Trauma Related Care in Education

By:  Ms. Polly Lamison and Mr. Paul Mancia

Trauma is a public health issue that negatively impacts individuals and families across the lifespan and in any environment.  Educating individuals who have experienced trauma requires an understanding of how trauma effects brain development and implementation of effective engagement strategies.  Audience members will learn the foundations of Trauma-Informed Care, the correlation between symptoms and behaviors, and evidence based engagement strategies that create a safe learning environment. 

Polly Lamison has been working in the Eastern York School District since 2006 as the Director of Special Education.  While at Eastern York School District Polly has created classrooms to address the needs of students who have emotional and trauma obstacles.  These classrooms were a collaborative effort with the Laurel Life Organization.

Polly has taught both special and regular education students in the classroom.  She has taught pre-school through eight graders in both public and private school settings. 

Polly resides in York, PA and enjoys speaking about all aspects of education.

Paul Mancia has been providing direct care and program supervision at Laurel Life since 2005.  Paul currently manages programs within York and Adams Counties including Brief Treatment, Transitional Classrooms, JUMP/RISE programs, and Transition Classrooms in Franklin and Dauphin Counties.

Trauma Informed Care and Brain Science Resiliency are passions of Paul’s.  Much of his focus within the organization is to implement engagement strategies and training procedures in Evidence Based Practices that work!