Chelsea McGonigle

Chelsea McGonigle serves as the Director of Prevention and Education at Change the Conversation where she leads school-based partnerships and oversees the implementation of Turn the Talk and other professional development trainings designed to foster safer, more informed communities. After three years of close collaboration as a consultant, Chelsea formally joined the team driven by her strong belief in the organization’s mission and its lasting impact.

Chelsea is a seasoned Family Life Educator with nearly 15 years of experience supporting youth and families impacted by trauma. Her work has included curriculum and program development, case management, crisis intervention, psychoeducational group facilitation, and professional training — all aimed at fostering long-term resilience. As the founder of CDM Education & Prevention Consultants, Chelsea partners with schools and community organizations to lead transparent, relevant conversations around Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). She holds certifications as a Darkness to Light Group Facilitator and a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Deeply committed to prevention, Chelsea is passionate about creating access to the knowledge and tools children need to recognize and expect safety in their relationships, shifting the focus from intervention to proactive education.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies with a concentration in Services to Children and Youth, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi in recognition of her academic excellence. Chelsea is also an active volunteer in her community and lives in the Baltimore area with her husband and daughters.

Chelsea can be reached at chelsea@cthec.org