The Brain Architecture Game
Designed around Dr. Bruce Perry’s core ideas, The Brain Architecture Game is a hands-on game that shows how early life experiences and relationships literally build a child’s brain. Working in small groups, participants build a brain model together while navigating life's ups and downs, experiencing how positive, supportive relationships protect against severe stress. This interactive workshop gives everyone a clear, practical look at how helping children feel safe and connected (Regulate and Relate) lays the foundation for learning, problem-solving, and emotional strength (Reason).
About the Instructor
A lifelong resident of Del Norte County, Pamela Wilder grew up in the small community of Gasquet. Having been peripherally connected to the child welfare system in her infancy, she discovered early on a calling to become a "helper" and dedicate her life to advocating for children and families in need.
After earning her B.A. in Sociology while living in Spokane, Washington, Pam returned home to Crescent City in 2001 to begin putting her passion into action. She spent nearly a decade serving with the County of Del Norte in Mental Health Services as well as with Child Support Services. This was then followed by eight years supporting and guiding CASA of Del Norte volunteers as a Case Supervisor. Over her 27-year career in child and family advocacy, Pam has remained deeply embedded in community leadership—serving 22 years with the Crescent City Jaycees, 17 years supporting local Girl Scout Troops in various capacities, and contributing to the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) of Del Norte since 2013 and Resilient DNATL since its inception.
Since 2020, Pam has served as the Director of EPIC Student Support Services with the Del Norte County Unified School District. In this role, she leads a dedicated team supporting foster, tribal foster, probation, and housing-insecure students and families. Drawing from decades of professional experience and deep local roots, Pam works to build collaborative systems where every student feels safe, supported, and provided the opportunity to thrive.
Building Intentional Relationships & Support
Applying the TEAM Framework
Building on the importance of regulation and relationship, this interactive session helps participants move from reflection into practical action. Using the TEAM framework from Hunt, Gather, Parent, Togetherness, Encourage, Autonomy, and Minimal Interference, participants will practice relationship-centered strategies that strengthen belonging, meaningful participation, responsibility, confidence, and resilience within families, schools, programs, and communities.
Strength Without the Test
Building Resilience Beyond Masculine Expectations
What do people learn they must do, hide, or prove to be seen as “man enough”? In this interactive session, we will use Dr. Bruce Perry’s Regulate-Relate-Reason framework to explore how expectations surrounding masculinity affect our nervous systems, relationships, parenting, and sense of belonging. Participants will reflect on the messages they inherited, consider how those messages can create either risk or protection, and imagine healthier ways to raise and support the next generation. This is not a conversation about defining who qualifies as a man. It is an invitation for everyone affected by masculine expectations to help build communities where courage, vulnerability, responsibility, and connection can coexist.
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.
Unpacking the Neurosequential Model
Delve deeper into the Neurosequential Model developed by Dr. Bruce Perry. In this session, we will discuss the implications of the “bottom up” processing the human brain uses to make sense of the world, and how a basic understanding of this fact transforms individuals, organizations, and eventually the entire community.
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.