Empower Your Community
Spero Professional Development Center
At the Spero Professional Development Training Center, we provide trauma-informed training designed for professionals and everyday individuals who want to make a difference in their communities. Our programs focus on understanding the effects of trauma on mental health, behavior, and development, while equipping participants with practical tools to respond compassionately and effectively. Whether you’re a teacher, caregiver, healthcare worker, or simply someone who wants to understand others better, our training empowers you to support those in need and reduce stigma around mental health and trauma.
Guided by our core value of Empowerment, we teach through experience to inspire hope, growth, and resilience. By recognizing trauma and fostering healing, participants not only support individuals in need but also reduce stigma and contribute to building stronger, more empathetic communities. Together, we create a ripple effect of positive change, uplifting and bettering our community as a whole. Let us help you make a difference through learning and empowerment!
Spero Empowerment Workshops
- Understanding Mental Illness
- Beyond the Behavior: Truma-Informed Care & De-Escalation
- Behavior Support & Crisis Response
- Mental Health First Aid Certification Training
- Trauma Informed Care
- CPR/First Aid/AED
- Safety in the Field
- Understanding Challenging Behavior: Trauma and the Brain
- Healing Through Understanding: Trauma, Empathy, and Mental Health
This training addresses different types of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. Participants will learn to recognize symptoms of common mental health disorders and common ways to intervene.
Duration: 1-3 hours
Format: In-person or virtual
Trauma changes the brain, influences behavior, and affects relationships throuout life. This interactive training explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma’s impact on emotional regulation and hehavior, and practical trauma-informed strategies that promore safety, connection, and resilience. Participants will learn to recognize trauma responses, prevent escalation, and respond with confidence using relationship-based approaches.
Can be customized from a 2-hours overview to a full-day interactive workshop.
Duration: 2 hours
Format: In-person or virtual
In this training, you will explore the factors that contribute to challenging behaviors. We’ll examine what occurs during a crisis and practice effective strategies for responding to these situations.
Duration: 6 hours
Format: In-person
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. This training is for everyone.
Official Mental Health First Aid Certificates through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing will be provided upon completion of this training.
Duration: 8 hrs
Format: In-person
Many children and adults experience trauma, which can significantly impact their ability to cope with daily life and hinder mental health and development. Understanding the effects of these traumatic events is essential for effectively supporting those affected.
Duration: 2-6 hours (can customize to fit your time allotment)
Format: In-person or virtual
Our trainers, certified by the American Red Cross, offer comprehensive training in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), general first aid—including EpiPen usage—and AED operation for adults, children, and infants. This in-person training combines videos, hands-on practice, and interactive real-world scenarios. Upon completion, participants will receive a two-year CPR/First Aid/AED certification and card from the American Red Cross.
Duration: 4 hours
Format: In-person
Situational awareness is crucial for professionals working in community settings, where danger can arise unexpectedly. This workshop will provide practical strategies for enhancing safety in everyday tasks. Participants will learn how to prepare for visits, assess risks in various environments, and respond effectively to potential complications.
Duration: 90 min
Format: In-person or virtual
In this training, we will explore the roots of challenging behavior, focusing on trauma and neurological factors. We dissect the impact of trauma on behavior, emphasizing its profound influence and varied manifestations. Additionally, we delve into the inner workings of the brain, spotlighting its impact on behavior regulation. This training equips attendees with a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between trauma, neurology, and behavior, empowering them to provide meaningful support and intervention for individuals facing behavioral challenges.
Duration: 1-3 hours
Format: In-Person or Virtual
This impactful training helps participants build a deeper understanding of how trauma affects behavior, learning, and emotional responses. Through real-world examples and practical tools, attendees learn the difference between sympathy and empathy and how to respond with compassion while maintaining healthy boundaries. The session also includes an introduction to Mental Health First Aid, equipping participants with the skills to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond supportively, and connect individuals to appropriate resources. Ideal for anyone working with youth, families, or vulnerable populations, this training fosters a trauma-informed mindset that promotes healing, trust, and resilience.
Customized trainings are available.
Continuing Education (CE) Social Work hours and/or Teacher Professional Development (PD) hours are available upon request if arranged prior to the training.
Some training sessions may be subject to a fee.
Meet the Trainers
What Our Participants Say
“Kari was the consummate professional. Prepared at a moment’s notice to speak passionately on an issue facing all members of our community. She was engaging and full of valuable information”
“The Trauma Informed Training totally changed my perspective on trauma and behaviors.”
“Tammy, I love how transparent you were. I would love to be involved in other future trainings.”
“This training gave me insight not only with my professional life but my personal life as a caregiver too.”
