Iya Affo and Catherine Beach
This presentation is a brief analysis of Historical/Intergenerational/Collective & Racial Trauma’s impact on BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) through a cultural and neurological perspective. Using the ancient tradition of storytelling, woven with current academia, attendees examine why many communities of color struggle to have a full expression of resilience in the face of adversity. This workshop seeks to help participants connect historical trauma with current day racial trauma and its impact on the neurological system, which can result in maladaptive behaviors and negative health outcomes. Further, attendees will understand how culture drives behavior and the importance of viewing the world through a multicultural lens to truly embrace equity and belonging.
Iya Affo is a Culturalist and Historical Trauma Specialist. She is certified to facilitate Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model for Caregiving, and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). Iya is a Certified Trauma & Resilience Life Coach and a Certified Adverse Childhood Experiences Trainer. She is an Adjunct Faculty member at the Arizona Trauma Institute, and the founder of the Phoenix Rising in Resilience blog on the Paces Connection platform. Iya is also the founder of Heal Historical Trauma Culture & Indigenous Wellness Academy, which provides Historical Trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Trauma and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion training to individuals and organizations. She has visited more than 30 countries; living in Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Native American, and Yoruba communities, embracing aspects from each culture for personal evolution. Through educating about culture & neurobiology, Iya strives to transcend tolerance through cultivating love and respect for all people.
Catherine Beach is the Program Coordinator for community abuse prevention at the Childhelp Children’s Advocacy Center in Downtown Phoenix. She has a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT). Catherine has multiple years of experience working with families who have open Department of Child Safety cases, managing in-home counseling programs through a contracted agency. She is currently completing a second graduate degree in Public Health with a focus on Health Promotion and Education through California State Universities. Catherine is a certified trainer in Adverse Childhood Experiences, PAX Tools, and the Five Protective Factors, and she also leads the regional Maricopa Child Abuse Prevention Council.