Lakeside has been having a broadening impact as a leader in trauma education.
We have been working with Philadelphia University (that has now become part of Thomas Jefferson University) to develop a four-course trauma series that qualifies students to receive a trauma-minor in their academic credits. This unique process has required curriculum to be custom-designed for undergraduate and graduate students.
Now our extensive trauma information can reach even more individuals
Lakeside has taken our extensive trauma information and developed a higher education model that Thomas Jefferson has accredited and offered as a trauma-minor to their students.
It is our first higher education model, and we are pleased to say that it has been extremely well received by the students who have been together since the first class four semesters ago. We congratulate all of our students who have worked so diligently to be trauma-informed in a higher education environment.
We are excited about this new model.
We hope we can replicate it in colleges and universities across America. It is indeed exciting to experience the impact we have had in the lives of these students, who have been outstanding in their achievements and commitment to be trauma-informed.
I would like to thank the following people:
- Diane Wagenhals from Lakeside for laboring through the writing of both the curriculum and the trainer notes for this amazing and comprehensive set of courses.
- Beth Hall for her administration of all of our training programs including this series.
- Dr. Jeanne Felter for her leadership in establishing a trauma-minor at Thomas Jefferson University.
- Suzanne O’Connor from the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey for their financial support and commitment to this initiative.
- Dr. Sandy Bloom who is a major influencer in our trauma work, and
- Dr. Bruce Perry who was also key to the success of this program. He actually made a video to congratulate our students.
Our training staff was instrumental in making this course happen.
Dr. Vierdre Jackson and Robin Jones were key to the success of this program. We feel very privileged to have such quality individuals on our training staff.
We are hopeful that this will be a new trend in higher education.
Lakeside is extremely pleased to be at the forefront of helping students become trauma-informed.
Our students attest to the depth and comprehensiveness of our trauma content, as well as our ability to translate it to them in a way that it was most applicable.
I am hopeful more universities will offer trauma courses so that students will have opportunities to understand its pervasiveness and the impact to lives.
Our work with Thomas Jefferson University will hopefully be a trend-setting opportunity to help our systems of care become trauma-informed even before potential staff members enter the workplace.
Gerry Vassar, President/CEO, Lakeside
