S3E2: Spaces that Thrive: A director’s approach to staff wellness in CACs
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S3E2: Spaces that Thrive: A director’s approach to staff wellness in CACs
What makes some professionals thrive while others struggle, even with strong leadership? In this episode, we explore the key factors that contribute to a positive and healthy workplace in the child advocacy field. Joined by Paige Piper, Executive Director of BraveBE Child Advocacy Center, and Lori Wells Brown, CEO of Lotus Children’s Advocacy Center, we discuss how both organizational culture and physical environments shape well-being and resilience in CAC professionals. Discover the strategies that foster a thriving and engaged workforce.
Guest:
Paige Piper, MA
Executive Director
BraveBe Child Advocacy Center
Lori Wells Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Lotus
Show Notes:
In this episode of the SRCAC Exchange Podcast, host Christina Rouse introduces the season’s focus on the invisible threads that sustain child advocacy center (CAC) professionals. Today’s episode explores the critical factors contributing to a supportive workplace culture and the essential role of organizational structure. Executive Director Paige Piper of the BraveBe Child Advocacy Center shares her insights into the top five reasons employees experience burnout—ranging from inequity to time pressure—and discusses how changing workplace policies can lead to a healthier and more engaged workforce. She also shares strategies that BraveBe has implemented, including shifting from “sick leave” to “health leave,” discretionary time off, and improving supervision models to prioritize staff wellness.
Later, Christina introduces Lori Wells Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Lotus in Paducah, Kentucky, who highlights the power of creating trauma-informed physical spaces for both staff and clients. Lori describes how redesigning their center’s environment, including sensory gardens, walking trails, and holistic healing spaces, has positively impacted both employee mental health and the quality of services delivered to children and families. Through these conversations, the episode emphasizes the importance of nurturing organizational culture and physical environments in preventing burnout and fostering a productive, resilient workforce. Hit the subscribe button now!
Key Quotes:
- “We are searching for unicorns who can handle the emotional wear and tear of child advocacy work. Our job as leaders is to support their mental wellness so they can continue this vital work.”– Paige Piper
- “The physical environment we work in has a major impact on how we feel emotionally and physically. Creating trauma-informed spaces helps staff connect with their purpose while ensuring their own well-being.”– Lori Wells Brown
Resources:
- What the Heck is EOS by Gino Wickman [Book]
- Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman [Book]
- Creating Trauma-Informed spaces: Creating a Healthy Workplace- Physical Environment Handout [Resource]
Host:
Christina Rouse, MSW
Program Manager, CAC Development
Southern Regional CAC
Season Resources:
- CE-CERT Training [Training]
- Reset. Reflect. Refuel. Hub [Video Series]
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National Children’s Advocacy Center
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