Kennedy Krieger Institute's 10th Biennial Trauma Conference a Resounding Success
The Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress at Kennedy Krieger Institute's 10th Biennial Trauma Conference, Addressing Trauma Across the Lifespan: Hope and Healing in Times of Environmental Stress, held on October 3, 2025, was a resounding success and a meaningful opportunity to recognize and celebrate nearly two decades of this important event.
This year's theme, "Hope and Healing in Times of Environmental Stress," was woven throughout the conference's keynote address, featured performance, and breakout sessions. Attendees spent the day engaged in practical, thought-provoking, and timely discussions exploring the complexities of environmental stress and trauma at both individual and societal levels. Sessions highlighted the effects of environmental stress on physical and emotional health and well-being, while also providing evidence-based interventions and strategies that promote prevention, coping, resilience, and healing.
The conference opened with keynote speaker Dr. Lise Van Susteren, who challenged attendees to think deeply about the impact of climate disruption on physical and mental health. Dr. Van Susteren's presentation focused on the devastating consequences of climate change and global warming, the disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations, and practical strategies for mitigating environmental stress and managing rising climate anxiety. Her insightful, poignant, and impactful message emphasized the importance of moving from awareness to action.
"Powerful!" "Uplifting!" "Inspiring!" These were just a few of the words attendees used to describe what many considered one of the highlights of the conference. The engaging and interactive educational performance by Olayinka Lawal and WombWork Productions demonstrated how the arts can serve as a powerful complement to the processes of healing, recovery, and resilience. The performers shared how participants can transform personal experiences into compelling performances that foster self-expression, connection, and healing.
In addition to these dynamic presentations, attendees had the opportunity to participate in 12 interactive, creative, and informative workshops offered across three breakout session tracks throughout the day. These sessions provided participants with enhanced awareness, knowledge, and practical, action-oriented skills to help mitigate the effects of environmental stress and trauma while cultivating resilience within individuals, families, and communities.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended the conference, including our speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors, whose contributions helped make the event such a success.
Save the Date
The Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress's next Biennial Trauma Conference will be held in October 2027. Additional information will be available on our website in Fall 2026.
2025 Biennial Trauma Conference Workshops
Participant Comments About Conference and sessions
The conference was great! I always look forward to the conference and learn so much.”
Excellent conference. Great food. Great speakers.”
Fascinating keynote presentation and a great call to action to begin the day. I can tell a lot of this information will stick with me.”
Fantastic way to reframe climate issues for our country and linking to public health outcomes.”
Overall conference content was excellent! Speakers were dynamic and engaging. Host was responsive and pleasant.”
Presentations were informative and insightful!”
The use of dance, drama and music in the treatment of trauma was artfully exhibited in the featured presentation.”
This was a really inspiring, educational event! Thank you!”
The topics were all very relevant and critical to supporting the well-being of the different populations served. So many of the Break-out sessions were important for my education and my role, I wish that I could have attended more of the sessions.”