Q: How long have you been an Ukeru trainer?

A: I have been an Ukeru Trainer for 2 years. 

Q: What population do you work with? What inspired you to get into this field? 

A: I work with foster children and families and have been working with this population for over 13 years. I feel that this population has unique experiences and traumas and that part of my calling as a therapist/clinical team lead is to bring a unique approach to providing compassion, support, and the ability to begin to heal from a strengths perspective with a solution focus.

Q: What part of Ukeru do you enjoy teaching the most and why?  

A: I personally love training the parts of the brain and the effects of trauma on brain development. As a therapist I feel that providing foster parents with examples of how trauma creates trauma responses gives them the ability to, as we train, understand the Why. Once they can connect to the Why, they are exponentially more willing to be open to interventions and the steps needed to create lasting healing and change. Our foster parents are the true therapists as they are ones working these kids all day every day, and Ukeru has been a great resource for them.  

Q: What would you say to someone who is unsure about using Ukeru? 

A: I often use training my dog as an example as I feel that this helps parents to connect to creating new neural pathways in a less scary way. I mean if I can teach an old dog tricks, anyone can! 

Q: What advice or tip would you give to a new Ukeru trainer? 

A: The best advice I have is to trust the process. I have had the unique opportunity of seeing the successes of Ukeru firsthand as a trainer and clinician, and as a trainer being able to convey the information and skills impacts everyone who is able to use it effectively. 

Q: How has Ukeru impacted your life? 

A: I use Ukeru daily both professionally and personally. The concept of universal precautions was something that I actively practiced but without knowing what to call it and having additional skills related to that mindset has been priceless. 

Q: What is your favorite quote or a motto that you like to live by? 

A: Do what you can, when you can, the best you can, for as long as you can.  

Q: What three words would you use to describe Ukeru?

A: Proactive, Collaborative, Adaptive