About
JAMES FREEMAN, MA, CYC‑P is a globally trusted trainer with 30+ years experience in trauma exposed youth‑serving systems. He founded Training Grounds to provide leadership development for organizations working in complex, high-pressure human-service environments.
He spent 15 years as Training Director in a 24/7 multi‑service children’s behavioral health organization, supporting teams across residential, community, and school‑based programs.
James has held national leadership roles, including president of the Child and Youth Care Certification Board, ACYCP advisor, CYC-Net editor/board member, and ACRC board member
He holds a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and is a recipient of the NSDTA Career Achievement Award
James also serves as Senior Facilitator for Open Doors, a program of the California Alliance for Child and Family Services/Catalyst Center equipping organizations and systems statewide to better engage and support young people.