We had a good turnout at our last meeting.
Lisa Manthe, the clinical director of New Directions School (a program of Child Parent Institute) presented on trauma-informed education and the work of New Directions. New Directions is a non-public school that serves middle school and high school students who are unable to succeed in public school because of social and emotional challenges. Nearly all students who come to New Directions have suffered trauma. The goal of the school is to provide safety and structure along with regular individual and group therapy so that students can return to their public school and graduate. The weekly schedule includes yoga, tai chi, and art therapy and mindful meditation is practiced each day.
Lisa’s presentation included the science on how brain development is affected by childhood trauma in ways that can make learning more difficult, as well as how the therapeutic, movement, and mindfulness practices used at New Directions are ideally suited to treat those structures in the brain.
Lisa wrapped up her presentation by leading the group in a one-minute mindfulness meditation using the scent of gardenias she had brought along.
Next, several members of the group -- including Elida Hurtado (l) and Arlene Román (r) from Roseland Pediatrics -- gave updates on ACEs and trauma-related work in their agencies. It was exciting to hear about many ways that ACEs awareness is being promoted in our agencies and community.
At our next meeting on Wednesday, March 25, we plan to focus again on our assets mapping project. We hope to see you there!
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