In this vital episode, Julie and Ginger dive into the intersection of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with trauma-informed practices. As DEI comes under political and cultural scrutiny, the hosts make the case that there is no trauma-informed approach without embracing DEI.

• DEI is not optional for trauma-informed practice—it is essential.

• Diversity includes more than race: gender, neurodiversity, age, ability, and lived experience.

• Equity means adjusting systems and supports so everyone can thrive.

• Privilege isn’t shameful—it’s an opportunity to advocate and build awareness.

• Systems can either heal or harm—it's up to us to make them more inclusive.

Diverse environments enhance safety, fairness, innovation, and connection.

📚 Referenced Research & Resources:

1. Merriam-Webster Definitions

2. • Diversity: “The condition of having or being composed of differing elements.”

   • Equity: “Fairness or justice in the way people are treated.”
     

3. SAMHSA’s Three E’s of Trauma

4. • Event, Experience, and Effect

   • Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Trauma and Violence
     

5. Greater Good Science Center – UC Berkeley

6. • Article: Why Diversity Matters

   • Summary: Diversity enhances well-being, social connection, and community resilience.

   • Website: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu
     

7. uvonen et al. (2018) – UCLA Study on School Diversity

8. • Title: Diversity and Peer Relations in Schools

   • Finding: Diverse classrooms foster safety, reduce loneliness, and encourage cross-race friendships.

   • Citation: Juvonen, J., Kogachi, K., & Graham, S. (2018). Psychological Science, 29(2), 230-241.
     

9. Kenneth Braswell -https://www.kennethbraswell.com/

• Website: https://www.attachmenttraumanetwork.org

• Facebook: facebook.com/AttachmentTraumaNetwork

• Email: info@attachmenttraumanetwork.org
  

In today’s episode of Regulated & Relational, Ginger Healy and Julie Beem are joined by a special guest, Cally Flox, a teaching artist, educator, and the lead author of A Teacher’s Guide to Resilience Through the Arts. Cally is the founding director of the BYU ARTS Partnership, where she works to enhance student learning and school culture by providing professional development for educators. With a wealth of experience teaching creative dance, integrated arts, and more, Cally brings a unique perspective to the conversation about supporting children impacted by early childhood trauma through arts education. Tune in to hear her insights on resilience, brain-compatible learning strategies, and the power of the arts in fostering healing and growth.

Harvard’s Thinking Routines

https://pz.harvard.edu/thinking-routines

Cally’s summer art conference

https://education.byu.edu/arts/arts_express

Brain Gym

https://breakthroughsinternational.org/programs/the-brain-gym-program/

Cally’s Book-Teachers' Guide to Resiliency Through The Arts

https://a.co/d/diaJrQU

Resources Cally would like to share:

https://advancingartsleadership.com/

The Arts Playbook

In this insightful episode, we sit down with educator, writer, and advocate Meghan Ashburn to explore how we can better support autistic students—both in and out of the classroom. Meghan shares her journey from teacher to autism advocate and how listening to autistic voices reshaped her entire approach.

We dive into:

• Why general education teachers are crucial allies for autistic students

• How schools can become more neuro-affirming and inclusive spaces

• The importance of centering autistic perspectives in both parenting and education

• Shifting away from behavior-focused strategies to more compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming support

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Beyond Behaviors by Dr. Mona Delahooke

• Uniquely Human by Barry M. Prizant

• The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida

• Meghan’s website: Not an Autism Mom

• The Au-some Book Club – a community for learning alongside autistic voices

📝 Read Meghan's Articles:

• "Gen Ed Teachers Hold the Key" – a powerful call to action for inclusive education

• "Make the School Library More Accessible to Autistic & Disabled Kids"