Trauma in Schools #30 — Nurturing the Emotionally Safe School Environment

Dr. Dana Milakovic — the state-wide advisor for Trauma (K-12) for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). She is a mental health and trauma specialist with prior experience in school mental health, community mental health, pediatric neuropsychology, school administration, and school psychology.

The Takeaway

Addressing a problem systematically avoids the overwhelming feeling that one community or leader may shoulder when managing the distribution of useful funds and resources. Forming relationships with members of the community is an easy, free way to form connections and gain knowledge from a diverse population that can form solutions.

As you listen

1. What are the three main barriers when implementing trauma-informed practices?

2. What does a healthy learning environment look like for students and teachers? 

3. Why are building relationships important at the state level?

4. What is a multi-tiered system (MTSS) of support? And how does MTSS reduce anxiety and confusion among the school community? 

5. How are equity, inclusion and belonging integrated into trauma-informed practices? 

6. Why is having a “voice and choice” framework beneficial for the school community? 

In her own words

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Connect with Dana

Pennsylvania Department of Ed: www.education.pa.gov

PDE Office for Safe Schools: Mental Health https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/MentalHealth/Pages/default.aspx

Standards Aligned System: https://www.pdesas.org/default.aspx

-  5 trauma modules provided free with PA continuing education credits

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