In a recent interview on the Mission Control podcast, Alex Brace, the Executive Director of Small Talk Child Advocacy Center, shared insights into his journey, the organization’s mission, and the challenges of leading a field dedicated to helping children heal from trauma.
A Serendipitous Start
Alex’s path to becoming a leader in child advocacy began unexpectedly during his junior year of high school. Initially reluctant to take an AP Psychology class, he could not switch out due to administrative hurdles. This twist of fate was life-changing when his teacher, M. Hubbard, welcomed him warmly and ignited his passion for psychology.
This experience set Alex on a course that led him through undergraduate and graduate studies in psychology and counseling at Michigan State University. After a brief stint working with adults with severe mental illness in Wisconsin, Alex found his way back to his hometown of Lansing, Michigan, where he joined Small Talk at its inception in 2011.
The Mission of Small Talk
Small Talk’s mission is to provide hope, healing, and justice to children impacted by sexual and physical abuse in Ingham and Eaton counties. The organization offers free healing services, including forensic interviews, counseling, advocacy, and prevention work. Alex emphasizes that while it’s difficult to say it’s “great” work due to the nature of the issues they address, he’s grateful for the organization’s impact on the community.
The Transition to Leadership
In 2015, Alex became the executive director of Small Talk. He admits that the transition from therapist to administrator was challenging, as his training hadn’t prepared him for the managerial aspects of the job. However, he found that his background in therapy provided valuable skills for leading the organization.
Alex describes his leadership style as democratic and collaborative. He values input from his team and believes in the power of collective problem-solving. “I really like the idea of hiring people smarter than me,” he says, emphasizing the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to decision-making processes.
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Despite the heavy nature of their work, Alex strives to maintain a joyful and hopeful atmosphere at Small Talk. He believes finding positivity in their mission is critical, describing Small Talk as “the best part of maybe the worst day of somebody’s life.” This approach helps the team cope with the vicarious and secondary trauma they encounter daily.
The Challenges of Recruitment and Retention
Regarding hiring, Alex and his team are transparent about the problematic nature of the work. They look for candidates who can honestly assess their ability to handle challenging situations and have developed healthy coping mechanisms. Small Talk has implemented a comprehensive onboarding program to ensure new staff members feel supported and have access to supervision when needed.
Work-Life Balance and Self-Care
Alex acknowledges the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance for himself and his team. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, writing, exercising, and riding along the river trail. These activities help him unwind and gain perspective on his work.
As a father, Alex finds that his personal life brings added depth to his professional role. It makes him more grateful and intentional about creating a safe environment at home and work. He also sees the importance of modeling a healthy work-life balance for his daughter.
Looking to the Future
Alex views his work at Small Talk as one of the most important things he’ll ever do, second only to being a husband and father. He is committed to ensuring the organization’s longevity and impact, hoping that one day, there will no longer be a need for child advocacy centers.
Until that day comes, Alex and the team at Small Talk continue their vital work, providing essential services to needy children. Their efforts serve as a beacon of hope in the community, offering support and healing to those who need it most.
For those interested in learning more about Small Talk or connecting with Alex, he can be reached at abrace@smalltalkcac.org. Information about the organization can be found at smalltalkcac.org or on its social media platforms.
