Trauma Informed Instruction

This session is part of the Design Better Learning Series and offered in partnership with Nancy Bacon Consulting. The 3-part series is designed for nonprofit & social sector educators who want to create more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning experiences. This series offers practical, adult learning research-informed strategies to help you deliver learning that truly makes a difference.
All sessions take place from 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST. Members use code NHnonprofits10 at checkout for 10% discount.

In today’s nonprofit and public sectors, professionals are being asked to do more with less. This occurs often under immense pressure and amidst ongoing uncertainty. This session on Trauma Informed Instruction draws on the latest neuroscience to explore how threat responses in the brain can interfere with learning, and what instructors can do to change that.

This session introduces the ECTcellent Approach, a framework designed to elevate instruction by fostering emotional safety, reducing cognitive overload, and building learner resilience. Participants will explore the brain’s natural defense systems, learn how perceived threats disrupt attention and memory, and discover how to structure inclusive learning experiences that increase connection, reduce anxiety, and improve retention.

Rooted in experience with trauma and resilience, this session offers practical, compassionate strategies for instructional design that supports thriving, not just surviving. Whether you lead workshops, manage teams, or deliver training, you’ll leave better equipped to create learning spaces where adults feel safe enough to engage, supported enough to stretch, and connected enough to grow.

About the Presenter

Rick Griffin is the Master Trainer for Community Resilience Initiative (CRI), the nation’s first community resilience network. Rick holds a master’s degree in education and uses his education to develop innovative content and deliver engaging presentations. He speaks to thousands of groups from all over the country and is widely recognized for his work with trauma-informed practices.

As the former Executive Director of a trauma-informed therapeutic residential program for struggling teens, Rick has first-hand experience with developing and implementing strategies and structures that foster resilience. His experience allows him to consult seamlessly with schools, businesses, and community organizations.

Mr. Griffin continues to be on the leading edge of training design. He has developed several outstanding trauma- and resilience-based programs and has also authored several engaging eBooks. Rick recently launched his newest endeavor, Neuro Leadership Academy, an innovative enterprise committed to using neuroscience to facilitate personal and professional development.