Foundations of Connection: Why It Matters—and How It Starts

Welcome to Foundations of Connection: Why It Matters—and How It Starts!

Life can be tough. We all face experiences that shake us—moments that overwhelm our ability to cope and leave lasting imprints on our hearts and minds. Often, these experiences are labeled as trauma, yet many of us don’t recognize them as such in our own journeys.

The impact of these struggles shows up in our classrooms, offices, and homes. It looks like disconnection, frustration, and behaviors we can’t always make sense of. But when we understand the neuroscience of trauma, we gain powerful insight into the challenges facing our students, colleagues, and loved ones. With that understanding, we can foster healing, connection, and change.

As educators and leaders, we’re shaping the workforce of the future. That’s a big responsibility—but it’s also an opportunity. When we embrace the link between resilience and success, we empower not only our students but also ourselves and our communities.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about building the skills to adapt, grow, and thrive in the face of life’s difficulties. Some call them soft skills or people skills. We call them essential. Research shows that resilience transforms lives, opening the door to healthier relationships, greater well-being, and long-term success.

Join us for this course as we explore how each of us can play a role in creating a more compassionate world—one where our students, families, and workplaces don’t just survive but truly thrive.

Let’s build something better together.

ABOUT THIS COURSE

In higher education, we are not just educators—we are mentors, leaders, and advocates for change. Yet, many of our students, colleagues, and even ourselves carry the weight of lived experiences that shape how we learn, work, and connect. The challenges we face aren't just singular events—it’s the impact of our experiences which are often unseen but influence how we show up in our lives and respond to others. Understanding this is not just about awareness; it’s about action.

This Trauma-Informed Certification Course equips you with the tools to recognize how lived experiences affect student success and engagement. By implementing resilience-based strategies, we foster engagement, connection, and long-term growth—ensuring that all students, regardless of their past, have the opportunity to thrive.

Through this six-hour course adapted from the work of the Community Resilience Initiative (CRI), you’ll gain practical, evidence-based techniques to identify and respond to challenges—even when a student’s history remains unknown. These skills don’t just support individual students; they help shape a workforce prepared to meet the complexities of the 21st century with empathy, adaptability, and strength.

Join us in transforming higher education into a space where resilience leads the way—where we don’t just educate, but empower.

Meet Your Trainer

Laura J. Clark is the founder and owner of LJC Consulting, LLC, where she partners with organizations to create engaging, supportive, and inclusive spaces for students. As the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Professional Development and Executive Director of Virginia’s Community Colleges Student Success Center, Laura leads initiatives that advance student success and professional development across Virginia’s community colleges.

With over 20 years in higher education, Laura has worked extensively with international, under-resourced, and historically marginalized student populations. She is a fearless advocate for creating environments where all students can thrive. As a Master Trainer with the Community Resilience Initiative (CRI), Laura has trained thousands of higher education professionals to be trauma-informed and to build spaces of safety, support, and connection.

A first-generation college graduate, Laura earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development, specializing in Student Affairs Administration, from Radford University.

Outside of her professional work, Laura enjoys spending time with her partner, her 17-year-old daughter, and two rescue kittens. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, designing and building stage sets, crafting, watching hockey, and baking.

Transforming Higher Education Nationwide

This course has empowered thousands of higher education professionals—faculty, staff, administrators, and leaders from across the country. From community colleges to top universities, institutions nationwide have embraced this training to build resilience, improve student success, and create lasting change.

Join a growing network of professionals committed to making a difference in higher education!

Institutions that have trusted us to deliver this training:

• Virginia's Community Colleges
• Kentucky Student Success Collaborative
• New York State Student Success Center
• Ohio Association of Community Colleges
• Oregon Community College Association
• New Jersey Council of County Colleges
• Jobs for the Future (JFF) Student Success Center Network

What Course Attendees Say...

“Excellent facilitator! One of the most engaging speakers I've heard in a long time, particularly on a challenging platform like Zoom. Excellent material and content, as well.”

“Great facilitator, very well-organized, appealing visual materials, good andragogy & good job of making complex information accessible.”

“The presenter was FABULOUS!! The subject is VERY timely!”

“Relevant personally and professionally”

“The trainer was fantastic, she made it relevant to all attending and made me want to stay on the webinar even though it was a long meeting.”

"As a result of this training….”I plan to be more compassionate, ask more questions, listen more and never assume in order to be able to better serve my clients.”