservation and Behavioral Health programs. Her work has resulted in a 700% increase in constituents served. In 2022, she launched a trauma-informed training institute that has since expanded nationally, equipping adults to build trust and stronger relationships with the youth they serve.With more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience at both the local and national levels, Christina specializes in strategy, implementation, and organizational capacity building to help mission-driven organizations maximize their impact. Her leadership has been recognized by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and the Harvard Business Club of Atlanta.A Distinguished Alumna and commencement speaker at Georgia State University, Christina also serves as an adjunct professor. She is Chair of the Foundation Board for Amana Academy, a Title I charter school network, and serves in student ministry leadership at her church.

Social Media Handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-lennon/

Website Handle: www.wellroot.org

 

About the Presenter: Allison Ashe, MTS

 

 

Allison Ashe has been an executive in the Georgia not-for-profit space for over two decades. Currently, she is serving as the president and CEO of Wellroot Family Services, formerly known as the United Methodist Children's Home. Since joining Wellroot in 2020, Allison has significantly enhanced the organization's impact and spearheaded the organization's work to keep children and families together. Under her leadership, Wellroot has launched three evidence-based family preservation programs, developed a comprehensive suite of community trainings for youth-serving professionals, and expanded services for youth transitioning out of foster care, including a newly renovated transitional living community for youth. Last year Wellroot reached over 3,843 children and families. Allison brings a wealth of experience to her role at Wellroot. Allison was the founding staff member and the Chief Operating Officer of the Atlanta Police Foundation. She served as the executive director of Covenant House Georgia for nine years, where she led initiatives to support youth experiencing homelessness and human trafficking. Additionally, she consulted for Covenant House International for two years, contributing to their mission as the nation’s leading provider of housing and services for vulnerable youth. Allison is a member of Leadership Atlanta’s class of 2017, a member of the Governor’s Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Children Fund Commission, and the Vice Chair of the Methodist Ministries Network, a nationwide network of methodist ministries serving children, youth, those with developmental disabilities, and seniors. A person of faith, Allison earned a master’s degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and served as a chaplain at Northside Hospital early in her career. Her background in ministry and nonprofit management, combined with her compassionate leadership, has driven Wellroot's success and reinforced its commitment to providing comprehensive care for Georgia's children, young adults, and families in need.

Website Handle: www.wellroot.org