Connections: Trauma and Suicide – Chester County Suicide Prevention Partnership

Connections: Trauma & Suicide is a training developed collaboratively between the Chester County Suicide Prevention Partnership and the Chester County ACEs Coalition. During the training, facilitators help the group explore why integrating these two areas is essential for effective prevention and postvention work.

The Chester County ACEs Coalition, a collaborative network of individuals and organizations, increases awareness, knowledge, and prevention strategies on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, and toxic stress. Building resilience and fostering hope can offset the cycle of trauma as well as contribute to long-term health benefits, bringing strength to our communities.

Chelsea Kunkel

Chelsea Kunkel is the Coordinator of the Chester County ACEs Coalition, where she leads countywide efforts to increase awareness of trauma, resilience, and prevention. She co-developed and co-presents the Connections: Trauma & Suicide training and has served as a co-facilitator of the Chester County Suicide Loss Survivor Support Group since its inception in January 2024. After losing her father to suicide in 2019, Chelsea became passionate about supporting others through their grief journey and is committed to creating compassionate spaces for healing, connection, and hope.

Tracy Behringer

Tracy Behringer has been a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid since 2014 and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention, since 2006. She worked in the local mental health community for 20 years before her retirement from the Chester County Office of Mental Health in 2026.