Breakout Session and Presenter Information
Breakout Sessions Round #1
Friday, October 17th from 10:30 am – 11:20 am
Mary Koval
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
Creating Connection in the Workplace with Effective Feedback
Providing effective feedback is essential to improving performance. Effective feedback can also improve relationships and connection. When properly done, feedback creates a positive work environment encouraging growth, development, and psychological safety. Through interactive discussions, scenarios, and practical exercises, participants will gain confidence to engage in meaningful exchanges promoting continuous improvement, mutual understanding, and connected work environments.
Ms. Koval is a trauma informed/trauma supportive facilitator with a passion for equity & inclusion. Ms. Koval earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Arts in Sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her concentration area in Sociology is Social Inequality. She has over 15 years of Human Services experience and 4 years of Higher Education Administration experience. Ms. Koval has over 10 years of teaching/presenting experience. She has taught at several colleges in the Richmond area and now works as the Career Services Program Manager at Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia.
Zarina Burdge
Region Ten Community Services Board
Paige DiPirro
Region Ten Community Services Board
Wisdom and Wellbeing – A peer support model for growing workplace resilience
The behavioral healthcare workforce is stressed and prone to burnout. The Wisdom and Wellbeing approach builds on Stress First Aid concepts to foster skills for professionals dedicated to providing quality care to their communities. This model emphasizes co-care and is designed to build the capacity for resilience and peer support at the individual, workplace/practice setting, and institutional levels.
Zarina Burdge is the Director of Prevention Services at Region Ten Community Services Board. She is a licensed clinical social worker and a trainer for Community Resilience Initiative’s Courses 1 and 2, and Wisdom, Wellbeing, and Peer Support Training. She serves on the steering committees of the Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition and the Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network.
Paige DiPirro is the Coordinator for the Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition. She is a trainer for Community Resilience Initiative’s Courses 1 and 2, and Wisdom, Wellbeing, and Peer Support Training.
William Aal
Tools for Change & Revive Spokane
Building Community and Social Resiliency in the Wake of Climate Change
This workshop will explore how to organize Transformational Resilience Coordinating Networks (TRCNs) – diverse community coalitions addressing the escalating climate-ecosystem-biodiversity crisis. Incorporating insights from Spokane’s grassroots experience, participants will learn strategies to build resilience in our regions and build a public health approach to prevent and heal accelerating traumatic impacts on mental and social health, childhood development, livelihoods, and more.
William Aal and his colleagues are creating a Transformational Resilience Coordinating Network of Spokane regional residents and institutions. Aal is an consultant working with social services and community organizations on communication, conflict and social justice.
Keith Cartwright
Virginia DBHDS
Building Community Resilience By Restoring Community Connections
Community resilience weakens when isolation replaces connection. This session offers practical strategies to rebuild meaningful community relationships through empathy, active listening, and intentional engagement. Interactive discussions and activities will equip participants with tools to identify and bridge social divides, foster mutual support, and nurture inclusive communities where all individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Keith Cartwright is the Adverse Childhood Experiences Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. In this role, Keith has helped train over 600 presenters of the ACE Interface curriculum. These presenters have helped introduce trauma sensitive approaches to thousands across Virginia. Keith also has extensive experience working in therapeutic settings for adolescents and college students.
Nigel Lawrence
Healing of the Canoe
Albie Lawrence
Healing of the Canoe
Building Resilience Through Culture and Connection
Healing of the Canoe is a research based curriculum that uses culture and connection to community to build resilience in Indigenous Youth. Healing of the Canoe has been successfully adapted and implemented in Tribes and Tribal Organizations throughout the United States and Canada.
Nigel Lawrence is a Suquamish Tribal Member and Healing of the Canoe Facilitator/Trainer/co-author. Nigel has a Bachelors in Business Management from Eastern Michigan University and a M.Ed from the University of Washington. Nigel has 8 years’ experience on Suquamish Tribal Council and six years as the director of the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center.
Albie received her BSW from Eastern Michigan University in 2009 and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington in 2011. Albie is an experienced grant writer and program developer and has been a part of the Healing of the Canoe team since 2009 as a facilitator and trainer.
Kara Fry
Kingston Community Health Centres
Garry Castle
Kingston Community Health Centres
The Power of Relationship: Creating Space Where People Can Thrive
This interactive workshop explores how neuro-informed practices can transform the way we build relationships and design environments for growth. Participants will examine the profound impact of connection, safety, and regulation on learning, healing, and performance across settings—classrooms, social work, leadership, and beyond. Through practical strategies and reflective dialogue, we’ll uncover how understanding the brain and body’s responses to stress can help us create spaces that foster trust, belonging, and resilience—where every individual has the opportunity to truly thrive.
Kara Fry is dedicated to building community through strong, authentic relationships. With over 25 years in education—as a teacher, administrator, and consultant—she brings a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and connection. Her career began on a remote Northern reserve and has taken her to classrooms around the world, shaping her belief in the power of diversity and partnership.
For the past 10 years, Kara has worked with Pathways to Education, supporting youth through relationship-centered approaches. She also has over five years of experience in training and consulting, with a focus on trauma-responsive practices. Kara is continually learning and working to embed trauma responsiveness into her professional and personal life.
Garry Castle took the scenic route to arriving at his role as GRAD Connector with Pathways to Education. He ran summer camps, shepherded the proverbial flock, built tiny homes, and supply taught in many of Kingston’s elementary schools. Since joining Pathways, Garry has applied his relational trade with high school students and their people; offering support, advocacy, mentoring and unconditionally supportive presence. Garry works hard to connect with students and work through what they need. He runs Outdoor Academy programming to help students prepare for independent living after high school. He’s always up for Frisbee.
Breakout Sessions Round #2
Friday, October 17th from 11:30 am – 12:20 pm
Dustin Hibbard
ESD 123 & Clarkston High School
Session Title Pending
Dustin has kindly offered to assist CRI in our pivot from in-person to an online conference. His virtual session description will be updated after we receive additional information.
Dustin is a former law enforcement officer of 26 years and an Army veteran, who now works with adverse youth in a high school. Through his personal and professional experiences, Dustin provides an intimate look from a victim’s perspective on the impacts of trauma. More importantly, Dustin highlights the difference between transactional and transformational engagement when dealing with people effected by trauma.
Kim Hively
Elevate Training & Consulting LLC and North Thurston Public Schools
Connection and Safety is the Path to Compliance
Participants will review the impact trauma exposure has on a developing brain, how trauma impacts a student’s learning, and how to apply trauma-informed strategies to increase engagement, compliance, and motivation for learning. Strategies shared can also be helpful when working with colleagues, families, and facilitating difficult meetings.
Kim Hively is currently a School Psychologist and Admin Intern for North Thurston School District and the owner of Elevate Training & Consulting LLC, an organization committed to bringing trauma-informed practices to the marketplace. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Washington University and is highly experienced with translating mental health principles into engaging professional development presentations for educators. She began her psychology career providing mental health services to adults in Spokane, WA. Kim then became certified as a School Psychologist and was hired by North Thurston School District, where she has been a practicing school psychologist for the past 15 years and most recently utilizing her skills as an administrator in education. Among Kim’s many accomplishments is membership into the esteemed Community Resilience Initiative (CRI) national training cadre as an Associate Trainer. Through her work with CRI, her school district, and her other private clients, Kim provides the inspiration that activates compassion and accelerates greatness.
Allyn Griffin
Hanford High School
Trauma-Informed Teaching in Action: Why Predictive Brains Need Predictable People
Students impacted by trauma often perceive the world as unsafe, making learning and performance difficult. This session equips educators and coaches with trauma-informed, brain-aligned strategies—predictable routines, strength-based approaches, and game-like methods—to rebuild trust and confidence. Walk away with practical tools to become an anchor in a chaotic world.
Allyn Griffin is a servant leader, educator, coach, and ordained minister with over two decades of experience in youth development, trauma-informed mentoring, and community building. From his work at Jubilee Leadership Academy to his leadership roles in education, athletics, and faith-based outreach, Allyn has empowered young people through structure, compassion, and purpose. As a former NFL draftee turned mentor and coach, he brings a unique blend of discipline and empathy. His lifelong commitment to building resilient individuals and communities aligns deeply with the mission of CRI and the legacy of Paper Tigers.
Teresa Posakony
Emerging Wisdom
Moving from Trauma-Informed Care to Healing Centered Practices
When stress becomes prolonged or intense (trauma), the body and brain enter a stress-based state. This can lead to ongoing stress symptoms like anxiety, depression, stress-related ailments, or learning challenges.
Healing-centered practices help the body and brain return to a balanced, restorative, or high-performance state. Advances in neuroscience and epigenetics inspire powerful new habits to relieve stress and improve well-being.
Teresa Posakony is a leader and innovator in the Self-Healing and Resilient Communities movement. Teresa has been teaching trauma-informed care and community engagement for over 20 years. She works through the lens of N.E.A.R. Science and Self-Healing Communities Model. Her current work shifts the focus from Trauma-Informed Care to Healing-Centered Practices, emphasizing how to heal down to a cellular level.
Kimber Olson
HeartSong Consulting
Sgę:nǫ: senohdǫnyǫh: Re-storying an Indigenous Mind-Body Medicine Framework for Community Healing
Indigenous communities have identified a need to heal from historical trauma and contemporary harm. This presentation will explore a strengths-based Indigenous approach to reconnect to self, land, community, and spirit through established Indigenous mindfulness practices inherent in their neuro-informative nature. Weaving ancient knowledge with contemporary scientific evidence, this model invites participants to discover something equally emergent and restorative within themselves.
Kimber Olson is a healing-centered, neuro-informed Mind-Body Medicine practitioner who works full-time providing training and technical assistance to Tribal Nations. Her mindfulness, breathing, and meditation work can be found on the Aura App ©. Kimber’s is a wife and the mother of three amazing children. She lives in Anchorage, Alaska, on the traditional and contemporary homelands of the Dena’ina people.
Rachel Warner
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Authenticity in Action: Providing Gender-Affirming Care to Youth
Over 5% of U.S. high school students identify as transgender or questioning their gender. These youth face high rates of suicide and homelessness. This session explores gender identity, expression, and inclusive language. Gain practical tools to support and affirm youth, build resilience, and provide care that honors who they are. Affirming support can truly save lives.
Rachel Warner (she/her) , MSW, LCSW is a clinical social worker working in Philadelphia, PA. Rachel has experience in a variety of areas and populations including HIV prevention and care, youth involved in the child welfare system, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with eating disorders, and youth experiencing suicidality. Rachel is passionate about learning, practicing and teaching about trauma-informed generally as well as specifically with transgender, nonbinary and gender non-conforming teens. Rachel works at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with adolescents with behavioral health concerns. She also works with teens and adults through her small private psychotherapy practice.
Breakout Sessions Round #3
Friday, October 17th from 2:15 pm – 3:05 pm
Heather Keyes
Community Access Network
Transforming Culture: One clinic’s journey to becoming Trauma Informed
Clinic culture drives many factors to include patient care, employee satisfaction, and provider burnout. Where do you start to transform these important concepts in a complex system. Provider and leadership time is so limited, how do we convince them to make these changes? Who should lead the way and where do we start first. We will look at the lesson’s learned in educating leadership and staff, developing policy and procedures and creating psychologically safe spaces for patients and employees. We explore how to get employee buy in, hire the right people, and develop a strong work force.
Heather Williams Keyes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Social Work Manager in Lynchburg, Virginia. She has over 20 years of experience as a social worker working with individuals across the life span. Heather received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Longwood University, her master’s in social work from Radford University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Healthcare Leadership at University of Lynchburg. She is currently in the role of Director of Behavioral Health at Community Access Network (CAN), a Federally Qualified Health Center in Lynchburg, Virginia. In this role, she has developed programs for integrated care and supported medical professionals in bridging the gap between physical health and emotional health. She is passionate about holistic care and supporting patients to see the connection between their brain and their body. She is the Trauma Informed Champion at CAN. She is also the owner of Resiliency Counseling and Consulting, LLC where she works with individuals, families, students and local businesses to address burnout, undermotivation, emotional and physical health to be successful in living a resilient life. She serves on the board of Central Virginia Continuum of Care for Homeless Response and Community Resilience Initiative. She lives in Lynchburg, Virginia with her husband, three sons, 2 dogs and a cat. She has the pleasure of being a bonus mom and has a total of 8 children and 6 grandchildren.
Kaelyn Pike
The STAR Project
Fostering Thriving Communities Through Everyday Restorative Practices
This engaging session will explore how small, everyday actions rooted in restorative practices can create more inclusive and thriving communities. Participants will examine practical strategies to implement micro-practices in their personal and professional lives, ultimately contributing to a culture of belonging and mutual respect where people can show up authentically and fully in their communities.
Kaelyn Pyke has a passion for fostering connection, equity, and growth in every aspect of her work. She prides herself in having built a reputation for creating inclusive spaces where individuals and communities can thrive. Central to Kaelyn’s approach is the integration of Restorative Practices, which emphasize building relationships, repairing harm, and nurturing a sense of belonging.
Jason Williams
Brain Wise Solutions
Fresno, CA Inspired by CRI and Paper Tigers
In 2019, two strangers met at the CRI Conference and returned to Fresno inspired to act. Their collaboration led to the Fresno County Trauma and Resilience Network and Brain Wise Solutions Group. In five years, they’ve trained thousands using a neuroscience-based, trauma-informed approach. Join this session to see how one connection sparked a movement for lasting change.
Jason Williams co-founded the nonprofit, Brain Wise Solutions, after 20 years of dedication to children and families in Fresno County, CA. Jason received his first trauma-informed care training from CRI in 2019. He immediately took the concepts back to Central CA and began collaborating with others in the community to bring neuroscience and trauma-informed care principles and strategies to the people. As of 2025, Brain Wise Solutions has trained and collaborated with thousands of community members from multiple organizations to help people see themselves in a compassionate, loving way.
Rumyana Kudeva
Spokane Regional Health Distict
Jennifer Hansen
Spokane Regional Health District
Julie German-Murrey
Rosalie Murrey Memorial Foundation
Designing Birdie’s Nest with HOPE: Building an Early Learning Environment Rooted in Positive Experiences
Join us to discuss practical strategies for embedding HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) informed practices into early learning environments. Explore how the HOPE framework guides the design of Birdie’s Nest, a full-day, therapeutic early learning center. This session will highlight how positive childhood experiences shape resilience, inclusion, and accessibility for all children.
Rumyana is an experienced Bulgarian American clinical social worker, public health professional and educator with 20+ years of international scholarly work, mental health, and direct social work practice with diverse populations. Rumyana provides community education and technical assistance about implementing the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) framework for a strengths-based, trauma-informed system-wide change.
As a public health practitioner for the past 20 years, Jennifer Hansen has improved the health of Spokane county through education and organized community action. Currently, within the Beginnings Matter program at the Spokane Regional Health District, she focuses on increasing early relational health within Spokane county by utilizing and sharing the HOPE framework. She works with partners and the public to create a shared understanding of the impact community conditions have on early relational health for children and caregivers and engage diverse stakeholders in a collaborative response to prevent and mitigate childhood adversity by increasing families’ access to positive experiences.
Julie German-Murrey, EdD, is an advocate for children with disabilities. After her daughter Rosalie’s passing in 2021, she co-founded the Rosalie Murrey Memorial Foundation to improve childcare accessibility and promote inclusive early learning. As Executive Director, she leads efforts to develop Birdie’s Nest, an inclusive therapeutic learning center opening in 2027.
Raisa Jones
The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
Minnie Bliesner
The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
The First Face of Mental Health: Using the Healing Hands Tool in Trauma-Informed Care
Mental health crises and substance use challenges deeply affect Native communities, where stigma often prevents timely support. First Face for Mental Health, developed with Tribal communities, offers culturally grounded training that builds confidence in crisis response. Featuring Healing Hands, a kinesthetic tool teaching five trauma-informed steps, the program empowers helpers in any community to provide compassionate, respectful, and community-centered care.
Raisa, an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, is one of the NARCH Training and Research Coordinators at The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations. She has extensive experience in tribal enrollment, victim advocacy, and Indigenous mental health research. Her work centers on culturally rooted approaches to resilience, reducing stigma, and supporting Native communities in addressing mental health and substance use.
Minnie Swan Bliesner (she/they) is a member of the Coast Salish Lummi Nation and Umatilla Tribe. She holds a BA in Applied Developmental Psychology from Eastern Washington University and serves as Training & Research Coordinator at The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations. A mother, artist, and founder of Rose Swan Jewelry, Minnie is also a public speaker and advocate dedicated to equity, community, and amplifying marginalized voices.
Lincoln High School Staff
The Site of Paper Tigers
The Ripple Effect of Resilience: Lincoln High School
Join the Lincoln team for some great conversation about resilience and the ripple effect. Learn about how we onboard and support new staff, how we collectively “keep the ripple effect going” with our experienced staff to continue to positively impact our students and our school culture, and how we support each other to reduce burnout. Bring your questions! Our team would love to brainstorm with you!
Led by Lincoln High School Principal Marci Knauft, this breakout session will also feature staff members Erik Gordon, Shelly Phipps, Patrick Kofler, Maddie Blackburn, Kris Bland, Tracy Gerbino, Riki Wauchek, April Sorensen, Zoe White, Stephanie Gomsrud, Ian Moffitt, Alejandra Quintero, Elissa Tinder, Nathan Paine, and Jayne Eacker.
Breakout Sessions Round #4
Saturday, October 18th from 10:30 am – 11:20 am
Sally Carman
Java-Trainings.com
Demystifying Sensory Processing: Tools to Manage Neurodivergence and Build Resilience
We learn about our five senses – but what about the other fundamental ways we perceive and process information? Our sense of movement, balance, and internal awareness have profound effects on our. basic function. What if our brain magnifies or minimizes the information transmitted from any of our senses? These common differences can significantly alter our experience, and thus our brain’s predictions. Many health care providers, including counselors, are unaware of the impact of sensory neurodivergence. Learn to identify the three ‘mystery senses,’ and to recognize alterations in typical processing. With ‘sensorimotor glasses’ on, we can develop techniques leading to increased energy and emotional regulation… and ultimately, to build awareness and resilience!
Sally Carman, OTR/L, is an Occupational Therapist with over 40 years of experience serving individuals across the lifespan. She developed the occupational therapy protocol for the Tacoma Chronic Pain Management Program, taught in the University of Puget Sound’s graduate program, and spent 14 years in acute care mental health at St. Joseph and St. Francis Hospital Medical Centers, working with teens and adults on coping skills. As owner and director of the Center for Therapeutic Intervention in Gig Harbor and Olympia, she specialized in sensorimotor treatment for youth in foster care and adoption, and continues to offer consultation there. Currently, she provides training and consultation for organizations including Community and Family Services Foundation and various schools and clinics in the Puget Sound region. Holding an undergraduate degree in English literature from Duke University, a master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Pennsylvania, and a post-master’s certificate in attachment-focused therapy, Sally is passionate about creating and delivering individualized, strength-based trainings and consultations, and values her CRI Training for Trainers certification.
Mary Koval
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
How Well Do I Lead Myself: Creating Self Aware Leaders
This session will explore the importance of self-awareness as the cornerstone of effective leadership. Leaders who understand their values, emotions, strengths, and areas of growth are better equipped to inspire, communication, and create inclusive environments. This interactive workshop is designed to help current and emerging leaders to deepen their self-awareness and harness it to lead with authenticity, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
Ms. Koval is a trauma informed/trauma supportive facilitator with a passion for equity & inclusion. Ms. Koval earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Arts in Sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her concentration area in Sociology is Social Inequality. She has over 15 years of Human Services experience and 4 years of Higher Education Administration experience. Ms. Koval has over 10 years of teaching/presenting experience. She has taught at several colleges in the Richmond area and now works as the Career Services Program Manager at Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia.
Rumyana Kudeva
Spokane Regional Health District
Jennifer Hansen
Spokane Regional Health District
Building Community Resilience with HOPE
The HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) framework is a strengths-based approach to strengthening community resilience. Research tells us that positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are a powerful antidot to the negative effects of trauma and early childhood adversity. The HOPE framework provides us with a pathway to create a community where all children and families thrive.
Rumyana is an experienced Bulgarian American clinical social worker, public health professional and educator with 20+ years of international scholarly work, mental health, and direct social work practice with diverse populations. Rumyana provides community education and technical assistance about implementing the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) framework for a strengths-based, trauma-informed system-wide change.
Jennifer has a life-long career in community health. From working in the Tobacco Prevention program at Spokane Regional Health District to co-developing Neighborhoods Matter, an innovative, neighborhood-based, community- led maternal-child health program, Jen has always been focused on strengthening community resilience. She is a certified HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Champion and involved with multiple community coalitions including the Inland NW Early Learning Alliance, Our Kids: Our Business, and co-leads Launch NW’s Birth-Five taskforce.
Kimberley Montgomery
Vogel
Tamsyn Morison
Vogel
Strength in Struggle: Empowering Homeless Kids Through Connection and Emotional Growth
This interactive session teaches skills that foster emotional growth of children int he homeless community by building strong relationships and meaningful connections. Participants will engage in guided discussions and creative exercises that are designed to promote resilience, self-awareness, and hope. Attendees will gain tools that empower young children embrace their journey, build confidence, and envision a brighter future.
Kimberley Montgomery is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor with over 15 years of experience treating children, adolescents, and adults in the field of abuse and trauma. Kimberley has practiced evidence-based, trauma informed practices throughout her career. She is trained and certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), Play Therapy and Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT). Kimberley has served many traumatic populations, including children and families in the child protective system, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, survivors of domestic violence, and the homeless population. Kimberley currently serves as the Director of Mental Health at Vogel.
Tamsyn Morison is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. She is the Lead Mental Health Clinician at Vogel. Tamsyn works with children and adolescents utilizing play therapy, a developmentally appropriate approach. She ensures that each client feels safe and supported as they navigate their healing journey together. Her priority is to provide a comfortable and judgment-free environment where clients can freely express themselves and work towards boosting their self-esteem and confidence while navigating life traumas and stressors.
Michael Jascz
The Relationship Foundation
Nonviolent Communication in Action
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) instructs educators on how to more effectively communicate with students and colleagues. NVC is a practice of expressing one’s needs and feelings, without judgment, and listening empathically. NVC emphasizes the importance of communicating in a way that fosters a safe and secure environment for children of all ages. It also creates greater empathy, critical thinking, and respect.
Michael Jascz is the founder of The Relationship Foundation (TRF), an educational non-profit initiative at the forefront of a unique approach to Social and Emotional Learning. The TRF staff has developed a groundbreaking program Healthy Relationships 101, which has been taught in New York City high schools. Dr. Vincent Felitti, Research Director of the ACE Study has endorsed TRF’s curriculum.
Penny Capko
Community Resilience Initiative
Brent Perdue
Spokane Public Schools
Implementing Trauma-Responsive Practices PreK-6
Discover how a team of educators at an elementary school serving a diverse, high-poverty, and highly mobile population in Spokane acted on their learning from the “Beyond Paper Tigers” Conference to implement Trauma Responsive Practices throughout their school.
Penny received her Master of Education, with Administrative Credential through Washington State University. Her extensive experience as a teacher and administrator across the state of Washington has provided her opportunities to support children and families in diverse communities. She has trained teachers and community partners about ACEs, self-care and resilience strategies. One of her greatest joys is working with community partners to build more resilient communities.
Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Brent Perdue earned his degree from the University of Washington, completed his teaching certification at Gonzaga University, and earned a master’s degree from Whitworth University. His career spans roles as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal, including receiving the Terrell H. Bell Award for Exemplary School Leadership from the U.S. Department of Education for his work at Madison Elementary School when it was named a National Blue Ribbon School. He later served as Director of Evaluation and Certificated Staff Support for Spokane Public Schools before returning to school leadership at Logan Elementary, Spokane County’s highest poverty school, where he and his staff embraced trauma-invested practices and opened the district’s first elementary school-based health clinic. For his leadership at Logan, he was named Spokane Public Schools’ 2019–2020 Elementary Principal of the Year and was invited to serve as a senior fellow with the Minnesota Institute for Trauma-Informed Education. Mr. Perdue lives north of Spokane with his wife and two children, and enjoys the outdoors, international travel, and playing guitar.