UPDATES: Higher Education

As Starr Commonwealth continues its vanguard approach to healing trauma and building resiliency in children, unique and dynamic efforts must be made to ensure its reach continues to grow. While Starr has found tremendous success empowering clinicians and educators already in the field, it has now strategically partnered with institutions of higher education to help mold the next generation of professionals with trauma-informed and resilience-focused practices.

“What a promising opportunity we have on our hands,” celebrates Derek Allen, Starr’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Not only can these partnerships fundamentally change how young professionals are prepared to make an impact, but they are focused on key industries–education, criminal justice, and more–that are critical to whole health of communities. This is what it means to enact systems-level change, and I applaud all our partners who share our vision.”

Starr Commonwealth Partners with Spring Arbor University to Launch M.Ed. in Trauma and Resiliency

Starr Commonwealth has partnered with Spring Arbor University (SAU) to launch an online Master of Education in Trauma and Resiliency program at a critical point in history. The M.Ed. Trauma and Resiliency program will help teachers understand the impact of trauma on students and the educational environment and develop essential socialemotional instructional strategies for the classroom and beyond.

“Educators stand ready to help our children achieve greatness, yet the challenge has never been so immense. Professionals need new tools and skills to allow their mastery to improve emotional and academic success for their students,” says Elizabeth Carey, Starr Commonwealth president and CEO. “For over 30 years, Starr Commonwealth has been a leader in providing support to educators seeking to best serve all students. We are proud of the transformation in school culture and student performance we have witnessed with the help of our curriculum. To partner with SAU and their innovative education faculty is an honor.”

More than ever, teachers are finding that their students have been exposed to trauma. The National Survey of Children’s Health found that 35 million children in the United States have faced at least one type of trauma in their childhood. Students of SAU’s M.Ed. Trauma and Resiliency program will discover how to help K-12 learners build resiliency and work through personal trauma that affects classroom behavior and performance.

“It is imperative that K-12 school personnel have specific training on how best to support students who have been exposed to trauma. The M.Ed. in Trauma and Resiliency is aimed at equipping educators, schools and districts with the necessary skills to ensure the success of all students. Our partnership with Starr Commonwealth has yielded a dynamic program that is current, relevant, innovative and grounded in research-based best practices,” says John Williams IV, Dean of SAU’s School of Education.

Founded in 1873, Spring Arbor University is a Christian liberal arts university located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. SAU offers more than 70 majors and programs to traditional undergraduate students, as well as associate, bachelor’s and master’s programs at sites throughout Michigan and online. For more information, visit arbor.edu

Simpson College Launches New Online Certificate Program in Trauma and Resiliency

Simpson College will offer a new online graduate certificate program in trauma and resiliency beginning fall 2021. The certificate is the first of its kind in the state of Iowa and is designed to help professionals develop self-care, social justice and crisis response skills.

Simpson has partnered with industry leader Starr Commonwealth to provide the fully online certificate program, building on the College’s strong online reputation while addressing a growing societal need.

“We’re proud to offer this new online program to help professionals serve individuals who have experienced trauma at a time when there’s been so much discussion regarding non-violent interventions and mental health,” said John Woell, senior vice president and academic dean at Simpson. “The program fits with Simpson’s mission to provide high-quality online programs and to create better citizens in a complex world.”

“Many professionals – including teachers, social workers and criminal justice practitioners – work with people who have faced traumatic experiences on a regular basis,” said Denise Leifker, associate professor and director of the master of arts in criminal justice program at Simpson. “Unfortunately, these same professionals don’t always have the skills needed to understand and assist the individuals they serve. This program was created to help improve that rising need.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than two thirds of children reported at least one traumatic event by age 16. Those who experience trauma are more likely to experience learning and behavioral disorders, as well as become incarcerated.

“At Starr Commonwealth, we are Driven to Heal trauma and build resilience in children and families,” said Elizabeth Carey, Starr Commonwealth president and CEO. “To do so, we must empower communities for whole health support. Criminal justice systems play a vital role in accomplishing this goal, and the positive ripple effect to such efforts creates a tremendous impact on the community’s future. We are honored to partner with Simpson College, and take pride in knowing that their students will help countless families flourish.” has

Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the college has 1,268 undergraduate and graduate students. Simpson offers 74 majors, minors and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement.

This is the second consecutive year the leader in healing trauma and building resilience in children was named to the list, which is compiled in conjunction with Best Companies Group and recognizes organizations that are leaders in creating quality workplaces. Among all the nonprofits submitted across the nation, Starr Commonwealth ranked 23rd overall. To learn more, visit starr.org/bestnonprofits.