Graci Payan-Hammerstad is a Family Advocate and Trainer at First Witness Child Advocacy Center, where she provides on-going advocacy based on self-identified needs and cultural considerations, along with prevention education in school-based and one-on-one settings. In her position, Graci excels in creating personable connections through intentional listening and hands-on action. Graci has a bachelor’s degree in criminology with a minor in psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she focused her independent study on child abuse dynamics, racial disproportionalities in child abuse, child abuse disclosures and recantations, trauma informed care, and burnout which only expanded her knowledge. She believes that the most effective training emphasizes engaging with the audience while providing meaningful and honest education efforts. Her sessions are meant to make you think outside of the box and explore ways other professionals show up in their roles and organizations. Similarly to her training style, Graci appreciates the opportunity to learn directly from children and families about their barriers and experiences through legal and social systems. Graci is a lifelong learner who is passionate about creating systems that support children and nurtures professionals in their day-to-day lives.