Trauma Informed Practice Presentation
Our district wellness coordinator, Dr. Karen Li, invited guest speaker Dr. Martha Merchant, who consults with UCSF's HEARTS program--"Healthy Environments and Response to Trauma in Schools".
Mental Health Intensive morning and afternoon sessions were provided for mental health staff, guidance counselors, special education staff, nurses/health aides, SAAP leads, and specific "front line" staff. An afternoon teacher's choice session was also offered in Carrington Hall. The Sequoia Healthcare District provided funds to video-record the teachers' session Doc Martha Video
During her presentation Doc Martha referred to a TED talk by Rita Pierson, "Every kid needs a champion": https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion
You may have previously viewed this TED talk, but it's always a good reminder to believe in our students and connect with them on a personal level.
This introduction to Trauma-Informed Practices is part of a larger San Mateo County Office of Education effort, spearheaded by Jenee Littrell and Molly Henricks. Dr. Li, Miki Cristerna (M-A), and Laurie Karzen (Redwood), are part of a 35 person county cohort which is training with UCSF's HEARTS team this spring over six half-day sessions. The call-to-action is to continue trainings throughout the county at both district and site levels.
