Trauma Neurodiverse Tools and Strategies for Kids – Trauma impacts students and families of every race, ethnicity, background and faith base. When a child experiences both neurodiversity in addition to their potentially traumatic experiences, the results can have significant impacts to the child and their families. In this two hour webinar, you will hear from a parent, teacher and administrator perspective with ways schools and families can work together to support the students and each other. There will be opportunities to ask questions and gain strategies that have been successful for the range of children in your lives.
Presenters: Kristin Kashuba, Principal, Heather Murphy, Special Education Teacher, Cheryl Willer- Parent
Kristin Kashuba is from Marathon, NY where she graduated high school and began life with her now husband. Kristin went to TC3 for two years, then transferred credits to SUNY Cortland to complete her Bachelors and Masters degrees, as well as her Certificate of Advanced Study to become an administrator.
Kristin and her husband have two boys that attend school in Marathon, just as they did. The boys keep them very busy with their athletics and activities; which makes morning coffee vital (preferably from Coffee Mania). In her free time you can catch Kristin rewatching old favorites on Netflix, walking the woods with family, listening to books and podcasts on Audible or playing games with her guys. She enjoys yoga, weight training and running to keep her mentally and physically fresh for whatever the day has in store.
Continuing to pursue excellence in the classroom and supporting students, Kristin became a National Board Certified Teacher – Exceptional Needs Specialist, Birth – 21 in 2017.
Working in public education at the elementary level for so long, it was crucial to learn and adopt the best and most effective strategies for supporting students with trauma. Now, being an administrator of an alternative high school, these tools being second nature ensure that she is able to support not only students, but staff as well. Applying trauma-informed care to almost any situation has become a universal response and one that has paid off long term.
Heather Murphy grew up in Ithaca, New York and currently lives in Kirkwood, New York. Heather graduated from Ithaca High School and continued her education at SUNY Geneseo and Elmira College. She has been a special education teacher for 23 years in various placements including Consultant Teacher, Integrated Co-Teaching, Resource Room, and the Special Class Setting.
Heather has worked with various agencies in Tompkins County giving her an outside perspective of support for individuals with disabilities, such as the Ithaca Youth Bureau, Racker Center, and Finger Lakes Independence Center; which has has given the opportunity to understand both recreation opportunities and supports that families may need within the home.
When not teaching, Heather enjoys reading, being outside through all seasons, and spending time with family and friends.
Cheryl Willer started as a Family Support Specialist with the Coalition in 2023, after having the privilege to intern with AGAPE. Cheryl and her family have also benefited from AGAPE services. Prior to joining the Coalition, Cheryl worked in the public schools for several years.
Cheryl will be completing her Bachelors in Social Work degree in May of 2023 and will continue to pursue her Master’s in Social Work degree starting in 2024.
Cheryl is blessed by her family. She and her husband have four children. She has an amazing adult biological son and daughter-in-law, two amazing, sweet adoptive children, and one very energetic and handsome foster son.