The morning education track is being graciously sponsored by Vermont School Boards Insurance Trust (VSBIT) and will focus on, "How to maintain organizational and individual resiliency following a critical incident”. Dr. Joelle van Lent who is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children, families, and child serving agencies will discuss the neuroscience of resilience and trauma and how that information can guide the development of tools and strategies for school professionals and emergency first responders to use in the event of a critical incident. These tools and strategies can promote resilience during an incident and mitigate the risks of long-term impact after being exposed to a traumatic event. Dr. van Lent will also highlight the importance of building strong community connections that can enhance a community's resiliency following a critical incident.
Dr. Joelle van Lent
The 2017 Governor’s School Safety Conference will feature opening remarks by Secretary Rebecca Holcombe, Ed.D., Agency of Education and Rob Evans, Vermont School Safety Liaison Officer. This conference is intended for public, private and independent schools and will focus on school emergency preparedness. Superintendents, Principals and School Crisis Planning Teams are encouraged to partner in their attendance with local emergency first responders, emergency management directors, mental health professionals and all those who play a critical role in developing or enhancing school crisis plans, policies and procedures.
“Often after an incident or tragedy we are scrambling to figure out what to do next. This keynote will provide the skills and resources you need to know about best practices to promote resilience for students, families, staff and other community members after a small or large-scale incident or tragedy. Preparing for this vulnerable time can streamline recovery efforts and mitigate the impact of trauma.”
-Charlotte McCorkel, LICSW
Project Director of Integration
Howard Center