How Trauma Transforms Learning: Karen Gross on Healing Education After Crisis

🎙️ Healing Education Through Trauma: Karen Gross on Mending Education and Supporting Students Post-Pandemic

In this powerful episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock speaks with Karen Gross, a trauma-informed education expert, former college president, and author of Mending Education: Finding Hope, Creativity, and Mental Wellness in Times of Trauma.

Karen shares how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the education system—and why now is the time to rethink how we support students affected by trauma, anxiety, and mental health challenges. From social-emotional learning (SEL) to creative and connected classrooms, Karen offers real strategies for helping children thrive in a post-trauma world.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The long-term impact of trauma on student behavior and learning

• How to integrate emotional wellness into academic instruction

• The concept of breakaway learners and how to reach them

• Karen’s global perspective from working in Kenya and the United Kingdom

• How creativity, community, and compassion build better schools

• Practical tips for educators, parents, and policymakers alike

If you're interested in trauma-informed education, mental health in schools, and building resilient learning environments, this conversation is filled with inspiration and actionable insights.

📘 Learn more about Karen’s work at https://karengrosseducation.com/ 🎙️ Subscribe to A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast for more expert conversations on trauma, healing, and resilience.