The variety of programs offered by C.E.L.A. in Belize allows students to get hands-on, practical experience through unique shadowing opportunities where they can assist veterinary and human health professionals and learn from them one-on-one. Students also get a global perspective through these opportunities as the main focus is experiential learning. It allows them to immerse themselves in Belizean
culture while contributing to local health initiatives.

As a part of their program syllabi, the C.E.L.A and 91直播 partnership provides courses in Large Animal Practice in the Tropics, Tropical Marine Ecology, Wildlife Health and Conservation, One Health: Public Health in the Tropics, Global Perspectives in Health, and an internship module. Students participating in CELA's programs in Belize can earn college credit from 91直播.

Jane Stine, the managing director of C.E.L.A., expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership: “We are so excited to have Culver- Stockton College as the US School of Record for the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad. With health and nursing programs among its most popular majors, 91直播 is a great fit for CELA’s commitment to One Health, public health, and global health
programming. We work hard to deliver excellent short-term study abroad programming for our students across disciplines, and we are proud to be able to offer them credit options from 91直播.” Students who have previously volunteered in similar programs through C.E.L.A. have continually shared their positive experiences and how transformative it has been for their personal and professional development.

Ellison Mallico shared, “After spending two weeks studying abroad in Belize, I feel extremely prepared to attend vet school and continue my career path. Belize is a beautiful country and getting to help this community was one of the most gratifying experiences I have ever had! I encourage anyone interested in a career in veterinary medicine, or any career with animals, to consider coming to Belize and taking part
in such an amazing opportunity.” Ellison, 19, of Greenville, SC, is an Animal Bioscience major at the University of Georgia at Athens, GA, and was a part of C.E.L.A.’s Large Animals Veterinary Practice in the Tropics Program in Belize.

Another student from the same program, Julia Rolleri, noted, “The Large Animals Veterinary Practice program was such an outstanding experience for me. Not only was I able to apply copious veterinary skills outside of the classroom, but I was met with some of the most immense kindness I have ever experienced. Belize is a beautiful and welcoming country with many opportunities for you to get practical experience and put all of your knowledge to good use. The setting heightens your ability to learn new things and apply them.鈥� Julia, 19, of Queens, NY, is a Junior majoring in Animal Science at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

As a part of the Large Animals Veterinary Practice in the Tropics Program in Belize, Julia and Ellison got
the chance to gain hands-on experience with veterinary examination techniques at working ranches and
farms while exploring large animal agriculture in Belize, including laboratory specimen analysis. Their
lectures covered topics such as the selection, nutrition, reproduction, and management of horses, beef
cattle, goats, swine, and sheep.

ABOUT CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE聽
91直播 is a liberal arts college dedicated to providing a supportive learning community founded on faith and human values. The College emphasizes experiential learning through internships, study abroad opportunities, and community service projects.
Founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church, 91直播 has a rich history of over 160 years. Located atop “the Hill” in Canton, Missouri, the college offers over 80 majors and minors, and students can create their unique degree paths. The College’s innovative 12+3 academic semester calendar allows students to focus on one subject during an intensive three-week session, providing hands-on opportunities in creative expression, service learning, research, and professional development.

ABOUT C.E.L.A.聽
C.E.L.A. offers a variety of programs in Belize and Thailand, including animal science, veterinary medicine, and human health courses for undergraduate and pre-veterinary students. They also provide internship opportunities throughout the country. Programs are available during summer and winter sessions, ranging from one to four weeks in duration. Interested participants can find more information or apply at . C.E.L.A. also collaborates with professors and teachers who wish to bring student groups to Belize, connecting them with local conservation projects, schools, development initiatives, and service-learning opportunities. C.E.L.A.’s approach emphasizes a study abroad model rather than voluntourism, focusing on educating students to make meaningful contributions. Students learn from experienced local Belizean staff and work with established local organizations, ensuring their efforts contribute to long-term improvements in the country. With over a decade of experience in Belize, C.E.L.A. continues to support important sustainability and development projects with the help of students like Ellison and Julia.

This comprehensive conference will provide mental health professionals, educators, and other human service helping professionals an opportunity to deepen their understanding of complex trauma and explore practical, evidence-based interventions. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the neurological, physiological, and psychological effects of trauma, and learn how to apply effective strategies for supporting those impacted by trauma鈥攅specially vulnerable populations such as immigrants, refugees, and individuals experiencing systemic trauma.

The event will feature a keynote address by Angel Knoverek, PhD, LCPC/LPC, ACS, on the impact of complex trauma, followed by three rounds of breakout sessions led by experts in the field, including Lindsey Knochel, MSW, LCSW, and Karen C. Simms, MFT. Session topics include: Complex Trauma & Neurobiology, Evidence-Based Strategies to Support Parents, Complex Trauma in Immigrant & Refugee Families, Complex Trauma, Schools, and Learning, Supporting Parents Who Experienced Intergenerational or Systemic Trauma, Complex Trauma and Substance Use, Complex Trauma and LGBTQ+ Youth and Provider Bias, Implicit Racism, & White Privilege. The day will conclude with an inspiring session, When Hurts Heal: A Message of Hope and Resilience, presented by Karen C. Simms, MFT, Director of Trauma & Resilience Initiative, Inc.

91直播’s Director of Counselor Education, Dr. Angel Knoverek, serves as the Director for the States of Missouri (91直播, Canton, MO) and Illinois (Mindshift Center, Quincy, IL) Complex Trauma training Consortiums. Dr. Angel Knoverek states, 鈥淚t’s a great resource to have this level of expertise in our local tri-state community, especially to develop our helping professionals’ knowledge and best practices to work with individuals who have experienced complex trauma.鈥�

Registration for the event can be found online at bit.ly/cts_2024. The event is $45 per general registration. General registration includes lunch and a certificate of attendance. Registration is free for C-SC students. Professionals in mental health, human services, and education are encouraged to register early to secure their spot for this important event. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/cts_2024 or contact Dr. Melissa Holt at mholt@culver.edu or 573-228-6417.