PROJECTS
This tool is the first of its kind--an evidence-based tool to facilitate interior design renovations and new builds of K-12 schools! It can be used to evaluate the physical space and identify changes that can lower the stress levels of students and staff. The tool is grounded in the Substance and Mental Health Services Administrations' guidance for a trauma-informed approach, the Trauma-informed Design (TiD) Society's framework, and feedback from almost 100 educators, school administrators, and designers across the country. This project, which was supported by the American Society of Interior Designers Foundation and had institutional review board (IRB) approval, brought together educators and designers to bridge the gap in their understanding and areas of expertise and identify design impacts on educational outcomes. Click here to access the tool and full report. Listen to the podcast below for a behind-the-scenes look into the creation process!
The Trauma-informed Design Society is a transdisciplinary team with a focus on turning research into practice, and back into research. Together with Boston Architectural College faculty Janet Roche and Dr. J. Davis Harte, our founder Christine Cowart created the Society, which merges their extensive experience in human services and interior design with an understanding of trauma science, to help organizations implement a trauma-informed approach in their services and create stress-reducing physical spaces. Listen below as Dawn Emerick of Leadership Uncensored interviews the three of three co-founders about this new emerging field.
Sessions will be on topics related to trauma and it's effects, the importance of building resilience for recovery, and trauma-informed care, starting with a live webinar on trauma-informed policing for law enforcement officers and other justice workers in the Morris County area of New Jersey.
PANEL MEMBER FOR BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE TALKS ON TRAUMA-INFORMED DESIGN IN EDUCATIONAL AND CORRECTIONAL SETTINGS
Provided trauma-informed care and corrections best practice framework for discussions with Boston Architectural College faculty. The first was on the role of trauma-informed design in post-pandemic educational environments, and the second on how correctional design can be transformed for justice reform.
Now offering multiple courses! Trauma-Informed Education explores the research on toxic stress, and explains how it can impact a child’s learning. Through an in-depth study of the key principles of a trauma-informed approach, participants learn concrete tools to reconsider classroom organization, avoid the re-traumatization of students, help students regulate their emotions and build resilience, interrupt the “school-to-prison pipeline,” de-escalate situations when necessary, and address racially- and culturally-sensitive lessons. Supporting Marginalized Students includes a detailed look into the experiences of children from several marginalized communities, and offers techniques designed to help students feel safe, empowered, and able to focus on their educational opportunities.
IMPORTANCE OF TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES AND SUPPORT WEBINAR PANEL MEMBER
Addressed the importance of trauma-informed care in domestic violence services, along with Tracy DeTomasi from Good People Solutions, in an event hosted by You Have the Power. This Nashville-based community organization is focused on empowering those victimized by crime through education, advocacy, and understanding.
In collaboration with Boston Architectural College Faculty members, Trauma's Impact on the Brain and Implications for Design introduces the brain science research that led to the emerging field of Trauma-informed Design at the 2021 Symposium: Quantified Building, Quantified Self. Download the full-sized version of the poster here.
Provided understanding of human trafficking and trauma, it's potential impacts, and best practice for informed care for Texas State University 2022 senior class designing a 23,000 square foot, 3-story property for youth who were trafficked. Reviewed schematic and final designs for the project, which will include both program and residential space, and will mitigate potential triggers, maximize comfort, and centralize choice.
Delivering continuing education materials, including a podcast, article, and webinars for Professional Ski Instructors of America/American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). These webinars introduce the topic of trauma informed care in snow sports instruction and provide tools for instructors working with individuals who may experience difficulty regulating their emotions or reactions.
These live webinars and pre-recorded trainings are available to businesses and organizations that work with the public. Designed to address the increased impact of trauma our society is facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Help your staff recognize the signs of trauma and respond appropriately, to support healing and build client relationships that will endure all life's challenges.
Presented an introductory training on trauma-informed care in adaptive sports at the 2020 Move United* Virtual Leadership Conference. Teamed up with Boston Architectural College alumna and fellow Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports volunteer, Janet Roche, to present on common triggers in year-round sports programming environments and how to eliminate or mitigate them at the 2021 Move United Education Conference. These two events reached over 600 adaptive sports professionals, filling management, administrative, instructor, coach, ambassador, recreational therapist, and board member roles.