Beyond ACEs: Understanding trauma, the brain, and building resilience
With Dr. Jennifer King

Decades of research have established that traumatic experiences have the potential to impact our physical and mental well-being in incredibly detrimental ways. However, with an understanding of some basic principles of neurobiology and development, we can see how relationally healthy experiences have the potential to buffer us against these negative impacts. In this session, we will explore the connection between trauma, the brain, and relationships, and consider the 'why' behind commonly recommended strategies for regulation and self-soothing.

Dr. Jennifer King is an Assistant Professor at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University and the Assistant Director of the Center on Trauma and Adversity at CWRU. A clinical social worker, she has a multitude of clinical practice experience working directly with traumatized individuals, families, and communities with the goal of addressing the impact of trauma across systems in order to help the traumatized move from surviving to thriving. A highly sought after speaker and trainer, Dr. King provides leadership over the trauma-informed curriculum at the Mandel School—developing training opportunities and advanced curriculum in the area of trauma-informed practice for Master’s level social work students as well as community practitioners to become better equipped to promote healing and resilience in individuals and communities.