After completing my MSW and MPH degrees at Tulane University in New Orleans, I began my social work career as a social worker specializing in maternal and child health. Working at the height of pediatric HIV, I supported families in the New Orleans and Boston areas who were dealing with the impact of living with HIV/AIDS. Over the years, my professional focus shifted to another public health concern, the impact of community violence. Working within the School Initiatives (formerly known as the Englewood Project), I began to work in multiple schools supporting elementary school age children who had been exposed to community violence. Over the past 10 years, I have provide growth groups for those who are living with this trauma on a day to day basis. Trauma and experiences of grief and loss remain the focus of our groups. Supporting children as they continue to explore their growth within this turbulent community within the school environment, remains my focus.