When we view all behavior through a lens of trauma and commit ourselves to building strong relationships, we see the by-products of increased attendance and improved academics — because students show up for the adults who believe in them.

APPROACH

In my work, whether it’s at the school site level with staff, or with district or county leadership, my approach always begins with relationship building, and deep listening.

While there are core components of cultivating trauma responsive school environments, each school and each district is a unique community. Because of this, I hold in-person conversations to discuss needs and how the outcome of implementing trauma informed practices will be mission-aligned. At the center of all of this is developing relationships where all stakeholders are seen, heard, valued, and safe.

Further, I am deeply committed to the idea that we cannot discuss trauma without also talking about racial injustice. While data show trauma ‘doesn’t discriminate’ – that it affects us all regardless of our socio-economics, race, gender, or age – research shows the experience of trauma is not evenly distributed. People of color experience/d additional traumas related to historical and systemic racism, oppression, and disenfranchisement, which need not only to be acknowledged, but also to be recognized with a culturally relevant response. Healing from trauma is never a one-size-fits all journey.