If you’re feeling the weight of burnout, negativity, or just looking for a fresh perspective in your prevention work, this conversation with Carla Ritz might be just the energizing boost you need. As Managing Director of the Montana Institute, Carla shares powerful insights on how shifting our lens to grow the good—especially through positive childhood experiences—can transform not only individuals, but entire communities.

The Power of “Growing the Good”

Carla describes her work with the Montana Institute and its founder, Dr. Jeff Linkenbach, as a daily opportunity to help prevention professionals refocus on what’s working in their communities. Through the Science of the Positive framework, practitioners are encouraged to uncover and amplify strengths instead of only reacting to problems.

“When the good grows, risk factors decrease as a byproduct.” – Carla Ritz

This asset-based approach is more than a feel-good strategy—it’s backed by growing research and yields tangible benefits in mental, physical, and behavioral health.

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What Are Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)?

While many of us are familiar with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), PCEs provide a much-needed counterbalance. Carla shares seven key experiences identified in research that predict healthier outcomes, even in the face of adversity:

Feeling able to talk to your family about emotions
Feeling your family stood by you during hard times
Enjoying participation in community traditions
Feeling safe and protected by an adult in your home
Having at least two non-parent adults show genuine interest in you
Feeling supported by friends
Feeling a sense of belonging at school

These aren’t grand, expensive experiences—they’re small, consistent moments of connection and safety. As Carla says, “It’s not the trip to Disneyland—it’s knowing someone’s got your back.”

Why It Matters for Prevention Professionals

Carla explains how focusing on PCEs can help address long-standing burnout and lack of progress in prevention initiatives. For years, many coalitions have centered their efforts on ACEs and trauma without seeing desired changes.

By shifting the focus to building the positive—without ignoring the hard—communities can:

Buffer the impacts of trauma: PCEs reduce the risk of depression and poor mental health, even among those with high ACE scores.
Foster resilience and belonging: Kids with consistent, nurturing relationships are more likely to thrive.
Increase engagement: Highlighting strengths instead of deficits motivates both professionals and community members.

How to Apply This in Your Community

Carla shared several actionable ways prevention professionals can use this science:

Reframe existing efforts: When planning or promoting community events, highlight which PCEs are present (e.g., community traditions, chances for connection).
Slow down: Create deeper engagement at events with interactive, relationship-building activities like crafts or games that require time and connection.
Use your platform: Whether it's a coalition calendar or a parent meeting, start naming and explaining PCEs to raise awareness.
Remove barriers: One example? Advocate for free student entry to sports events to boost school belonging and tradition.

“Give yourself permission to focus on the good. It’s evidence-based. It’s powerful. And it’s exactly what our communities need.” – Carla Ritz

The Synergy of Positive Childhood Experiences + Positive Community Norms

Carla calls these approaches the “dynamic duo.” When combined, they don't just support healthier behaviors—they change culture. The Science of the Positive helps amplify what’s already working and invites others to see their community in a more hopeful, accurate light.

Final Thought and Call to Action

Carla’s parting wisdom is this: Give what you already have. Your attention, your encouragement, your time—it matters. These investments create the relationships and environments where young people thrive.

Now it’s your turn:

👉 What’s one small thing you can do this week to increase positive experiences for a young person in your life or community?

Learn more about the Science of the Positive here.

Connect with Carla and the team:

https://www.instagram.com/the_montana_institute/
https://www.facebook.com/TheMontanaInstitute
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-ritz-005a17bb/

Beyond ACEs: The Power of Positive Childhood Experiences with Carla Ritz