PBS & Trauma-Informed Care 

with Dr. Joan Gillece

Dr. Gillece uses a broad range of unique and innovative strategies, including educational and culturally sensitive trauma-informed initiatives, to promote health communities.  This program will address historical trauma in our communities and identify strategies that work to address the importance of understanding.

Dr. Gillece has thirty years of experience working in the behavioral health field with seventeen dedicated to trauma and seven in prevention of seclusion and restraint. Working across agencies, Dr. Gillece promotes the use of trauma informed care in multiple settings including mental health, substance abuse and juvenile justice and homeless services. Prior to joining the national Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) ten years ago, Dr. Gillece served as Director of Special Populations for Maryland’s Mental Hygiene Administration, where her responsibilities included all aspects of state mental health planning and delivery of services, as well as development of collaboration across agencies serving individuals with psychiatric diagnosis. As project director for SAMHSA’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care (NCTIC), Dr. Gillece has championed the cause of full consumer integration and development of culturally competent programs. Utilizing survivors in all aspects of trauma work, Dr. Gillece has coordinated technical assistance, conference presentations, and consultations with experts in the field. Commitment to strength based support by implementing trauma informed values with the overreaching theme of recovery has been her focus.