Hello All!
I was introduced to this community by Dr. Jeanie Tietjen, Director of The Institute for Trauma, Adversity, and Resilience in Higher Education, at MassBay Community College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. In just two weeks, I have learned so much. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of such important work. The reason for my post, today, is to introduce myself, my area of interest, and a pilot research project I am undertaking.
I am beginning a Doctorate of Leadership in Higher Education at The Van Loan School at Endicott College. My area of interest is trauma and its impact on learning, well being, and student success. I have recently completed a graduate certificate course from Lesley University (LIFTS), that focussed on developing trauma-sensitive schools at the K-12 level. After having completed this certificate, being the mother of 5 college students (2 more still to attend), and personal experience, I am extremely passionate and driven to bring the research, study of best practices, and student support services to create trauma-informed, AND responsive college campuses and communities.
For my pilot qualitative research project, I am conducting interviews which ask the overarching question: how can colleges become trauma-informed campuses. To date, I have conducted 5 interviews with participants from a variety of positions at colleges. These have ranged from deans in student affairs to faculty to therapists who specialize in treating college students with mental health challenges.
If anyone has experience in conducting research like this, knowledge of any similar initiatives, or would like to collaborate in any way, please let me know. Lastly, I would like to collaborate with someone who may be interested in writing an article titled:
When Students Graduate From High School, They Do Not Graduate From Their Trauma, As Well
I'd love the chance to connect. To that end and if any this resonates, please let me know. Looking forward to hearing from you and thank you very much!
Maureen McLaughlin, MBA
Doctoral Student, Ed. D. Leadership in Higher Education