Welcome to a warm, welcoming space where you can find a wide range of resources to support you on your journey. Whether it’s engaging books, helpful websites, or compassionate support groups, we’re here to help you navigate. Please know that you’re not alone in this—many others share similar experiences, and we’re all here to support one another!
Books
Here are some fantastic books that have guided me through tough times and inspired others on their career journeys. I hope you find these recommendations helpful and uplifting!
In “What Happened to You, “explore the thought-provoking concepts that challenge our perceptions and emotions in the world around us. This narrative unfolds through an exchange between Oprah Winfrey and trauma and brain specialist Dr. Bruce Perry. Together, they encourage readers to adopt a trauma-informed perspective, challenging us to examine the systems and lives that contributed to these events.
Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, a renowned trauma specialist, delves into how trauma reshapes both the body and the brain. His contributions have shown the profound impact of relationships in the origins of pain, but also in the healing journey, having a great influence in the context of recovering lives that have been hurt by trauma.
“Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness” is a wonderful meditation on the wounds and healing that can emerge from trauma and mindfulness. There are also many people with histories of trauma who do mindfulness courses. David discusses how mindfulness can contribute to the healing process, but it must be applied carefully to prevent distress or injury. He takes trauma through a lens of the spectrum, seeing singular events and systemic violence as the source. He offers actionable guidance on how to make mindfulness practices more trauma-sensitive, highlighting the role of educators as safe, mindful healing resources for trauma survivors.
In “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog,” Dr. Perry shares compelling stories of trauma and transformation, offering invaluable lessons of courage, humanity, and hope. By combining unforgettable case histories with his compassionate and insightful rehabilitation strategies, Dr. Perry illuminates the effects of extreme stress on children’s brains. He sheds light on the unexpected measures that can help ease their pain and support their growth into healthy, resilient adults. Through understanding the science of the mind paired with the transformative power of love and nurturing, we can begin to heal even the most wounded spirits among us.
In “The Self-Led Educator”, join Joanna Curry-Sartori as she presents a new way of being for teachers and school leaders, based on the IFS model. Reclaim your love for teaching. Learn to develop a compassionate relationship with “parts” of yourself, while creating a resilient community. Throughout the book, topics such as disconnection and relationship friction are discussed, while giving the reader strategies to improve mental wellness and personal resilience.
“Permission to Feel” is what if the key to happiness, success, and stronger relationships isn’t about thinking more, but about learning how to feel? In this groundbreaking book, Marc Brackett, Ph.D., director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, demonstrates how understanding and managing our emotions can transform everything — from parenting and teaching to leadership and connecting with others.
The Deepest Well: What if the biggest influence on whether or not you develop into a healthy adult isn’t your genes, diet, or exercise regimen — but your childhood? A pioneering physician reveals how childhood stress can lead to lifelong health problems — and what we can do to break the cycle. Weaving together the history of her patients and also her own family’s stories before Burke Harris was born, with groundbreaking findings on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) from researchers at Harvard, the Centers for Disease Control, and Discovering Hope will be a spark of inspiration to all parents, from mothers-to-be to foster moms. But this is not a story of despair — it’s one of healing, hope, and resilience. Using evidence-based treatments, a growing body of research on mindfulness, and the support of caring relationships and a first-responder focus, she demonstrates that we can reverse the damage from childhood trauma by healing at a deeper level than just managing symptoms.
Websites
Here are some incredible websites that I have used in educational settings, and that also enrich my mental health career. I hope these recommendations inspire and uplift you!
Grief
Open to Hope: Kelly Farley, a father who has experienced loss, provides articles, podcasts, and books to aid recovery after grief.
My Grief Angels: A public, nonprofit online community made by and for those who are grieving.
The Dougy Center: Provides a safe space for teens and their families to receive peer support in times of grief, before and after a death. It offers local, national, and international support and training.
Grief Story: At Grief Stories, we wholeheartedly believe that sharing our stories and insights nurtures deep connections among us. We understand how isolating grief can feel, and we are here to help one another cope and find comfort in the journey together.
Parenting
Parents as Teachers: Parents as Teachers passionately shares free resources to empower affiliates and caregivers in enhancing their understanding of early childhood development.
Center for Parent Information & Resources: The Center for Parent Information & Resources (CPIR) stands as a vital source of valuable information and resources, empowering Parent Centers to support families of children with disabilities on their journey.
Mindful: This website serves as a beacon for the science of mindfulness, offering guided meditation practices from leading teachers, special opportunities, and enriching content to nurture your mindful journey.
Children and Teens
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame: This website is designed for you and your child! It features various activities to help them develop essential skills such as problem-solving, self-control, planning, and persistence.
GoNoddle: This website fosters joy, health, and self-discovery in kids and their caregivers. We deliver engaging lessons on wellness and mental health, aiming to create happy, healthy kids who positively impact the world.
Mindfulness Practices for Children and Families: This website encourages mindfulness as a transformative practice for families, fostering a sense of connection and well-being in our fast-paced world.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care Resource Center: This site compiles resources from trauma-informed care experts and shares insights from healthcare organizations advancing trauma-informed care. It provides up-to-date tools to help improve care quality and health outcomes for patients who have experienced trauma.
Crisis & Trauma Resource: Explore a collection crafted for helpers like you. Discover uplifting podcasts, engage in stress reduction exercises, and access informative printouts and blogs.
APPS
Here are some incredible apps I have used in educational settings that have also enriched my career in mental health. I hope these recommendations inspire you to enhance your lifestyle.
Moshi Kids: Sleep & Meditation: A magical journey of bedtime stories, meditations, and soothing activities designed to help young children unwind and embrace the beauty of sleep.
Cosmic Kids Yoga: An enchanting experience that seamlessly blends mindfulness and yoga, inspiring children through engaging videos and captivating content that sparks joy.
Breathe, Think, Do With Sesame: An empowering app that guides young children in discovering essential mindfulness techniques, supported by the beloved characters of Sesame Street.
