Trauma Responsive Clinical Tools to Treat the Collective Trauma of BIPOC: Applying A.C.T.I.O.N. to Reduce the Physiological and Systemic Impact of Racial Injustice

The biases and trauma of racism are real. Whether you are looking to change the way you work with race-based experiences or you have experienced the wounds of racism and racial trauma firsthand, this course will empower you with the strategies, discussions, and solutions you need to further yourself and your practice.

With hours of teachings, case studies, examples, and panel discussion, you will find powerful new strategies that you can immediately apply in your practice! We encourage you to take the time to fully absorb everything.

If you review all the course materials and are still not satisfied, just let us know. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Can’t join us live? Don’t worry — you’ll have access to the recording afterward.

*You must be present at the live seminar to receive live CE Credit. Home-study credit will be available on the recording 2-3 weeks after the panel discussion has completed.

Varleisha D. Gibbs, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and author with over 18 years’ experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders, and neurological disorders. She is the Vice President of Practice Engagement and Capacity Building at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Dr. Gibbs is the former Scientific Programs officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. She also served as the inaugural chair and director of the master’s programs in occupational therapy at Wesley College in Dover, DE, where she was a tenured associate professor. Prior to joining Wesley, Dr. Gibbs worked at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA, where she served as the director of the doctoral programs in occupational therapy.

Dr. Gibbs is steadfast and an expert in the field of neurology, cognition, and pediatric therapeutic intervention. She lectures and provides training on sensory processing strategies and self-regulation to practitioners, parents, and teachers throughout the country and internationally. As co-author of Raising Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders, she has provided families with strategies to understand and care for their children. Dr. Gibbs is the developer of the Self-Regulation and Mindfulness program and author of the best-selling book, Self-Regulation and Mindfulness: Exercise and Worksheets for Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (PESI Publishing & Media). She is the co-author of a new book on complex trauma, which will be published in Spring 2021 (PESI Publishing & Media).

In 2003, Dr. Gibbs founded Universal Progressive Therapy, Inc., a company that provides interdisciplinary and quality therapeutic services to families. As founding president, she provided treatment interventions and education in the areas of sensory integration, autism as well as family-centered care. Dr. Gibbs co-authored the publication, “Family-Centered Occupational Therapy and Telerehabilitation for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” found in the journal of Occupational Therapy in Healthcare. She received her PhD at Seton Hall University with a dissertation focusing on the autism spectrum diagnosis. Dr. Gibbs earned her doctorate in occupational therapy at Thomas Jefferson University.

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Nikki Harley, MSOD, is an organizational development professional who has provided innovative solutions to organizations in the areas of diversity and inclusion, conflict resolution, climate assessment, cultural competency, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) training, on-boarding, training compliance, leadership development, and organizational change management. Ms. Harley earned a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from the University of Delaware and a Master of Science in organizational development and knowledge management from George Mason University. She is the Principal Organizational Development Consultant at Imprint Wellness.

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Stacy West-Bruce, OTD, MSW, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and social worker with 21 years’ clinical experience and interests including occupational justice, community practice, aging, and academia. She is currently an adjunct professor at both Maryville University and Saint Louis University. Stay holds a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy and a post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from the Saint Louis University Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She also holds a Master’s Degree in social work from the Brown School at Washington University.

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Kim Graham, MA, is the coordinator of the newly formed Trauma Academy of Delaware State University. She facilitates the development of courses and training tracks (including African Centered Healing) to assist practitioners and students with being responsive to trauma and the nuanced needs of specific communities. Ms. Graham is a senior administrator and theatre instructor at the Christina Cultural Arts Center, a community school of the arts with a commitment to social justice. In this capacity, she partnered with schools to provide a continuum of arts-based education from pre-k through high school employing strategies for youth development based on strength-based, culturally competent, trauma informed tenants. Kim has over 5 years’ experience providing therapeutic support in the drug and alcohol field. These opportunities have provided tangible knowledge of both the impact of trauma on children and their families, as well as the realities of vicarious trauma and historical trauma.

Ms. Graham holds a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from West Chester University with a concentration in pyschodrama. She leads Trauma Informed, Delaware’s community-based healing subcommittee, and serves as a member of the Higher Education subcommittee. Ms. Graham is a member of the Delaware Department of Education’s Thrive advisory board, which supports the advancement of Delaware schools on the continuum to becoming trauma informed.

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