Regina Lester-Harriat, LMSW, Assistant Professor in-Residence
Mon, October 5, 2026
9 am – 12 pm
3 CECs
Understanding children’s behavior through a neuroscience-informed lens is an important first step. The next challenge is translating that understanding into sustainable practices that shape everyday experiences for children, families, and school communities.
This interactive workshop builds upon current research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and trauma-informed practice to help participants move beyond understanding behavior toward creating the relational, emotional, and environmental conditions that support regulation, belonging, and healthy development.
Participants will explore how everyday interactions, relationships, routines, and environments influence children’s nervous system regulation and developing sense of safety, connection, and identity. Through guided reflection, case application, and concrete planning, participants will examine how adults across school communities can cultivate conditions that promote resilience, strengthen relationships, and support positive developmental outcomes.
Grounded in school social work practice and designed for immediate application, this workshop emphasizes accessible, evidence-informed approaches that participants can integrate into existing systems without relying on costly programs or extensive new resources.
Participants will discover how to translate neuroscience, attachment theory, and trauma-informed knowledge into everyday practices that help adults intentionally create the relational, emotional, and environmental conditions in which children and the adults who care for them experience regulation, belonging, and the opportunity to thrive.
Participants will be able to:
1. Apply neuroscience, attachment theory, and trauma-informed principles to design relational and environmental practices that support regulation and belonging.
2. Evaluate how everyday interactions, routines, and school environments influence children’s developing nervous systems and sense of safety.
3. Integrate relationship-centered strategies that strengthen co-regulation, resilience, and positive developmental outcomes.
4. Develop approaches that become embedded within psychologically safe learning environments without requiring extensive financial or organizational resources.
5. Create an individualized action plan for implementing manageable relationship-centered practices that foster regulation, belonging, and healthy development within their professional setting.