WVWC Center for Addiction & Trauma

What is the Center for Addiction and Trauma?

The West Virginia Wesleyan College Center for Trauma and Addiction (WVWC CAT) is a hub for ideas and innovation, bringing together thought leaders, practitioners, and scholars from across the state to reimagine how we respond to trauma and substance use in our communities. Building on the success of its inaugural Summer Institute, which brought together more than 100 attendees, WVWC CAT is expanding its efforts to provide innovative, skills-based training across West Virginia. The Center is now taking its virtual simulation experience on the road, offering training opportunities for Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) employees and other professionals throughout the state. These interactive simulations use real-world scenarios and facilitated debriefing with trained counselor educators to strengthen practical skills, encourage collaborative problem-solving, and support professionals working with children and families. WVWC CAT also hopes to host another conference, continuing to create opportunities for cross-disciplinary dialogue, professional development, and statewide collaboration. Through these efforts, the Center is positioning West Virginia Wesleyan College as a catalyst for partnerships that elevate best practices, strengthen communities, and nurture a new generation of servant leaders.    

CASA Simulation Roadshow: Where Healing Takes Root

November 9, 2026: Marion County Training, White Hall, WV

November 16, 2026 : Northern Panhandle Training, Wheeling, WV

2026 Summer Institute: Where Healing Takes Root

Conference Photos

A picture of two attendees walking through the West Virginia Wesleyan campus during the 2026 Summer Institute hosted by the Center for Addiction and Trauma.
A picture of a group of people listening to a presentation at the 2026 Summer Institute hosted by the Center for Addiction and Trauma at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
A picture of an attendee taking notes on a flip chart for a working group at the 2026 Summer Institute hosted by the Center for Addiction and Trauma at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
A picture of a person giving a presentation at the 2026 Summer Institute hosted by the Center for Addiction and Trauma at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Two female attendees take a picture at the 2026 Summer Institute hosted by the Center for Addiction and Trauma at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Three female attendees stop for a group photo at the 2026 Summer Institute hosted by the Center for Addiction and Trauma at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Three female attendees stop for a group photo at the 2026 Summer Institute hosted by the Center for Addiction and Trauma at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Five female attendees stop for a group photo at the 2026 Summer Institute hosted by the Center for Addiction and Trauma at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
A presenter speaks during a four person panel presentation at the 2026 Summer Institute hosted by the Center for Addiction and Trauma at West Virginia Wesleyan College.