LAUNCHING THE SERIES

long workshop culminated in a musical education experience and a followup de-brief to identify the traumainformed aspects of the lesson.

The session began with a review of the Ground Rules, a discussion of the creation of Personal Safety Plans, and a warm-up writing activity that encouraged individuals to find new ways to share their backgrounds and name the experiences that have shaped their identities.

Linda Andino, a Rutgers UBHS schoolbased healthcare clinician gave an introduction to the structure of the brain, providing visuals and metaphors to distinguish the parts of the brain and their different functions. She offered further information about what happens to the brain during times or experiences of stress and how those effects are translated into systems of the body.

The second session offered a “Digging Deep Through the Arts”; with a presentation about the science of how trauma affects the brain and an exploration of different categories of trauma, and then an introduction to the importance of self-care and resilience-building strategies. The day-

A thought provoking exercise invited participants to consider the different “lenses” we wear, and how those lenses influence the way we view the world. Another type of metaphor, this exercise encouraged participants to compare their own perspectives and biases, as well as how the contexts and presentation surrounding a story influence our interpretation.