Biennial Trauma Conference

October 3-4 2013

The Family Center at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s 4th Biennial Trauma Conference, Addressing Trauma across the Lifespan: Integration of Family, Community, and Organizational Approaches on October 3-4, 2013 was a resounding success.

Attendees experienced two days of thought provoking, relevant, state-of-the-art information to assist them in the delivery of services to those negatively impacted by trauma across the lifespan and in a variety of settings. The half-day workshops offered on Day One of the conference appealed to a wide array of interests from the importance of play to the needs of the elderly. In the morning, Maria Broom ignited creativity, spirit, and movement in all those who participated in her workshop on the power of incorporating “Stories, Stillness, and Dance” into their work with trauma survivors. Douglas Walker offered a full-day training to participants on the evidence-informed model, Psychological First Aid. Douglas’s energetic, empathic, and informative approach to teaching, efficiently trained participants on the use of rapid assessment techniques and strategies needed when responding to victims following a disaster.

The afternoon workshops on Day One included an encore presentation by Playmakers Emily Saul and Emily Margolis of the Life is Good Foundation on the power of play in working with trauma victims of all ages. The inclusion of Lisa Brown’s session on assessment, intervention and treatment with traumatized adults ensured that topics offered for the day captured the interest of professionals offering services to traumatized victims in a variety of age groups.

In today’s society, it seems that when you tune your television into the news, there is a story featuring the devastating impact of natural, unplanned, disasters and/or acts of terrorism or violence that forever imprint our minds. On Day Two, renowned keynote speaker Russell Jones, discussed the mental health impact and global implications following these events and how these events need to inform and shape the future directions of trauma-related efforts.  The message, or “Call to Gimble”, was received well by participants.

A true highlight of the day followed lunch with the incredible performance and interactive address of our featured speaker, Maria Broom. Every participant in the room was up and moving. The powerful message of the importance of community and the role of the “village” was embraced by all. 

In addition to these two dynamic speakers, there were 15 informative and interactive workshops offered as part of three breakout sessions across the day.

We wish to thank everyone who attended and helped make this conference a success. Our next conference will be held October 2-3, 2015. Information will be available on our website the Fall of 2014. SAVE THE DATE!!!

2013 Biennial Trauma Conference Workshops