FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (EASTON, MD – MARCH 11, 2019)

CONTACT: BETH ANNE LANGRELL, 410-822-1018

For All Seasons Staff Present on Trauma Sensitive Schools

For All Seasons recently presented two sessions of “Trauma Sensitive Schools” to staff from Queen Anne’s County Public Schools.  The trainings focused on bringing awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), specifically, the impact ACEs may have on learning and education.  Lesa Lee, LCSW-C, Clinical Director, and Katie Pittsinger, LCSW-C, Director of Education and Community Programs, both of For All Seasons, Inc., made the presentations.

ACEs are stressful or traumatic events, including abuse and neglect. They may also include household dysfunction such as witnessing domestic violence or growing up with family members who have substance use disorders. ACEs are strongly related to the development and prevalence of a wide range of health problems throughout a person’s lifespan.

According to Lee, “The training provided staff with psychoeducation and strategies they can use when they are dealing with students who may have experienced traumatic events.  The discussion also addressed the behaviors, thoughts and feelings children may present within school and why it is important for school staff to have knowledge about working with students exposed to trauma.”

Pittsinger adds, “The goal of the sessions was to work on shifting the mindset for staff to inquire and be curious about what the behaviors are trying to tell them and asking the question: ‘what has happened to you’ versus ‘what is wrong with you.’”

This approach is a cultural shift for the schools that involves the entire school system, including administration, teachers, bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria staff.  As a team, school staff can all wrap around students and educators to help provide a safe environment where they can learn and connect.   For further information about having a presentation on “Trauma Sensitive Schools,” contact Katie Pittsinger, LCSW-C, Director of Education and Community Programs at For All Seasons, at 410-822-1018.

For All Seasons is the only non-profit Behavioral Health and Rape Crisis Center serving the five counties of Maryland’s Mid-Shore.  For All Seasons offers individual and group therapy, general, child and adolescent therapy, marriage and couples’ counseling, grief counseling, school-based mental health therapy, urgent care services, Rape Crisis Response, Rape Crisis Counseling and Support, 24-Hour English and Spanish Hotlines, and education and outreach programming. For further information about For All Seasons or make a donation, call 410-822-1018 or visit forallseasonsinc.org.

Caption: For All Seasons recently presented two sessions of “Trauma Sensitive Schools” to staff from Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. Pictured front row, left to right, are Megan Shockley, Leslie Follum, Lesa Lee, and Katie Pittsinger. Pictured middle row, left to right, are Matt Evans, Kelly Moore, Melissa Osborn, Kaylene Kovach, and Rondell Bryant. Pictured back row, left to right, are Kevin Kintop, Brad Engel, and Robert Willis.