Please join us as we hear from Susan Galeas, President & CEO of the Family Center. 

 

The Family Center provides evidence based and research informed programs for parents, children, & professionals.

We approach our work through a non-judgmental and strengths-based lens, integrating advanced knowledge about, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences & Community Environments), PCEs (Positive Childhood Experiences), and HOPE.

Resilient children/teens achieve more academically and have improved health and mental health across their life spans. Research shows ACEs create an increased likelihood of poor health outcomes. Our ability to become successful adults in life relies on prevention or early intervention when ACEs exist.  How we respond impacts communities for generations. 

In addition to our parenting groups, we also offer wrap around services to increase support across the systems families encounter and help parents be better able to provide safe, nurturing homes. When budget allows we include direct support for basic needs.

The Family Center is a change agent in our community. Our evidence-based or research-informed programs provide guidance and support as families navigate new strategies for coping with trauma and move forward with greater awareness, confidence, and a renewed hope for resilience!


Founded in 1985 by area Exchange Clubs (including what is now the Economic Club of Nashville), The Family Center has been an integral part of Middle Tennessee’s nonprofit landscape for 40 years. Our programs help children by ensuring parents have the information, skills, and access to resources necessary for children to be raised in safe, stable, nurturing environments; they integrate an awareness of scientific research demonstrating the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences on health and mental health outcomes, along with the restorative benefits of positive childhood experiences. We provide parenting groups (community based & virtual; in jails & substance recovery centers; through nonprofit partners), 1:1 family coaching, teen parenting groups in MNPS high schools, and direct client assistance/case management for some of our community’s most vulnerable children and their families. The Family Center’s mission and vision are breaking intergenerational cycles of childhood trauma & creating a resilient community where all children thrive.

Susan Galeas has 30+ years of nonprofit management, development, public policy, and marketing experience… specifically working to transform organizations into fiscally healthy, mission driven, and highly successful entities by integrating vision, creativity, strategy, engagement, and a “focus on good.”  Over the past 7 years, as President & CEO of The Family Center, she’s worked closely with the board and staff to overcome “cycles of challenges” much like the organization works with families to overcome cycles of trauma. As a result of these efforts, The Family Center is achieving post-pandemic fiscal stability, continuing to utilize evidence-based programming, and remaining nimble through an ever evolving focus on need vs resources as we help children in our community by assisting parents in providing safe, stable, nurturing environments. Prior to Nashville, Susan served as President & CEO of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles for 6 ½ years. Her experience also  includes leadership positions in various nonprofits from a Center for Nonprofits to the Girl Scouts. She earned her BA in Psychology (w/ a minor in Sociology) from Loyola University, New Orleans, her Master of Social Work from Tulane University, and her Master of Public Health from Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine (New Orleans).  Susan is the proud mom of a 34-year-old daughter, two fur babies (one canine, one feline) and “YaYa” to her daughter’s coysky, Luna.  She loves traveling and reading and snow!