About Valda:

Valda Branison is known throughout the country for her workshops and training programs on caregiving services, resources, diversity, equity, and inclusion, bridging the gap between intergenerational communities, programs for seniors, social engagement to combat isolation, team building and leadership development. Her work began in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. However, her facilitating services have allowed her to travel to Oklahoma, Mississippi, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and the Virgin Islands.

Valda's caregiving journey began when she helped her father care for her mother; she now has a caregiver Facebook page with over one thousand followers. Valda also has a background in education and clinical services. This includes her professional work as a consultant for Family First Resource Center where she developed training programs for educators and administrators, as well as volunteer experience at AARP, where she facilitates training programs for volunteers, staff, community organizations and senior centers. Her experience has led to membership of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging, which has allowed valuable opportunities to serve and present at workshops for the Social Isolation Task Force.

Professional Experience:

AARP
Program Facilitator

• - Developed and facilitated training programs for teachers, administrators, students and parents throughout the tri state area
• Designed activities with a focus theme on Future Leaders of Tomorrow, Conflict Resolution, Team Building, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Parent Engagement
• Most students participating in the programs are middle school and high school age
• Facilitated workshops for college students studying sociology and health care as it relates to ageism and intergenerational community services
• Presented classes virtually and hybrid using power point, zoom and video conferencing. Goal includes creating a more inclusive community

Family First Child Guidance Resource Center
Consultant and Program Coordinator

• Created and implemented therapeutic family retreats
• Focused on fun ways to develop skills required for appropriate social interactions, peer relationships and communication between parent/ child relationship and parent support group
• Provided a clinical approach, and performed surveys and progress assessments.

Fellowship Farm
Camp Supervisor

• Lead program trainer for public and private high schools students and staff
• Facilitated parent support groups
• Developed and Implemented special team building and conflict intervention 
• Co-facilitated outdoor adventure base and low ropes course

Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic
Program Specialist and Supervisor

• Provide intervention for parent support and child behavioral therapy
• The goal was to help the child return home and back to school

Highlighted Accomplishments

• Traveled extensively around the USA for AARP presenting workshops on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Member of National Coalition of 100 Black Women
• Created Facebook support group for Caregivers to provide intergenerational support and training to those in need