Georgia Conference on Child Abuse Prevention

2025 Georgia Conference on Child Abuse Prevention

Stronger Together: The Power and Nature of Community

Save the Date
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Peachtree City Hotel and Conference Center

Join over 350 professionals from across the state as we come together in Peachtree City on September 10, 2025, for innovative workshops regarding prevention, intervention, and the treatment of children and families impacted by child maltreatment. This conference is proudly hosted by Georgia Center for Child Advocacy and the Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Positive Childhood Alliance Georgia.

Keynote Speaker

Carla Ritz, Managing Director, The Montana Institute

With over 17 years of experience working coast-to-coast as a nonprofit leader, convener, early childhood and prevention advocate, and innovator, Carla brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Before joining the Institute, she served as the Executive Director for First 5 Lake County in Northern California, where she collaborated at the county, regional, and state levels to reduce ACEs by applying the principles of the Science of the Positive.

In her role at TMI, Carla keeps the authentic practice of the Science of the Positive at the forefront of the Institute’s internal work culture, ensuring that the team lives what they learn and lead. She guides the team to lean into the Core Principles as they navigate change and ambiguity, helping the organization transition from being merely busy to truly effective. Carla also delivers presentations and keynote addresses on the science of positive experiences and related topics.

At The Montana Institute, the culture is deeply influenced by the Science of the Positive, shaping everything they do—from behaviors and interactions to decision-making processes. Carla is proud to be part of an organization that integrates and practices what it promotes.

Carla is passionate about seeing the Institute’s impact and reach advance exponentially. She believes that more access to the Science of the Positive research and philosophy will grow the good in the world. Outside of work, Carla enjoys reading, baking, traveling, and embarking on spontaneous adventures.