With Joan Balbuena Hernández, Parents Place of Maryland, Thursday, May 14th, 2026, from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EST

About the Session: Learn simple, caring ways to help children feel safe and calm. This workshop offers practical techniques like breathing exercises, grounding activities, and creating supportive routines. You’ll discover how to help children share their feelings and build confidence. Perfect for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to make a positive difference. Join us to learn how to create a caring, safe space where children can thrive.

Join us for Part Two on Tuesday, May 19th at 11:30am-12:30pm!

About the Speaker: Joan Balbuena Hernández is a distinguished professional with a remarkable career in the nonprofit sector, recognized for her exceptional expertise in relationship building. Inspired by her love for her family, Joan moved from Puerto Rico to Western Maryland to support her sister and her oldest niece, who was born with Turner’s Syndrome, a congenital heart defect, and was later diagnosed with ASD, learning disabilities, and anxiety. She later welcomed her second niece, also born with a congenital heart defect and now experiencing behavioral health needs. Joan has worked in group homes supporting re-entry youth; as a family support worker providing home visiting assistance to families navigating hardships; as a neighborhood partnership coordinator, leveraging her connections to elevate the social capital of families in her community; and as a program director, improving service delivery and increasing volunteer engagement for a local organization that provides essential items at no cost to families in her county. She is a certified peer support recovery specialist and holds certificates in Restorative Practices and a variety of promising practices parenting programs. She also holds three teaching certificates from the University of Puerto Rico for preschool, primary, and elementary level general education. Joan has dedicated her career to fostering meaningful connections, driving collaborations, and achieving impactful outcomes.