Posts by Chaddock
This is why you Cannot Ignore Trauma-Informed, Relationship-Focused Care
If you’re trying to just be “trauma-informed”, you may be missing a BIG piece of the puzzle: relationships. It’s crucial to adopt both trauma-informed and relationship-focused strategies to help kids learn and engage in your classroom, therapy office, after school program, or even at home. So… what is trauma-informed care, really? When you’re working with a trauma-informed…
Read MoreWhat is trauma?
Trauma affects many students in our classrooms, kids in our care, and children in our communities, yet it often goes unnoticed or misunderstood. You may have heard the term “trauma,” but perhaps its full impact isn’t always clear. What is Trauma? Trauma often involves experiencing or witnessing an event in which a person believes his/her…
Read MoreMeet the Chaddock Learning Network
Big news! The Knowledge Center’s social media and email presence is changing a bit! As part of our continued commitment to equipping professionals with tools to support children and families impacted by trauma, The Knowledge Center at Chaddock is becoming the Chaddock Learning Network. We understand that change brings a lot of questions. As…
Read MoreNetflix Show Adolescence: A Wake-Up Call for Teen Mental Health Awareness
If you’re an adult, living in the USA, you’ve probably heard of the show “Adolescence” currently streaming on Netflix. The show tells the story of 13-year-old Jamie, who has been accused of murdering a female student from the school he attends. Spoiler alert. It turns out Jamie did indeed commit the horrifying crime and so…
Read More2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Helpers and Healers
Today, we’re here to help you with one of the season’s most delightful (and sometimes daunting) tasks—gift giving! Whether you’re looking for thoughtful gifts for colleagues, clients, or even yourself, we’ve got you covered with products and activities that foster healing, growth, and joy. Sensory Items: Calm…
Read MoreResponding to Resistance in Therapy
Despite the increased awareness of mental health care, and the often media-hyped status of therapy and having a therapist, it can still be a challenge to engage a child or young person in therapeutic services and activities. The reasons for this are varied but understanding them can help to determine the best course of action…
Read MoreHalloween Fun: How to Plan Trauma-Informed Classroom Festivities
As educators, creating a safe and supportive environment is always a priority, especially for students who have experienced trauma. With Halloween right around the corner, your classroom might be gearing up for special parties and fun activities! While many kids love getting into the spooky spirit, for children who’ve experienced trauma, some Halloween festivities can…
Read MoreNo Nightmares in the Classroom
by Michelle Bickhaus, M.Ed. Jack Skellington put it well when he said in The Nightmare Before Christmas, “Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it!” Children who have experienced trauma experience it in their bodies and minds over and over again. Though they do not see the traumatic experiences repeated before…
Read MoreThe Lasting Impact of Care: Joe’s Story
Recently, one of our teachers shared a touching story that reminds us of the lasting impact we have on our students: “I thought I would share that a former student, Joe, reached out to me yesterday. He told me how much he missed Chaddock and all the staff here. He will be turning 18 this…
Read MoreA Family’s Journey From Struggle to Reunion
In mid-July, our Foster and Adoption services team got to witness a wonderful reunion: siblings in our foster care program joined back together with their birth parents! Their legal custody was returned, the case was closed, and our staff says there wasn’t a dry eye in the courtroom! We make every effort to return children…
Read MoreFinding Her Way: How a Strong Bond Helped Riley Thrive
Relationships are primary at Chaddock and that’s what made all the difference for one of our students in Quincy. School Counselor Jennifer Stajduhar told us about Riley, who started attending our schoolin middle school. During her first year here, Riley would often huddle underneath the staircase or in the corner of the school entryway instead…
Read MoreChaddock’s Artist in Residence
One of our young ladies recently submitted artwork for the Quincy Art Center’s 50th Annual High School Student Art Competition, and her “Reaching for Help” was accepted into the show! This is a juried competition and we are very proud of her accomplishment. The following is the letter that accompanied her artwork. “My name is…
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