From Regulation to Response: Trauma-Informed Classrooms & Practical Safety

Join us for a full day of professional development focused on supporting children and communities through trauma-informed practices, de-escalation strategies, and empowerment-based safety skills. Participants will gain practical tools for the classroom and beyond, with a focus on creating safe, responsive, and supportive environments.

Registration (8:00 - 8:30 AM)

Refreshments: Coffee, Tea, and Pastries

Morning Session (8:30 – 11:30 AM): Teaching Dysregulated Children: Trauma-Informed Classrooms

Presenter: Elizabeth Hoffman

This three-hour workshop explores what we observe in children who have experienced childhood trauma and builds an understanding of how the nervous system develops in children who have navigated unsafe or unpredictable environments. With a strong foundation in child development, participants will learn how to prepare Montessori classrooms and adapt materials into opportunities for children to regulate, learn, and grow.

This session includes practical examples and tools for:

• Classroom management
• Presenting lessons
• Supporting children through challenging behaviors
• Creating regulation-friendly learning environments

About Elizabeth Hoffman:

Elizabeth Hoffman began her Montessori journey at age two and has remained deeply connected to the Montessori community, working in classrooms from Primary through Middle School. She spent twelve years as a Head Teacher and has additional experience in before- and after-care, special subject instruction, administration, school consulting, and Montessori Teacher Education as an adjunct professor, faculty member, field consultant, and mentor.

Elizabeth holds an AMS Elementary I–II credential, a B.S. in Environmental Science, an M.Ed. in Special Education, and an M.S. in Clinical Counseling with a focus on Family Systems. She is also a certified Child, Adolescent, and Family Trauma Counselor. Currently, Elizabeth spends much of her time supporting incarcerated youth in Maine, continuing her work of helping children reach their full human potential through peace-centered education.

Lunch (11:30 – 12:30 AM)

Sandwiches, Salad and Dessert- gluten and allergy free options available

Afternoon Session (12:30 – 3:30 PM): Active Bystander Intervention, De-escalation, & Empowerment Self Defense

Presented by Prevention Action Change

This interactive session equips participants with practical tools to increase safety, confidence, and effective response in challenging situations.

• Active Bystander Intervention: Learn to recognize identity-based harassment and safely intervene using the 5Ds—Delegate, Distract, Delay, Document, and Direct—while prioritizing the safety of those targeted.
• De-escalation: Develop skills to recognize signs of escalation, manage adrenaline, and use effective strategies to reduce tension and remain present during intervention.
• Empowerment Self Defense: Build awareness, verbal boundary-setting, and simple physical tools to respond to unwanted touch or physical threats. Techniques are accessible and do not require strength or fitness.

About Prevention, Action, Change (PAC):

Prevention, Action, Change works to counter harassment, assault, and abuse through practical safety strategies, skill-building, and the promotion of healing and growth.

MMA members: Don't forget to use the promo code, "MMAmember" to get $25 off individual registration tickets.

Membership must be renewed for 2025-2026 school year by the time of registration. For questions about your school membership, please contact Sue Beemer at 207-338-5800 or email us at mainemontessoriassociation@gmail.com. To renew, please click here.