cREating Traditions: Building Memories That Last

About this event

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, yet many families feel the pressure to measure them in presents. And once the wrapping paper is gone, many toys lose their luster within a few weeks.

What if the most meaningful gift we gave our children was a tradition?

Join us on Saturday, November 21, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM for a morning of learning and conversation about creating holiday traditions that work for your family and last for years to come.

The Center for Child Counseling will share HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) and explore how positive childhood experiences support well-being and lifelong resilience. Resource Depot will share creative ideas for meaningful holiday traditions that focus on experiences, creativity, and connection rather than buying more.

Gain a deeper understanding of how simple, shared experiences support children’s growth. Learn fresh ideas for holiday traditions that don’t depend on buying more. And connect with other families who want to do things differently.

All parents, caregivers, and families are welcome.

Click below to learn more about HOPE.

Speakers:

Ljubica “Jibby” Ciric, PsyD.

Jibby Ciric with her bachelor's degree in Public Health, master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and doctorate degree in Psychology, has had a lifelong passion for doing all she can to promote individual health, bring healing to others and improve the welfare of the community.

Her professional career reflects her passion. She has worked as a mental health professional at a correctional facility and as an intervention therapist for victims of natural disasters. In her current role as Senior Director, Strategic Impact for the Center for Child Counseling, she plays a role in shaping and executing the direction of the Palm Beach County-based nonprofit, including a focus on organizational and program development, building partnerships, organizational expansion and agency funding. In her previous position as the Vice President of Child and Family Mental Health Services, she oversaw the clinical programs of Community Partners of South Florida. Jibby has educated and trained mental health professionals entering the field, as well as created and managed innovative programs related to inclusion of the most at-risk communities in Palm Beach County.

Jibby completed a project management degree and created multiple programs including trauma team and intake department. As a master’s graduate, she spent time in Europe working on relief following the war in the former Yugoslavia. She has held seminars in Europe, provided education about the effects of trauma on socio-emotional, neurological, and physical development. From a young age, when she served as a member of Serbian National Track and Field Team. Jibby had a commitment and dedication to serving the communities she has been a part of and more recently she served as a member of Palm Beach Medical Society Services Board and its Heroes in Medicine Committee.

Yassaira Martell, MPA

Director of Early Intervention Services

Strategic leadership provider for Education and Prevention Services (EPS). Her work focuses on advancing prevention initiatives, strengthening families, and expanding access to services that promote children's social-emotional well-being. Through strategic planning, program oversight, and community collaboration, she supports sustainable approaches that foster resilient children, healthy families, and thriving communities.

Yassaira holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education and Early Childhood Development. Her professional credentials also include an Infant Mental Health Endorsement and training as a postpartum doula. This interdisciplinary background informs her approach to leadership, integrating public administration, child development, maternal and infant well-being, and family-centered support to address the needs of children and communities. Her work emphasizes organizational development, operational efficiency, performance monitoring, and the implementation of sustainable practices that align program goals with organizational priorities and community needs.

Yassaira is committed to strengthening partnerships among educational institutions, community organizations, and social service providers to expand the reach and effectiveness of early intervention and prevention services. Through professional training, caregiver education, consultation, and collaborative program development, she supports organizations in building their capacity to meet the needs of children and families. Her leadership promotes equitable access to resources, culturally responsive practices, and inclusive approaches that recognize the diverse experiences of the communities served.

Grounded in relationship-centered practice, trauma-informed care, and the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework, Yassaira champions the importance of positive childhood experiences, protective factors, nurturing relationships, and safe, supportive environments. She is passionate about integrating prevention into organizational and community systems, strengthening leadership capacity, and advancing continuous quality improvement. Through her work, she remains dedicated to building sustainable systems of support that empower professionals, strengthen families, and improve outcomes for children and future generations.

Funded in part by:

Florida Division of Arts & Culture

Sponsored by:

Reworld , Standing Ovations , LaFrance Project , and Humana