In this Bell Work Talk, Dr. Vela will discuss risks and issues experienced by children that face homelessness. She will explain suitcase living and treatment leading to a hopeful mindset with an emphasis on trauma informed care. She will give examples of how to add hope to the interactions that forensic nurses have with patients.

Dr. Christina Vela, CEO of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, has 20+ years of human and social service experience that includes administering foster care, homeless, and supportive services to children, transition age-youth, and their families.

She has worked at the non-profit level as the Executive Director and the Chief Program Officer for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, a Manager for the Clark County Department of Family Services, Social Services Program Specialist for the State of Nevada and a Program Specialist for the Federal Administration for Children and Families-Children’s Bureau in Washington DC. More recently, Christina has been the Coordinator for the State of Nevada Coalition to Prevent the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. Christina holds her Doctorate in Public Policy and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She is a proud alumnus of Emerge Nevada, Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2013, Jameson Fellows and Clark County Leadership Academy.

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