CINCINNATI — For this singer, it’s art over ACEs, or adverse childhood experiences.

If the effects from ACEs tell us about human challenges, Kathy Wade’s work in Cincinnati and beyond shows us human possibilities.

“We know that art is our most common bond, cause art makes us human," she said.

The jazz singer turned entrepreneur turned child advocate runs several programs under the umbrella of her organization, Learning Through Art. And the EMMY-award winning "Books Alive!" series, featuring the indominable Paige Turner, is at the heart of Wade’s work.

I spoke with Wade in the studio she uses for the series — under Paige’s watchful eye, of course. If this all seems a bit too fun given the intensity of adverse experiences  children can encounter, you’re missing the point.

In combating ACEs, Wade explains that fun allows self expression.

“We’re able to take stories and help people, particularly children, identify ways of expressing themselves.” And self expression leads to a critical destination she said. “What we’re trying to do when you look at ACEs is build a more resilient individual.”

Trauma resilience is like a strong wind at your back — helping a person overcome the health challenges from toxic stress.

But for Wade, what happens to the collective is just as important as the individual.

“It’s really important that when we look at our Arts Over ACEs Center that we are dealing with the entire family," Wade explained.

That’s why as fun as it is to watch Paige throw shade at Bruce Rico Wade (Kathy’s brother) in the "Books Alive!" episodes, each story comes with a series of activities for adults and kids to work through together.

“At the end of the day, it’s not just that one individual, but collectively that family becomes stronger and more resilient, which is so important when you’re dealing with ACEs," Wade said.

Wade’s work is just starting to get the broader attention needed to put combating ACEs at the top of mind for a wider public audience. And behind Wade’s impact is her recognition that ACEs trauma doesn’t end once kids grow up.

Enter Loads of Love — a project Wade organized with Dr. Erica Page, who helps oversee wade’s programming.

“Laundry is a very interesting process. It’s 30 minutes to wash, 30 minutes to dry," Page said.

Like the "Books Alive!" fun with Paige and her friends, Loads of Love emphasizes skill-building activities.

“The 30 minutes that you’re washing, we cite the problem — look at all the places and pieces we can pull together ,so that by the time we get to dry cycle, we’re looking at and identifying solutions and skills.”

Wade’s work shows you can combat ACEs while embracing art and humanity. And art is that wind at your back when building resilience.