Lost Sparrows Trauma Conference Lost Sparrows Trauma Conference
October 13-16, 2022
Grace College Campus
Historic Winona Lake, IN
Lost Sparrows Trauma Conference Lost Sparrows Trauma Conference
October 13-16, 2022
Grace College Campus
Historic Winona Lake, IN

Lost Sparrows Trauma Conference is designed for foster/adoptive parents, teachers, or anyone that works with children.

Working with children with challenging behaviors can be exhausting. This conference will provide a day of encouragement, education and connection as you get to know others trying to help children overcome challenges. Foster parents, adoptive parents, educators, caregivers, social workers and anyone wanting to learn about trauma and its effects on children should attend.

Click here to sign up for updates

What previous attendees had to say...

Thank you so much! I loved the focus on the caregivers/adults being aware of what their "stuff" is so that we can be prepared to help regulate and hold space when kiddos are struggling.
We really enjoyed the format of this. You kept us involved. Very good information that was passed on. We feel more confident and made some contacts.
Amazing speakers, genuinely good information, and well organized. I am ready for the next one and will be bringing others with me. Thank you for all of the hard work!

Schedule

Details coming soon!
8:15 AM
Check in
9:00 AM
Welcome
John Fuller
9:10 AM
Foundations of Trauma
Darren & Stacey Gagnon
9:45 AM
Helping Trauma Victims: Knowing and Regulating Our Inner Worlds
Dr. Adam Sáenz
Helping trauma victims exposes the helper to what has been referred to as the psychological equivalent of the second-hand smoke effect. Over time, the work itself can become traumatizing to the helper. This session provides helpers with a roadmap to know and regulate their inner world, including how their strengths, their vulnerabilities and their unresolved pain can be helpful and hurtful in the journey to healing.
11:00 AM
Break
11:15 AM
Panel discussion
Behaviors in Children - Symptom or Manipulation?
Bryan Post, Christy Irons, Gina Courtois, Johnathon Wattley
How do you know when your child’s behaviors are driven by trauma, or when your child may be consciously using the behaviors as manipulation or avoidance? What has research shown as current best practice in regards to trauma and behaviors? What do you tell parents who have exhausted all measures and feel they cannot continue?
12:30 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM
Nik's Heart of Hope
Stacey Gagnon & Blythe Royaards
2:15 PM
Adoption Story
John Fuller
2:45 PM
Finding Hope in the Midst of Trauma
Bryan Post
Raising traumatized children can be overwhelming and fraught with challenges. In this session Bryan will share stories, strategies, insights and breakthroughs from his more than twenty plus years working with traumatized adopted and foster children. If you've found yourself struggling to parent your child you won't want to miss this!
3:45 PM
Break
4:00 PM
Panel discussion
What in the World Were You Thinking?
Dr. David Hoffert, Dr. Rachael Hoffert, Dr. Adam Sáenz, Darren Gagnon, Jamie Briscoe, Johnathon Wattley
Discover strategies to face these challenges and learn ways to respond to trauma-related behaviors. This panel is packed with experts with a heart for working with kids outside the home. In the field of working with children in professional settings.
5:00 PM
Live Q & A
Dr. David Hoffert, Dr. Rachael Hoffert, Dr. Adam Sáenz, Darren Gagnon, Jamie Briscoe, Johnathon Wattley, Christy Irons
6:00 PM
Conclusion
Darren & Stacey Gagnon
9 CEUs total
Indiana DCS has approved CEUs for the above sessions for all Indiana-licensed foster parents.
Warsaw Community Schools has approved this conference for professional growth points.

Travel info

Uber and Lyft do not operate in the area.


Nearby airports
Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA)
Fort Wayne, IN – 44 miles away
South Bend International Airport (SBN)
South Bend, IN – 60 miles away
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago, IL – 129 miles away
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
Grand Rapids, MI – 129 miles away
Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL)
Toledo, OH – 130 miles away
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Indianapolis, IN – 136 miles away
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago, IL – 149 miles away

Accomodations
Chestnut House Bed & Breakfast
(574) 268-6388
1 mile away
The Blue Heron Guest House on Winona Lake
(574) 551-3205
3.3 miles away
Wyndham Garden
(574) 269-2323
1.3 miles away
Comfort Inn
(574) 310-8669
1.8 miles away
Hampton Inn
(574) 268-2600
1.2 miles away
Holiday Inn Express
(574) 549-9400
1.9 miles away
Fairfield Inn & Suites Warsaw
(574) 385-2700
4.9 miles away

This is an in-person conference only and will not be streamed.

We understand that people may have concerns with COVID-19, however, we believe an in-person event will be more impactful than a virtual event. We will be following state-recommended guidelines throughout the conference.

About Lost Sparrows

Lost Sparrows is working to end the orphan crisis by supporting families – through teaching, resourcing, and advocating for the safe closure of orphanages – so that every child has an opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about Lost Sparrows

About Winona Lake

Winona Lake, Indiana is an idyllic lake town steeped in history as a hub for Bible conferences in the early 20th century. The town is home to Grace College and many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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