Join Formed Families Forward for our annual professional workshop, designed for education, social service, clinical and other professionals who work with children, youth and families.

The workshop will build upon participants' understanding of the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress on early brain development and implications for learning. The principles of trauma-responsive care and student social and emotional health will be addressed - providing participants with the tools to create systemic changes promoting environments conducive to the learning needs of all students. Because "stressed brains can't learn", this session will focus on strategies to support the individual student who may be struggling socially, emotionally and/or academically due to the effects of trauma. Drawing upon the most recent work on attachment, regulation and skill development, participants will be given the opportunity to apply their understanding to current challenges faced in the classroom.

Brief, working agenda for the workshop:

8:00 – 8:15 Welcome and Introductory Activity

8:15 – 8:45 Brief review of Adverse Child Experiences and Toxic Stress

8:45 – 9:15 Principles of Trauma-Responsive Care

9:15 – 9:25 Brain Break

9:25 – 11:00 Building Resilience

• Attachment
• Self-regulation
• Skill development

11:00 – 11:10 Brain Break

11:10 – 12:15 Moving to Action

• Case Scenarios

12:15 – 12:30 Question, comments and wrap up

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Elizabeth Meeker, PsyD, is the Director of Training and Practice Transformation for Coordinated Care Services, Inc. Elizabeth provides training, consultation, and implementation support to human service agencies, school districts and mental health providers to support the integration of trauma-informed practices. She served as the first Coordinator of the Consortium on Trauma, Illness and Grief in Schools (TIG), a program that assists school districts in and around Monroe County, New York to address mental health needs within crisis response. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and has a private practice specializing in children, adolescents, and young adults.

A light breakfast will be provided beginning at 8:00am with the program beginning at 8:30am. Social Work CEUs available through NASW for an additional fee - $20 for NASW Members, $25 for Non-members, payable on-site.