Invitation to Practitioners Across Nova Scotia

Trauma-Informed Community of Practice

Learning together. Reflecting together. Strengthening practice together.

Trauma-informed practice is an ongoing process of learning, unlearning, reflection, and connection. NSCDA is inviting 15 practitioners to take part in an in-person training session that will establish a shared foundation for a new Community of Practice. Together, participants will begin building a community where they can continue to learn, reflect, and grow.

October 28–29

Two full days in person

Apply by Oct. 5

Expression of Interest

Bedford, NS

NSCDA offices

No training fee

Lunch & materials included

A space to keep learning together

The Community of Practice will bring practitioners together to share ideas, build relationships, learn from one another, and strengthen trauma-informed approaches in their work and communities.

Trauma-informed practice recognizes that trauma can shape how people experience services, relationships, and the world around them. It encourages us to respond with empathy, safety, trust, collaboration, and choice, creating environments where people can thrive.

01 – LEARN

Explore tools, ideas, perspectives, and approaches.

02 – REFLECT

Ask questions and consider how practice can evolve.

03 – CONNECT

Learn with people bringing different experiences and perspectives

“The Community of Practice comes from the heart—with an understanding that it may not always be easy, but is entirely possible.”

Grounded in curiosity, psychological safety, and mutual respect

Meet your facilitators

Guided by Catherine and Seanna

Dr. Catherine Hajnal and Seanna Quressette, M.Ed., CCDP, developed NSCDA’s Trauma-Informed Practice training. They will lead the October 28–29 session and support participants in establishing a shared foundation for the Community of Practice.

Seanna Quressette
M.Ed., CCDP

Dr. Catherine Hajnal
PH.D.

The two-day foundation

What will we explore together?

Participants will connect with practical strategies and tools for the conversations that can arise in a Community of Practice.

Establish the container

Develop safety agreements and healthy boundaries.

Navigate difficult conversations

Approach awkward or challenging moments thoughtfully.

Name discomfort

Find ways to acknowledge what feels uncomfortable.

Talk about difference

Make room for varied experiences and perspectives.

Discover shared values

Find common ground without erasing difference.

Hold conflict and connection

Stay engaged while working through tension.

What participation involves

  • Participate fully in both in-person training days.
  • Commit to continued participation for a collectively determined time and frequency.
  • Share learning and its applications to benefit your community.
  • Bring forward community needs and challenges from your setting.
  • Remain open to challenging structural beliefs and long-held biases.
  • Review NSCDA’s new Trauma-Informed Practice training prior to October 28th.

AN ONGOING COMMUNITY

October 28-29 establishes the foundation. The Community of Practice continues from there.

The group will help determine how often the community meets and how it evolves. The intention is to continue for as long as it remains valuable to the wider community.

Is this community for me?

You do not need to be an expert

This Community of Practice is built around the belief that every participant can be both a teacher and a learner. Different roles, experiences, communities, perspectives, and questions are part of what will make the group valuable.

We are seeking 15 practitioners who, together, reflect the diversity of communities across Nova Scotia.

Your perspective matters. The intended environment is grounded in curiosity, psychological safety, mutual respect, and learning without shame or blame.

Expression of Interest

Interested in
joining us?

Apply by Monday, October 5, 2026

To apply, please complete a brief Expression of Interest addressing the five questions shown here.

Questions? Contact Teresa Francis at tfrancis@nscda.ca .

Training will be held at the NSCDA offices in Bedford. Lunch, snacks, and training materials will be provided. Participants or their organizations are responsible for travel costs.

1

What interests you about participating in this Community of Practice?

2

What do you hope to learn or gain from participating?

3

What experiences, perspectives, or strengths would you bring to the group?

4

How do you envision applying trauma-informed learning in your work or community?

5

What would make this Community of Practice meaningful and valuable for you?