There is an old saying that the only constant is change. It turns out that the quote comes from a Greek philosopher which just goes to show how long people have thought about this truth. For the past 3 ½ years, the TINRC has been very lucky to have almost the same team we started with when the project launched. Together we have accomplished many goals working with the NYS Office of Mental Health, our many partners and you.
With this in mind, I wanted to share a few changes underway at the TINRC. Anita Black, Operations Director, has accepted a new position and will be leaving CCSI and TINRC in July. Anita has been a steady steward for this project, and her leadership, guidance and warm presence will be missed. We celebrate all of her contributions to the TINRC which will continue to guide us forward. I will also be transitioning to a new role as Senior Advisor to the TINRC. In this capacity, I will continue to contribute to support network development and expansion.
We are excited to announce that Joanne Trinkle has joined the TINRC team as the new Project Director. Joanne’s years of experience both in trauma responsive practices and leadership of large, statewide initiatives will be an asset as we move from development to dissemination. We are confident under Joanne’s leadership that the TINRC will continue to grow across NYS and deepen its impact.
It has been my privilege and honor to serve as the first Project Director of TINRC. I am grateful to have worked hand in hand with colleagues across the state and to all the new people I have had the privilege to meet and build relationships with. I look forward to continuing collaboration in my new role.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth
On June 15, 2026, Elizabeth Meeker transitioned to Senior Advisor, where she will continue to provide her expertise and support the network’s ongoing growth and expansion. We are also thrilled to welcome Joanne Trinkle as TINRC’s new Project Director. Joanne brings years of experience both in trauma-responsive practices and leadership of large, statewide initiatives.
We also want to thank Anita Black, who will be leaving CCSI and TINRC on July 10 to begin a new opportunity. Anita’s dedication and guidance have been instrumental to TINRC’s success, and she will be greatly missed.
This transition has been planned with care and intention. TINRC is evolving into a new phase – from development to dissemination – and we are confident under Joanne’s new leadership that the TINRC will continue to grow across NYS and deepen its impact.
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the
4th Annual Join the Journey Conference!
This FREE event for all New Yorkers takes place on September 22 & 23, 2026 in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Join us to connect, learn, and restore as we explore ways to advance trauma-informed practices into our work and community. This event is made possible with support from the New York State Office of Mental Health.
The NYS TINRC is thrilled to announce the successful launch of the Frontline Workers Wellness Toolkit. Made possible through funding from the NYS Office of Mental Health, this free online toolkit was built with frontline workers in mind — offering practical, accessible resources for stress awareness and everyday wellness.
On June 17th, over 180 New Yorkers across industries and regions joined us virtually to mark this milestone. Missed it? Watch the recording here!
Have a resource, idea, or suggestion for the toolkit? We want to hear it! Scroll to the bottom of the toolkit homepage and share your feedback — your input helps us grow and strengthen meaningful wellness tools for all New Yorkers.
Over 70 people from across NYS joined our virtual Quarterly Network Meeting in April to discuss giving and receiving feedback. Facilitated by TINRC’s Gwen Olton, the Ask-Offer-Ask micro-practice was explored and participants joined regional groups to discuss what feedback practices look like in their own workplace and communities. The discussions highlighted that these micro practices are needed to support trauma-informed feedback practices. The Ask-Offer-Ask resource below serves as a useful tool to support trauma-informed feedback practices at work, home and community.
On this episode of Pathways, Dr. Meeker sits down with Julie Chapus, LMSW, to discuss how she leveraged her social work background to create a cosmetology program designed to open meaningful career pathways for vulnerable communities. By integrating trauma-informed practices with vocational training, her program provides not just a cosmetology license but a true opportunity for healing and long-term stability.
By Shalet Laing
In this video, Shalet reflects on growing up in a family where storytelling was a central part of connection, identity, and memory. Through her experiences listening to stories about Guyana and family life, she begins to understand storytelling as more than tradition — as a form of resistance rooted in African culture. This section shows how those early moments shaped the way she listens, understands emotion, and connects storytelling to survival in Black communities.
By Naishah Brown Ebanks
Grateful and blessed for the years
Of life
Humbled,
Grateful
What a time to be alive
Expanded practice sessions -with more dates & times! Now offering BBM sessions 5 days a week!
Stress relief that’s quick, simple, free, and available to all! Join our BBM practice sessions to learn gentle, science-based exercises that help reduce stress and build resilience.
Join our 2026 Quarterly Networking Series, Morning Connections: Skills and Networking.
Session 3: Holding Space for Big Emotions
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Time: 10am – 11am
Location: Virtual via Zoom
The NYS TINRC Newsletter is produced by CCSI. The views, opinions, and content expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH).
