121: Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in K-12 Education with Rachel Archambault

In this powerful episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor welcomes Rachel Archambault, M.A., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist and trauma-informed care advocate. Rachel shares her journey from experiencing trauma firsthand at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to becoming a leading voice in trauma-informed education. Learn how educators can implement practical, mindset-shifting strategies to create safer, more supportive learning environments for all students.

3 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Trauma-Informed Care is a Mindset Shift, Not a Checklist:
   Educators should shift from asking “What’s wrong with this student?” to “What happened to this student?” and adjust their approach to reduce harm, foster safety, and support learning.
2. Language Matters – Small Adjustments Can Have a Big Impact:
   Removing violent phrases like “shoot me an email” and choosing more precise, neutral language helps create a safer, less triggering environment for students and staff.
3. Safety, Choice, and Trust Build Strong Learning Environments:
   The six pillars of trauma-informed care (Safety, Choice, Collaboration, Trust, Empowerment, and Cultural Sensitivity) guide educators to create spaces where students can shift from survival mode into their “learning brain.”

Connect with Rachel Archambault:
Website: www.ptsdslp.com
Instagram: @ptsd.slp
Facebook: @ptsd.slp
LinkedIn: Rachel Archambault
Email: rachel@ptsdslp.com 

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Book: What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Bruce Perry
• Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• ACEs Study (Adverse Childhood Experiences): CDC ACE Study
• SAMHSA's Six Principles of Trauma-Informed Care (Source of the Six Pillars): SAMHSA Trauma-Informed Approach
• Child Life Specialist Field (Mentioned as a career of interest by Rachel): Association of Child Life Professionals

Connect with Wendy:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com
Course: Cracking the Code