Trauma, Brains, and BIG Emotions: Providing Trauma-Informed Support to Neurodivergent Kids, Teens, and Adults – In Person Training
Ellen Merker, M.S. LPC
Overview: Many approaches to “behavioral challenges” focus heavily on “eliminating a behavior” rather than understanding the purpose of an action. Trauma can impact our brains and nervous system’s ability to differentiate between safe and unsafe situations, which can result in some emotions and actions that may seem baffling, but are often the body trying to keep someone safe. When caregivers are able to respond in regulated, empathic ways we are more likely to see trauma victims heal, connect, and regulate. In this training, caregivers will learn about the neuroscience of the impact of trauma, concrete strategies for connection and co-regulation, and how to move away from “behavioral support plans” toward a more trauma-informed model of support.
This training meets continuing education requirements for social workers as prescribed by the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing Chapter MPSW 19.
Registration Change: All trainings occurring after May 15, 2026 will be processed through a new online system which will require payment via credit/debit card at the time of registration. We will no longer be issuing invoices for training registrations. If you are a caregiver who is wanting a CLTS plan to cover the registration fee, email Michael Truman at mltruman@wisc.edu to coordinate this process. Do not register here.
Registration closes Monday, November 9 at 4:00 PM.
About the Presenter:
Ellen Merker, M.S. LPC, founding director of Heart Consulting LLC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma therapy for kids, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities. She received her Master’s in Rehabilitation Psychology from UW–Madison, and has been working with neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults in various roles for 15 years. Ellen uses neurodivergent affirmative, sex-positive, and trauma-informed approaches in all work. In addition to trauma therapy, Heart Consulting also works to reduce gendered violence against people with developmental disabilities through education and training. Ellen also has extensive speaking experience, and has presented at conferences including Wisconsin Human Trafficking Conference, WI Planned Parenthood, National Project Search Conference, Wisconsin Reproductive Health Conference, and the Circles of Life Conference.
Community Outreach Wisconsin and the Waisman Center value inclusion and access for all participants and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations for this event. Please contact Michael Truman at mltruman@wisc.edu to make a reasonable accommodation request. Requests must be submitted by October 28, 2026.