Life isn’t easy for a lot of kids. In the United States, one in three children have experienced childhood trauma such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. And according to the World Health Organization, these Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) cost North America over $748 billion annually.

Decades of research show that strong, early relationships dramatically influence children’s brain development, social-emotional and cognitive skills, and long-term health outcomes. For over 20 years, the Playmaker Project has helped over 25,000 early childhood professionals build healing, life-changing relationships with over 1 million children.

Annifreed was four years old when Erin came into her life as her daycare teacher. 20 years laters, she’s still an amazing force on inspiration on her life.