Center for Safe and Resilient Schools and Workplaces

09/16/2025

Join us this October for our Fall School Safety Series!

Over the course of three weeks—October 7, 14, and 21, 2025—you will walk the path of recovery alongside three trauma-responsive learning experts who have led school communities through the unimaginable: mass school shootings. Each session will explore how lived experience shapes the way we show up, support others, and lead with authenticity and empathy. Sessions are 45 minutes in length, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A to deepen reflection and dialogue.

Register for the event and learn more about each session here: https://lnkd.in/gUehRNCH

08/27/2025

As our students return to the classroom, it is heartbreaking to witness the return of violence alongside them. Our hearts are with all those affected by the recent shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis. Our nation continues to endure the pain of senseless acts of violence, particularly within our schools which should be sanctuaries for learning and growth. We stand in solidarity with the Minneapolis community in their grief, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that every child has the safe, nurturing environment they deserve.

For any trauma-informed and school safety resources, our website is below:
https://lnkd.in/g5S3FNXr

Adversity and trauma leave students, teachers, schools, and communities behind if not addressed. Responding comprehensively to the risks and impacts, The Center for Safe and Resilient Schools provides a range of trainings and consultations that deliver research-tested interventions and programs to s...

08/25/2025

⏰️ We still have spots remaining for the upcoming September live-virtual CBITS & Bounce Back trainings! Registration below!

Join us for Back-to-School...

08/19/2025

On August 1st, one of the Center's co-founders, Dr. Marleen Wong, was honored at LAUSD’s 40th anniversary celebration of the first school-based crisis teams in the nation. The day recognized the decades of tireless work by dedicated crisis team professionals supporting students, schools, and communities through moments of trauma and challenge.

In a moving tribute, LAUSD announced the creation of an annual award in Dr. Wong’s name: The Dr. Marleen Wong Outstanding Crisis Team Member Award — a legacy that will continue to inspire excellence in school-based crisis response.



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05/08/2025

🧠💚 Today is Children’s Mental Health Day! 💚🧠
Let’s shine a light on the importance of nurturing young minds. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and every child deserves a safe space to express themselves, feel heard, and be supported.

💬 Talk.
👂 Listen.
🤝 Support.

Together, we can build a future where every child feels seen, strong, and emotionally empowered.

05/01/2025

🧠💚May is Mental Health Awareness Month💚🧠
Your mental health matters — every day, every moment.

This month, let's break the silence, end the stigma, and support one another with compassion and understanding. Whether you're struggling or supporting someone who is, know that you're not alone.
🌿 Check in on yourself.
💬 Reach out to others.
💪 Ask for help when you need it.

Together, we can build a world where mental wellness is a priority for all.

04/23/2025

We are excited to share our Co-founder, Vivien Villaverde MS SW, PPSC, LCSW's latest article in EdSurge!

After California's recent fires, the Center for Safe and Resilient Schools and Workplaces, trained educators in Pasadena Unified School District, and volunteers from the Los Angeles County Office of Education, in PFA-TEACH, a disaster response adapted for schools to deal with the lingering psychological pain after a tragedy.

"Educators are compassionate and want to help students and know when they are struggling, Villaverde, says. ..."But without formal training, it’s difficult to grasp how trauma hinders learning. It can lead to a student’s inability to regulate their emotions being mislabeled as behavioral problems. Students themselves might not fully comprehend what’s happening inside their heads. It’s important for the adults within the school to pause and ask what’s going on."

Read the full article here:

With natural disasters becoming more common, should schools double down on efforts to prepare teachers for handling trauma? With federal uncertainty, ...

04/22/2025

🌍 Happy Earth Day from CSR 🌱
Today, we honor the resilience of our planet—and the resilience within ourselves. 🌿💚
Just as the Earth endures storms, adapts, and blooms again, so do we. Nature reminds us that healing takes time and growth is not always linear.

04/21/2025

Every adult on a school campus plays a role in shaping the next generation — but athletic coaches hold a unique position. There is no one on campus better suited to help students learn to persist through adversity and build resilience. Sports, by design, present challenges to overcome, foster supportive relationships, and teach students how to grow through both success and disappointment. These are powerful lessons that reach far beyond the field or court. 🏅

As you plan professional development and consider whole-child growth, don’t overlook the impact and potential of your athletic staff. Coaches are more than trainers — they’re mentors, role models, and champions for social-emotional learning. Consider our Trauma-informed Athletics curriculum if you are interested in expanding the skills of your athletic workforce.

We are thrilled to see this innovated approach to social-emotional learning already being used by La Mesa-Spring Valley School District!! Check out the article by Education Week here: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/how-one-district-uses-sports-to-teach-sel-and-build-better-teammates/2025/03?utm_source=li&utm_medium=soc&utm_campaign=edit

👏 Let’s empower them to help build not just better athletes, but better teammates and future leaders.

A California district turned to sports to help students build connections with each other and their school.

04/17/2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by today’s deadly shooting on the Florida State University campus, as well as yesterday's shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Texas. We stand with you as you begin the recovery process.

Our message to schools and universities across the country is this: Evidence-based trauma prevention and early intervention training for schools is critical - it is the best pathway to being ready to respond and to engage in recovery work post-crisis. Our Center remains steadfast in its mission to create safer schools and workplaces.

You can learn more about evidence-based crisis recovery resources here: https://lnkd.in/d4Fv_xRi.

04/16/2025

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Below are the top 5 protective factors against child abuse according to the CA Department of Social Services. Learn more about our parent training by emailing info@traumaawareschools.org!

04/14/2025

🧠 Are you planning your school’s professional development?
Whether you're shaping a single session or designing a year-long PD strategy, the right plan can make all the difference. It’s not just about checking a box—it’s about empowering educators, building community, and driving student success. Here are a few guiding questions to consider:

✔️ What do your teachers really need right now?
✔️ How will PD connect to your school or district goals?
✔️ Are you building in time for reflection, collaboration, and follow-up?

Let’s make professional development meaningful, not just mandatory. 💡

What’s working well in your PD planning? Any wins or lessons learned?