JWB’s Second 2025 KidsFirst Award Winner Works with Kids after Trauma

As we observe BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month in July, we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Moran, a trained Behavior Analyst and Classroom Consultant for Directions for Living’s First Five program.

But she is also so much more than that: Gabriella is a coach, a counselor, a problem-solver, and a steady hand for Pinellas children, parents, and educators.

Gabriella works one-on-one and in small groups with children who have experienced trauma. She helps these little ones build emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and the confidence to stay in their classrooms and succeed.

Of her work, Gabriella says, “Providing trauma-informed behavior analytics services to our youngest learners is not just my profession; it’s my passion.”

She teaches children social and communication skills, promoting positive interactions with peers, teachers, and family members. These skills are essential in pursuit of children developing meaningful relationships and participating more fully in their community, and – most importantly – being able to heal from past traumatic events and prevent future traumas.

One of Gabriella’s clients, a 4-year-old boy, had been expelled from multiple early learning centers due to challenging behaviors. His family was literally on the brink—at risk of losing their jobs and housing. Then Gabriella rolled up her sleeves. She worked closely with his teachers, partnered with his family, and crafted a plan that helped him navigate the hardest parts of his day. Because of her passion and dedication, he has successfully completed VPK, started kindergarten, and is thriving! That is the power of one person who refuses to give up on a child.

And she doesn’t stop there—Gabriella works closely with teachers and caregivers, equipping them with practical tools, offering encouragement, and creating plans tailored to each child’s unique needs and history. She creates safe spaces for learning and healing for children and adults.

In her parent education groups, families learn how to manage tantrums, co-regulate emotions, and navigate the beautiful chaos of early childhood. Gabriella’s invaluable lessons on reducing specific issues like bedtime tantrums, successful family outings, and supporting your child’s social-emotional growth through co-regulation, not only support the children’s mental health and well-being but also that of their caregivers. Families consistently say Gabriella’s support has been life-changing.

“While I hope I’m teaching my students something every day,” she says, “the truth is they’ve taught me more than I ever imagined about resilience, unconditional love, and strength that has nothing to do with size or age.”

For more than 30 years, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County has used the annual KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue Awards to recognize outstanding social services professionals who provide direct services and work tirelessly to put children first. Gabriella Moran is certainly worthy of one of our four 2025 KidsFirst awards!