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Meet Our Esteemed Experts in Trauma

Our lineup includes distinguished mental health professionals, certified trauma coaches, seasoned practitioners, and inspiring trauma survivors. They will share cutting-edge insights, innovative techniques, and personal experiences to offer hope, encouragement, and empowerment to every attendee.

VINCENT CASTELLANOS - CTRC, RADT, SUDC - Keynote Speaker

​​​Keynote #2: The Responsibly Principle

In "The Responsibility Principle," Vincent Castellanos offers a profound exploration into the interplay between resilience and responsibility, particularly through the lens of trauma recovery. This talk illuminates how childhood trauma can distort our understanding of responsibility, leading to either excessive or insufficient responsibility in adulthood. Castellanos guides us in redefining responsibility by recognizing its deep connection with resilience—an essential element for true recovery and personal growth.

By the end of this talk, you'll be inspired to embrace responsibility as a path to healing and empowerment, recognizing that true freedom from trauma begins with taking charge of your own recovery and wellbeing.

Join Vincent Castellanos on this transformative journey and discover how responsibility can become as natural and essential as breathing.

Gina Fox - Certified Trauma-Informed Neuro Transformative Practitioner

Main and Pre-Conference Speaker

Releasing Trauma on the Cellular Level - Friday

Breakout Part 1
Brief Description: is an innovative workshop designed to delve into the profound effects of trauma on the body's cellular structure. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on the psychological aspects of trauma, this workshop addresses the physiological imprints left at the cellular level, where trauma can linger and disrupt overall health.

Guests will explore how trauma is stored in the body's cells and learn practical techniques to release these deep-seated imprints. The workshop integrates the combination of art and neuroscience, trauma informed movements and relaxation techniques. By focusing on cellular health, the workshop aims to rejuvenate the body's natural healing mechanisms, promoting physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Guests will leave with a deeper understanding of how trauma affects their bodies and be equipped with tools to support ongoing healing and transformation. "Releasing Trauma on the Cellular Level" offers a unique and powerful approach to recovery, empowering individuals to achieve holistic wellness by addressing trauma at its core.​

Releasing Trauma Through Art - Friday

Workshop Part 2

In this part 2 workshop, guests will draw a unique, one of a kind drawing that will tap gently into the subconscious and slowly release the "trapped trauma" aka emotions on the physiological level (cellular and systems)

SUPPLIES needed: paper, black gel pen, small, medium and large sharpies or acid free markers, colored pencils or crayons

Amy Pagett - ICF TICC, Certified Self-Sabotage Coach, Certified Breathwork Facilitator, and an Elementary Educator.

Main Conference Speaker

​Breathwork

Trauma changes the way we breathe. Survivors often hold their breath or take shallow inhales. This creates distress within the body & doesn't allow for optimal breathing. Change the way you breathe and it changes your life. Join Amy Pagett as she helps you connect to your breath using sensory awareness & somatic embodiment. Explore the science of breathing as well as gain practical breathing tools to help optimize your breathwork experience.

​Parenting with a dysregulated Nervous System (Breakout)

Children are always coregulating with their caregivers. A regulated parent cultivates a healthy environment for a regulated child. Deepen your understanding of your nervous system and gain tools to help self-regulate. Just as trauma is generational so is healing. One of the greatest gifts we can offer our children is self-regulation. A regulated caregiver parents from a place of connection rather than control.

JEREMIAH FULMER - CTCP, CATSS-A

Main Conference Speaker

Self-Care (Breakout): This Breakout will provide an overview of Self-care and the importance of caring for ourselves to enhance our ability to care for our clients, patients, students and others that we work with and care for. This session includes a brief interactive Self-care assessment.

​Self-Care (Workshop): This is an interactive workshop where we dive a little deeper into assessing what Self-care looks like in our own lives. Together we will create a Self-Care plan that is custom to you that will give you actionable strategies you can put to use directly.

ALINDA QUINN Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, Mental Health Educator

Main Conference Speaker

Attachment and the Struggling Student (Breakout) This course offers an overview of attachment styles and explores the ways that these styles and potential wounding show up in student behavior, performance, and relationships.

The Well-Regulated Teacher (Workshop) This course examines the common states of the nervous system in non-medical terminology and how these states shift throughout our daily lives, especially for teachers The class offers tips to help educators recognize and regulate those states and co-regulate with students in an effort to sustain a more effective and fulfilling classroom experience.

The Trauma-Informed Classroom (Breakout) The course, an introduction to trauma in the classroom, aims to raise educator awareness of trauma response behaviors among students and themselves. It offers trauma-sensitive strategies to foster warmth and safety in the learning environment. Attendees will walk away with a deepened ability to view student behavior through a trauma lens.

ALYSSA DECKER Certified Relationship Life Coach

Main Conference Speaker

​Heart-to-Heart: Practicing Connection and Conflict Resolution (Breakout) Dive deeper into the concepts introduced in the Bridging the Gap workshop with the breakout session, "Heart-to-Heart: Practicing Connection and Conflict Resolution." This interactive session offers a hands-on approach to applying the skills and techniques needed to resolve conflicts and strengthen relationships. In this breakout, you'll engage in an interactive group coaching session, where we demonstrate and practice relationship conflict resolution strategies using YOUR real life scenarios. Led by a practicing conflict coach, this breakout will provide practical tools and immediate practice to enhance your ability to connect and resolve conflicts with greater ease and understanding. Join us to turn theory into practice and make meaningful strides in your communication and relationship journey.

Bridging the Gap: Building Connection to Resolve Relationship Conflicts (Workshop) Join Alyssa to learn how to forge bonds and connection, in a way that not only helps resolve conflict, but also avoids so many potential relationship pitfalls. This session is designed to help you understand the underlying causes of ongoing conflicts and develop practical skills to foster meaningful connections with your partner, friends, or children. You'll learn how to: - Identify and address the root causes of conflict - Communicate empathetically and increase the chances of connection - Build trust and understanding in your relationships (even the short term ones!) - Implement tools and techniques to prevent and resolve disputes Whether you're dealing with persistent issues or seeking to enhance your relationship dynamics, this workshop provides actionable insights and strategies to bridge gaps and create lasting harmony. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your relationships and find new paths to resolution and connection

CASEY KANG Somatics Breathwork Practitioner

Saturday Only - Main Speaker Conference

​Somatic Healing (Breakout one time only Saturday) How getting into the body utilizing somatic movement and somatic breath work helps heal trauma & PTSD. What we don’t express we repress and through this bottom-up approach to healing is another way to get below the surface of the unconscious mind

AJA RUTLEDGE Self-Alignment & Trauma Coach

Main Conference Speaker

​"Healing Trauma as a Full Body Experience" (Workshop/Hands-on)
In this session, we will explore trauma from a holistic perspective, understanding that healing must happen on a cellular level and through the body’s systems for true transformation. This workshop will guide you through the core aspects of addressing trauma, from recognizing the role of gut health and mineral deficiencies to tapping into your intuition and releasing trapped emotions stored in your body. By learning to work with your body’s innate intelligence, you’ll begin to unlock deeper layers of healing that conventional methods may overlook.

​Participants will leave this session with a clear understanding of how trauma is stored in the body and how addressing cells, the gut, and mineral imbalances can be powerful steps toward healing. You'll also gain practical techniques to release trapped emotions and reconnect with your intuition, giving you the tools needed for full-body trauma healing and ongoing wellness.

​"It's Not You! It's Your Family"
This workshop dives deep into the hidden effects of intergenerational trauma, exploring how inherited pain and behaviors shape family dynamics and individual experiences. Designed for those looking to break the cycles that have impacted their emotional and mental well-being, you'll gain a clear understanding of how trauma within the family system is passed down and how it affects your personal identity.

Throughout the session, you’ll discover practical tools to recognize and interrupt harmful patterns within your family; while also learning strategies to heal from the impact of inherited trauma so you can reclaim your life and create a new, empowered path forward.

Gabrielle Hull Certified Trauma Support Specialist, Certified Peer Support Specialist​​

Main Conference Speaker

Turning Pain into Purpose: Harnessing Strength from Struggles​

​In this compelling keynote, "Turning Pain into Purpose," we explore the transformative potential of pain and purpose in our lives. Pain, while challenging, can become a powerful catalyst for personal growth and meaningful change. This session will guide you through understanding how pain can be reframed as a source of strength and motivation.

​We’ll delve into real-life stories of how we turned our struggles into significant achievements, demonstrating that pain can lead to profound personal and professional development. You'll learn practical strategies for harnessing your own experiences of pain, including methods for reflection, goal setting, and building resilience.

​The audience will feel empowered, validated, and inspired to turn your own challenges into purposeful and positive outcomes, transforming adversity into a driving force for your goals and aspirations, and to take the next steps towards personal growth and transformation.

The Neuroscience Behind the Mental Health Benefits of Artistic Modalities (Breakout) Join this discussion and delve into the meditative, mind-body mental health benefits of Tai Chi and Waltzing. You'll learn how positive community connections and somatic modalities can foster healing and aid in the well-being of those recovering from trauma or addiction.

Waltzing (Workshop) In this workshop, you'll learn how to Waltz! Explore this somatic modality to find how it decreases depression and anxiety, improves mood, and improves memory function. Not only does Waltzing benefit mental health, but it also fosters the understanding of respectful social etiquette.

Martial Mindset: Fighting The War in Our Heads (Workshop) Join this self-defense workshop and explore the mental health benefits of learning self-defense. Not only does this somatic modality build confidence, but it also provides a sense of discipline and structure. Martial arts also aid in the recovery process by fostering a goal-oriented, growth mindset and provides positive outlets in a controlled environment.

Dr. Judith Belton PhD - Keynote, Main Conference and Pre-Conference Speaker

Keynote #1: Empowering Your Inner Narrative: Unleashing Emotional Freedom -

In this transformative keynote, we delve into the powerful role that narratives play in shaping our emotional and mental wellness. Join us as we explore the stories we inherit, create, and are conditioned to believe, and uncover how these narratives fuel our emotions.

Doodling Through Grief: Healing Through Art

Workshop Overview:

This one-hour workshop introduces participants to the therapeutic benefits of doodling as a tool for processing and expressing grief. Participants will engage in simple, creative drawing exercises that encourage emotional exploration and self-expression without the pressure of creating "perfect" art. The workshop provides a safe space to explore grief, offering a gentle yet powerful approach to managing difficult emotions through creativity.

Materials Needed

• Plain paper or small journals for each participant

• Black markers or pens (other colors optional but encouraged)

• Optional: calming background music during doodling exercises

Supporting Complex Grief and Ambiguous Loss through the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Framework

To introduce participants to the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, with a focus on how it can help individuals navigate complex grief and ambiguous loss. This includes unresolved grief from missing loved ones, estranged family members, chronic illness, or cognitive conditions like dementia.

Workshop Materials:

1. Handout on IFS Terminology: Definitions and examples of Self, exiles, managers, and firefighters.

2. Grief and Loss IFS Worksheet: Space for mapping parts that emerge around loss and grief.

PRE-CONFERENCE - Safe and Sound Protocol Reset

Laurie Perez, Certified Adolescent & Family Trauma Specialist

Main Conference Speaker

Topic: Self Validation in a Challenging World

Description: Learn to build resilience and navigate life's challenges through self-validation and self-compassion. This workshop provides practical tools and strategies for overcoming negative self-talk and cultivating a positive mindset. Discover how to challenge harmful beliefs, practice mindfulness, and create a supportive environment for yourself.

Objectives: To equip participants with tools and strategies for self-validation, even in the face of adversity and criticism.

Ciera Belnap, Certified Trauma Care Practitioner

Main and Pre-Conference Speaker

Self-Sabotage to Self-Love: A Total Body Transformation (Breakout)

This Friday session highlights the importance of healing the total body. Mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health and well-being are all closely intertwined. To experience true healing and shift our mindset, all must be addressed. Ciera walks you through her personal experience with healing each area and how it’s brought success and total transformation into her life.

Each participant will receive a link to access Ciera’s Eliminating Negativity Cheat Sheet

Made for More: Trading Limiting Beliefs for Limitless Potential (Workshop)

This workshop, held Saturday, will guide participants through the process of identifying limiting beliefs, uncovering where our limiting beliefs originated from, and transforming them into empowering phrases to unlock our limitless potential.

Each participant will receive access to a list of the most common limiting beliefs that hinder total transformation as well as a link to access Ciera’s Eliminating Negativity Cheat Sheet.

PRE-CONFERENCE SPEAKER

1. Why Do I Self-Sabotage? Uncovering the Fears and Wounds that Lie Behind Self-Sabotage

2. How a Lack of Self-Love leads to Self-Sabotage

Erik Roberts - Certified Trauma Care Practitioner/Advocate and Certified Trauma Recovery Coach

How to Think When the Unthinkable Strikes: Building Your Critical Incident Impact Kit

In a world of increasing climate disruptions, digital overload, and social upheaval, resilience is essential for everyone. This workshop introduces an accessible 5-step framework to help everyday citizens respond thoughtfully and stay resilient in high-stress situations. Led by environmental trauma expert Erik Roberts, participants will learn how to create their own Critical Incident Impact Kit™, blending key principles of Psychological First Aid with practical tools used by trauma professionals and first responders.

By developing this toolkit, participants gain practical skills for handling the unthinkable with composure and control. This workshop is perfect for those looking to cultivate a calm, thoughtful response to crises—whether it’s a sudden emergency, environmental stress, or ongoing life uncertainty. Join us to learn this empowering, straightforward approach to personal resilience and leave equipped to support yourself and others in challenging times.

Breath and Trauma: Understanding the Connection - Saturday

Breakout Part 1

In this session, we will explore why trauma survivors often hold their breath as an unconscious response to stress and emotional overwhelm. Breath-holding can develop as a protective mechanism during traumatic experiences, and over time, it can become a habitual pattern that reinforces the body's heightened state of alertness. Through a combination of scientific insights and practical strategies, we will discuss how breathwork and body-centered techniques can help trauma survivors break this cycle, regulate their nervous system, and create a sense of safety in the body. This session will offer valuable tools for practitioners and survivors alike, focused on using breath as a path to healing and emotional resilience.

Healing Through Breath and Art: A Non Clinical Art Therapy Approach for Trauma Survivors

Workshop Part 2

In this workshop, participants will explore the connection between trauma, breath, and creative expression. Trauma often causes the body to hold tension and the breath to become shallow or restricted. Using a combination of coaching, neuroscience, and creative techniques, this session will help participants release stored emotions, reconnect with their bodies, and foster healing through the arts.

This workshop offers a safe, supportive space for trauma survivors to connect with their bodies, express their emotions creatively, and discover the healing potential of both breath and art. Open to anyone seeking to explore the intersection of creative expression and emotional healing.

SUPPPLIES needed: paper (regular or cardstock), black fine liner, medium black sharpie or acid free marker, colored pencils or crayons.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​PRE-CONFERENCE SPEAKER

1. Why CBT & TF-CBT Is NOT Effective for CPTSD/Complex Trauma

2. Balancing Your Chakras through Drawing (supplies are needed)

3. Instilling Positive Principles Into Your Soul Through Drawing (supplies needed)

Robert Kehoe, Certified Trauma Care Practitioner and Advocate for Humanity

Main Conference and Pre-Conference Speaker