Professional development in our school district this year has focused on collective efficacy in education.  Our Employee Wellness Committee wanted to highlight how collective care could have an equal impact.  Lara was able to help us explore concepts of trauma, stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue and how we can care for ourselves to stop this cycle.  Not only did she outline strategies and help us understand barriers, but within a week of her presentation four new staff lead initiatives have started in our district to support our own collective care.  Lara’s message has started a ripple effect that will impact not only our own personal health and well-being, but increase our ability to support the needs of our students as well.

Sandy Lawinger, Community Consolidated School District #89 Glen Ellyn, IL