About the Trainers

PCA CA trainers are a highly engaging and dedicated group who believe that developing the expertise of prevention and family support staff is key to achieving successful outcomes for families. In fun, interactive settings, trainers involve participants in hands-on exercises and small group activities. Meet the Trainers:

The Prevent Child Abuse CA (PCA CA) Training Department has a team of passionate and creative trainers who bring a unique blend of program and training experience to an innovative learning environment that inspires and motivates individuals to use their new skills in their service to children and families. The trainers strongly believe that developing the skills and knowledge of prevention and family support staff is key to achieving successful outcomes for families.

Read about the trainers and the comments class participants have made after attending their trainings.

Debbie Blagsvedt

“Debbie is a dynamic, excellent facilitator. 4 Stars!!!” --Jose

Debbie is the Program and Training Manager for Prevent Child Abuse California. She has been responsible for managing state-wide AmeriCorps grants and Is currently the Project Manager for a four county-wide mentoring children of prisoners grant. She trains several of the PCA CA courses including: Conflict Resolution, Professional Boundaries and Cultural Awareness. She has a wealth of experience in training, consulting, and project management and has worked with multi-billion dollar organizations to small community based organizations. In addition, she has been involved with agencies serving unwed teen mothers, troubled youth, deaf children, and mentally ill adults. Debbie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from California State University, Sacramento. She has also completed graduate work in Human Resources Management at Golden Gate University, San Francisco.

Lisa Holmstrom

“Lisa is a very knowledgeable, well-spoken, energetic trainer. Her positive energy helped create a safe learning environment.” --Katarina

Lisa is a Training Specialist for Prevent Child Abuse California. Lisa is the Chapter’s lead certified Healthy Families America Family Support Worker Trainer and Child Development/Parent Child Interaction Trainer. Her background includes serving as the Deputy Director for a non-profit organization in Lassen County where she managed multiple projects including a countywide home visitation program funded by First 5, teaching private kindergarten and providing home visitation to preschoolers with developmental delays. She has also taught preschool in a variety of settings, including both state funded programs and private, licensed centers. Lisa has a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development/Elementary Education from Humboldt State University.

Penny Sanders

“Our trainer, Penny, made us all feel very comfortable discussing the issues. It was informative and she made it fun and interactive.” --Lorraine

As a Training Specialist for Prevent Child Abuse California, Penny trains various courses such as Conflict Resolution and Communication Skills and the AmeriCorps Active Citizens curriculum. She is also the Training Coordinator for all PCA CA Trainings. Her background includes experience training a variety of concepts and programs while simultaneously overseeing and working on multiple projects as a Finance Officer in the United States Air Force. Penny is fluent in German and is currently learning Russian. Penny has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages-German from Montana State University.