At Benjamin Franklin School, our Trauma Support Coach plays a vital role in supporting the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic success of students. We recognize that students bring a wide range of life experiences into the classroom, and some may face challenges related to trauma, chronic stress, family instability, community violence, grief, homelessness, or other adverse childhood experiences. These experiences can significantly impact a student’s ability to focus, regulate emotions, build positive relationships, and fully engage in learning. Our Trauma Support Coach works to ensure that every student receives the support necessary to overcome these barriers and thrive in a safe, nurturing learning environment.
As a Trauma Support Coach, I provide targeted support to students, staff, and families by helping Benjamin Franklin School build and sustain trauma-responsive practices that strengthen student well-being and academic achievement. Working collaboratively with administrators, teachers, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and families, I offer consultation, coaching, classroom support, and small-group interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of our school community.
Supporting Students
The Trauma Support Coach works directly with students to develop the skills necessary to manage emotions, navigate challenges, and build resilience. Through individual check-ins, mentoring relationships, restorative conversations, and small-group support, students learn strategies for:
- Emotional regulation and self-management.
- Coping with stress, anxiety, grief, and difficult life experiences.
- Building healthy relationships with peers and adults.
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving.
- Developing self-confidence and self-advocacy skills.
- Improving attendance, engagement, and participation in school activities.
- Strengthening executive functioning skills such as organization, focus, and self-monitoring.
Students receive support in a manner that promotes dignity, trust, and empowerment while helping them remain connected to their educational goals.
Supporting Teachers and Staff
A key component of trauma-informed education is equipping staff with the knowledge and tools necessary to support students effectively. The Trauma Support Coach provides professional guidance and coaching to teachers and staff on:
- Understanding the impact of trauma on learning and behavior.
- Implementing trauma-sensitive classroom practices.
- Building positive relationships with students.
- De-escalation and conflict-resolution strategies.
- Restorative practices and relationship-centered discipline.
- Creating predictable, safe, and inclusive learning environments.
- Recognizing signs of emotional distress and responding appropriately.
By strengthening staff capacity to address behavioral and emotional challenges, the Trauma Support Coach helps reduce barriers to learning while increasing educator confidence and effectiveness.
Supporting Families
Families are essential partners in student success. The Trauma Support Coach collaborates with families to provide support, resources, and strategies that promote student well-being both at home and at school. Services may include:
- Family consultation and problem-solving support.
- Referrals to community-based mental health and social service resources.
- Assistance connecting families with housing, healthcare, food assistance, and counseling services.
- Strategies for supporting children’s emotional and behavioral needs.
- Strengthening communication between home and school.
This partnership helps create consistency and support across all areas of a student’s life.
Schoolwide Impact
The Trauma Support Coach contributes to a positive school climate by helping Benjamin Franklin School implement proactive and preventative practices that foster belonging, safety, and engagement. Through classroom lessons, staff collaboration, student support groups, restorative practices, and schoolwide initiatives, the Trauma Support Coach helps create an environment where students feel respected, connected, and ready to learn.
Benefits for Benjamin Franklin Students
Through trauma-informed supports, students experience:
- Increased emotional well-being and resilience.
- Improved attendance and school engagement.
- Stronger relationships with peers and adults.
- Enhanced social-emotional skills.
- Reduced behavioral concerns and disciplinary incidents.
- Greater confidence and self-awareness.
- Improved academic performance and classroom participation.
- Increased sense of safety, belonging, and connectedness.
At Benjamin Franklin School, the Trauma Support Coach serves as an essential member of our student support team, helping to ensure that every student has access to the resources, relationships, and support systems necessary to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. By promoting healing, resilience, and positive relationships, we create a school community where all students are empowered to reach their full potential.
Heidi Larissa Herd
Trauma Support Coach & Teletherapy Liaison