Trauma-Informed Schools in 2024

Description

Trauma-Informed Schools in 2024

Joelle van Lent, Psy.D.

Creating enriching learning environments in our schools has become increasingly daunting. Schools face complex and interwoven challenges, as well as rich opportunities to renew and strengthen understandings of trauma-informed practices, and reinforce a collective commitment to the well-being of our students and staff. 

This workshop series connects the impact of stress and adversity on development and includes practical strategies that promote resilience. Participants will:

• Learn about various forms of stress and the impact of exposure to trauma on child development, focusing on emotional regulation, relational health, identity formation, and executive functioning. 
• Gain insights related to how healthy motivation develops, as well as obtain strategies to promote increased motivation and engagement for students experiencing stress and adversity.
• Examine concepts related to the use of trauma responsive discipline to promote student engagement and diminish inequities within a school community.
• Increase understanding of the factors essential to building a culture of community care, including the risks for compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and burnout. 

Joelle van Lent, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with children, families, and child serving agencies. Dr. van Lent has expertise as a therapist, clinician, evaluator, consultant, and trainer. Her work focuses on child and adolescent mental health, family therapy, trauma, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. van Lent’s approach is geared toward fostering resilience and creating communities that support healthy development. She is currently in private practice based in the northwestern part of Vermont and works across the state with schools and agencies.