Overcoming Internal Barriers to Build Team Morale and Relationships
Thursday, May 28, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PT
Overcoming Internal Barriers to Build Team Morale and Relationships
Prevention work is community work and that starts within our own teams. This session explores the often-overlooked internal dynamics that shape our ability to sustain impact: team culture, morale, and relationships. Drawing from trauma-informed practices and healing-centered engagement, we’ll unpack the invisible barriers that show up in stress, burnout, turnover, and miscommunication. Participants will explore tools to build a more connected and resilient work culture, including reflection practices, shared agreements, and check-in tools rooted in authenticity and care. This is a space to pause, reflect, and recommit to being in the work not just for community, but with each other, whole humans doing heart work together.
About the Presenters
Dr. Kristyl Smith-Brown (she/her) is a passionate advocate, educator, and dynamic speaker whose personal journey with sickle cell anemia informs her work in raising awareness about chronic illness, disability rights, and workplace accommodations. As someone who has navigated the challenges of living with a chronic condition, Dr. Kristyl brings a deeply personal and impactful perspective to her advocacy, empowering audiences to create inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities.
Dr. Kristyl holds a Doctorate of Psychology in Organizational Management and Consulting and has over a decade of experience in nonprofit/organizational management. Dr. Kristyl specializes in creating centralized data systems, streamlining organizational processes, and fostering cohesive workflows that enhance employee experiences while staying true to an organization’s mission. As Dean of Operations at Tarzana Treatment Centers College, she led transformative initiatives that improved operational efficiency and cross-departmental collaboration.
Dr. Kristyl also serves as a professor, teaching the Psychology of Oppression, where she examines intersectionality and its impact on both personal and professional lives. Her thought-provoking curriculum encourages critical thinking about systems of power and their effects on marginalized communities. A dynamic and engaging speaker, Dr. Kristyl offers valuable insights on topics including sickle cell advocacy, disability inclusion, organizational strategy, and leadership. Her unique blend of lived experience, academic expertise, and professional acumen inspires audiences to embrace equity, innovation, and collaboration.
Nicole Valenzuela (she/her) is a licensed social worker deeply committed to community-centered care, emphasizing upstream prevention and advocacy to create lasting positive impact. Her work transcends substance use prevention, adopting a holistic approach to foster well-being across diverse communities. By applying data-driven strategies like the Strategic Prevention Framework, Protective Factors, and trauma-informed practices, Nicole aims to cultivate inclusive, equitable, and resilient environments where all individuals can thrive.
Central to Nicole’s work is building strong, trusting relationships with community members, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring that programs are developed are tailored with and for the community to be served. Her expertise spans program planning, program evaluation, needs assessment, and multi-sector collaboration, enabling her to lead initiatives that generate sustainable, long-term change.
Nicole is also dedicated to fostering the growth of future advocates and prevention professionals. She offers technical assistance, training, and resources, empowering others to advance their knowledge and skills in prevention work. Guided by empathy, effective communication, and deep compassion, Nicole’s approach ensures that individuals and communities alike are equipped not just to overcome their challenges, but to flourish in environments designed for their success. She is passionate about driving meaningful, equitable change that uplifts our communities.