Best-Selling Author Regina Calcaterra Delivers Keynote at Trauma Conference

Regina Calcaterra, best-selling author of memoir Etched in Sand, A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island delivered the keynote address at a November 2nd Trauma Conference hosted by The School of Education and its Alumni Leadership Advisory Council.  In attendance at Trauma Informed Teaching: Critical Approaches to Working with Students in the K-12 Classroom were approximately 65 teachers, guidance counselors, principals, and district administrators.  They included current St. John's students, alumni, and guests with no prior connection to The School of Education.  

Gina Cicco, Ed.D. and Heather Robertson, Ph.D., Associate Professors in the Department of Counselor Education presented plenary sessions.  Cicco's presentation focused upon strategies to address students in trauma, while Robertson shared the impact of trauma upon childhood and adolescent development.  Alumni Leadership Advisory Council Chair, Anna Lukachik '80 said, "Our faculty speakers, Dr. Cicco and Dr. Robertson, shared key strategies to identify and help children affected by trauma.  And our keynote speaker, Regina Calcaterra, illustrated by her own story how a teacher can change the life path of a child for the good, inspiring every listener to make a difference." 

A breakout session also included practical discussions of how participants would implement their professional growth and learning immediately upon return to their school and clinical settings.  In addition, many participants were able to take home a copy of Etched in Sand signed by Calcaterra. 

"We were able to bring together thought leaders, alumni, and students to learn how to be better, stronger, and more compassionate educators," Lukachik remarked about the success of the conference. 

The Alumni Leadership Advisory Council will continue to work with Dean Bell and his administration to plan future professional events that will enrich educators in a variety of fields.