Who We Are

ACE Response grew out of a partnership between Prevent Child Abuse America and the University at Albany (SUNY) School of Social Welfare. Consistent with the mission of the ACE Think Tank and Action Team New York, this website seeks to raise awareness of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mobilize comprehensive responses to them across the lifespan in order to prevent ACEs and their consequences.

We support the integration of prevention/intervention research with practice wisdom in local areas to promote resilience, recovery, and transformation. We highlight the healing power of social networks, which can provide a recovery context that enhances the services offered.

Jim Hmurovich, President of Prevent Child Abuse America, focuses on prevention of ACEs from a national perspective. ACE research, combined with social work knowledge of response strategies, helps to develop concise, consistent messaging about the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect in the first place.

Heather Larkin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, extends ACE research, integrates social work prevention and intervention research, and develops national and international partnerships with policymakers, program directors and practitioners. Emphasizing the healing power of social networks, Dr. Larkin has co-developed an intervention model known as Restorative Integral Support (RIS). She leads the HEARTS (Healthy Environments And Relationships That Support) Initiative in the Capital Region of New York.

Shawn Trifoso, LCSW, has worked to support the development of ACE awareness and ways to build resilence through his work with the HEARTS Initiative. Such efforts have included writing content for the ACE Response website and volunteering to update the site to reach an audience of advocates and practitioners. 

Efforts are underway to identify new resources to bring together and highlight a range of partners in ACE Response – taking next steps in advancing whole systems-whole community-whole person practice, research, and service and RISing out of trauma. Although this site has paused and minimized updates over the past few years, many community leaders and organizations have continued to lead, develop and advance real world, on the ground ACE Response in various ways throughout the United States and internationally. While the website remains accessible, minimal updates for now are focused on occasional additions of links and resources. Please stay tuned for new developments.