From Insight to Action:
Tools to Transform
I curated this bookshelf to share the trauma-informed, brain-based, and culturally responsive texts that ground my work. Each title translates research into practice for your coursework, your classroom, and leadership decisions. Move from insight to action with clarity and care.
ACEs
Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology, and How You Can Heal
by Donna Jackson Nakazawa
Trauma-Informed Care, ACE Study, Adult Healing
A comprehensive resource for educators and parents that examines the scientific connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and long-term physical and mental health outcomes. This evidence-based guide provides professionals with insights into how childhood trauma affects neurological development and immune function, while offering practical, research-backed strategies for healing and building resilience in both adults and children through trauma-informed approaches and therapeutic interventions.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
By Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
Trauma Research, Neuroscience, Professional Development
A foundational resource for educators and mental health professionals that examines the neurobiological impact of trauma on brain development and behavior. This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based insights into how traumatic experiences affect learning, emotional regulation, and social development, while offering practical approaches for trauma-informed educational practices and therapeutic interventions that support healing and resilience in both children and adults.
The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma and Adversity
by Nadine Burke Harris
ACE Study, Toxic Stress, Pediatric Healthcare
A groundbreaking resource for educators and healthcare professionals that examines the biological impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on lifelong health outcomes. This evidence-based guide provides practical insights into how toxic stress affects cellular development and brain function, while offering innovative screening tools and multi-disciplinary intervention strategies that professionals can implement to identify at-risk children and support healing across generations through trauma-informed care approaches.
It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle
by Mark Wolynn
Intergenerational Trauma, Epigenetics, Family Systems
A groundbreaking resource for educators and mental health professionals that explores how traumatic experiences are transmitted across generations through epigenetic mechanisms and family patterns. This evidence-based guide provides practical tools for identifying inherited trauma patterns that may manifest as anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges in children, while offering therapeutic approaches and intervention strategies that help break cycles of inherited trauma and support healing across family systems.
Trauma and Young Children: Teaching Strategies to Support and Empower
by Laura J. Colker, Sarah Erdman & Elizabeth C. Winter
Early Childhood Education, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Classroom Strategies
A practical resource specifically designed for early childhood educators that provides evidence-based strategies for supporting young children who have experienced trauma. This comprehensive guide offers educators concrete tools for creating safe, nurturing learning environments, implementing trauma-informed teaching practices, and developing individualized support plans that help traumatized children build resilience, regulate emotions, and succeed academically while fostering their sense of safety and empowerment in educational settings.
Connections Over Compliance: Rewiring Our Perceptions of Discipline
by Lori L Desautels
Trauma-Informed Discipline, Co-Regulation, Relational Practices
A transformative resource for educators and administrators that challenges traditional punitive discipline approaches by introducing brain-aligned, relationship-based strategies. This evidence-based guide provides professionals with practical tools for shifting from reactive behavior management to preventive, co-regulatory practices that support children's developing nervous systems, emphasizing the importance of adult self-regulation and connection as the foundation for sustainable behavioral change and creating psychologically safe learning environments.
Emotions, Learning, and the Brain: Exploring the Educational Implications of Affective Neuroscience
by Mary Helen Immordino-Yang
Affective Neuroscience, Educational Theory, Emotional Learning
A groundbreaking professional development resource that bridges neuroscience research with educational practice for educators and administrators. This comprehensive collection demonstrates how emotions are fundamental to learning processes and brain development, providing evidence-based insights into how social-emotional factors influence cognitive function, creativity, and academic achievement, while offering practical applications for creating emotionally supportive learning environments that optimize both neurological development and educational outcomes.
Big Emotions (4-8 years old)
The Worry Monster: Calming Anxiety with Mindfulness
by Dr. Catherine Cook-Cottone
Worry Management, Mindfulness, Child Psychology
An evidence-based resource designed to help children develop emotional regulation skills and anxiety management strategies. This interactive guide, created by a child psychologist, provides educators and parents with practical tools including mindfulness techniques, gratitude exercises, and cognitive-behavioral approaches to support children in processing and managing anxious feelings.
When Harley Has Anxiety: A Fun CBT Skills Activity Book to Help Manage Worries and Fears
By Regine Galanti PhD
CBT Skills, Ages 5-9, Activity Book
A research-based activity guide that teaches children ages 5-9 essential anxiety management skills through cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. This engaging resource provides educators and parents with structured activities and evidence-based strategies to help children build resilience, practice self-regulation, and develop healthy responses to worry and stress, using relatable character-driven scenarios that make learning accessible and enjoyable.
Listening to My Body
by Gabi Garcia
Body Awareness, Mind-Body Connection, Emotional Recognition
A foundational resource for teaching children emotional regulation through body awareness and interoception. This interactive guide helps educators and parents support children in developing a vocabulary for physical sensations, connecting bodily experiences to emotional states, and using somatic awareness as a tool for self-understanding and emotional expression.
Breathe Like a Bear
by Kira Willey
Mindfulness, Breathing Exercises, Movement Activities
A comprehensive mindfulness curriculum featuring 30 structured breathing exercises and movement activities designed to help children develop emotional regulation and focus skills. This versatile resource provides educators and parents with portable, adaptable practices organized into five key areas: calming techniques, concentration building, imaginative exercises, energy management, and relaxation methods that can be implemented in any setting to support children's self-regulation and mindful awareness.
The Calm Inside
by Ryuu Shinohara & Kate Moro
Mindfulness Stories, Emotional Regulation, Present-Moment Awareness
A comprehensive mindfulness resource featuring engaging stories and practical activities designed to help children develop emotional regulation and present-moment awareness. This guide provides educators and parents with structured tools and inspiring narratives that teach children essential skills for managing intense emotions, maintaining focus, and cultivating inner calm through evidence-based mindfulness techniques.
My Monster and Me
by Nadiya Hussain
Anxiety Discussion, Parent-Child Communication, Worry Management
A therapeutic story resource designed to help children and parents discuss anxiety and worry in an accessible, non-threatening way. This engaging narrative follows a young boy learning to manage his persistent worry through the power of trusted communication and support, providing educators and parents with a valuable tool for initiating conversations about anxiety while demonstrating effective coping strategies and the importance of seeking help from caring adults.
It's So Difficult
by Raúl Nieto Guridi
Sensory Processing, Neurodivergent Experiences, School Challenges
A powerful narrative resource that provides educators and parents with insight into the experiences of children who struggle with sensory processing, anxiety, and communication challenges. This empathetic story follows a child navigating overstimulation and social expectations throughout a school day, offering valuable perspectives on neurodivergent experiences and helping readers develop understanding and compassion for children who may find everyday interactions overwhelming or challenging.
The Whatifs
by Emily Kilgore
Anxious Thinking, Worry Reframing, Friendship Support
A therapeutic resource for helping children understand and manage anxiety through creative visualization and reframing techniques. This engaging picture book provides educators and parents with an accessible introduction to anxious thinking patterns, featuring the story of a child who learns to transform overwhelming 'what if' worries into manageable thoughts with the support of friendship and positive coping strategies, making it an excellent tool for anxiety awareness and emotional regulation discussions.
Just a Thought
by Jason Gruhl
Metacognition, Ages 4-8, Thought Awareness
A cognitive awareness resource designed to help children ages 4-8 understand the nature of thoughts and develop metacognitive skills. This engaging story provides educators and parents with an accessible introduction to self-awareness concepts, teaching children to recognize thought patterns, understand that thoughts don't define them, and develop the ability to observe their mental processes without being overwhelmed by negative or recurring thoughts.
¿Qué necesito cuando estoy nervioso? / What Do I Need When I am Nervous? (Spanish Edition)
by Tania García
Nerviosismo, Educación Real®, Apoyo Emocional
Un recurso educativo especializado que proporciona a educadores y padres herramientas para comprender y acompañar a los niños cuando experimentan nerviosismo y ansiedad. Esta guía ofrece estrategias basadas en el respeto y la comprensión emocional para ayudar a los adultos a analizar las necesidades de los niños sin juzgarlos, promoviendo técnicas que equilibren el sistema nervioso y enseñando a los pequeños que sentirse nervioso es una experiencia natural que les permite desarrollar mayor autoconocimiento y empatía hacia otros.
Escuchando a Mi Cuerpo: Una guía para ayudar a los niños entender la conexión entre las sensaciones físicas y sus sentimientos (Listening to my Body) (Spanish Edition)
by Gabi García
Conciencia Corporal, Autorregulación, Vocabulario Emocional
Un recurso interactivo fundamental que ayuda a educadores y padres a enseñar a los niños la práctica de reconocer y nombrar tanto sus sentimientos como las sensaciones físicas que los acompañan. Esta guía proporciona un vocabulario específico de sensaciones corporales y combina narrativa con actividades prácticas para que los niños desarrollen conciencia corporal, habilidades de autorregulación y resiliencia emocional, convirtiéndose en una herramienta esencial para fomentar la inteligencia emocional desde temprana edad.
¿Qué necesito cuando me enfado? / What Do I Need When I am Angry? (Spanish Edition)
by Tania García
Manejo de Ira, Educación Real®, Desarrollo Emocional
Un recurso educativo ilustrado que proporciona a educadores y padres herramientas para comprender y acompañar a los niños durante episodios de enfado y frustración. Esta guía, basada en los principios de la Educación Real®, ayuda a los adultos a entender que las expresiones de ira infantil son manifestaciones naturales de emociones que necesitan ser comprendidas y acompañadas, ofreciendo estrategias prácticas para apoyar el desarrollo emocional saludable y fortalecer la autoestima de los niños durante estos momentos desafiantes.
Cuando Me Siento Asustado/When I Feel Scared (Spanish Edition) (First Feelings (Spanish/English)) (English and Spanish Edition)
by Child's Play
Miedo, Bilingüe, Primeras Emociones
Un recurso bilingüe esencial que ayuda a educadores y padres a enseñar a los niños pequeños a identificar y expresar la emoción del miedo. Este libro interactivo se centra en una de las seis emociones principales que experimentan los niños muy pequeños, utilizando ilustraciones claras y personajes no estereotipados para facilitar conversaciones sobre el miedo, proporcionando estrategias de afrontamiento apropiadas para la edad y promoviendo el desarrollo del vocabulario emocional en ambos idiomas.
Encuentra Tu Calma: Un Enfoque Consciente Para Aliviar La Ansiedad Y Crecer Tu Valentía (Spanish Edition) (Creciendo Corazones y Mentes)
by Gabi Garcia
Mindfulness, Ansiedad, Valentía
Encuentra Tu Calma: Un Enfoque Consciente Para Aliviar La Ansiedad Y Crecer Tu Valentía (Spanish Edition) (Creciendo Corazones y Mentes) by Gabi Garcia
"Un recurso integral basado en mindfulness que ayuda a educadores y padres a enseñar a los niños técnicas para manejar la ansiedad y desarrollar resiliencia emocional. Esta guía accessible proporciona estrategias prácticas para que los niños aprendan a reconocer cuando la ansiedad envía falsas alarmas, desarrollen un sentido de seguridad interior y encuentren su calma a través de actividades de atención plena y herramientas de afrontamiento apropiadas para su edad que pueden practicar de manera independiente.
Soy más fuerte que la ira: Libro ilustrado acerca del manejo de la ira y cómo lidiar con las emociones de los niños (El mundo de las emociones y ... (World of Kids Emotions) (Spanish Edition)
by Elizabeth Cole
Control de Ira, Autorregulación, Inteligencia Emocional
Un recurso educativo ilustrado que proporciona a educadores y padres herramientas prácticas para ayudar a los niños a comprender y manejar la emoción de la ira de manera constructiva. Esta guía enseña a los niños que la ira es una emoción natural pero que puede ser controlada, ofreciendo estrategias específicas para evitar comportamientos destructivos como gritar, patear o hacer berrinches, y promoviendo el desarrollo de la inteligencia emocional desde una edad temprana a través de técnicas de autorregulación apropiadas para su nivel de desarrollo.
Tengo un nudo en la barriga / I Have a Knot in My Belly (Spanish Edition)
by Alberto Soler & Concepción Roger
Ansiedad Infantil, Sensaciones Físicas, Comunicación Emocional
Un recurso terapéutico ilustrado que ayuda a educadores y padres a enseñar a los niños a identificar y comunicar experiencias de ansiedad infantil. Este cuento utiliza lenguaje accesible y metáforas visuales para que los niños puedan señalar y entender las sensaciones físicas que acompañan a la ansiedad, proporcionando herramientas prácticas para que los pequeños puedan expresar sus emociones y buscar ayuda cuando experimentan esa sensación de enredo emocional que tantos experimentamos.
Self Care
You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment
by Thich Nhat Hanh
Mindfulness Practices, Present Moment, Adult Development
A foundational resource for educators and parents seeking to develop personal mindfulness practices that support their professional effectiveness and emotional well-being. This accessible guide offers practical techniques for cultivating present-moment awareness, including mindful breathing, walking meditation, and deep listening practices that help adults manage stress, reduce anxiety, and develop the emotional regulation skills necessary for supporting children's growth and learning in both educational and family settings.
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
By Thich Nhat Hanh
Everyday Mindfulness, Practical Meditation, Stress Management
A foundational resource for educators and parents that demonstrates how to integrate mindfulness practices into daily routines and challenging situations. This accessible guide provides practical techniques for transforming ordinary moments—from telephone calls to traffic jams—into opportunities for present-moment awareness and emotional regulation, helping adults develop the stress management skills and inner peace necessary for effectively supporting children's emotional and behavioral development in both educational and family settings.