Description
This course qualifies for STRTP CEUs.
This training explores how intentional environmental design can be used as a trauma-responsive strategy and tool to support youth regulation and engagement. Drawing from neuroscience, environmental psychology, and trauma theory, Dr. Alicia Williams demonstrates how space, color, texture, light, and layout influence nervous system responses and behavior. Participants will learn how to identify environmental triggers, integrate calming design elements, and create restorative “pause places” that promote belonging, connection, and self-regulation.
Through real examples from schools and youth programs, attendees will gain practical tools to transform everyday settings such as classrooms, counseling rooms, and community spaces into supportive environments that help youth feel safe, seen, and ready to learn or heal.
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Instructor: Dr. Alicia Williams
Dr. Alicia Williams is an educator, social worker, and trauma-responsive practitioner who blends neuroscience, design, and human connection to inspire healing-centered practices. With over two decades of experience across education, prevention, and behavioral health, she has trained professionals on how environments and relationships shape regulation, resilience, and learning.
As the creator of Healing by Design, Dr. Williams teaches participants how to transform everyday spaces into restorative, wellness-centered environments that support both staff and clients. Her work combines evidence-based research with practical, creative strategies that make trauma-responsive care accessible and sustainable. Known for her engaging, reflective teaching style, she empowers learners to connect science with heart, creating change that lasts.
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Other Important Information:
Accommodations: To request additional assistance or accommodations, please contact Brisa Romero, Training Assistant, at bromero@catalyst-center.org.
Grievances: To obtain the grievance policy or report a grievance please email Ivon Favela, Deputy Director of Training at ifavela@catalyst-center.org
CE Certificates: Upon course survey completion, participants will be awarded CE certificates.
Refund/Cancelation Policy: All requests for cancellation and refunds must be submitted in writing to bromero@catalyst-center.org prior to the course date. Otherwise, no refunds will be allowed.
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STRTP/GH Notice:
California Alliance of Child and Family Services (CACFS) is approved by the California Department of Social Services to sponsor continuing education for Group Home Administrators (GH; Vendor ID: 2000083-730-2) and Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP; Vendor ID: 2000083-733-2) Administrators. This course meets the requirements for 2 hours of continuing education for GH (Course ID: 083-0255-39227) and STRTP Administrators (Course ID: 083-0255-39228).
Objectives
- Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify environmental factors that influence emotional regulation, safety, and engagement among youth.
- Distinguish trauma-responsive design features that promote calm and connection from those that may contribute to stress or dysregulation.
- Apply evidence-based strategies from neuroscience and environmental psychology to enhance therapeutic and educational settings.
- Analyze how sensory elements, spatial organization, and visual cues affect nervous system responses and youth behavior.
- Design a practical plan or prototype for a restorative environment or micro-regulation space within their professional setting.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of environmental adjustments in supporting youth regulation, belonging, and participation outcomes.
Certificate
By completing/passing this course, you will attain the certificate STRTP Certificate
Learning credits
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