Teaching with Trauma Awareness
Join Ashley Williams, Margo Tacey, and Suzanne Burns for a 1-day program on Saturday, 5/4, where we will explore what it means to teach with trauma awareness. This program is intended for teachers who lead in a community environment and is intended to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to deliver instruction and create an environment with trauma awareness.
Key Topics of Discussion:
Defining various types of trauma and its impact
How the key principles of a trauma informed approach can inform teaching
Understanding brain functions, the effects of trauma and what you might see in the yoga space
Understanding our role as a teacher and awareness of our voice, cues, assists, and the population we serve
A panel discussion + q&a on what it means to hold space as a teacher and leader in a community setting
This program will meet on 5/4 at The Well Collective from 12:30-9:30pm. Our time together will include both discussion and time for personal reflection. Throughout the day Margo, Suzanne, and Ashley will lead various styles of yoga and introduce mindfulness practices that support building a trauma responsive class. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in restorative practices that are vital in our work as teachers. There will be ample breaks to engage with fellow participants or find time for quiet and space.
For yoga teachers registered with Yoga Alliance, this program qualifies for 7 hours of continuing education.
Investment:
Tier I: $135
Tier II: $150
Tier III: $175
Margo Tacey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200). She has intensive training and experience working with individuals, organizations, and systems to increase trauma-informed and healing-centered practices. Margo has served in numerous leadership roles within government systems, non-profits, private business and Higher Education. The practices of yoga and mindfulness are foundational in her work with others, as well as her practice in sustaining herself personally and professionally.
Suzanne Burns is the founder of Humble Haven Yoga and has made teaching yoga to children and adults her career for the past decade. Over the years Suzanne has utilized yoga and mindfulness to heal the effects of trauma personally. From her own experience and awareness, Suzanne sought to pursue formalized trauma informed leadership training through organizations, such as, Connection Coalition, Yoga for the Special Child, and the Trauma Informed Community Networks of Virginia. She is passionate about creating equitable community spaces and views teaching with trauma awareness a vital and necessary part of that work.
Ashley Williams, MS, C-IAYT is a Yoga Therapist, Wellness Educator, and Founder of BareSOUL Wellness, Inc with experience in the fields of education, behavioral and mental health and community programming in Richmond, VA. She is a passionate advocate for holistic wellness, and merges yogic philosophy and practice with trauma awareness to empower resilience. Driven by personal healing experiences, Ashley guides individuals and institutions towards well-being, especially those impacted by generational and historical trauma. Recognizing its profound effects, she creates supportive safe spaces for healing through mindful-based restorative practices. With an engaging approach, Ashley equips yoga teachers to be trauma-informed, blending evidence-based techniques with practical insights for inclusive experiences.