Children who have histories of complex trauma, including experiences of prenatal substance exposure, abuse, neglect, loss, and witness to violence often endure significant emotional and developmental struggles, sometimes even years after placement stability has been achieved.  This workshop will explore the neurobiological impact of complex trauma, including the profound effects of early adverse experiences on brain development and behavior. Strategies to help adults promote emotional and behavioral regulation will be introduced, with focus on how adults show up, what adults can say, and tools adults can use to promote organized and regulated behavior.  This overview will conclude with 15 minutes for Questions and Answers.

Dr. Chrisy Schmidt is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive training and expertise surrounding the assessment and treatment of children who have histories of prenatal substance exposure and complex trauma.  Over the course of a long tenure at a nonprofit medical and behavioral health clinic, Dr. Schmidt lead the child adolescent psychology program, coordinated the student and postdoctoral training program, directed several foundation and federal grants, and provided numerous local and national trainings regarding pre- and postnatal trauma. [READ MORE] In addition to her direct clinical work, Dr. Schmidt also enjoyed a long tenure as a consultant to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, where she provided consultative psychological services to administrators, caseworkers, and other professionals involved with the Department.  In her private consulting work, Dr. Schmidt continues to train agencies and communities across the country regarding the treatment and assessment of youth who have histories of pre- and post-natal adversity.  Each summer, Dr. Schmidt and her family appreciate the additional opportunity to help run a two-week overnight camp for children who have special needs, Camp SOAR.

In all professional endeavors, Dr. Schmidt is committed to helping individuals and systems understand and address the impact of the work on one’s personal and professional well-being.  After many years of working alongside colleagues who were suffering both personally and professionally by virtue of holding onto the pain of others, Dr. Schmidt founded H3 Wellness: Holding Hope for Helping Professionals.  With an overarching mission to assist helper organizations take better care of their clients by taking care of their workforce, it is the hope of H3 to promote vitality, engagement, and excellence in the work of caring for others.  Dr. Schmidt is honored to have worked with a variety of helping organizations in service of this mission, including schools, mentor organizations, social service agencies, child welfare systems, and a child welfare legal organization.