A Trauma-Informed Future

In this solo episode of A Trauma-Informed Future, Katie opens by naming what so many of us are carrying right now : the cumulative stress and collective trauma of a world that feels like it's moving too fast, too hard, and with too much at stake. She gets honest about her own nervous system responses over the past 24 hours, and uses those personal moments to ground listeners in real nervous system education. Trauma-informed is not an adjective, it's a verb. Katie walks through five trauma-informed strategies straight from the TRUST™ Model and breaks down why these aren't just soft skills, but literally what our nervous systems need to reconnect to safety during times of collective dysregulation. Short, grounding, and packed with both honesty and practical tools, this one meets you exactly where you are.Referenced in this episode: Resmaa MenakemSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Birth and death are the two most universal human experiences and somehow, two of the least trauma-informed spaces we've created.In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with Amy Chavez-Burkett about why that matters and what we can do about it. Amy digs into what it actually looks like to move trauma-informed care from principles into practice in the moments that count: when someone is at their most vulnerable, their most open, and their most in need of feeling safe.At the center of this conversation is the nervous system. Because safety isn't just a value or a policy, it's a felt experience. And whether someone is bringing life into the world or leaving it, the conditions we create around them shape not just the moment, but what they carry forward from it.Learn more about Amy:Amy Rebekah is a visionary leader, facilitator and healer with over 20 years in practice as a licensed massage therapist, craniosacral therapist, doula, childbirth educator and doula trainer, a community herbalist, circle keeper, a story steward and story-teller, a speaker and author, a researcher and trainer of Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered leadership.Amy is currently enjoying the experience of weaving her practical lived experiences with the theories and scholarship inside of a doctoral program in leadership and change through Antioch University. This academic journey increased Amy's capacity from supporting individuals and couples going through intense change or healing, to supporting groups and organizations working for change by supporting them in their capacity to practice a more authentic, responsible, embodied, and collaborative leadership culture through engaging a trauma-informed approach.In 2020 Amy founded ReStoryative Somatics, LLC to share her services and train other professionals in trauma-informed and healing-centered leadership. She is passionate about supporting leaders and those who support others in learning the practice of self-regulation of their nervous systems in service to co-regulation as a leadership practice. She especially enjoys working with organizational systems to implement trauma -informed care as organizational culture change.​In 2023, Amy and her daughters also joined forces to create a collaborative company called CommuniTEA Love, a company dedicated to facilitating connection within the community through access to delicious herbal tea blends and they are having a wonderful time building this legacy of love together.Connect with Amy:Website:  www.lovesomatics.orgWebsite: Www.communitealove.orgEmail: [email protected] ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Trauma survivors don't need one person to be everything; they need a web of support, each thread held by someone who knows their role and plays it well. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with certified coach Jaci Rogash, about what it actually means to be a trauma-informed coach: not a substitute for therapy, not a watered-down version of clinical care, but something distinct and genuinely necessary. This episode explores how coaches, therapists, peer supporters, and community practitioners can each hold their piece of the ecosystem without overextending and why staying within your scope isn't a limitation on your care, but an expression of it. If you've ever wondered where the line is, how to refer without it feeling like abandonment, or how to show up fully for someone who's been through hard things without accidentally doing harm, this conversation is for you.Learn more about Jaci:Jaci Rogash is a Certified Trauma Transformation Coach, Energy Coach, Breathwork Facilitator and speaker. Jaci works with women who have experienced trauma, have worked through that and created a life that is good but not great. These women are sick of feeling stuck and want to step into their fullest potential and bring their visions to life. Jaci grew up in country Victoria and is no stranger to trauma, experiencing a number of significant incidents before the age of 24. Jaci embarked on her own deep healing journey after years of suppressing her experiences, which allowed her to break free of her trauma and discover her true calling as a coach.Jaci supports women to move through their self-doubt, self-sabotage, fears and unsupportive subconscious patterns that show up because of their trauma, so they can find fulfillment, joy and the abundance life has to offer. Connect with Jaci:Visionaries:https://www.jacirogash.com/visionariesWebsite: https://www.jacirogash.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaci.rogash/Email: [email protected] ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

What does business actually look like when it's built for your brain? In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future, host Katie Kurtz sits down with neurodivergent business coach Pippa Parfait (she/they) of Disobedient Business Co. for an honest, validating conversation about why so many neurodivergent entrepreneurs feel like they're failing — when really, the systems were never designed for them in the first place. This is for anyone who has or is currently masking, conforming, and trying to squeeze their neurodivergent brain into a business model built on neurotypical norms. This episode offers a glimpse at what a brain-friendly business actually looks like in practice: flexible systems that work with your nervous system, not against it and a radically simple approach to starting a business that ditches the obsessive niche-drilling in favor of just getting out there and connecting with humans. This episode is for anyone who has ever looked at conventional business advice and thought I know this should be working, so why does it feel so wrong? because the answer might not be you. It might just be the blueprint.Learn more about Pippa:Pippa Parfait (she/they) is a coach and mentor for ADHD and Autistic business owners, and co-founder of The Disobedient Business® Co. Having spent years in corporate and public sector leadership before retraining as a coach in 2016, Pippa brought her systems expertise and strategic thinking with her — and quickly realised that almost all of her clients were neurodivergent founders who needed a completely different approach to business. Her own late AuDHD diagnosis made everything click into place: what had always been labelled disobedience was just her brain working in a system not designed for it.Through the Disobedient Business® Mastermind and brain-friendly digital tools, Pippa helps established ADHD and Autistic business owners build strategy, structure and self-trust so they can create a business they can actually live inside. Always armed with an inventive swear word, an 80s/90s reference and three drinks on the go. Fair warning: if she says "lovingly", a truthbomb is incoming.About The Disobedient Business® CoThe Disobedient Business® Co. exists to make business actually possible for ADHD and Autistic founders — in a way that works with their brain, not against it.Founded in 2016 by mother-and-spawn duo Pippa (she/they) and Lucy Parfait (they/them), DBCo. was built on a pretty simple (and apparently radical) premise: that the reason so many neurodivergent business owners are struggling isn't a personal failing. It's that they've been handed a neurotypical blueprint and told to get on with it.Through their high-touch Disobedient Business® Mastermind and brain-friendly digital tools, Pippa and Lucy help established ADHD and Autistic business owners build the strategy, structure, and self-trust to create a business they can actually live inside. Momentum without burnout. Priorities that stick. Plans that don't gather dust.Strategic, unmasked, wildly effective, and disobedient on purpose. Based in the Southwest of the U.K.Connect with Pippa:Website: https://disobedientbusiness.com/https://pippaparfait.com/https://disobedientbusiness.school/ IG: @disobedientbusinessco (IG and Threads)Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

How do you define resilience? In American culture, resilience is often equated with “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps”. But in reality, it is all about. nervous system capacity.  In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is joined by Jen Schneeman for a rich, trauma-informed conversation that challenges the idea that people should simply “bounce back.” Together, they explore the difference between resilience and malleability, drawing on neuroscience, somatic wisdom, and lived experience to unpack how stress, trauma, and healing live not just in the mind, but in the body.Learn more about Jen:Jen Schneeman is a soul-driven scientist, holistic mental health coach and trauma-informed nervous system specialist who helps individuals and communities reclaim personal energy, prevent burnout and live in their bodies with ease. With a deep understanding of the nervous system, trauma recovery, and human energy patterns, Jen bridges science + spirit to guide people toward resilience, self-trust, and inner freedom.Jen began her career as a science + tech advisor with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Defense Sciences Office, and later as a Deputy at the Air Force Research Lab, Human Performance Wing. There she managed a collaborative research portfolio focused on how nutrition, disease, brain injury and stressors uniquely affect human susceptibility, resilience and future determinants of health.Her lived experience of toxic stress-related burnout in a post-9/11 environment catalyzed her personal and professional transformation. Jen committed to the applied science of therapeutic mindbody connection programs to support sustainable healing and energy restoration. She knows firsthand that no amount of bootstrapping can truly reignite a system shut down by chronic stress, concussion, addiction, trauma, or pain — but that regenerative nervous system care can.Jen brings this knowledge to life through her Self-Care and Resilience (SCAR) program, a multi-tiered nervous system restoration framework tailored to reduce stress, improve coping, and restore vitality. Her signature offering, Everyday Resilience, empowers people to stay present in joy and grounded in struggle using the ABCs of Presence that makes recovery and regulation tangible, practical, and embodied.She has brought trauma-informed, nervous system-based programming to three VA Medical Centers, PTSD and TBI residential programs, addiction treatment centers, treatment courts, support groups, and beyond. She has also launched mindbody connection programs within two NFL teams, three military branches, four addiction treatment centers, dozens of corporations, hundreds of veterans and thousands of medical, mental health, and caregiving professionals.Today, Jen facilitates resilience-based programs for medical professionals, caregivers and survivors of sexual assault, addiction, PTSD and brain injury. Since COVID she expanded programming to real humans just like us.Jen is a sought-after public speaker, coach, facilitator of retreats and workforce wellness trainings, bringing humor, depth, and practical wisdom to her audiences. Her work is featured across local and national platforms, with data outcomes presented at major behavioral health conferences. Her passion lies in making mental health education trauma-informed, accessible, and regenerative. She’s also deeply committed to the power of peer support, serving as the resilience coach in Hey I’m Here Ohio, a youth-led movement growing resilience in Ohio’s young people.She is also a mother, spouse, nature lover and an adventurer who values autonomy, awe, connection to spirit and walking barefoot. Her personal healing journey informs her work and fuels her mission to build a world where trauma-informed nervous system literacy is the norm, not the exception.Connect with Jen:<Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Content Warning: This episode is focused on discussing, educating and uplifting the voices of survivors of sexual violence. In this episode, we will be discussing sexual violence, the rape crisis movement and healing avenues for survivors. Please be mindful as you listen and share this episode. We encourage survivors to honor themselves and those who are not to be present with this reality and be open to ways we can together create a more survivor informed care standard. This is not an episode to “consume and move on from.”  In this episode, host Katie Kurtz sits down with Molly Boeder-Harris, founder of The Breathe Network, for a conversation that goes far beyond headlines and statistics. We talk about what survivors actually need, how systems of care can unintentionally cause harm, and why healing must be part of how we show up.It’s an invitation to pause, listen deeply, and reckon with how we respond to survivors of sexual violence personally, professionally, and collectively. At a time when sexual violence is once again dominating headlines, this conversation asks an essential question: What does it actually mean to believe survivors and what are we willing to do once we say we do?Learn more about Molly:Molly Boeder Harris is the Founder and Executive Director of The Breathe Network, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), and a trauma-informed yoga teacher and trainer (E-RYT). Her own experiences of surviving sexual trauma catalyzed her to enter the trauma healing field in 2003, beginning with her work as a medical and legal advocate with children and adult survivors, a violence prevention educator, and later, as a yoga instructor specializing in working with survivors of sexual trauma. She earned a Master’s Degree in International Studies and a Master’s Certificate in Women’s & Gender Studies, which inform the way she holds individual and collective forms of trauma, oppression, and healing close together in her work and in her life. Over the last 2 decades of her career and her ongoing healing trajectory, she has found that the practices that recognize the whole person – body, mind and spirit – while also attending to the ways in which both trauma and resilience manifest physiologically, offer the greatest possibility for embodied justice and social change.Connect with Molly:https://www.thebreathenetwork.org/https://www.mollyboederharris.com/Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

In nearly every community, pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers: seeing patients up to 12 times a year or more. Yet burnout rates are staggering, and meaningful connection often gets lost in the grind. On this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz talks to Dr. Ashley Builta who reveals how trauma-informed care is changing everything in pharmacy delivery.  She shares how it's not another task to add to an overwhelming workload, but rather a simple mindset shift that takes just three extra minutes and transforms both patient outcomes and professional purpose. From a life-changing Sunday morning encounter to training the next generation of pharmacy students, discover how Dr. Builta is using this approach to reshape pharmacy practice across Michigan and beyond.Learn more about Ashley:Dr. Ashley Builta is a dedicated pharmacy professional and educator currently serving as the Director of Professional Development and Education at the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA). In this role, she leads initiatives that empower pharmacists to better support the mental well-being of their patients and communities. She brings a wealth of experience to her role in advancing pharmacist education and public health initiatives.Ashley holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor, a credential that enables her to expanded her impact with healthcare professionals, training them in recognizing and responding to mental health and substance use challenges. Her work bridges the gap between pharmacy practice and mental health support, helping to reduce stigma and promote early intervention.Ashley’s work reflects a deep commitment to holistic patient care, emphasizing the critical role pharmacists play in early intervention and mental health advocacy. Her leadership continues to shape a more compassionate and informed healthcare landscape across Michigan.Connect with Ashley:Website: https://www.michiganpharmacists.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-builta Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Leadership isn’t about titles or productivity: it’s about how you show up in everyday moments, especially in uncertain and turbulent times. In this episode, host Katie Kurtz explores what it really means to lead right now, offering a grounded look at how our nervous systems are responding, both individually and collectively, and how we can move from reaction to intentional, responsive leadership. As stress, burnout, and disconnection rise, trauma-informed leadership becomes essential for creating connection, stability, and trust in our lives and communities. This episode is a rallying call to lead with greater awareness, humanity, and accountability and to choose a different kind of leadership.Mentioned in this podcast: January 30th workshop on Trust BehaviorsSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Content Warning (CW): This episode centers the discussion of gun violence and explicit mentions mass shootings. Please be mindful as you listen and provide this content warning when sharing. I didn’t want to record this episode. And that’s exactly why we did. So let's cut straight to the truth: we need to get real about gun violence.  This is an important and timely episode with Josh Novick (he/him) is about gun violence, trauma exposure, and what it actually costs to care inside broken systems. No platitudes. No easy answers. Just the truth—and the choice in front of us. Working in education throughout his career, he has been both the responder and the experiencer of the impact of gun violence. It wasn’t until a mass shooting hit his own backyard at the Highland Park Parade Shooting in 2022 that he began to his advocacy journey.This is not a theoretical conversation—it’s a grounded, urgent look at how trauma shows up in classrooms, communities, and bodies, why gun violence is a public health crisis (not a mental illness), and what trauma-informed care actually demands from us. Honest, sharp, and unapologetically human, this episode names the harm, challenges the myths, and calls listeners into action. Learn more about Josh:Josh Novick, LCPC, PEL-SC is a nationally recognized therapist, school counselor, speaker, and advocate who combines clinical expertise, lived experience, and unapologetic passion in the fight for safer, more connected schools and communities. He is the founder of Trust and Grow Consulting, where he partners with schools, districts, and community organizations across the country to expand trauma-informed, equity-centered practices that support resilience and recovery.Josh’s perspective is shaped by his years as a school counselor in North Lawndale on the West Side of Chicago, where he worked alongside students and families navigating systemic inequities, community violence, and extraordinary resilience. His commitment to trauma-informed recovery deepened after the Highland Park Fourth of July parade mass shooting, which impacted his own community and led to his leadership role in creating a temporary Community Counseling Center. In just one week, the center provided immediate relief to more than 3,000 community members with the support of over 650 volunteer therapists, becoming a model for rapid, compassionate crisis response.An Ambassador with Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence, he is a leading voice on educator wellness and community response after critical incidents, helping schools navigate the aftermath of violence with compassion and clarity. His work has been featured at national and regional gatherings including the Building Resilient Communities for Children Conference, the Creating Trauma Sensitive Schools Conference, and the Illinois School Counselor Association Conference. His expertise has been quoted in regional and national articles, extending his impact beyond direct practice and into broader public discourse.Connect with Josh:Website: https://trustandgrow.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-novick-lcpc-7b653843/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustandgrowconsulting/?hl=enTeachers Unify to End Gun ViolenceSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Have you ever sat through a nonprofit fundraising gala and felt your stomach drop as the lights dimmed for yet another emotionally devastating video? You're not alone. And according to trauma-informed storyteller Maria Bryan, there's a better way.In this powerful episode of A Trauma-Informed Feature, host Katie Kurtz sits down with Maria Bryan to unpack the often-overlooked harm happening in nonprofit storytelling. From the marketing director gathering stories to the donor watching from the audience, everyone in what Maria calls the "storytelling ecosystem" deserves consideration.As nonprofits face funding challenges, story extraction isn't just harmful—it's unsustainable. This conversation offers a path forward that honors both story and humanity.Learn more about Maria:Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She is the host of the When Bearing Witness® podcast and facilitates the When Bearing Witness® Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification Program.Maria’s work helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Over the past 15+ years in the nonprofit and public sector, Maria has trained thousands globally in person and virtually—focusing on trauma-informed storytelling and purpose-driven marketing.Her learning lineage spans a Master's Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, and professional certifications in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment and Regulation.Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.Connect with Maria:Website: https://www.mariabryan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabryancrtv/ Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Welcome back to a new season of A Trauma-Informed Future! After a restorative pause, Katie is offering transparent updates about the behind-the-scenes shifts that have unfolded since the last episode. Acknowledging the deep distrust shaping our world-from politics to community safety to information itself-Katie reminds us that trust is built slowly, at the pace of the nervous system, through aligned intentions and actions. She reflects on the collective trauma of the current moment, the exhaustion and hopelessness that doom-scrolling can amplify, and the grounded hope that trauma-informed practice continues to offer as people make daily choices toward humanity, safety, and care. Katie shares the evolution of her work, including the emergence of TRUST™ (Trauma-Informed Relational Upskilling and Systems Transformation) as the aligned home for her methodology, the beta launch of TRUST Works, and the growing community of trusted partners.  Centering the power of caring as courageous rather than “soft,” Katie calls listeners into mindful action, inviting them to reflect on where their care lives, how they can use their power within their spheres of influence, and how choosing trauma-informed care in small everyday moments contributes to a broader trust swell. Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

When people feel truly seen, heard, and valued, their nervous systems shift from protection to connection. As humans, our deepest drive is to feel safe—and that sense of safety is shaped by our internal physiological state, governed by the autonomic nervous system. We’re navigating a world marked by uncertainty and disconnection—at work, at home, and in our communities. Trust is in short supply, yet it’s the very thing we need most. In low trust times, trust becomes the glue—what holds us together when everything else feels unstable. In this timely and hopeful conversation, host Katie Kurtz explores the neuroscience of trust and why it matters now more than ever. You'll discover how each of us carries the power to build, repair, and sustain trust—one relationship, one choice, one nervous system at a time.Sign up for updates & exclusive  access to TRUST Works™- a trauma-informed training & certification programSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Many people turn to their faith communities to seek safety, connection, and support.  Without a trauma-informed lens, well-intentioned practices can unintentionally cause harm or retraumatize. Host Katie Kurtz is joined by coach and consultant Candace Wallace as they explore the integration of trauma-informed practices within faith-based communities. With expertise drawn from her extensive background, Candace Wallace explores the dual nature of faith communities as havens of healing and potential harm, urging the necessity for accountability and compassion.  If you're part of or curious about faith-based systems, this episode is an essential guide to embedding trauma-informed principles into your community's foundation. Learn more about Candace:Candace Wallace is a passionate coach and consultant with a proven track record in designing and leading public health strategies at the federal, state, and local levels. As the founder of Seeds of Life Consulting, she empowers and equips agencies—including faith-based institutions—to integrate trauma-informed care practices that foster resilience, healing, and equity within their communities. Recognized for her servant leadership and strategic expertise, Candace is a 2025 German Marshall Fund - Marshall Memorial Fellow and has been featured in esteemed publications, including the 2020 APHA and Case Western Reserve University’s Cancer Disparity Symposium.Connect with Candace:Instagram: www.instagram.com/crusaderchic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candace-l-wallace/Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Still think trauma isn’t relevant to your work? Recent populations studies have shown that virtually all people have or will experience trauma in their lifetime. Whether it’s your employees, customers, or clients, individuals have experienced some form of trauma in their lives and it can impact how they interact with you and your business. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with career HR professional and CEO & founder of the Wounded Workforce, Stephanie Lemek. This episode shines a spotlight on the essential role of trauma-informed practices in transforming workplace culture. Stephanie highlights examples of how trauma-informed practices contributes to a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture, which translates to higher employee engagement, retention, and overall organizational success.Learn more about Stephanie:Stephanie is on a mission to build trauma informed workplace cultures, leading her to found The Wounded Workforce™ in 2023.Stephanie has over 16 years of experience in a variety of HR roles, spanning various industries and in organizations ranging from large Fortune 500 to growing start-ups.In every role, Stephanie noticed that the workplace just isn’t built with everyone in mind. And despite the best efforts of HR teams and leaders, sometimes people still don’t have the right supports to be successful.With a lifelong mission of helping both organizations and individuals be successful (and at the same time!), there had to be a way to create organizational cultures where everyone can be successful- and that’s where trauma informed workplaces come in!Through a passion and research, Stephanie found that what she was looking for to help leaders, HR, and Talent professionals approach the workplace with an understanding and responsiveness to the traumatic experiences over 70% of adults bring with them to the workplace, didn’t exist. So, she set on a mission to build it herself!Connect with Stephanie:Website: https://www.thewoundedworkforce.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_wounded_workforce/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielemek/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Wounded-Workforce/61551729635346/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWoundedWorkforce Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

What if the traditional way of doing business is no longer the way forward? What if people and profit could coexist without extraction or harm?  Today's guest, Angela Johnson had these questions and set out on a journey to research how this could be possible using trauma-informed care. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with business strategist Angela Johnson discussing the critical role of integrating trauma-informed care into business practices. She underscores the importance of viewing trauma as a fundamental component of human interaction and how it influences business strategies, marketing, and communication. This episode offers resources to help businesses incorporate trauma-informed approaches, highlighting the transformative potential for both business success and personal fulfillment.Learn more about Angela:Angela is a trauma-informed coach and strategist who helps multi-passionate rebel entrepreneurs and DEI-focused organizations craft their unique message and implement their marketing without using pain points, complicated funnels, or other gimmicky strategies.Since 2008, she has helped hundreds of private clients and over 3,000 students in her courses and events ditch one-size-fits-all formulas and lead their businesses with their values. She is best known for her simple 1-page marketing plans and keen ability to help her clients craft compelling messaging while prioritizing their nervous systems.Angela has shared the stage with renowned thought leaders like Liz Gilbert, Lynn Twyst, and Lisa Nichols. Her work focuses on guiding business owners and organizations to integrate trauma-informed marketing and communication so that collectively, we dismantle systemic oppression and co-create a world that prioritizes equity and compassion.Connect with Angela:Website: www.angelamjohnson.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/angelajohnsonbiz/Free Trauma-informed Business Guide: https://tools.angelamjohnson.com/free-trauma-guideSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz invites Caroline Brunne, a distinguished trauma survivor coach and breath work facilitator to discuss the powerful role of peer support. Caroline shares her compelling journey, underlining the critical role of personal lived experiences in the realm of trauma-informed care. This episode highlights how those who have navigated similar challenges bring valuable insight and a unique perspective that can bridge gaps between traditional support systems and personal recovery. Caroline, alongside her loyal therapy dog Louie, is dedicated to fostering environments of safety and growth through her initiative, In Support Community, which provides vital peer support for survivors of child sexual abuse.Content Warning: This podcast episode mentions the lived experiences of childhood sexual abuse and incest. Although specific details are not mentioned, please be aware and listen with care. Learn more about Caroline:For over two decades, Caroline has had the privilege of supporting individuals in transforming their lives through coaching, life management, and personal growth. Her work has been featured on platforms like Channel 7’s Sunrise, Mamma Mia, Women’s Health, Channel Nine News, Body & Soul, and numerous podcasts and publications – a testament to the impact of her journey and dedication to helping others.But beyond the accolades and appearances lies a story of resilience. As a high-functioning trauma survivor, Caroline knows the weight of building a life of accomplishments while carrying the shadow of past pain. In 2020,  Caroline took her first steps toward unpacking and healing her lived experiences, confronting the trauma that had long lingered in silence. That journey led her to a place of transformation, and in 2022, she took an act of unshakable courage by self-publishing her debut book, More Than One Thing Can Be True.This memoir is not just a story – it’s a testament to survival, healing, and hope. In it, Caroline shares her lived experience of overcoming child sexual abuse, incest, and trauma, offering a narrative of bravery and resilience. Her goal is to inspire individuals and communities to open conversations about these experiences, to replace shame with understanding, and to illuminate the path to healing.Since releasing her book, Caroline has expanded her mission, stepping into the role of a lived experience expert and survivor advocate. She has the honor of speaking at conferences and events across Australia, contributing to media discussions, and sharing insights that empower others to embrace their healing journeys.In 2024, Caroline combined her personal experiences with her professional expertise to create The Survivor Coach – a space where coaching and breathework come together to support transformation. Today, alongside her therapy dog Louie, Carline works with clients to move beyond trauma, reclaim their power, and step into lives of purpose and authenticity.Connect with Caroline:Website: https://carolinebrunne.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cgb.mgmt# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_brunne/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-brunne/ Breathwork bookings: https://cbrunne.setmore.com/ Louie the Therapy Dog: https://carolinebrunne.com/meet-louie/ Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

How do we meet the moment while also running a business? In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz explores the intersection of trauma-informed care, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and effective marketing and business practices with Tristan Katz. An LGBTQIA+ DEI facilitator and consultant, Tristan shares their profound insights on creating meaningful change and fostering supportive environments for entrepreneurs.  By highlighting the interconnectedness of solidarity and entrepreneurship, this is a compelling call to action for reflection and sustained efforts towards an inclusive future.Learn more about Tristan:Tristan Katz (they/he) is a business consultant and equity-inclusion facilitator specializing in culturally competent marketing strategies and LGBTQ+ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB). Tristan currently serves as COO and Director of Programming for Fruition Growth Network, a platform designed to support entrepreneurs with affordable programming, free trainings, coaching, and community. His clients are at the forefront of creating more access and inclusion in the yoga industry and beyond, with social media audiences of 20k and above; many of them have been featured in NPR, the New York Times, NBC, and USA Today, and have worked with companies like Google, the Met, and TikTok. As a longtime student of social movements and social justice, Tristan’s work centers on values-focused marketing, the exploration of power and privilege, and the intersection between solidarity and entrepreneurship.Connect with Tristan:Website: www.katz-creative.com Instagram: @tristankatzcreativeMentioned in this episode:Michelle Cassandra JohnsonFruition Growth NetworkPrentis HemphillSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Trauma-informed care holds profound importance but is currently facing significant challenges. At its core, trauma-informed care is meant to be inclusive, compassionate, and universally applicable, addressing the needs of all individuals without exclusion. However, recent shifts in federal policies, funding priorities, and organizational practices have raised concerns about the erosion of this approach. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz discusses how efforts to dilute or limit trauma-informed care, including discriminatory exclusions and censorship, undermine its fundamental principles. She shares a recap from a recent Trauma-Informed Town Hall and highlights important discussions and resources to protect this vital framework and to remain steadfast, collaborative, and adaptive.Resources mentioned:Trauma-Informed Town Hall Resource ListPodcast with CTIPP's Jesse KohlerCTIPP website & resourcesSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

In the face of overlapping social, economic, and cultural crises, many of us are carrying the weight of collective trauma, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But even amidst the chaos, we don’t have to be consumed by the flames. This micro-episode is validating for anyone feeling familiar 2020 pandemic feelings of hypervigilance, functional freeze, growing uncertainty and fear. Host Katie Kurtz shares some affirming messages and practical takeaways including a free opportunity to connect with other trauma-informed leaders across industries at the upcoming virtual Trauma-Informed Town Hall on March 4th 12pm EST.Join us for the free Virtual Trauma-Informed Town Hall on March 4th at 12pm ESTDownload your FREE guide on how to acknowledge “these times”Watch this episode on our new YouTube channelSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

That palpable feeling of exhaustion, looming uncertainties, mounting moral injury, fast pace demoralization unfolding on our screens and in our streets. It's not an overreaction, it's collective trauma. Let's name a thing a thing and begin to look at ways we can begin to navigate how to live and lead during these times. Denying, minimizing and bypassing the realities of what is happening right now in the U.S. is not helpful, it's harmful. You don't have to know how to show up right now-let's be real, most of us don't. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz shows us how we can make the courageous choice to utilize empathy as a strategy to help promote sustainable resilience on personal and collective levels.Download your FREE guide on how to acknowledge “these times”Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

In this season finale episode, we are having a community meeting to compassionately and courageusly look at the choices we have to make in the coming weeks, months, and years. We are standing at the threshold of opportunity to open to lead our values out loud in the face of uncertainty, fear, and resistance. For those us willing to choose courage, how will we prioritize humanity in our own spaces and spheres of influence? This episode is a call to courage as a trauma-informed community to support each other in deliberately fostering connection and resilience. Join us for Beyond the Buzz workshop on November 20th at 2pm EST (recording available for 14 days) to learn tangible strategies on promoting trauma awareness within your sphere of influence.Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

The current tumultuous socio-political climate impacts all of us, no matter where we live. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz provides practical and tangible practices that not only can be implemented immediately but can also remain a part of our evolution as trauma-informed leaders. She provides tools and techniques to take care of ourselves in order to continue to function effectively.Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

If we want to live in healthy, resilient communities, we need to be thinking about who we are electing and what policies they are moving forward to make that possible.  A trauma-informed future is possible and we need to be thinking about it at a policy level.  In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with policy advocate and Executive Director of the CTIPP (Campaign for Trauma Informed Policy and Practice), Jesse Kohler who is bringing his extensive knowledge and advocacy experience to the forefront. Since its inception in 2015, CTIPP has been a beacon for change, advocating for trauma-informed policies and practices at a federal level and uniting advocates across various sectors.   Learn how trauma isn't just a personal concern, but a bipartisan issue whose resolution holds key economic benefits and takeaway tangible ways you can get involved in your state.Connect with Jesse:Website: https://www.ctipp.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/61719603/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTIPPorg You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@ctipp Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

What may be traumatic for me, may not be traumatic for you. But that doesn't mean my lived experience isn't real or valid. Because we each have unique nervous systems. We also have unique brains. Neurodiversity is becoming a more popular topic but what is it and how can be we be neurodiversity affirming? In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with distinguised Australian musician, Tahlee Roillon. Tahlee discusses the connection between neurodiversity affirming care and trauma-informed care. She also shares her journey in creating the Restful App as a tool for supporting our nervous system through sound and senses.Connect with Tahlee:Website - https://www.restfulapp.co/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/restful.music/ Get the Restful App on iOS  - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/restful-focus-sleep-sounds/id1599997971 Get the Restful app for Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.restfulapp.restful Mentioned in this episode:Sonny Jane Wise, The Lived Experience EducatorNeurodiversity Affirming Practice PrinciplesSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Whether we like to admit it or not, trauma is inherently political. The policies and decisions made by governing bodies can significantly influence the prevalence and impact of trauma in different communities. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future, host, Katie Kurtz delves into the political nature of being human, especially in the context of an upcoming pivotal election in the United States. We discuss how the human experience, trauma, and wellness are intrinsically political, and how trauma-informed care calls for active participation, even in challenging domains such as politics. As a takeaway, listeners are encouraged to recognize the political roots of trauma and integrate this understanding into their trauma-informed practice for more intentional, mindful action.Check your voting details & make a plan here.Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Don't underestimate the benefits of applying trauma-informed care to your business. Embracing a trauma-informed approach can significantly enhance a business's client experience.  In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with Theo Nash and Stephanie Bilinsky, trauma-informed entrepreneurs who are sharing how their focus on trauma-informed care has shaped their business approach. Theo and Stephanie delve into the significance of transparency in business practices, particularly around marketing, pricing and communications, and how trauma-informed approaches can lead to both success for their clients and themselves.Connect with Theo:Website: https://theonash.com/Instagram: @theonashTikTok: @photographerdad Connect with StephanieWebsite: https://brandcendent.com/Instagram: @brandcendentTikTok: @brandcendantSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Psychological safety is paramount in any environment, especially in the workplace, as it fosters a culture where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of embarrassment, rejection, or retribution. This sense of security encourages collaboration, innovation, and learning, as team members are more likely to share creative solutions and admit mistakes that can lead to improvements. In today’s episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with the CEO of Silver Linings International, Debra Cady. Debra helps us explore the importance of psychological safety and understand how when it is prioritized, it can enhance overall mental health, reduce workplace stress, and increase employee engagement and retention. Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Trust is not assumed, it’s built over time. Safety is contingent upon trust, so if we want to build and sustain healthy relationships, we must know how to build trust. In today’s episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz shares 4 practical ways to build trusting relationships with yourself and others.  These strategies not only promote trust within personal and professional relationships but also enhance overall experiences and outcomes in various interactions. Whether you are new or experienced, this is a helpful check-in episode full of powerful practices to attune to centering trust in all of your relationships. Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Did you know that our nervous systems are mirrors? How we show up directly impacts the person or people around us. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz delves into the importance of understanding our nervous systems to practice trauma-informed care effectively. She explores the crucial role of co-regulation in building trust and ensuring safety. Katie outlines four key elements that support nervous system care, promoting a regulated and resilient environment. This episode provides valuable insights and practical strategies for nurturing our own nervous system and fostering safer, more trusting spaces for everyone.Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Whether you work in the nonprofit, corporate, small business, or healthcare industries, data and quality improvement matter. But how can we use data and quality improvement measures to build trust and safety both within client AND employee experiences? On today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with Quality Improvement Specialist, Tristan Keelan. This episode emphasizes how fostering curiosity over judgment can significantly enhance care quality and outcomes.  Tristan gives us practical examples of how integrating trauma-informed care into our business strategies can impact performance and organizational efficiency, ultimately building more trust and safety within any company culture.Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

What comes to mind when you think of resilience? In this short and sweet episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz gets real about what resilience is, how we use it, and how we build it.  Katie opens up about her personal journey, sharing a life update on caregiving for her parents, her dad's recent passing and the emotional toll it has taken. This poignant narrative anchors the episode’s exploration of resilience—not as "gutting it out"—but as our capacity to manage and recover from stressors.Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Connection and building community are vital for any team, department, and organization.  It requires trust, fostering empathy, and promoting the well-being of all members. The intersection of trauma-informed care with community building is essential to effectively and inclusively connect.  But you don't need to know someone's trauma story to offer them trauma-informed care. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with community manager and social impact advisor, Fihmiya Hamdan. Fihmiya shares her experiences and practical insights on building trust, managing group dynamics, and the transformative power of compassionate community building. Learn more about Fihmiya Hamdan:Fihmiya Hamdan (she/her) is a passionate baker, traveler, and adventurist. You can find her outdoors in nature's beauty and its surroundings. She a former educator and in a lot of ways, she is still educating but in different capacities. Currently, Fihmiya is a Community Manager and Social Impact Advisor who sits on the intersection of Health & Wellness, Education, and Technology. Fihmiya is fortunate to be working in Mental Health spaces where she can develop a trauma-informed lens as a Community Manager within the Integrate Network. Connect with Fihmiya:Docuseries: Humans of Connectionhttps://www.youtube.com/@HumansofConnection/featured    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fihmiyahamdan/ Community Management/Social Impact Portfolio to learn more: https://www.notion.so/fihmiyahamdan/Community-Management-Social-Impact-Portfolio-b234357e7a344f9fbecab8e20d94492e?pvs=4 Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

We shouldn't have to ever choose between a thriving, sustainable business and our mental health.  The emotional exertion that goes into being an entrepreneur can be isolating and exhausting. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with the Entrepreneur's Therapist, Shulamit Ber Levtov. The discussion highlights the lack of mental health support for business owners and the intersection of emotions, finances, and stress management in entrepreneurship. Shulamit contributes insights into childhood trauma's influence on money management, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed leadership and sustainable self-care practices. The episode advocates for integrating trauma-informed approaches and mental wellness in both personal and professional spheres to support business sustainability.Learn more about Shulamit Ber Levtov:Shulamit (she/her) is the Entrepreneurs' Therapist. She is working passionately to mitigate the entrepreneurial mental health crisis through keynote speaking and educational workshops and by supporting women entrepreneurs 1:1 to care for their mental and emotional wellbeing and their money psychology in an era of relentless stressors that can make you want to lose your crap on the daily.Shulamit has been an entrepreneur for over 27 years and has more than 22 years of professional experience supporting women's mental health and personal growth. In addition to working with clients 1:1, Shulamit teaches in private and university business programs and speaks locally, nationally and internationally about the intersection of mental health, trauma, financial psychology and entrepreneurship.As an award-winning entrepreneur, masters-level, licensed trauma therapist and trauma survivor, with certifications in Dare To Lead™, Trauma of Money and Nonviolent Communication, Shula brings a unique perspective and approach to supporting women in business.Connect with Shulamit:Website:  https://www.shula.ca  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulamitberlevtov/Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/the_entrepreneurs_therapistSubscribe to her newsletter: https://www.shula.ca/newsletter/Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

When it comes to trauma there is a big difference between trauma therapy and trauma-informed care.  There are so many different types of treatment and healing modalities but what are they exactly? In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with trauma therapist Sarah O'Brien LCSW-S who helps us better understand the key difference between trauma trained and trauma-informed and how essential it is that trauma therapists are trauma-informed. Sarah also helps us understand the difference between what a therapy modality is and how it's delivered.  Learn more about Sarah:Sarah F. O’Brien (she/her) is a dynamic and innovative trauma-informed professional. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LCSW-C), and has been a practicing psychotherapist specializing in Anxiety Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, and Relational/Betrayal Trauma reactions & responses for over 15 years. She has had many diverse and enriching experiences as a therapist that inform her work as a Trauma-Informed Coach and Consultant. She has been finding ways to pivot her clinical skills into other areas to reach wider audiences for impacting social change. Sarah also writes, speaks, and creates audio & video media content in efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health disorders & treatment, and to increase understanding of and accessibility to trauma-informed practices for all people and all businesses. (Trauma-informed future, FTW!)Not only is Sarah the Founder/CEO of both her psychotherapy practice and coaching/consulting business, she is the creator of the groundbreaking tool: the Trauma-Informed Crisis Response Guide. This step-by-step guide can be easily used and followed by any person, in any setting, to navigate the steps to address a mental health crisis in action. She has been featured in numerous media outlets to include Today and PsychReg. She has been a guest speaker on the Circle Back to You Podcast several times, as their in-house Mental Health and Trauma Consultant, as well as guest speaker/Subject Matter Expert for LIVE discussions and panels on LinkedIn. She strives to help folks wrap their minds around trauma-informed care in both clinical and non-clinical settings and work through their barriers to access transformational change, in life, in business, in self.Sarah lives out her beliefs in every aspect of her work, as she employs TI principles to her business practices, marketing, design, content-creation, collaboration with other professionals or companies, and her work with clients. She has a contagious energy and uses it to empower every individual she works with to be their authentic selves…and wear it proudly. Her collaborative approach creates a synergy between herself and others that provides hype for motivation, follow-through on goals, and recognizable change.  Neuroscience and evidenced-based practices are the driving forces behind Sarah’s approach to understanding how people create lasting and transformational change for themselves.Sarah holds several roles and titles in addition to Founder, CEO, clinician, consultant, and coach. These include: Social Impact Catalyst and Subject Matter Expert at Integrate Trauma-Informed Network and Circle of Friends Club. Ambassadorship for Belongly, Circle of Friends Club & Freedom Fight Expo, and Ace Med Assist, as well as, products for Own Your Stigma, CalmiGo, and Loop earplugs. Membership Chair of her local chapter of the Virginia Society for Clinical Social Work.She's also a proud dog mom, loyal friend, faithful spouse, reggae music lover, travel enthusiast, changemaker, and trauma survivor.Connect with Sarah:Website: www.sarahobrienlcsw.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thrivesarahobrienlcsw/Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Trauma-informed care is essential in healthcare. Given the prevalence of trauma across diverse demographics, understanding and addressing trauma is vital for providing compassionate and effective care. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz is sharing 5 key trauma-informed healthcare considerations. Traditional healthcare practices risk re-traumatizing individuals, highlighting the importance of creating safe and supportive environments. Trauma-informed care leads to improved patient outcomes by fostering trust and collaboration between healthcare providers and patients.  With a vast lens of experience working both within healthcare and as a caregiver, Katie highlights practical steps any healthcare provider can take toward trauma-informed care. Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Trauma-informed care belongs everywhere but it especially belongs in healthcare. Not only should it be expectation but the standard of care.  So what does that look like in practice? In this week's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with health equity activist and health informatics professional, Ebony Williams. Ebony shares her lived and learned experiences as a person living with a chronic illness as well as a wellness coach and patient advocate and why she is so passionate about inclusive and equitable healthcare.  This is the start of an ongoing conversation about delving into the many reasons why trauma-informed care is essential within our healthcare systems.  Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

We can't talk about trauma without talking about adverse childhood experiences or ACEs . It's a very popular study that was done almost 20 years ago and it's often a cornerstone of discussion around trauma and trauma-informed care. But how much is the ACE study benefitting us? And what about going beyond adverse childhood experiences and looking at adverse community environments as well as promoting protective factors and resilience? On today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with psychologist and author, Dr. Amy King.   Join them on a thought-provoking journey exploring the pressing need for a shift in how we handle childhood adversity and resilience. Dr. King will decipher the complexities of ACE questionnaires, the critical role of nurturing relationships in early childhood, and how to integrate trauma-informed and resilience-focused care into our health systems. Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

You are really good at offering trauma-informed care to others, but how are you at offering that same care to yourself? In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is reviewing 6 essential elements of trauma-informed self-care.  Learn about the bidirectional nature of trauma-informed care, emphasizing the importance of including ourselves as caregivers in the process.  This episode is packed with insights to help you nurture and support your overall well-being. Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

We are hearing more and more about the importance of understanding our nervous system and its relationship to our health, mental health and well-being. But how often are we learning about the importance of co-regulation as a part of nervous system care? In today's episode, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with guest Shelby Leigh peeling back the layers on why feeling safe and connected through co-regulation isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for healing. They explore the strength found in relationships and the often unacknowledged impact of trauma on our ability to be present for others. This episode delves into the profound world of co-regulation, its role in our healing journeys, and how it shapes our ability to foster a trauma-informed future—not just for ourselves, but within communities and workplaces.Connect with Shelby:www.shelby-leigh.comwww.creatingsaferspace.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbyleighLLC/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-leigh/Instagram: @fierceheart.shelbyleighCheck out Shelby’s upcoming retreat: https://www.shelby-leigh.com/panama-retreatSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

In this season three finale episode of "A Trauma-Informed Future", host Katie Kurtz shares a personal glimpse into her own healing journey and also shares some life updates. Katie speaks candidly about the trials she's faced, from embracing a new chapter in her life to shouldering the weight of uncontrollable events, all the while maintaining her focus on healing and leadership. Katie reflects on the transformative nature of personal healing over the last 15 years and its powerful influence on her capacity to lead effectively, especially under the shadow of trauma. Balancing her private life with business endeavors, Katie announces the evolution of her CULTIVATE training into an exciting new venture. Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

What does healing your trauma have to do with leadership...everything.  In this episode of "A Trauma-Informed Future," host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with trauma-informed leadership coach and author, Kelly Campbell, a visionary in trauma conscious leadership. We unpack why true leadership means embracing vulnerability and integrating healing as a journey, not just for ourselves, but for our organizations. Kelly gives us an exclusive sneak peek into their book, "Heal to Lead: Revolutionizing Leadership Through Trauma Healing" a must-read for anyone looking to transform their leadership out April 2024. Connect with Kelly:Book Pre-Order: https://klcampbell.com/heal-to-lead-book/Website: https://klcampbell.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.l.campbellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellylcampbell/Substack: https://kellylcampbell.substack.com/Leadership Quiz: https://klcampbell.com/leadership/Healing Resources: https://myhealingmenu.com Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

In this episode of "A Trauma-Informed Future," our host Katie Kurtz delves into how we can promote collaboration and co-creation when we allow consent and choice to flow through everything we do.  She emphasizes the importance of infusing consent and choice into all aspects of communication, relationship building, and decision-making, highlighting the need for active listening and validation.  Katie shares tools for co-creation, such as shared input, check-ins, and co-development, as well as tools for collaboration, including space agreements, accessibility, and consensual inquiry.  She underlines the importance of promoting shared power dynamics and creating spaces where individuals feel heard, considered, and empowered to participate.Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Have you been hearing the word 'somatic' a lot but not quite sure what it all means? In today's episode of  " A Trauma-Informed Future," host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with guest Jess Jackson where they get real and discuss all things somatics. The conversation embraces the broader understanding of the term "somatic," emphasizing that healing can transcend traditional practices but still require ethics and discernment. They highlight the value of both lived and theoretical knowledge in providing trauma-responsive care, underpinning the role of trauma work as a social justice effort.Connect with Jess Jackson:www.softpathhealing.comwww.softpathhealing.com/sspwww.softpathhealing.com/trauma-informed-foundations@softpathhealing on ig, tiktok, fbwww.whatisthessp.comSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

In this episode of "A Trauma-Informed Future," host Katie Kurtz dives into the crucial connection between choice and consent in trauma-informed care. She emphasizes the necessity of providing individuals with choices to consent to, to promote self-determination, autonomy, and agency. Katie shares examples of how to effectively incorporate choice into various contexts. She highlights the importance of clear expectations, adaptability, and accessibility in fostering a culture of consent.  Tune in to explore the profound implications of integrating choice and consent into every aspect of our lives, and how it contributes to co-creating a trauma-informed future for all.Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between coaching and counseling? In today's conversation, Katie is delving into this topic with seasoned coach and trained therapist, Julie Parker.  The rapid growth of the coaching industry brings with it a concern for the lack of adequate training for those holding space for trauma. We discuss the nuances of the coaching profession, the critical distinctions between coaching and traditional counseling, and why it's paramount for coaches to be not only trauma-informed but also to understand the scope of their practice. Learn more about Julie Parker:Website: www.juliesuzanneparker.com or www.beautifulyoucoachingacademy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesyparker/ or https://www.instagram.com/bycacademy Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

In this episode of "A Trauma-Informed Future" with your host Katie Kurtz, we delve into one of the core elements of a trauma-informed care practice: consent.  Katie breaks down the meaning of consent, its significance in trauma-informed care, and how it can be integrated into everyday life. She discusses various types of consent, essential elements to ensuring consent is centered in your communications and offers practical examples and insights for what this can look and sound like in everyday life.  Join us as we explore the vital role of consent in fostering safety, trust, and autonomy, and how it can shape our interactions and relationships.Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

*Content Warning: In this episode, Rachel shares her lived experience of surviving a mass shooting incident.    Please honor yourself as you engage with this episode. Our words matter. And when it comes to trauma-informed care, it is one of our most accessible things to begin shifting.  In today's episode, Katie's in conversation with guest Rachel Archambault where they dive deep into the power of language in trauma-informed care. Rachel, a Broward County speech and language pathologist and survivor of the mass violence incident at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, joins us to shed light on the important role of language in trauma-informed care. This episode discusses the uncomfortable truth behind phrases like "get over it" and "everything happens for a reason," and delves into more empathetic alternatives that honor our full emotional spectrum. By sharing her journey, Rachel underscores that trauma-informed care is a journey, not a destination, impacting not just professionals but everyone. Connect with Rachel Archambault:WebsiteInstagramSay ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

There are survivors among us. Underreported statistics show that someone in the United States experiences sexual violence every 68 seconds (source: RAINN).  We can no longer assume survivors are in the minority when we know it is the majority of us. With knowing this reality, how can we focus on creating spaces that promote healing for us all? In today’s episode, Katie is in conversation with her dear colleague Zabie Yamasaki. In this conversation, Katie and Zabie honor the origins of trauma informed care, discuss the importance of intersectional inclusion and spaces for survivors to remember themselves and explore the importance of self-consent. When we prioritize trauma-informed care and integrate it into our everyday lives, we can promote a culture of consent for people to show up and honor themselves, their safety and capacity. Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

If we know how pervasive and insidious trauma is, then why wouldn't we want to ensure we are utilizing an approach that minimizes harm as much as possible?  If we know that trauma is our bodies doing exactly what they are meant to do to keep us safe, then why wouldn't we utilize an approach that reconnects us back to our sense of safety and care?  In today's episode, Katie is sharing five reasons why we need to prioritize trauma-informed care. These reasons are helpful reminders for us to reenergize our commitment to showing up in this practice. Whatever your why is for doing this work, this podcast episode is a gentle reminder we are not in this alone. Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!

If we want to create a trauma-informed future, we have to hold the vision...together. In the season two finale of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz reflects on the past year, expresses gratitude to the listeners and guests, and shares highlights of the most popular episodes. She emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care as a capacity-building and healing-informed approach rooted in social justice frameworks. Katie shares a compliation of how guests from 2023 answered the question, "what does a trauma-informed future looks like to you?".  Stay tuned for season 3 launching in early 2024! Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedInCatch up on podcast episodesFREE Guide: Talking Through Turbulent TimesBook a 90 minute Strategy Session with Katie Get certified + create a sustainable practice with TRUST™ Works Interested in a keynote or consulting? Connect with Katie!