Q: How long have you been an Ukeru trainer?

A: 3 years 

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

A: I support students with high social-emotional needs. I was inspired to join this field because I love working with students and supporting them to improve their long-term life outcomes. 

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

A: I love teaching the section on brain development because I believe it is the foundation to understanding how trauma affects the brain. I love seeing participants start to understand how trauma changes brain physiology and open their hearts and minds to trauma-informed practices.

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

A: In other areas of education we are always striving to improve our practices based on research. Ukeru provides a more compassionate way to support individuals in crisis than past traditional approaches. It starts off as another tool in the toolbox and quickly shifts to being the go-to.

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

A: You’ve got this! The content in the presentation on brain development, trauma, and trauma-informed practices is the core of Ukeru, never rush through it. 

Q: How has Ukeru impacted your life? 

A: It has provided a different lens through which to view behavior and changed how I support students and families in crisis. Things that are obvious to us now were once untapped strategies. 

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

A: Everything happens for a reason.

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

A: Compassionate, student/client-centered, innovative