Panelist 

A sixth-generation Utahn, Gov. Spencer J. Cox was born and raised in Fairview, a town of 1,247 residents located about two hours south of Salt Lake City. He graduated from Snow College, Utah State University and Washington and Lee University School of Law.

Cox met Abby Palmer at age 16 and they have been smitten with each other ever since. After Spencer’s service as a missionary in Mexico, the couple married and moved away to continue their education. Gov. Cox launched his career as an attorney clerking for U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart and began building a successful law practice at a Salt Lake City firm, Fabian & Clendenin. He returned to Fairview to join the family business, CentraCom, as vice president and general counsel.

In Fairview, Gov. Cox served as a city councilman, mayor, county commissioner and state legislator before being appointed to serve as Utah’s lieutenant governor in 2013.

Gov. Cox has spoken out and led out on some of the state’s most daunting challenges including the current coronavirus crisis, homelessness, suicide prevention and bullying. His efforts contributed to Utah’s unprecedented prosperity while fulfilling his constitutional mandate to ensure free and fair elections as the state’s chief election officer. Cox is a vocal advocate for civility in politics, and he’s committed to improving education, strengthening the economy, bolstering Utah’s rural communities, supporting public health, and ensuring opportunity for all Utahns.

Gov. Cox and wife Abby are proud parents of four children: Gavin, Kaleb, Adam and EmmaKate. He and his family enjoy spending time in Utah’s amazing backcountry. He also plays the bass guitar with his brother in a local rock band. 

Panelist 

Abby Palmer Cox became the first lady of Utah when her husband Spencer J. Cox was sworn in as governor on January 4th, 2021. She and Gov. Cox, her high school sweetheart, have been married for 24 years.

Born and raised in the small rural town of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, Abby grew up on the Palmer family farm where the values of hard work and grit were a way of life. Abby is the fifth of eight daughters and two sons of her loving parents, Ken and Charlene Palmer.

Both she and Spencer graduated from North Sanpete High School and Snow College, and he willingly followed her to Utah State University where she earned her degree in Special Education with a dual emphasis in Early Childhood and Severe Disabilities while he pursued a degree in Political Science.

Throughout their seven years as lieutenant governor and until their election as governor in 2020, The Coxes lived in Fairview, a town of about 1,200 residents, located two hours south of Utah’s population center.

As Utah’s first lady, Abby hopes to inspire Utahns to break down the barriers that separate people from treating one another as equals. She is an outspoken advocate for “getting proximate”, connecting through our differences, and combating the empathy crisis our country is facing. Specifically, she will use her platform to convene, contribute and champion projects related to social and emotional learning, statewide service, foster care awareness and sporting opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities.

Abby has always been active in her community through involvement in PTA, church youth groups and service to the homeless. Abby enjoys horses, reading, music, hiking, running and being active in the great outdoors with her family. She and Gov. Cox are the proud parents of four children — Gavin, Kaleb, Adam and EmmaKate.

Keynote Speaker 

BRENDA JONES HARDEN is the Alison Richman Professor for Children and Families, at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. She directs the Prevention and Early Adversity Research Laboratory, where she and her research team examine the developmental and mental health needs of young children who have experienced early adversity and toxic stress, particularly those who have been maltreated, are in foster care, or have experienced other forms of trauma. A particular focus is preventing maladaptive outcomes in these populations through early childhood programs. She has conducted numerous evaluations of such programs, including early care and education, home visiting services, parenting interventions, and infant/early childhood mental health programs. Dr. Jones Harden is a scientist-practitioner who uses research to improve the quality and effectiveness of child and family services and to inform child and family policy, especially in the areas of home visiting, infant/early childhood mental health, and child welfare. She is currently the President of the Board at Zero to Three, and serves on various federal, state, and local advisory boards. She received a PhD in developmental and clinical psychology from Yale University and a Master’s in Social Work from New York University.

Presenter

Samantha W. Ball is a senior research associate at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute where she provides research, analysis, facilitation, survey work, and instruction on a range of subjects including public policy and deliberative community engagement.

As project lead, Dr. Ball guided, facilitated, and created content to advance the Health and Human Services Consolidation Steering Committee’s unification process in 2021. Dr. Ball was the lead author of the Gardner Policy Institute’s 2020 report on Early Childhood Mental Health in Utah; provided analysis and facilitated discussion groups and for the Gardner Institute’s 2019 report on Utah’s Mental Health System; and advanced informed non-partisan public deliberation through the Gardner Policy Institute’s role as a Kettering Foundation Center for Public Life, including convening diverse groups of parents throughout the state to discuss experiences with early childhood services for the 2019 Preschool Development Grant project.  Other research has focused on survey and research topics related to Utah’s health, human service, civic, and economic needs.

Dr. Ball holds a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA, a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utah. Prior to working at the Gardner Policy Institute, Dr. Ball worked in Washington DC as a Congressional legislative assistant and as a program analyst at the Department of Education and at the Department of Health and Human Services. She has also served as an adjunct instructor in Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Utah.

Speaker 

Rebecca Dutson is President and CEO of The Children’s Center Utah--where hope and healing happen. 

As President and CEO, Rebecca combines her personal passion for changing lives and building strong community with more than 25 years of local and national nonprofit leadership. She drives the organization’s vision, mission, and strategy. She inspires and leads her team of more than 100 dedicated employees to provide life-changing mental and behavioral health services to nearly 2,000 children and their families each year. The organization is unique—one of a handful providing similar services throughout the U.S.  

Rebecca is recognized for her business acumen and innovative style, receiving the distinction from Utah Business as one of Utah’s Rising Stars—Forty Under 40, and 30 Women to Watch. Building a strong organizational culture is key to her success in creating high-performing teams and breaking through the status quo. As a member of Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors, she previously chaired the annual Women & Business Conference, resulting in a significant increase in attendance.

Prior to joining The Children’s Center Utah, Rebecca worked for United Way Worldwide (UWW), the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit. As Senior Director, Major Donor Relations, Rebecca led strategies to capitalize on one of the fastest growing areas in philanthropy—giving by high net worth individuals. Her work includes launching a strategic partnership with Peter Buffett, youngest son of investor Warren Buffett, United for the Future. Strengthening capacity among local United Ways to integrate major individual giving and community impact to achieve community goals was a primary focus. Her vision to re-ignite best practice strategies became a reality by providing scalable major gifts training and consultation with key U.S. markets emphasizing donor engagement and growth, including Million Dollar Roundtable.

Rebecca’s passion for United Way’s mission inspired local donors and colleagues throughout the network. Previously, Rebecca served as Executive Vice President and COO of United Way of Salt Lake, where she contributed leadership and vision, shaping the organization’s business model transformation. Rebecca innovated business practices that strengthened the brand and increased investments. Her approach to resource development led to the organization’s strongest financial performance, securing multiple $1 million+ investments and bringing its historic major gifts campaign to a record-breaking $24 million.

Rebecca received her B.S. in Marketing from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business. She and her husband, Rulon, enjoy two wonderful daughters, Madison and Morgan. The family adores Benson, their beloved Goldendoodle. Rebecca is an accomplished violinist and pianist. She loves to exercise in the beautiful outdoors. You can keep up with Rebecca on Twitter @RebeccaDutson and on Instagram at rebeccadutson.

Panelist 

Tracy S. Gruber was named executive director of the Utah Department of Human Services in January 2021. Previous to her appointment by Governor Spencer J. Cox, she was director of the Office of Child Care at the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) and senior advisor for the Intergenerational Poverty Initiative. In 2017, she was named as "Government Official of the Year" by Community Action Partnership of Utah. She served as the chair of the National Association of State Child Care Administrators and represents Utah on the Education Commission of the States. Tracy has been named the incoming Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, effective July 1, 2022, by Governor Spencer J. Cox.

Prior to her service with DWS, Gruber was the senior policy analyst and director of state fiscal policy at Voices for Utah Children. Gruber’s work experience also includes serving as an analyst in the Illinois Senate, overseeing a public employee retiree organization, and administering the Utah State Bar New Lawyer Training Program.

Gruber received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her Law Degree from the Chicago-Kent School of Law.

Panelist

Brian Miller, Ph.D. provides training and consultation on topics of secondary trauma, trauma informed supervision, and implementation processes nationally and internationally.  His book, Reducing Secondary Traumatic Stress: Skills for Sustaining a Career in the Helping Professions was released in July of this year.

Dr. Miller’s experience includes tenure as Director of Children’s Behavioral Health at Primary Children’s Hospital, Director of Mental Health Services for Salt Lake County; Director of the Trauma Program for Families with Young Children at The Children’s Center in Salt Lake City; Clinical Director of Davis Behavioral Health, Associate Director of the Utah State Division of Mental Health; and as a psychotherapist in private practice. He holds a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was a Mandel Leadership Fellow. He is the past board president for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Utah Chapter, and serves on the editorial review boards for the journals Traumatology and Contemporary Psychotherapy and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Consortium. He serves on the Governor’s Commission on Education and Mental Health and is a member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Moderator

Jennifer Mitchell is a licensed clinical psychologist, an Infant Mental Health specialist, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Doctoral level; with expertise in working with children who have experienced trauma, and children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Some of her formative professional experiences were through her employment as a Child Welfare Specialist for the state of Oklahoma, as a transition counselor for girls in an alternative educational setting, and in her multiple roles within a domestic violence shelter in Florida.  Her professional experiences have allowed her to gain knowledge and skills in working with a variety of populations, but her passion has always been focused on helping very young children and their families.  In 2011, Jennifer moved her family from Florida to Salt Lake City for the incredible opportunity to join The Children’s Center Utah. In her current role, Jennifer has the privilege of supporting all of the programs and clinical services within The Children’s Center Utah.  Jennifer’s doctoral training included a concentration in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and a specialization in Parent-Infant Mental Health.  She is a board member and Past President of the Utah Association of Infant Mental Health.  She also serves on the Early Childhood Advisory Council, the Utah Registry for Autism and Developmental Disorders Oversight Committee, and numerous other community groups aimed at supporting young children and their families. 

Panelist

Dr. Claire Son is an associate professor and program director of Reading and Literacy and the director of EARLY lab (https://ed-psych.utah.edu/early-lab/) in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Utah. Her research and teaching focus on early childhood education of school readiness skills, including early literacy, language, and self-regulation among young at-risk children who experience social and economic disparity. She is interested in the identification of important predictors of early childhood literacy learning in the home, school, community environments; further, she has actively conducted research studies on the role of children's own socioemotional capabilities, including executive functions, behavioral regulation, attention, and engagement, and how these capabilities can be supported by multimedia technologies to promote literacy learning.

Dr. Son was a recipient of the American Educational Research Association (AERA)'s distinguished research award in Human Development and outstanding dissertations awards in Early Education and awards in Human Development. Her community literacy research received AERA Education Research Service Project award and Faculty Fellow Award from the University of Utah. She has actively served public and community organizations, including Utah School Readiness Board, Salt Lake City Public Library, and Sesame Workshop, Inc. She holds a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education and MA's in Educational Research Methods and Early Childhood Education from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Presenter

Laura Summers serves as the senior health care analyst at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, conducting research on health care data, policies, and impacts to the Utah health care sector. Summers has expertise in health care, economics, and public policy. In health care, Summers’ research focus is state-level health reform, with a particular focus in Medicaid, public health, mental health, and the social determinants of health. Prior to joining the Institute, Summers was the senior director of state intelligence at Leavitt Partners, where she prepared detailed studies of state-by-state comparative data and analyzed national and state health care programs, policies, and trends. In addition to providing research and consulting services to payers, providers, and other health care companies, Summers led health care reform initiatives in states such as Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Washington State. Summers previously served as the Research Director of the Utah Foundation. Summers received her MPP with an emphasis in Public Economics from Brigham Young University and her B.S. in Economics from Westminster College. 

Panelist

Dr. Sarah Woolsey is board-certified in family medicine and division director for the Utah Department of Health Family Health and Preparedness (FHP). FHP includes Utah’s Maternal Child Health federal block grant, Children with Special Health Care Needs, and Early Childhood Utah. Even though she’s new to the Department, Dr. Woolsey has focused 20 years on health care delivery improvement as a public health partner through her work as clinical leader at CHC, Inc., a federally-qualified health center in Salt Lake City’s Rose Park neighborhood. She also served as medical director for Comagine Health, where she ensured Medicare’s most vulnerable received quality care. She is committed to the prevention of all chronic conditions and works to improve family health through access to high quality patient-centered care.

Dr. Woolsey currently practices outpatient care with the Health Clinics of Utah. 

Keynote Speaker

Governor Gary Richard Herbert has led Utah's recovery from the Great Recession to a position of national economic prominence. His unwavering focus on economic development includes attracting businesses and investment to the state while helping homegrown businesses flourish. The Governor is focused on four cornerstones to strengthen Utah's economy: education, jobs, energy, and self-determination. As a result, Utah has become a premier destination for business, jobs, and an unsurpassed quality of life. As Utah's 17th Governor, he took the Oath of Office on August 11, 2009. Prior to becoming the state's chief executive, Governor Herbert served as Lieutenant Governor for five years. In 1990, Mr. Herbert was appointed to the Utah County Commission and concluded his service in 2004. Governor Herbert and his wife, Jeanette, are the proud parents of six children and 17 grandchildren.

Panelist

Ann Silverberg Williamson became executive director of the Utah Department of Human Services in October 2013. She is responsible for the strategic direction and administration of services that promote opportunities for Utahns to live safely in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities.Ann is leading work toward a comprehensive system of care and integrated business operations to strengthen the experiences and outcomes of children, families and adults. She guides the delivery of individualized services at the right time and in the least restrictive environment to strengthen individual, family and community well-being. Ann champions dynamic internal and external partnerships to strengthen prevention and early intervention work, a statewide crisis response system and solutions to intergenerational poverty. She previously served as President & CEO of Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations and was appointed as Assistant Secretary, and then Secretary, for the Louisiana Department of Social Services for a combined eight years. Ann graduated from Wofford College with a Bachelor’s of Theology and earned her Master’s of Social Work from Louisiana State University.

Panelist

Dr. Jennifer Mitchell joined TCC in 2011 and serves as Senior Director, Clinical Strategy and Innovation; overseeing the clinical services, Therapeutic Preschool Program, and the Early Childhood Consultation and Training team.  She is a licensed clinical psychologist, Infant Mental Health specialist, and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Doctoral level. She is trained in multiple evidence-based, trauma-informed treatments for young children, infant massage, and mindfulness. She was recently accepted into the 2020-22 Fellowship Class of the Zero to Three National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. Dr. Mitchell serves as board member and Past President of the Utah Association of Infant Mental Health and board member for the Utah Psychological Association.  She also serves on numerous committees focused on supporting young children and their families, including Utah’s Early Childhood Advisory Council, Utah’s Intergenerational Poverty Advisory Council, and the Utah Registry for Autism and Developmental Disorders Oversight Committee. She is committed to transformative leadership that supports interdisciplinary professionals working with young children and families, and promoting equity and trauma-informed practices within early childhood systems.

Panelist

Dr. Sydnee Dickson has been serving the children of Utah as an educator for the past 39 years. She was named as State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2016. Prior to joining the Utah State Board of Education, Sydnee served in Utah public schools in roles including teaching, school counseling, school administration, and district administration. Superintendent Dickson began her education in a two-room schoolhouse in rural Utah and went on to earn master’s degrees in School Counseling, and School Administration as well as a doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy at the University of Utah. She earned additional degrees at Dixie State University, Utah State University, and Brigham Young University. Dr. Dickson is a frequent participant on state and national committees and boards; currently serving on the Board of Trustees for the Council of Chief State School Officers, and West Ed Board of Directors. Her professional expertise is grounded in engaging parents, providing educators with evidence-based professional learning, and developing transformative school leadership. Sydnee is passionate about developing equitable school systems to close achievement gaps and ensure students are prepared for their future.

Panelist

Spencer J. Cox, Utah’s 8th Lieutenant Governor, is from Fairview, Utah, where he currently resides with his wife, Abby and their four children. He is a graduate of Snow College, Utah State University, and Washington and Lee Law School. He formerly practiced law with Fabian & Clendenin and was Vice President and General Counsel of CentraCom. He has served as a councilman and mayor of Fairview, as a Sanpete County Commissioner, and in the Utah House of Representatives. Lieutenant Governor Cox is by statute the chief election officer of the state and the liaison between the governor and legislature. He travels extensively throughout the state supporting economic development and local government solutions. He is committed to strengthening families, transforming education, increasing voter participation, utilizing modern technologies, promoting healthy living, and empowering the homeless and impoverished. He and his family enjoy spending time in Utah’s amazing backcountry. He also plays the bass guitar with his brother in a local rock band.

Study Author

Laura Summers serves as the senior health care analyst at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, conducting research on health care data, policies, and impacts to the Utah health care sector. Summers has expertise in health care, economics, and public policy. In health care, Summers’ research focus is state-level health reform, with a particular focus in Medicaid, public health, mental health, and the social determinants of health. Prior to joining the Institute, Summers was the senior director of state intelligence at Leavitt Partners, where she prepared detailed studies of state-by-state comparative data and analyzed national and state health care programs, policies, and trends. In addition to providing research and consulting services to payers, providers, and other health care companies, Summers led health care reform initiatives in states such as Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Washington State. Summers previously served as the Research Director of the Utah Foundation. Summers received her MPP with an emphasis in Public Economics from Brigham Young University and her B.S. in Economics from Westminster College.

Study Author

Samantha W. Ball is a senior research associate at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute where she provides research, analysis, facilitation, and instruction on a range of subjects including public policy and deliberative community engagement. Dr. Ball facilitated discussion groups and provided analysis for the Gardner Institute’s 2019 report on Utah’s Mental Health System, and advanced informed non-partisan public deliberation on policy issues through the Gardner Policy Institute’s role as a Kettering Foundation Center for Public Life, including a project involving diverse deliberative groups of parents throughout the state discussing their experiences with early childhood education services. Dr. Ball holds a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA, an MPP from Georgetown University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utah. Prior to working at the Gardner Policy Institute, Dr. Ball worked in Washington, D.C. as a Congressional Legislative Assistant and a program analyst at the Department of Education and at the Department of Health and Human Services. She has also served as an adjunct instructor in Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Utah.

Speaker

Rebecca Dutson is President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Children’s Center where she combines her passion for changing lives and building community. Rebecca is recognized for her business acumen and innovative style, receiving the distinction from Utah Business as one of Utah’s Rising Stars—Forty Under 40, and 30 Women to Watch. Building a strong organizational culture is key to her success in creating high-performing teams and breaking through the status quo. As a member of Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors, she currently chairs the annual Women & Business Conference. Prior to joining The Children’s Center, Rebecca worked for United Way Worldwide (UWW), the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit. As Senior Director, Major Donor Relations, Rebecca led strategies to capitalize on one of the fastest growing areas in philanthropy—giving by high net worth individuals. Previously, Rebecca served as Executive Vice President and COO of United Way of Salt Lake, where she contributed leadership and vision, shaping the organization’s business model transformation. Rebecca innovated business practices that strengthened the brand and increased investments.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Mimi Graham, EdD, is Director of Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy, a center of excellence in trauma, infant mental health, human trafficked pregnant teens, and policy & best practices during the pivotal first 1,000 days of life.  She pioneered a statewide infant mental health movement building clinical capacity, co-founding the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health and infusing infant mental health across systems as showcased in Florida’s Cutting-Edge Trauma Initiatives.   As a member of the Florida Supreme Court Committee on Children, she spearheads Florida’s Early Childhood Court Initiative, integrating mental health into courts to break the multigenerational cycle of ACEs. 

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, MD, MPH, FAAP, California Surgeon General is an award-winning physician, researcher, and advocate dedicated to changing the way our society responds to one of the most serious, expensive, and widespread public health crises of our time: childhood trauma. She was appointed as California’s first-ever Surgeon General by Governor Gavin Newsom in January 2019. Her career has been dedicated to serving vulnerable communities and combating the root causes of health disparities. She is the Founder of the Center for Youth Wellness, an organization leading the effort to advance pediatric medicine, raise public awareness, and transform the way society responds to children exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. Dr. Burke Harris’ TED Talk, “How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across the Lifetime” has been viewed more than 7 million times. Her book “The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity” was called “indispensable” by The New York Times. She is the recipient of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award presented by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Heinz Award for the Human Condition.