Our Story
Co-founders Julia Seng and Mickey Sperlich connected in 1999 in their hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan. They are pioneers of care for childbearing people with a history of childhood maltreatment trauma. Mickey wrote her first article in 1993; Julia wrote hers in 1995. And since they joined forces, they have co-authored two books and over 100 academic papers in their current roles as professors of nursing (Julia) and social work (Mickey). Once their research showed that childhood maltreatment trauma was the biggest reason for posttraumatic stress, depression, and substance use in pregnancy, they decided to do something about that.
Participatory research with “survivor moms” showed that it was EDUCATION that was most wanted. And as it just so happened, these two midwives were high school teachers in their first careers, teaching special education with young adults (Mickey) and French
Mission
Our mission is to create and advance trauma-specific education programs for emerging adults, childbearing and parenting families, and their providers.
Vision
Our vision is to equip individuals to build a world in which trauma history, gender, and race are no longer predictors of health and social outcomes.
(Julia). They were easily carried forward into creating the Survivor Moms’ Companion® (SMC).
After several years of generous financial support from the Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute to fully develop the SMC, Mickey and Julia co-founded Growing Forward Together—GFT for short—in late 2020. In addition to moving SMC out into the world, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is developing the Trauma & Society program for youth and offers skill-building workshops, self-study modules, and journal and book club guides for professionals who work with trauma survivors.
Our Story
Co-founders Julia Seng and Mickey Sperlich connected in 1999 in their hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan. They are pioneers of care for childbearing people with a history of childhood maltreatment trauma. Mickey wrote her first article in 1993; Julia wrote hers in 1995. And since they joined forces, they have co-authored two books and over 100 academic papers in their current roles as professors of nursing (Julia) and social work (Mickey). Once their research showed that childhood maltreatment trauma was the biggest reason for posttraumatic stress, depression, and substance use in pregnancy, they decided to do something about that.
Participatory research with “survivor moms” showed that it was EDUCATION that was most wanted. And as it just so happened, these two midwives were high school teachers in their first careers, teaching special education with young adults (Mickey) and French (Julia). They were easily carried forward into creating the Survivor Moms’ Companion® (SMC).
After several years of generous financial support from the Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute to fully develop the SMC, Mickey and Julia co-founded Growing Forward Together—GFT for short—in late 2020. In addition to moving SMC out into the world, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is developing the Trauma & Society program for youth and offers skill-building workshops, self-study modules, and journal and book club guides for professionals who work with trauma survivors.
Mission
Our mission is to create and advance trauma-specific education programs for emerging adults, childbearing and parenting families, and their providers.
Vision
Our vision is to equip individuals to build a world in which trauma history, gender, and race are no longer predictors of health and social outcomes.
Our Values
As an organization, all workers and board members at GFT
- Join together in joyful service and work, embodying Nurturance Culture (defined as a deep capacity to create safety and trust) and the 6 principles of a trauma-informed approach: safety; trustworthiness & transparency; peer support; collaboration & mutuality; empowerment & choice; and attention to cultural, historical & gender Issues
- Believe that post-traumatic healing and growth is possible
- Are certain that knowledge, skills and hope can make a difference
- Honor diverse expertise
- Promote positive birth and safe, nurturing, and reflective parenting
- Celebrate “families of choice” and families of all forms
DEI Statement
At Growing Forward Together we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that acknowledges and respects the unique experiences and needs of every individual we serve and employ.
We promote zero tolerance for racism and discrimination of any kind. All should be safe from the impacts of racism and discrimination. Problems that arise are addressed with restorative or reparative justice processes. We embrace learning more and improving everyday.
Understanding that trauma and oppression interact and disproportionately affect marginalized communities, we strive to create a safe and supportive space where everyone feels heard, valued, empowered and safe. Our mission requires us to address systemic barriers and biases, ensuring that our services are accessible and equitable for all. We are dedicated to promoting healing and resilience through a culture of nurturance: empathy, respect, and inclusivity. We recognize that diversity enriches our community; enhances our ability to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care; and cultivates joy in who we work with and the services we provide.
We value our diverse intersecting identities related to race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, ability, age, and trauma-history within our organization and we strive actively and continuously to diversify our team to reflect the diverse community members we serve. We intentionally work to increase the range of voices shaping our work through means such as seeking funding for tutors and clients from minoritized groups, updating our materials to become more inclusive and accessible as we learn and grow.
All board members, staff, interns and contractors are called to embody an equitable and inclusive work culture committed to perpetual reflection, learning, and behavioral changes. Collectively, we aim to dismantle predominant power structures and cultures centered around white, male, cisgender, and trauma-free experiences.
Our Programs
Survivor Moms' Companion®
Support for new parents coping with trauma
Trauma & Society
A course for high school students and emerging adults
Professional Development
Advanced trauma education for people who work with trauma survivors