How We Serve
Our approach
We will create transformative social change. Like all types of change, social change can be divided into evolutionary change, i.e., a slow change that people adapt to over time, and revolutionary change, i.e., a sudden, disruptive change that includes rapid adoption as well as significant resistance by some. We will drive revolutionary change in the pursuit of our vision.
Our Mission
Every child should grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. Our mission is to create a world where childhood trauma is a thing of the past.
We are an organization committed to ending the cycle of generational trauma by providing resources, knowledge, healing, support, and education to children, families, and communities.
Through “white hot” commitment, collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, we will empower individuals and organizations to identify, heal and prevent childhood trauma.
Our organization is dedicated to creating lasting, measurable change, ensuring a brighter future for all.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world free from childhood trauma. We envision a society that recognizes the importance of early intervention, healing, and prevention associated with childhood trauma.
Together, we will create a world where every child and adult can thrive, heal, and reach their full potential.
The UACT Mental Health Board
Michael Menard
UACT Founder
A business innovator turned childhood trauma advocate; Michael Menard brings decades of leadership experience to the fight against one of humanity’s greatest unaddressed crises.
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After a distinguished 25-year career at Johnson & Johnson where he rose to become the first Worldwide Vice President of Engineering, Menard founded GenSight, working with organizations including the UN, NASA, and Fortune 500 companies. His journey into childhood trauma advocacy began while writing his memoir “The Kite That Couldn’t Fly,” which unexpectedly revealed the profound impact of childhood trauma on his family of 14 siblings.
Drawing from his expertise in solving complex global challenges, Menard now dedicates himself to raising awareness about childhood trauma’s devastating effects on society. His soon to be released book, “Greater Than Gravity,” synthesizes extensive research with personal insights to illuminate the path toward ending childhood trauma. He is the founder of United Against Childhood Trauma (UACT), a movement dedicated to awareness, healing, and prevention.
Glenn R. Schiraldi, Ph.D.
UACT Mental Health Board Member
A pioneering authority in trauma recovery and resilience, Dr. Schiraldi’s groundbreaking work has transformed our understanding of childhood trauma and healing pathways.
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As a former faculty member at the Pentagon and the University of Maryland School of Public Health, Dr. Schiraldi has authored over a dozen books, including the seminal works “The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook” and “The Resilience Workbook.” His research and writing bridge the gap between rigorous academic study and practical, accessible approaches to healing.
Dr. Schiraldi’s expertise encompasses PTSD, stress management, and mental health, with a particular focus on building resilience in trauma survivors. His work has influenced therapeutic practices worldwide, offering hope and concrete strategies for recovery to millions. He continues to conduct workshops and lectures internationally, training professionals and educating the public about trauma recovery and resilience building.
Lee Long, EdD, LPC-S
UACT Mental Health Board Member
Founder and CEO of Restoration Counseling, Dr. Long combines clinical expertise with innovative approaches to trauma healing, specializing in complex childhood trauma recovery.
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With over two decades of experience in mental health counseling, Dr. Long has developed pioneering methods for addressing deep-seated trauma through a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit. His work at Restoration Counseling has helped thousands of individuals find their path to healing.
Dr. Long’s unique ability to translate complex psychological concepts into accessible metaphors has made him a sought-after speaker and trainer. His “polluted river” analogy for understanding trauma has become a widely recognized tool for explaining the systemic nature of childhood trauma and the importance of addressing its root causes.
Kristin Trudeau
M.A, LPC-MHSP, LADAC II, CFRC
UACT Mental Health Board Member
A licensed therapist specializing in trauma-informed care, Kristin Trudeau brings profound insights into the intersection of childhood trauma and adult mental health.
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With extensive experience in both private practice and community mental health settings, Trudeau has developed innovative approaches to treating complex trauma. Her work focuses particularly on helping adults understand and heal from adverse childhood experiences through a combination of evidence-based practices and creative therapeutic techniques.
Trudeau’s expertise in trauma recovery is enhanced by her dedication to professional education and advocacy. She regularly conducts workshops for mental health professionals and has contributed to developing trauma-informed protocols for healthcare organizations.
Deborah McNelis. M.Ed
UACT Mental Health Board Member
An internationally recognized expert in early brain development and the creator of the Neuro-Nurturing® Model. As an author, speaker, and founder of Brain Insights, LLC, she has dedicated her career to promoting understanding of early childhood development and advancing quality care and education practices.
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– Founded Brain Insights, LLC, developing numerous resources including the Neuro-Nurturing® Interaction Packets Series and initiating The First 60 Days Movement
– Served as Early Brain Development Specialist for the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, creating statewide outreach campaigns and providing technical training
– Holds an MS in Education from Carroll University, with extensive experience teaching early childhood courses at Waukesha County Technical College
– Works as a Ready To Read Consultant for Milwaukee Public Library, supporting childcare providers and creating educational materials
– Authored multiple publications and resources focused on naturally developing young brains and promoting optimal early childhood development
– Regular speaker at national and international conferences on topics related to early brain development and childhood education
The UACT Suicide Awareness and Prevention Board
Mary Menard Kohl
Director of Suicide Awareness and Prevention, UACT
Mary Menard Kohl brings a powerful combination of personal experience and professional expertise to her role as Director of Suicide Awareness and Prevention at United Against Childhood Trauma (UACT).
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As the fifth child among the fourteen Menard siblings whose childhood stories formed the heart of Michael Menard’s memoir “The Kite That Couldn’t Fly,” Mary’s journey embodies both the devastating impact of childhood trauma and the resilience that can emerge from it.
Mary’s commitment to suicide prevention stems from a profound personal loss. In 2021, her husband, Michael Kohl, ended his life after years of battling the effects of severe childhood trauma. Through this heartbreaking experience, Mary gained intimate knowledge of how unresolved childhood wounds can lead to suicidal ideation and the devastating ripple effects such loss creates across families and communities. Her mission now is to transform this personal tragedy into hope and healing for others.
A respected healthcare leader with over four decades of experience, Mary began her career as an OR nurse at Riverside Healthcare in 1979. Her exceptional leadership abilities led to numerous advancements, culminating in her appointment as Vice President of Clinical Services in 2023. Throughout her career, Mary has consistently demonstrated an outstanding ability to improve patient care systems and outcomes, once raising patient satisfaction from 69% to 90% in just six months.
Mary holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Olivet Nazarene University and has extensive experience in healthcare administration, including roles as Director of Perioperative Services, Director of Surgical Services, and Executive Director of Oak Surgical Institute. This background gives her unique insight into the healthcare dimensions of trauma and mental health, allowing her to bridge the gap between clinical understanding and compassionate intervention.
At UACT, Mary is developing comprehensive programs that address the link between childhood Trauma and suicide risk, focusing on three key areas:
1. Awareness and Education – Creating initiatives that help professionals and the public recognize the warning signs of trauma-related suicidal ideation.
2. Prevention Strategies – Developing evidence-based approaches to early intervention for those identified as at-risk due to childhood trauma experiences.
3. Support Systems – Building networks for survivors, family members, and those currently struggling with suicidal thoughts related to childhood trauma
Born and raised in Kankakee, Illinois, Mary’s deep community roots and passion for care inform her approach to this critical work. She combines the lived experience of growing up in challenging circumstances, the professional knowledge gained through her extensive healthcare career, and the personal understanding that comes from profound loss to lead UACT’s suicide prevention efforts with authenticity and determination.
Through Mary’s leadership, UACT aims to reduce trauma-related suicide rates by promoting healing, building resilience, and ensuring that those struggling with the effects of childhood trauma know they are not alone and that help is available. Her work embodies the foundation’s belief that even the deepest wounds can heal with proper support and understanding.
Gigi Kohl
Creating Light from Darkness
A gifted musical theatre student at Texas State University, Gigi Menard brings her storytelling talents to the crucial work of trauma healing and suicide prevention.
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Her journey with UACT is deeply personal—having lost her beloved grandfather to suicide, resulting from severe childhood trauma, Gigi understands firsthand the devastating ripple effects that trauma can create across generations.
Combining her artistic background with her compassionate spirit, Gigi has developed “Healing Beyond Loss: Postvention for Survivors of Suicide Loss,” a groundbreaking platform that addresses the often-overlooked needs of those left behind. This initiative represents UACT’s commitment to supporting not only trauma survivors but also the families navigating the complex aftermath of suicide loss.
Through this platform, Gigi creates safe spaces for healing conversations, connects survivors with specialized resources, and uses creative expression as a pathway to recovery. Her unique approach bridges traditional support services with innovative healing modalities, offering hope to families during their darkest moments.
As a dedicated UACT volunteer, Gigi exemplifies our mission of transforming personal pain into purpose. Her work reminds us that even the most profound loss can become a catalyst for healing when channeled into service to others.
| No: | UACT Deliverables | AWARENESS | HEALING | PREVENTION |
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1. |
UACT interactive Web Site. The
“Village Square” and SEO |
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2. |
Interactive, A enabled mobile app in
150+ languages |
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3. |
PR Campaign/Media |
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4. |
Advertisement: TV, Radio, Print,
Billboards |
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5. |
Social media design and execution |
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6. |
Interactive, focused Learning modules for sufferers, educators, etc |
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7. |
Development of best practices/interventions for healers |
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8. |
Certified Therapist Network |
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9. |
Therapy support paid for by UACT |
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10. |
Full featured documentary(s) |
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