NEAR Science is coming to an Oklahoma community near you!

Oklahoma will soon have 30 certified Master Trainers prepared to engage and motivate
individuals and communities to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and improve
well-being. The ACE Interface Master Trainer program, led by Laura Porter and Dr. Rob Anda,
co-principal of the original ACE study, is designed to increase networks of trainers to
disseminate “NEAR Science” across communities. This proven program, evaluated by Robert
Wood Johnson Foundation, has Master Trainers in 29 states across the county.
The three-day training in late March will focus on NEAR Science which helps broaden our
understanding of people their behaviors:
Neurobiology helps us understand how our brain developed based on experience. The training
explores various functions of the brain like memory, sensory regulation, and executive
functioning that are impacted by toxic stress, adversity and trauma.
Epigenetics rediscovered or scientifically affirmed that individual and collective trauma can be
passed down from generation to generation.
Adverse Childhood Experiences study scientifically linked early childhood adversity and adult
health.
Resilience science, of a community, a family or an individual, lets us know which buffering
variables can reverse, prevent, and heal the impact of adversity.
Potts Family Foundation (PFF) was awarded a grant through Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthy Kids
Healthy Families program and has selected 30 applicants for the program. PFF will provide
ongoing support through the existing network of Raising Resilient Oklahomans Self-Healing
Communities across Oklahoma. These individuals represent 16 different counties spread across
the state but will be prepared to cover the entire state.
The Master Trainer Program supports rapid dissemination of ACEs and resilience science by
facilitating presentations for community groups and organizations including government,
schools, businesses, faith-based, medical and law enforcement, and other public and private
entities with the goal of improving health and well-being across the lifespan.
Potts Family Foundation welcomes you to become involved. If you are interested in having a
NEAR Science presentation in your organization or community later this year, contact Linda
Manaugh at lmanaugh@pottsfamilyfoundation.org.