In addition to the services listed below, I regularly host open events. Here’s what’s coming up:
April 19: Back to Basics: Four Proactive Priorities for the Trauma-Informed Classroom. Let’s go back to square 1 and review some of the core priorities for creating trauma-informed learning environments. In the midst of stress and burnout, reconnecting with our values can help us create some energy for ending the school year strong. If you’ve attended workshops with me in this past, consider this a refresher and chance to reflect. If this is new to you, you’ll walk away with ideas and strategies to try. Pay-what-you-can registration and details here.
Summer graduate course for teachers: This summer I’m co-facilitating a course for teachers called “Taking Care: Integrating Wellness into the Classroom.” I’m co-teaching with my friend and colleague Carolyn Crotty, a fantastic art therapist and educator, and the course is packed full of experiential learning. More details and registration here.
July 19-21: Trauma Informed Educators Network Conference. Join us for year 2 of this small, intentionally designed conference. It’s online this year, and we’re excited to bring you innovative sessions and a “home group” structure that will help attendees build relationships and connections. Details and registration.
This page is updated when new events are added. Sign up for my newsletter to get updates about once per month.
Professional Development for Teachers
I facilitate professional learning experiences for teachers on trauma-informed education. You can expect to learn about the theory and philosophy that grounds the work and also practical ways to apply your learning to your teaching practice. I typically design these learning experiences so teachers of any subject area or grade level will find them engaging and relevant (unless otherwise noted in the description).
For graduate credit: I teach continuing education graduate-level courses for teachers through Antioch University and Castleton University.
For professional learning hours/non-credit: I periodically run workshops and webinars for professional learning hours.
Workshops and professional development for schools and community groups
All experiences are customized to the needs of your school or group. Only have 30 minutes? Want to spend a whole day with lots of hands-on application and practice? Hoping to focus on the needs of your music, PE and art teachers? Have to highlight the connections with competency-based learning? I am flexible and adaptable, and will work with you to create a learning experience that best meets your needs.
In addition to the school-related topics listed below, I also speak with mentoring and after-school groups and can tailor any presentation to non-school-based settings.
Topics include:
Getting Started with Trauma-Informed Teaching
Rethinking Behavior through a Trauma Lens
Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Education
Four Priorities of Trauma-Informed Practices
Social-Emotional Skill Development through Problem-Solving
Fostering Educator Wellness
…and more!
Keynotes
I’d love to speak at your conference or event! Here are some of my favorite topics but I’ll work with you to customize for your audience.
Boundaries and Role-Clarity for Trauma-Informed Teachers
The Four Priorities of a Trauma-Informed Classroom
Looking for an ongoing partnership to help you with trauma-informed school transformation? I offer ongoing consulting services for schools and districts.
Trauma-informed practices implementation
Shifting from punitive to collaborative approaches in classroom management
Principal coaching: supervising teachers in a trauma-informed school
Testimonials
I loved the class that I took with Alex. A lot of times with PD I walk away feeling like I did not learn anything new. This class was very different. I was able to take what I was learning and apply it directly into my class. I was able to make small changes right away and they had a positive impact on my classes.
Jody Chamberlin 6/7 Social Studies Teacher
I am so thankful for Alex’s voice in this work. Not only does she have deep understanding of supporting students through unconditional positive regard, but also she brings a much needed equity lens to this work. I have yet to work with practitioners in this area who both understand trauma at such a deep level AND understand the need for an inclusive and anti-bias education for all students.
Christie Nold 6th Grade Teacher
Alex is an educator who presents important information in concise and easy to understand formats. Her work is clearly tied to research and practices that support students in classrooms. She asks fantastic guiding questions that help participants grow in their own practice, in their own settings. Alex is deeply knowledgeable and helps educators create supportive classroom environments and relationships with children.
Heather LippertKindergarten Teacher
The content shared during the sessions was relevant and immediately applicable. I was able to take the information back to the teachers I supervise and share a recap the next day. Multiple staff asked for the link to the video for the first one I attended.
BethDean of Students, Atlanta
I’m so happy I took this course, so thank you, Alex. I’m always hesitant to take a trauma course because as much as I want to know more, I feel like it’s still so new so all the trauma courses are the same. This wasn’t the same. You took trauma and as the course title reflects, you dove deeper.
AshleyGraduate course participant
Alex is a skilled facilitator who brings her vast knowledge and educational experience to the workshops she leads. She offers information on trauma-informed practices through a social/racial equity lens. In professional settings where I have worked and led, I see how important Alex’s workshops are to allow our young people to show up as their full selves in schools and programs… Alex models courage and authenticity in openly discussing important topics (antiracist practices, gender, mental health), and she creates safe spaces in her trainings to encourage each of us in attendance to speak our truths and learn how to better honor all young people in settings where we work and volunteer.
Susie MerrickWorkshop participant
There are few people who have influenced my teaching practice more than Alex. Sitting in her session I was both pushed and affirmed in a way that made me better. From her interactive discussions to thoroughly researched and equity-based approach, I walked out knowing so much more about how to do better. Maybe it’s because Alex is a teacher herself and knows the realities of the classroom; this is what sets her apart. I can’t tell you how many sessions I’ve been to led by therapists and counselors telling me how to do my job. Alex speaks from experience, bringing her passion to the space and encouraging hard conversations rooted in love. Cannot recommend her enough!