Creating a Safe Place for Connection & Regulation
Self-regulation is a key skill for healthy relationships and physical, behavioral, and emotional well-being.
Teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, coaches, and other caring adults can help young people develop self-regulation through co-regulation strategies. Regulation and healthy relationships help youth to more ably engage in the classroom, school, and broader community.
During this engaging and collaborative workshop, you will elevate your self-awareness to create purposeful, calm, and safe environments where everyone feels respected and supported. You will learn to engage and provide intentional relational interactions that respect individual boundaries, buffer adversity, and mitigate trauma.
What you'll learn:
How to coach and model self-regulation skills so that young people can understand what's happening in their brains.
Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model to regulate, relate, and reason.
Dan Siegel's "Window of Tolerance" to understand the optimal zone for you to function in everyday life.
Dr. Stephen Porges's Polyvagal Theory to identify and value the various states of your nervous system.
Author and LCSW Deb Dana’s three elements that the nervous system looks for to safely navigate the world: context, choice, and connection.
Research-driven concepts and skills that can help you cope with stress, improve your relationships, and live more fulfilling lives.
You'll leave feeling inspired to embrace your resilience and forge an authentic and satisfying life for yourself, children & youth, and others around you. Register now!
Who Should Attend? School counselors, mental health workers, social workers, family support/counseling specialists, and college students. High school students are welcome with an accompanying adult. Join our expert presenters!
Beth Buchanan
For nearly three decades, Beth Buchanan has served communities and students through her passion for growing youth in varying capacities. Beginning in 1992, Beth spent the bulk of her career as a classroom teacher and coach on the banks of Alaska’s Yukon River. In the last five years, Beth has turned her attention to supporting teachers and parents in creating trauma-resilient environments. Beth’s personal journey of parenting adopted and fostered children with extreme behaviors – outcomes from developmental trauma – led to her quest to understand the neurobiology of behavior. This journey has guided her deep into the research of neuroscience leaders to improve mental health and performance in schools, not only for students but also educators, who often struggle with their own stressors, trauma, and juggling of roles and responsibilities. Beth has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and a master’s in leadership education. She also has expert knowledge in trauma-informed education, social-emotional learning, youth and adult resilience, and recent developments concerning the healing capacity of the brain. You can expect a highly engaging learning experience that models what we know about best practices in learning and teaching.
Amy McDonald Killian
Amy McDonald has spent three decades in education in various positions, including school counselor, lead teacher, and administrative roles. In 2023, she retired as the counselor at Southeast Island School District in Alaska and is a certified facilitator/trainer for Brightways learning. Amy especially loves advocating for and alongside students, as well as her educator colleagues, understanding that the well-being of teachers and administrators models self-regulation for students and is the only authentic means of providing healthy support systems for the students they collectively serve. Amy’s experience, knowledge, and skills related to neuroscience, trauma-responsiveness, and resilience-building strategies that work individually and through the school and community systems are vital elements in her adept and valued support to her students and educator colleagues alike.
Pricing, Location, and Airfare
The registration fee covers two full days of hands-on training, materials, and lunch.
Adult Only - $275
Adult + High School Student together - $350
Student Only (college student with valid ID) - $150
Location & Lodging - Alyeska Resort, 45 minutes from Anchorage. Book online HERE.
Discounted airfare to Anchorage on Alaska/Horizon Airlines: Use the code ECMK070 for a 5% discount when booking your flight. To use your Discount Code, go online to alaskaair.com and input the Discount Code when searching for flights.