The co-founders of Embracing Challenges had a great time at FABA 2025 in Ponte Vedra Beach! One of our favorite parts was attending a special presentation by the Psychology Department at East Carolina University, led by Dr. Jeannie Golden. We were inspired by the students and alumni who spoke about important topics like supporting Hispanic families with autism, children of deported parents, and students coming back to school or leaving incarceration.

They also shared great insights on helping people facing domestic violence, substance use stigma, and mental health challenges in military culture. We’re proud to be part of a field that works to support all communities and look forward to bringing what we learned into our daily work!
Also interested Dr. Rose Iovannone from the University of South Florida who presented the STAY Project, a $2 million initiative focused on helping students in grades 3–8 with or at risk for disabilities who struggle with school refusal.

The project combines cognitive behavioral therapy and functional behavior assessment to create individualized, stepped-care interventions aimed at improving school attendance, reducing emotional and behavioral challenges, and increasing engagement—especially in light of rising chronic absenteeism following the COVID-19 pandemic.