Trauma-Informed Learning

Empowering Atlanta Mission’s educators

LeAnn Nickelsen, M.Ed., is a highly sought-after author and expert on brain research. As a former teacher, she specializes in training educators to better support students impacted by trauma. She and her husband are longtime friends of Atlanta Mission. Last year, LeAnn began volunteering at My Sister’s House in the child development center. “Atlanta Mission is helping students go through one of the most traumatic childhood experiences of homelessness,” LeAnn says.

“Trauma impacts the brain.”

Much of LeAnn’s expertise lies in the area of empowering educators to create a nurturing environment that optimizes learning for children who have experienced trauma. “We know that trauma impacts the brain. From weakening working memory and long-term memory centers—to not accessing strong socio-emotional skills—student’s learning can be greatly hindered,” she explains.

The field of trauma-informed learning has made many strides in understanding techniques that reduce trauma triggers. Some of the tools we’ve implemented to help calm our student’s stressors include creative play spaces, relaxation exercises, and establishing positive teacher-student relationships. “Children who have at least one caring adult in their life show stronger resiliency skills and can make it through many challenges,” shares LeAnn.

Giving students hope through Jesus

LeAnn’s passionate enthusiasm for her work is evident, and she inspired our team with this mantra: “If the brain can change for the worse, it can change for the better. And a Christ-centered teacher who loves these children, knows strategies and creates plans to teach the skills that are needed, will change the brain for the better.”

Our ongoing goal is to empower students to reach their full potential as healing takes place alongside learning. Through building safe, secure bonds with our teachers—who genuinely care about each individual child—students can re-establish relational trust. “The educators know the key to stopping the vicious cycle of poverty is through giving these students hope — a hope that will not disappoint in Jesus Christ.”

Each of our educators feel called by God to positively impact their students. And thanks to LeAnn’s workshops, they are more equipped with tools to help change the trajectory of these young kid’s lives.

Impact of Homelessness on a Child

Children who are homeless face a number of traumatic stressors that can lead to educational and developmental challenges.

_____________________

• 45,500

  More than 45,500 children experience homelessness each year in Georgia.

• 4X

  Children who are homeless are sick four times more often than other children.

• 2X

  Homeless children go hungry at twice the rate of other children.

• 4X

  Children experiencing homelessness are four times more likely to show delayed development and twice as likely to have learning disabilities.

Your gift set students up for success

As kids settle back into school this fall, good nutrition is essential. Hunger can affect a child’s school performance, resulting in lower concentration and test scores or more frequent illnesses. But tummies filled up through a healthy meal equals young minds ready to learn, focus, and succeed in school.

Instead of worrying about where their next meal is coming from, you can calm concerns for the youngest members of our community by giving the gift of healthy meals served with love this year.

Help restore hope to every man, woman, and child who come through our doors. Your continued support provides meals, shelter, counseling, and care at our trauma-informed facilities.

Thank you!