Professional Development
​
Trauma-Informed Training for Schools, Organizations, and Workplaces
Understanding the Impact of Trauma
As a public high school teacher in a rural school, I witnessed the profound effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on students. However, I lacked an understanding of how childhood trauma alters brain chemistry and reshapes brain architecture. At the time, the concept of rewiring the brain was not widely recognized. With that knowledge I would have sought out strategies to counteract harmful neural patterns and better support my students’ long-term growth.
​
Equipping Leaders With Practical Mediation Tools
During my doctoral research on mitigating trauma in the classroom, I discovered that many teachers felt unprepared to address the neurological impacts of trauma. At Rising Hope, we bridge this gap by equipping educators and community leaders with essential knowledge about developmental trauma, also known as complex PTSD. Through education and training, we provide practical skills that foster personal and family resilience and build thriving communities.
​
New Teacher Induction Training
At Rising Hope, new teacher induction training is a cornerstone of professional development. Drawing on her 20 years of teaching experience in a rural school, Dr. Gutierrez brings a deep understanding of the critical need for classroom management skills that support students with developmental challenges arising from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The workshops focus on practical strategies for fostering executive function and creating a sense of calm and clarity in the classroom. Teachers learn to integrate self-regulation skills—including managing emotions, attention, thoughts, and behavior—into curriculum-based activities through breathing techniques, sensory exercises, guided imagery, and movement.
​​
​
D Dexter, Arnot Medical Center School of Nursing
"Rising Hope is a leader in the field! Dr. Deb presented to our nursing students, highlighting the deep impact of ACEs on mental health. She offered unbiased, mindful exercises. The relaxation skills led to significantly higher exam scores for my mental health students!"
K. Glowski, Teacher
Grace Christian Academy
"We learned about trauma neuroscience and were taught strategies and techniques to help our students cope with many ACE-related challenges. Dr Deb was very personable, relatable, and provided invaluable insights. Excellent workshop."
EHS Supervisor,
Nucor Vulcraft Steel
"We look forward to continuing our work with Dr. Deb, her value to our company is vital. We highly recommend Dr. Deb Gutierrez and commend her for her service to the community."
Building Skill Capacity in Response to Trauma
​Empowering Community Leaders
At Rising Hope, we focus on empowering community leaders to support individuals affected by stress and anxiety due to trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These experiences can profoundly impact mental health and behavior at home, work, and in various community social environments.
​
Understanding ACEs and Brain Development
ACEs disrupt brain architecture, often leading to unhealthy stress responses that carry into adulthood. What wires together fires together, but it can be reversed. By understanding these cause and effects, community leaders can better address the root causes of stress and support healing and sustainable resilience.
​
Equipping Leaders with Practical Trauma-Informed Skills
Through awareness events and school and workforce trainings, we provide leaders with practical tools to foster resilience in students, employees, patients, and others they live alongside. The right skills can guide others toward healthier, more productive lives—proof that neural networks can indeed be rewired.
​
