Join us on April 12, 2024
About Us
The purpose of the Cherish the Child Symposium is to increase knowledge regarding many aspects of child
protection to enhance the skills of professionals as well as laypersons in the community. This ultimately
translates into improved judicial, administrative, and investigative handling, as well as, treatment of child abuse
and maltreatment. Cherish the Child provides training for professionals and community members across the
child-serving system, and creates a common and collaborative focus, involving those through the county, state,
public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to work together to improve interagency communication, sharing of
resources, referral processes and identification of barriers to service, as well as service gaps.
Shari Simmons
Keynote speaker
As an LCSW, Shari has had a 32-year career directing treatment facilities (both residential and outpatient) for youth in Colorado. Eight years ago, she was asked by the Colorado Department of Human Services to provide consultation and training to mental health facilities across the region on how to implement trauma informed best practices. Now, she travels the country and speaks on her book, Which Way?, which takes a deep dive into epigenetic trauma and resiliency. As a former foster parent and current trainer/therapist for Colorado Foster Source, she provides training to foster/kinship parents and kinship that offers strategies for raising the youth in their care. Shari's talks receive rave reviews because she highlights powerful case studies and equips audiences with tools they can implement in their work, as well as their personal lives. Recently awarded with Professor of the Year at MSU, she teaches graduate level social work and psychology classes and runs a small private practice.
Dr. John Gaines
Plenary Speaker
Dr. John “Push” Gaines is a former at-risk kid turned CEO/Founder of nonprofit PUSH for Dreams, a Best-selling author, renowned speaker, leadership consultant, and mentorship advocate. His message of pushing through adversity and defying the odds has transformed classrooms, school districts, and businesses across the nation.
Dr. Gaines has heartfelt enthusiasm for his audience and embraces crucial subject matters with a highly organic, kind-hearted approach fueled by positivity and the intrinsic desire to unite community. Dr. Gaines is celebrated for nurturing youth & professionals through his own trauma, life experience, and unique challenges that ultimately became the driving force behind his mission and genuine desire to elevate and motivate students, teachers, administrators, professionals, and communities. Dr. Gaines was named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential People of 2020” by YAHOO News 2020. Dr. Gaines’ ability to relate to his audiences and help them imagine greater possibilities makes him so unique.
Dr. Gaines earned his nickname “PUSH” because he believes in the power of perseverance and teaches others to “keep pushing” through life’s obstacles to become the best version of themselves.
He has devoted himself to the world community. He has proudly appeared as a guest speaker at universities, corporations, national conferences, nonprofit events, NBA skill camps, school assemblies, and youth camps nationwide. As a graduate of East Central University, where he was named Outstanding Student in Business and won a football championship as captain of the football team, he is the picture of success. With a Master’s degree in Business Leadership and a Doctorate in Business Administration, he demonstrates outstanding dedication and personal achievement.
His greatest joy is being a Husband to Emily and a father to Anorah & Benny.
