Q: How long have you been an Ukeru trainer?
A: 5 years
Q: What population do you work with? What inspired you to get into this field?
A: Recreation Providers and those wanting to participate in recreation opportunities who need extra awareness, modifications or support to do so successfully! I believe recreation of all types enriches lives! With good preparation and a welcoming approach we can help almost anyone to participate successfully and joyfully!
Q: What part of Ukeru do you enjoy teaching the most and why?
A: Trauma and the Brain – this is the science that gives us answers to the question “What Happened to you?” and sheds light and understanding onto the experiences of life that are the hardest! It is relevant to me, you and everyone who is alive on the planet! The end of this section transitions us into my second favorite section: the Trauma Informed Approach that is simple, practical and hopeful. Job #1 calm the Amygdala and then with this, Job #2 Building New Neural Pathways becomes possible. This is so hopeful for all of us, but especially for those who have been hurt the most and struggle the most to build relationships and participate in life.
Q: What would you say to someone who is unsure about using Ukeru?
A: There is no need to fear! Adding this tool to your toolbox will be one of the best moves you will ever make to improve the lives of everyone connected to your organization. Even if you have tools that begin with calming or trying to avoid triggering the Amygdala … What happens when that doesn’t work? What happens when those trying to help the one who has been triggered, get triggered themselves? Typically we then decide in fractions of a second that the line has been crossed, we have no choice, no one is safe and we need to pull out the “Big Tools” – restraint and/or seclusion. Maybe I am the only one, but I doubt it. Whenever I have been a part of using either of these tools, even when I was sure they were the only options, I have gone home with a sick pit in my stomach. Something deep inside me has known there must be a better way! Ukeru is the better way. It has a whole set of tools to use between the initial desire to calm someone who is trending toward dysregulation and those “Big Tools”. Ukeru takes a little more time, it keeps everyone safer, it keeps relationships intact and it gradually changes your organizational culture to one that is better for everyone!!! Come on in the waters great!
Q: What advice or tip would you give to a new Ukeru trainer?
A: Trust the training materials: the science and the experiences they are built on. Share your personal experiences and trust that you will have more to share as Ukeru begins to make both you and your organization better! Have fun! You have the opportunity to be part of something that is both good and life changing for everyone it touches.
Q: How has Ukeru impacted your life?
A: I was searching for something better, something that would allow us to include those that have reactions to the world that often cause them to be excluded. When I found Ukeru, it was in harmony with what my experiences had taught me. I knew I had found what I was searching for. The surprise has been that it has gone far beyond my initial hopes. It has helped me understand myself and those around me, in every area of my life. I am hopeful as I see the next generation working with children with significant trauma. They are able to implement Ukeru in a Summer Day Camp setting and often share how it is impacting them in their own personal lives. All Good!!
Q: What is your favorite quote or a motto that you like to live by?
A: My motto: It is all about RELATIONSHIPS!
A favorite quote: “I don’t need force, I have relationship.” Karyn Purvis
Q: How would you describe Ukeru in 3 words?
A: Tools preserving relationships
