Helping children and families thrive requires connection that leads to action, yet many professionals lack the skills to create an environment of trust that leads to partnership and collaboration. Elayna Fernández shares the tools she has researched and developed to teach participants how to create strong connections that lead to supportive, sensitive, and sustainable care. At the conclusion of the presentation, participants should be able to: 1. Understand the 3 prerequisites to foster trust, openness, and collaboration 2. Learn 2 easy, evidence-based tools to connect with those you want to help in a safe, sensitive, and supportive way. 3. Practice Elayna’s 5-step S.T.O.R.Y. system to create partnership and invite transformation.