Date & time
Friday, October 31, 2025
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Workshops & seminars, Meetings
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Trauma-informed pedagogy and practices
Speaker(s)
Rosemary C. Reilly, Ph.D., Anne Archambault, Sandra VanderKaay, Ph.D.
Cost
This event is free.
Organization
Contact
Where
Online
This workshop is part of the Contemplative Practices Summit series.
Trauma-informed pedagogy in higher education is a teaching approach that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma on students learning and seeks to mitigate the effects of trauma on learning by creating safe, supportive, and resilient learning environments. It involves adapting teaching practices and curriculum to avoid re-traumatization, foster student empowerment through choice, and consent, predictability, and build trust. Contemplative practices such as mindfulness, reflection, and deep listening, can be valuable tools within this instructional framework to help students develop focus, self-awareness, and resilience. While beneficial for many, some contemplative practices have the potential to harm students by triggering post-traumatic stress, flashbacks, or dysregulation. This conversational session will attempt to weave these two threads together to explore how to adapt contemplative practices to minimize harm and maximize the benefits for all.
Rosemary Reilly©Concordia University photo by Marc Bourcier.jpg
Facilitators’ bio
Rosemary C. Reilly is a distinguished professor affiliated with the Department of Applied Human Sciences at Concordia University. She has made notable contributions and is known for her teaching and research. Her contributions have helped shape contemporary understanding in her area of expertise and creativity, the use of contemplative and arts-based practices in the higher education classroom, and the impact of trauma on adult learning. She is a 2024 recipient of the 3M National teaching Fellowship award.
Anne Archambault brings 30 years of experience as a seasoned educator, somatic practitioner, and worked as a recreation therapy specialist in mental health care settings. She is part-time faculty in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at Concordia University, where she integrates trauma-informed principles into experiential learning and contemplative practices. Anne also facilitates yoga and personal development workshops in corporate, and community environments. Her approach fosters safety, agency, and connection, creating inclusive spaces for reflection and growth. Anne is known for her gentle, embodied presence and deep commitment to meeting people where they are. She lives in Montréal with her family and Maïna, their Husky.
Sandra VanderKaay is an assistant professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, a CanChild Scientist, and the Director of Clinical Education for the MSc OT program. Her current program of research is focused on trauma-informed pedagogy, and clinical reasoning and ethical decision-making in occupational therapy practice, including ethical decision-making in school-based occupational therapy. Sandra’s most recent research study involves exploring the OT role with children and youth with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Sandra’s teaching foci include pediatric OT practice, clinical reasoning, and ethical decision-making. Sandra has been a registered occupational therapist since 1996.
This program is funded by Quebec's ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, through contributions from the Canada-Québec Agreement on Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction.