Connection is Protection
Grounded in the Sources of Strength and H.O.P.E. frameworks, this workshop offers simple, research-informed tools that families can begin using immediately. Caregivers will leave with a deeper understanding of why children and young people behave the way they do, how everyday experiences shape the developing brain, and how connection, belonging, and meaningful activities can help young people thrive; regardless of the challenges they face.
About the Instructor
Denise Doyle-Schnacker is a youth development leader, educator, and community builder with over 30 years of experience supporting children, families, and communities. After a career in education, she founded Trillium Teen Center, where she designs programs in mentoring, restorative practices, Teen Court, workforce readiness, leadership, and Sources of Strength. She translates research into practical tools for everyday use. In Del Norte, a high-ACEs community, she inspires adults to build relationships, foster resilience, and create hope through positive, life-changing connections.
How to Use Play to Build Connection
Communicate > Relate > Educate! If you’d like to join, we will practice participating in the path between observation, engaging, communicating, connection and education. Although these skills can benefit all of Dr. Bruce Perry’s model; in this session we will join together to add materials to your “Relate” toolbox after a brief overview of the science involved. Keep in mind, even though the skills we will share in this session are youth-focused, I find they hold value for all ages. It is important to meet our youth where they are, understand where that is and then build from there. Through the years, I’ve found that the more I employ playful curiosity with clear boundaries; the connections are more meaningful and lead to greater retention of education.
About the Instructor
As a lifelong explorer, helper, learner, and pursuer of adventure, Spring Wilson’s path has offered her many opportunities to step into the role of an enthused educator. She loves a formal class or training, yet carrying a perspective that views everything as a learning opportunity serves her deeply. Some of her background and education includes an Associate's Degree in Science Exploration, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training, Native Ways of Knowing, Swiftwater Rescue, and Traditional Yurok Gathering and Dress Making. An avid traveler, Spring appreciates how immersion in the social and physical environments of 35 US states and 5 other countries has helped her become a more aware individual. She continues to follow her curiosity through a vibrant work history that includes being a fabricator and farm hand, a firefighter, a dental assistant, and a river guide. Currently, she uses her collective experience and education locally by tutoring at several Del Norte County schools, assistant coaching soccer, and volunteering as an aide teaching local EMT and First Responder classes.
Remembering the Village: Intergenerational Conversations
This interactive session explores how intergenerational relationships, belonging, and shared responsibility create the conditions for resilience. Through reflection, storytelling, and discussion inspired by Hunt, Gather, Parent, participants will consider the people and relationships that shaped them, examine the broader circle of support children need, and identify ways to strengthen connections across generations within their families and communities.
Rupture and Repair
This discussion will introduce a brain-based way of thinking about conflict as a natural for humans and the human condition. We will explore what popular culture teaches us about conflict, and how that impacts accountability at home, in the workplace, and in society. Finally, we will be introduced to a way of thinking about conflict as a true opportunity to build resilience, increase connection, and a sense of belonging. Of course, there will be helpful conflict management tools along the way!
About the Instructor
Terrin Musbach is a lifelong teacher and learner. Currently, she is a Learning Manager for Del Norte Reads at Del Norte County Library, a free learning/tutoring program for residents of Del Norte and Tribal Lands. Additionally, she owns and manages a small business, Calm Kidz Consulting, which focuses on empowering individuals, families and organizations with a toolbox for regulation and resilience. Terrin began her career in 2008 as a high school Theatre/English Teacher. After relocating from Wyoming to Del Norte County, she served as the Del Norte County Unified School District's Climate Coach. In 2023, Terrin had her first child, which led her to find work that would allow her to be with her son. She has spent hundreds of hours studying the Neurosequential Model developed by Dr. Bruce Perry, and is currently working to implement Neurosequential concepts into the way we live and work in DNaTL.
Terrin believes that once our community has a common understanding of basic brain functioning, unnecessary suffering will cease to exist. She thanks you for learning today and getting us one step closer to this reality.