UKIAH, Calif. – In response to countywide data that show a higher-than-average number of youth are negatively affected by trauma in the region, the Mendocino County Office of Education is hosting its inaugural “Reframe the Brain” workshop to teach educators how to better support these children and teens.

On Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center, attendees “will benefit from networking, learning, and leadership development to help trauma-affected children become more resilient and to create more responsive local networks of support for the youth and families in our community,” said MCOE Child Development Director Bessie Glossenger.

The workshop will include a keynote speech by Ryan McCarthy, executive director of the Global Kindness Initiative, as well as presentations developed by Stacey Daraio of Temescal Associates and the MCOE Foster and Homeless Youth Services, MCOE District Programs and Support, and the Region 1 System of Support for Expanded Learning.

Region 1 Lead Melea Meyer said, “Trauma-informed practices offer a universal approach to managing relationships with students, staff and families in a way that is responsive to and respectful of the history of trauma in our diverse communities. They help people address the day-to-day uncertainties of things like unemployment, limited access to adequate housing, food uncertainty, and mental health issues.”

Workshop topics include: restorative conversation, self-care for teachers and staff, mindfulness, behavior management activities, lessons that support social-emotional learning, and more.

Educators who attend the conference will not only learn how to help children, they will also learn to insulate themselves from secondary trauma, the emotional stress resulting from working with those who experience the trauma firsthand.

“Emotionally healthy educators are in a stronger position to help students and families manage crisis,” Glossenger explained.

The workshop is open to teachers, administrators and other school site staff who can register at http://mcoe.k12oms.org/1716-160152.

For additional information, contact Glossenger at 707-467-5152 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..