As an Experienced Trainer and Organizational Coach Recognized for Implementing Trauma Informed Care, Becky Can Help You Move Beyond Being Trauma Aware to Trauma Competent
Becky Haas is unique to the field of trauma informed care subject matter experts. In 2015 when beginning her journey to create a more resilient community, specialized training’s were not available in many disciplines. This prompted hours of research to identify peer recommendations for the best practices of a trauma informed approach within various fields. She then developed training’s based on her findings or became proficient in presenting existing ones. This effort led to the development of Trauma Informed Care training for police, healthcare, educators, services to homeless individuals, domestic violence programs, at risk youth programs, creating multidisciplinary teams as best practice and more. Due to an ongoing demand for these trainings, she has developed Train the Trainer programs for several of them.
As well as being a sought-out speaker and trainer, Becky Haas is a seasoned community coalition builder and organizational coach. From 2019-2021, she provided training and coaching to the Smyth County Virginia School District to help them adopt a trauma informed, resilient focused approach district wide across all 16 campuses. In 2022, she contracted for a year with the eighth largest health department in Tennessee, the Sullivan County Regional Health Department in Blountville, Tennessee to move them from trauma aware to trauma competent. This resulted in SCRHD developing a new screening tool to better connect patients to services. As a founding member of the East Tennessee State University Ballad Health Strong BRAIN Institute, Becky is serving on a five-year grant from the TN Department of Public Health to create, disseminate and evaluate the Better Workplace Tennessee designation. In 2023, she partnered with Blue Collar Consulting and NC Healthy & Resilient Communities Initiative at NC Partnership for Children to provide in-depth training and coaching on building and sustaining resilient communities as well as creating sustainable trauma informed organizational change statewide. Currently she is working with the Cumberland County School District in Crossville, Tennessee to create sustainable district-wide change and with Cumberland County government to support the growth of the Resilient Alliance.
Building a Trauma Informed – Resilient Focused Community
This training is based on the Building A Trauma Informed System of Care toolkit. This toolkit was developed as a result of pioneering work since 2015 to build the Northeast Tennessee ACEs Connection group. Through funding provided by the Tennessee Building Strong Brains Program, Dr. Andi Clements and Becky Haas share in a very transparent fashion the steps taken, mistakes made and inspiring successes of local ACEs champions forming a community-wide System of Care. Using stakeholder surveys, training evaluations and focus group input, this document evolved. In 2018, this work was recognized by representatives from SAMHSA and the National Center of Trauma Informed Care as a model for other cities to follow.
This toolkit was designed as a road map to help other communities Advocate, Educate and Collaborate in order to bring to life a trauma informed community of their own. The toolkit’s use is also recommended as a practical tool by Johns Hopkins, Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action.
Presentations for Building a Trauma Informed – Resilient Focused Community include:
Building a Trauma Informed Community, the Northeast Tennessee Story
Basics of Trauma, Resilience, ACEs, and Using Trauma Informed Approaches.
(Train the Trainer version available)
Trauma Informed Multi-Disciplinary Teams as Best Practice
Trauma Informed – Resilient Focused Workplace
Moving an Organization from Trauma Aware to Trauma Competent
Other training’s customized by request
Building A Trauma Informed System of Care Toolkit
Testimonials
Thank you for all the work you put into our two-day training event to support nine North Carolina counties in becoming trauma informed resilient communities. I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out! Participants were so happy with what they learned, the renewed energy they gained to tackle next steps in this critical work, and the concrete tools they took home to help them in their quest.
“The Johnson City model of trauma informed care has been a tremendous inspiration for First Chance Delaware and many of our partners. Understanding trauma is a pre-requisite to any strength-based work with children, families and communities; and a multi-agency public health approach is the only way to get there. The Johnson City System of Care is a great example of how to integrate the development of formal supports with the promotion of public awareness, in a science-based, goal-oriented, and sustainable shift in culture. That’s what cities really need.”
“Becky Haas brings an exceptional combination of first hand-experience, energy, passion and an in-depth knowledge of the science supporting trauma-informed approaches to her work. What she accomplished in Johnson City serves as one of the most dramatic examples of how a trauma-informed approach can change a community. Her toolkit based on that experience provides an excellent guide for other communities seeking to achieve the same results, as does her training. I receive nothing but raves from the organizations Becky has provided training to. She is a key resource in our mission to make America a trauma-informed country.”
“Becky Haas is a terrific resource for any community beginning to plan a trauma informed system of care. She does a great job making brain science understandable along with the extensive health effects of adverse childhood experiences and other human trauma not buffered by a caring adult. Becky has so many stories from her work, that the numerous applications of a trauma informed system of care can become evident across many sectors – schools, public health, social services, emergency medical services and criminal justice. Her one day in Durham, North Carolina sharing this replicatable model to community leaders and then leading a training for practitioners in the health and social services has helped to galvanize support for moving forward with the development and implementation needed for a Durham Community Resilience Plan.”
“Although I was initially skeptical when Becky came to me with information about ACEs science, I soon confirmed the scientific support for ACEs as a modifiable risk factor for most of society’s major health and well-being issues. She is a visionary, and as we have trained together and published together, I have witnessed a culture change first-hand. We verified that initially only 30% of helping professionals in the region were aware of ACEs, but within a span of three years that increased to the point that over 85% report a working knowledge of ACEs. She has now been given the task of taking the ACEs science and trauma responsiveness message to a 21-county health system and all the school systems within that same area. As if that wasn’t enough, she has trained across the nation and is a sought after, inspirational speaker. The work “at home” is not done, but her reach and ability to inspire others reaches far beyond that.”
Trauma Informed Policing, Juvenile Justice and Corrections
Managing uses of force by officers is one of the most difficult challenges facing law enforcement agencies. The ability of law enforcement officers to enforce the law, protect the public, and guard their own safety and that of innocent bystanders is very challenging. This current policing climate has created new opportunities for training to help officers understand human behavior including recognizing behaviors of those who are trauma survivors. Based on national statistics, it is safe to assume that everyone who comes into contact with the justice system has a history of trauma, so criminal justice professionals should consider taking a “universal precautions” approach to providing services. When justice professionals learn about trauma, they can respond in ways more supportive to trauma behaviors thereby taking actions to avoid re-traumatizing, employ de-escalation tools to reduce use-of-force, ensure safety of all, reduce recidivism, and promote recovery. These actions build trust between police and the communities they serve.
Presentations for Becoming Trauma Informed Justice Professionals:
Law enforcement professionals have a history of successfully enhancing public safety through the use of available science. The science of DNA testing and finger printing are two such examples. Among the Resolutions of the International Association of Chiefs of Police adopted in 2019 is a resolution encouraging all law enforcement agencies to become well informed about the science of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and numerous negative outcomes. By receiving training in Trauma Informed Policing, law enforcement agencies can increase empathetic approaches supported by ACEs science. Becky is recognized as a subject matter expert in helping to equip members of law enforcement to use a trauma informed approach. Her Trauma Informed Policing training was featured in October 2021 in the International Association of Chiefs of Police Magazine.
- Trauma Informed Policing
- Train the Trainer available
- Trauma Informed Policing – Leading for Change
- Using a Trauma Informed Policing Approach for Sexual Assault Cases
- Essential Elements of a Trauma-Informed Juvenile Justice System – (training is modified from National Child Traumatic Stress Network resources)
- Trauma Informed Corrections and Probation/Parole
Training for the Oklahoma City and Delaware State Police Departments
Testimonials
“Highly recommend Trauma Informed Policing training! The training that Becky Haas provided was informative and compelling. Her style of delivery was received very well. Trauma Informed Policing can make first responders more effective by putting some very practical tools in their toolbox to help understand people and circumstances encountered by members of law enforcement. In the process, officers further benefit by better understanding reactions to trauma experienced personally or by those we know. We ended the training with an emphasis on officer wellness and reviewing local resources for our employees. Very happy we decided to work with Becky and provide this important information to all of our officers.”
“I attended a Trauma Informed Policing Training taught to our recruits in June of 2019. Becky Haas was a very good instructor and presented the material in a straight forward realistic approach for law enforcement. Based on my experience as a crisis negotiator, it is easy to see the correlation and application of these principles to situations officers deal with on a daily basis. More importantly, officers need to recognize the indicators of trauma they experience as part of their job to prevent destructive behaviors in their own lives. I look forward to Becky returning to providing a Train the Trainer for our department so that all of our officers in time will have this vital information.”
“Our partnership with Mrs. Haas and her Trauma Informed Policing Training is bridging the gap between mental health training and combating the effects of violence in our community. The passion for this content displayed by Mrs. Haas has now motivated our officers to ensure they find help for our citizens exposed to trauma.”
“I want to thank you for presenting the National Children Traumatic Stress Network Trauma Informed Care Training to the Judges, Clerks, their deputies, and the staff of the Court Service Unit. I think all of the participants gave some hard thought about the children and families that we serve.”
“As Criminal Court Judge of the First Judicial District I had the privilege of working with Becky Haas to develop a first probation program of its kind for felony offenders with addictions in Tennessee. Though beginning this program from the ground up presented obstacles to overcome within the court, with local law enforcement, probation and parole and other community partners, Becky proved time and again to be an effective communicator in voicing the needs of the reentry population. In 2016, myself, other Judges of the District, our District Attorney and the local justice community were honored to have this program which had been developed under Becky’s leadership to be acquired by the Tennessee Department of Corrections as a model which they have now replicated across the state.”
“Since Delaware became a trauma informed state in 2018 we have been looking to provide our law enforcement with the proper training to support our schools and other agencies in this venture. The training that Becky provided was both appropriate for law enforcement and in line with our “Take Care Delaware” program. I would highly recommend this training to other police agencies.”
Resilient Centered Healthcare
National statistics on abuse and violence in the United States are sobering. This means a large number of people have experienced serious trauma at some point in their lives. A medical office or hospital can be a terrifying experience for someone who has experienced trauma, particularly for childhood sexual abuse survivors. The perceived power differential, being asked to remove clothing, and having invasive testing can remind someone of prior episodes of abuse. This can lead to anxiety about medical visits, flashbacks during the visit, or avoidance of medical care. Trauma informed healthcare training will better equip professionals to offer services with greater empathy and compassion. Also, it is important that healthcare professionals understand the significance of ACEs as underpinnings to poor health. As opportunities are available, providers can help patients access resources to reduce toxic stress in their lives and promote better health.
Trauma Informed Healthcare Training
Training Healthcare Staff
Testimonials
“As an academic pediatrician, I am responsible for educating future healthcare providers in best practices for supporting the health and well-being of children. Becky Haas has inspired and enabled me to incorporate the field of resilience science into my seminars and clinical teaching. Becky’s training programs, resources, and framework for developing a system of care also inform my work in program development and community advocacy on a daily basis. I admire her engaging presentation style, her ability to relate information and approaches to professionals in a wide range of disciplines, and her contagious enthusiasm for this work. I attended the first cohort of trauma informed care training that Becky did in 2016. Since that time I have witnessed the work she pioneered bring about regional acceptance in almost every professional sector that addressing ACEs is a must for every community.”
“Working with Becky Haas as a trauma informed organizational coach and trainer has been rewarding. When working with our team, she clearly has the skills that promote collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Sullivan County Regional Health Department has learned from her not only as a subject matter expert but from her experience helping organizations move from trauma aware to trauma competent. She is a partner and colleague that has clearly helped us move forward in our TIC journey. Working with Becky has not only been an enriching experience for our department but will help improve our service to the citizens in Sullivan County for many years to come.”
Creating Trauma Sensitive Resilient Schools or Early Childhood Education Settings
According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, “one out of every 4 children attending school has been exposed to a traumatic event that can affect learning and/or behavior. Trauma can impact school performance; lower GPA; increase the rate of school absences and chances for drop-out; higher incidents of suspension and expulsion and decrease student’s reading ability.” (NCTSN Child Trauma Educator Toolkit) Once schools understand the educational impacts of trauma, they can become safe, supportive environments where students make the positive connections with adults, learn strategies to help calm their emotions to behave appropriately, and achieve greater academic success. “Trauma sensitivity will look different at each school. However, a shared definition of what it means to be a trauma-sensitive school can bring educators, parents, and policymakers together around a common vision. (Creating and Advocating for Trauma Sensitive Schools).
Creating Trauma Sensitive Resilient Focused Schools
- Training for School Leadership
- Training for Educators
- Training for all school personnel including administration, bus drivers, dining, and custodians.
- Longer term coaching options available to create sustainable school culture change
Using a Trauma Informed Lens in Early Childhood Education
(This course has been approved by TrainTN.org as in compliance for professionals in the field of early childhood education and child development to receive recognition from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS).
Coaching Boys Into Men – Futures Without Violence Resources
-
- Coaches Clinic
Training Northside Independent School District Psychologists, San Antonio, Texas
Creating Trauma Informed Resilient Schools – A Toolkit for School Professionals with Emory and Henry College
Testimonials
“I’m grateful for the society changing work regarding trauma informed care and building resilience led by Becky Haas. The knowledge she conveys and the passion she exudes makes her presentation one of the most profound I have experienced in my twenty-five-year career as an educator. Becky’s ability to connect with any audience is truly remarkable. Smyth County Virginia Schools are moving closer each day to becoming a trauma informed school division. Becky has trained our entire staff on the life-long impacts of trauma, which is needed to help individuals overcome the trauma they have sustained. She has also provided instructional strategies for our teachers to implement in order to help our students achieve success. The impact of this implementation will be recognized for generations in Smyth County. I would like also to highlight the fact that our community has started the process to becoming trauma informed as well. Becky, once again, was the catalyst for this transaction. She held a public training in our local theatre for all agencies to attend. The response was overwhelming and very moving. The support was surreal and a call to action was issued. I cannot be prouder to be in Smyth County and have the support from local healthcare through Becky Haas who is helping us move toward our goal of making us a more resilient community.”
“My sincere thanks and appreciation for an excellent workshop presented to Dickenson County School leadership. Your words touched my heart, and many people in the room. Principals, school counselors and directors shared with me that this had been time well spent! I loved your passion about children and trauma and how to change school culture. We cannot wait to get our district fully on a path to becoming trauma informed.”
“Since transforming the Science Hill High School Alternative School into an online academy focused on restoring value to students and trauma informed care, student attendance and credits have increased significantly over the last three years. The first year resulted in students earning less than a 100 credits a year to over 1000 credits a year. Attendance increased from approximately 52% a day to 85-88% a day. Becky Haas provided Trauma Informed Care training and ongoing coaching for our staff the entire first year of transition. Her wisdom, sense of humor and passion for helping students provided our Topper Academy staff with a new student focus and renewed sense of value in making a positive difference. The Trauma Informed Care training transformed our school culture and climate very quickly and in a very positive way.”
“On behalf of the Neff Center for Teacher Education, we would like to thank you for presenting our keynote address at the 2022 B.G. Raines Forum. We have received nothing, but positive feedback and we have you to thank. Your partnership in the Forum helped energize the educational community and your remarks were greatly appreciated by all who attended. Your topic was so perfect for the world that we live in today.”
Faith Based Community
One of the most compelling reasons I was impacted by the message of trauma informed care and the Adverse Childhood Experiences study (ACEs) is because of faith. As a Christian, I knew the principles of trauma informed care aligned closely with the teachings in the Bible. Whether training physicians or police, this is a message that should prompt anyone who hears it to respond with greater empathy and grace instead of judgement and shame. In Psalm 56:8, the Psalmist David said, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book.” (New Living Translation) This verse portrays a powerful image of a trauma survivor. Being victimized is crying tears of anguish that are seen by no one. That is, except by God.
We see in scripture that the faith-based community should be a place of safety and trustworthiness for healing and restoration for trauma survivors, yet people actually experience trauma in a church or by the hands of a spiritual authority figure. Houses of faith of every religion by nature are a place where people turn when vulnerable, hurting, lost and confused. To think when coming to church to find answers and help, there are occasions where people have experienced further victimization is tragic. Trauma Informed for Faith Based Communities is a training that provides the Biblical foundations behind the principles of Trauma Informed Care. It also is designed to help church leaders understand the basics of trauma and develop skills for restoring trauma survivors within their congregations.
Building Trauma Informed Faith Based Communities
Impacting Your Community with Trauma Informed Care
- Homeless Services
- Domestic Violence Shelters
- Schools
- Park and Rec Programs
- Public Housing
- Libraries
Training Knox Area Rescue Mission (KARM) staff
Appalachian Service Projects summer mission team
Online Training Academy
Given the current advancements in technology, many organizations are moving towards the virtual world for meeting their staff training needs. During the global pandemic of COVID-19 these online tools have become even more essential. Technology made it possible to continue operating many businesses, enabled employees to effectively work from home, increased the number of telehealth services available and more.
In the aftermath of COVID-19 there are serious concerns that the repercussions following quarantines and isolation will include a trauma tsunami. Now more than ever, professionals in every sector need to be educated about trauma informed care. Training will promote a new understanding and skills that enable staff to provide a more effective service delivery to help trauma survivors heal, reduce re-traumatizing consumers and to safeguard against team member compassion fatigue and burnout through the use of self-care.
As we move forward from COVID-19 to navigate “a new normal” the Online Training Academy is an available option to meet any trauma informed care training need. Every training area that is listed on BeckyHaas.com can be provided as an online training by live webinar as well as customized staff training’s. (Please note – when requesting a Train the Trainer version, you must first have attended the training itself in order to qualify.)
The Online Training Academy provides two training options:
Organizational Professional Development – This option is for any organization desiring to provide virtual trauma informed care education and professional development for your team by a live webinar. To learn more, complete the Get in Touch form indicating you would like information and pricing for an online training and you will be contacted regarding your training need.
Personal Professional Development: This option is for any professional desiring to understand how to implement trauma informed care within their field. This option can also be used by organizational management desiring to first “sample” a training before considering booking an “in-person” or online training for staff. Training’s are offered by live webinar. As training’s are posted, a link will be provided to access registration details and training fees.
Upcoming Training’s:
Free Webinar Training
3 hour pre-recorded webinar conducted for statewide partners of the TN Commission on Children and Youth, on a Trauma Informed Approach, Key Principles. In this training you will learn, what is trauma, how to identify it, how trauma affects brain development, understanding the ACEs study, the prevalence of trauma, the four “R’s” of a trauma informed program and six pillars to having a trauma informed approach.
Click on the link to view the pre-recorded webinar.