2026 KACTE Summer Program

This presentation provides an overview of trauma-informed care and its importance in supporting children, families, and communities. Participants will explore how trauma impacts brain development, behavior, learning, relationships, and emotional regulation while gaining a deeper understanding of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the effects of toxic stress. The session emphasizes trauma-informed, healing-centered, and resilience-oriented approaches that support individuals not only in surviving adversity but also in thriving and reaching their full potential. Attendees will learn practical strategies for creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments while shifting the perspective from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” in order to foster empathy, connection, trust, and healing across educational, clinical, and community settings."