Mercy in Action Campus

GMercyU Launches the Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education with Community Symposium

  • October 07, 2026
Domestic Violence Symposium Image with Kevin Steele, the Jordans, Tracy Davidson, President D'Emilio and Stephen Grieco

Gwynedd Mercy University officially launched the Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education on October 7 with an Inaugural Domestic Violence Education Symposium that brought together leaders from education, healthcare, victim services, law enforcement, and community organizations. 

Held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the event provided an opportunity for professionals, students, and community members to learn from experts and engage in meaningful conversations about trauma and domestic violence.  

The symposium featured a keynote presentation by Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, and a panel discussion moderated by Emmy Award-winning journalist Tracy Davidson. Panelists included Jalla Atkins, Coordinator, SAFE Center at Jefferson Abington Hospital; Jessica Carson, Community Education Program Supervisor, Victim Services Center of Montgomery County; Stacy Dougherty, Executive Director, Laurel House; Maria Macaluso, Executive Director, Women’s Center of Montgomery County; and Leon Smith 2026 National Teacher of the Year and 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. 

Speakers shared perspectives from their fields, highlighting the importance of awareness, advocacy, and compassionate support for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. 

In her opening remarks, Colleen Lelli, EdD, Director of the Jordan Center and Professor of Education at GMercyU, emphasized the importance of turning awareness into action through education, advocacy, and community partnerships that support individuals and families impacted by trauma. 

Keynote Speaker Kevin Steele, spoke about the impact of domestic violence and the importance of creating environments where survivors feel safe seeking help. 

"There is great work going on here [Gwynedd Mercy University], and the partnerships that we have seen are outstanding. That's why I believe this is the right place for the Jordan Center," Steele said. 

The symposium also marked the official launch of the Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education at GMercyU, a new initiative dedicated to expanding education, professional training, research, and community partnerships related to trauma and domestic violence. The Center was established through a $55,000 investment from longtime area philanthropists Barbara and John Jordan and builds upon years of work led by Lelli in the field of trauma-informed education. 

The Jordan Center complements GMercyU's broader violence prevention efforts, including a recently awarded $40,000 Pennsylvania Department of Education It's On Us grant. Together, these initiatives will strengthen educational programming, expand professional development opportunities, and provide additional resources that support survivors while advancing prevention and awareness efforts throughout the region. 

Learn more about GMercyU’s Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education here.