Spring 2026 Series:
Foundations of Behavior Through a Trauma-Informed Lens
The Shift from “What’s Wrong With You?” to “What Happened to You?” to “What’s Going on with Us?”
This free three-part virtual workshop series is designed to deepen understanding of student behavior by examining trauma’s impact on development, sensory needs, and school-based systems of support. Participants will be guided through a shift in perspective—from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” and ultimately to “What’s going on with us?”
Grounded in trauma-informed practice, neuroscience, and equity-centered approaches, this series is designed for North Carolina K–12 educators, support staff, administrators, and related service providers seeking practical, sustainable ways to respond to student needs.
Workshop Topics & Dates:
- Session 1: Understanding Child Minds
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 4:00–5:30 PM EST
- Guest Speaker: Janine Domingues, PhD
- Explore how trauma impacts child brain development and how behavior functions as communication. This session centers connection and understanding as the foundation for effective intervention.
- Session 2: Sensory Exploration & Regulation
- Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 4:00–5:30 PM EST
- Guest Speaker: Jessica Presnell
- Examine sensory dysregulation through a trauma-informed lens and learn how supportive routines can help students better regulate and engage in learning environments.
- Session 3: IEPs, 504s & Trauma-Informed Advocacy
- Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 4:00–5:30 PM EST
- Guest Speaker: Ashlee Sherrod
- Explore the intersection of trauma, learning needs, and behavior, with a focus on advocating for trauma-informed supports within IEP and 504 processes.
Why Attend?
- No Cost: Free for all North Carolina public school educators and leaders
- Real Tools: Each session includes actionable resources and templates
- Flexible Access: Attend live or access recordings at your convenience
- Certificate of Completion: Participants will receive a certificate to submit for potential CEUs (district approval required)
Please register to join live sessions or to receive recordings and materials after each session.
All who register will receive the recording and materials a week after each session date
Janine Domingues, PhD
Janine Domingues, PhD, is the Senior Director of Professional Training for School and Community Programs and a senior psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute.
She has developed and provided educators and school-based mental health professionals with evidence-based prevention and intervention training programs for K-12 schools. Dr. Domingues is passionate about ensuring the sustainability of mental health prevention and intervention services in schools by empowering staff through effective and supportive training.
Dr. Domingues specializes in the evaluation and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders in children, adolescents, and young adults, and has expertise in providing treatment to children and families who have been affected by trauma and grief. She is dedicated to destigmatizing mental health challenges through education and bringing evidence-based interventions into schools and communities. Dr. Domingues has provided education through multiple outlets, including professional talks and media. She is devoted to helping children, families, and communities build resilience, strength, and hope.
Jessica Presnell, MS, OTR/L
Jessica Presnell, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and the owner of Sensibly Rooted, LLC, where she provides consulting services using a sensory-focused lens to educators, families, and caregivers. She specializes in practical, developmentally informed strategies that not only help children thrive in their daily environments, but also support everyone’s regulation—whether within the family unit or in the classroom.
Prior to founding Sensibly Rooted, Jessica spent 11 years working in pediatric private practice and school-based settings, gaining extensive experience supporting children with sensory, developmental, and motor needs. She holds specialized certification in Ayres Sensory Integration® and has completed additional training in sensory processing, visual-motor skill development, primitive reflex integration, vestibular-visual-auditory integration, and fine motor interventions.
Ashlee Sherrod
I am Ashlee Sherrod, a native of Charlotte, NC, currently residing in Greensboro, NC. I am the mother of two boys, ages 18 and 8, and the wife of a law enforcement officer. As a family, we enjoy spending our free time together cooking and attending Carolina Panthers games. I also serve as the caretaker for my mother, who plays an important role in our household.
I am a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University (Aggie Pride!) and Gardner-Webb University (Go Bulldogs!), and I am currently completing my Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Liberty University. Before beginning my career in education, I owned a private counseling agency and worked as a mental health counselor. Since then, I have served as a Special Education Teacher, General Education Middle School Math Teacher, MTSS Coordinator, and IB Coordinator. These diverse experiences have given me a well-rounded perspective and a deeper understanding of students and the support they need to succeed.
