More than 100 educators, caregivers, health professionals, parents, policymakers, and community partners gathered at Goshen College on November 11 for the second annual Building Strong Brains Summit. After more than three years of coordinated, countywide collaboration, the coalition came together once again to learn, connect, and strengthen its shared commitment to helping every child in Elkhart County be born to thrive and ready to learn.
This year’s theme, ‘Building a Culture of Hope,’ was illustrated throughout the day by speakers, interaction among attendees, and a celebration of the joint work.
Dr. Kim Boynton’s Remarks: Helping children thrive
Dr. Kim Boynton, BSB’s director, opened the summit with a heartfelt and science-grounded reflection on the importance of early childhood. She reminded attendees that the first years of life shape the architecture of a child’s brain and that every smile, soothing word, and moment of safety contributes to long-term well-being.
Kim is leaving her role as coalition director at the end of 2025 to pursue a role in higher education. As she opened her final summit as director, she emphasized that consistent, responsive care doesn’t just help children survive—it helps them thrive. These early interactions shape not only individual development, but also the long-term health of our community.
Kim also spoke about hope as a learnable, measurable practice, not simply an emotion. When hope is woven into professional practice—classrooms, clinics, homes, and community programs—children and families begin to see possibilities for their future.
A story she shared illustrated this beautifully. A student who struggled with trust spent months testing limits in school. His teacher remained steady, greeting him by name each morning and ending each day with, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Eventually, he told his mother, “I have to go. My teacher is waiting for me.” That quiet moment captured the essence of what this work is about.
Reflecting on her time leading the coalition, Kim noted the strong partnerships built, the research translated into action, and the shared language now shaping community practice. As she steps down, she expressed confidence that the next phase of Building Strong Brains will deepen relationships and reach more families across Elkhart County.
Dr. Jessica Herzog-Hall’s Keynote: HOPE Framework
Dr. Jessica Herzog-Hall led an interactive workshop focused on the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework, offering a research-based look at how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) strengthen lifelong resilience. Herzog-Hall, a trauma-informed educator, walked participants through the four building blocks of HOPE: relationships, environment, engagement, and emotional growth. She shared practical tools for co-regulation, self-regulation, and building supportive connections with children and families. Her workshop illustrated how simple, everyday practices can nurture well-being and counteract the effects of adversity, giving attendees strategies they can use immediately in their organizations and communities.
Breakout Sessions: Putting Ideas Into Practice
Throughout the afternoon, attendees participated in breakout sessions facilitated by local partners and practitioners. These sessions focused on practical strategies for nurturing hope, strengthening relationships with families, and applying brain science in daily interactions with children.
Breakout discussions were lively and collaborative, with participants sharing what they’ve learned in their own organizations and exploring new opportunities to work together.
Dr. Amber Selking’s Keynote: The Power of Mindset and Belief
The afternoon keynote was delivered by Dr. Amber Selking, whose work focuses on performance psychology, motivation, and the science of belief. She spoke about how communities can build cultures where children see themselves as capable, valued, and supported.
Her message reinforced the summit’s theme: hope grows when caring adults create environments that foster safety, encouragement, and trust for children. She offered practical insights on how mindset and connection influence resilience, and how every interaction—big or small—helps shape a child’s sense of what is possible.
Moving Forward Together
The 2025 summit affirmed the strength and momentum of the Building Strong Brains coalition. With insights from both keynote speakers, hands-on learning in breakout sessions, and the participation of partners from across the county, the day reinforced a shared vision for helping all children grow in environments filled with safety, connection, and possibility.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Planning Committee
As we reflect on the tremendous effort behind Building a Culture of Hope, we want to extend our deepest appreciation to our dedicated planning committee. This event would not have been possible without the passion, collaboration, and unwavering commitment each member brought to the table.
From shaping the vision to refining the details, the committee poured countless hours into creating a meaningful experience for our community. Their thoughtful insights, creativity, and determination ensured that every element of the summit reflected our shared mission: to uplift young children, strengthen families, and build a culture rooted in hope and resilience.
To our planning committee—thank you for your leadership, your teamwork, and your belief in the power of this work. Your contributions made this summit not only successful but truly inspiring.
Planning Committee Members: Paul Fast, Maple City Healthcare; Natalie Buroker, Crossroads United Way; Leah Plank, HEA/Triple P; Shin Yee Tan, Oaklawn; Vonnie Trumble, Community Foundation of Elkhart County; and Brian Replogle, Patty Rose, and Holly Landis, who are Building Strong Brains staff members.
