2020 YO Breakfast

A TIME TO HEAL: CULTIVATING RESILIENCY THROUGH A THERAPEUTIC SCHOOL GARDEN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
7:30-9:30 a.m.
Village Ballroom

Why Therapeutic Gardening:

Engaging students with complex needs in the process of caring for a school garden and growing their own food has myriad benefits that support all four pillars of Serendipity’s integrated intervention model by:

  • Offering an alternative learning environment where interest-based, student-led projects can emerge.
  • Promoting mindfulness through hands-on activities that engage the senses and create safe spaces for students to reflect and regain calm.
  • Implementing our 12 principles of Re-Education.
  • Addresses the impact of trauma on the development, learning and response to treatment.
  • Creating excitement about fresh fruits and vegetables and instilling healthy eating habits.
  • Empowering students with the skills to prepare produce they’ve grown themselves.

2020 YO Breakfast Speakers:

Jackie Trussell, LCSW

Jackie Trussell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Treatment Director at Serendipity Center. She has over 30 years’ experience working in mental health and social work with Children, Adolescents and their families. Her specialty areas include school-based treatment, child welfare, anxiety/depression/PTSD in children, collaborative problem solving interventions. Her focus is always incorporating a trauma informed perspective in working with clients and systems of care.

Nicolas Townsend

Nicolas Townsend is garden coordinator at Serendipity Center. He has over 10 years experience in the fields of organic urban farming and garden education, and holds a masters in Leadership for Sustainability Education from PSU. In 2013 he spearheaded the development of the Growing Minds Garden program at Serendipity and has facilitated its growth over the past 7 years. Nicolas’ approach is wholistic and interest-based with the goal of meeting students and volunteers where they are, and empowering them to grow their own food.