How well-intentioned interventions can unintentionally reinforce challenging behaviors—and what educators can do differently. By Dr. Abigail Rebeske, EdD, MSW | EmpowerED & Thriving What Happens When We Keep Removing the Student? Picture this. A student becomes frustrated during class. Maybe they refuse to complete an assignment, begin arguing with the teacher, or disrupt the learning environment. The teacher attempts to redirect the behavior, but the situation escalates. Eve

"You're doing too much." "You need to slow down." "You should rest." As educators, parents, helping professionals, and leaders, many of us hear these messages regularly. While they are often well-intentioned, I have discovered something important about myself over the years: I do not always push through because I am trying to do more. Sometimes, I push through because I am trying to think less. That may sound contradictory, but understanding this distinction has changed how I

When a child finally tells an adult that something is wrong, we often imagine a clear disclosure. We imagine a child sitting down and saying: "I'm being abused." In reality, that is rarely how disclosure happens. Children do not typically disclose abuse in a neat, organized, adult manner. Instead, they communicate through behaviors, fragmented statements, changes in mood, fear responses, withdrawal, aggression, running away, academic decline, somatic complaints, or subtle com

As we approach the end of the school year, many educators are running on empty. Teachers are counting down the days until summer break, trying to make it to the finish line while managing behaviors, emotional exhaustion, academic demands, staff shortages, increasing mental health concerns, and the weight of supporting students through incredibly difficult circumstances. And quietly, behind closed doors, many are asking themselves: “Can I do this again next year?” Trust me… I’

Let’s be honest... Every time I expand, I feel this. When I launch something new. When I step onto bigger stages. When I shift from employee to creator. When I stop waiting for permission... There is always a moment where my nervous system asks, “Are we sure about this?” For years, I labeled that feeling imposter syndrome. Now I understand it differently. It’s not fraudulence... It’s growth. It’s identity catching up to impact. And I’m sharing this because I know I’m not the

Every school district is different. And within each district, every school is different. Even within the same neighborhood, the needs of one school population can look entirely different from another. Yet schools are often expected to “fix” concerns using broad solutions that don’t always fit the students, families, or staff they serve. If schools want to move from reacting to problems to proactively supporting their communities , the starting point must be intentional, data-

For a long time, I was a big proponent of self-care . You know the message: take a bath, book the massage, wake up earlier, add yoga, journal more, meditate longer... And then I realized something important. For most busy adults, educators, parents, caregivers, professionals... self-care often feels like just another item on an already impossible to-do list. When your days are full, your energy is limited, and your nervous system is already stretched, being told to add more

In the world of raising and educating children, it’s easy to forget one vital truth: We’re All on the Same Team! Whether you're a parent, a teacher, a school counselor, or a caregiver, your shared goal is to support the child in front of you. And when that child has experienced trauma—whether it’s big or small, ongoing or one-time—our collaboration becomes not just helpful, but essential. Understanding the Trauma Lens First, a quick reminder: trauma isn’t just about abuse or

As a professional with a background in trauma and family dynamics, I often find myself caught in a paradox: I’m supposed to have the tools and expertise to handle emotional challenges, yet when it comes to my own 14-year-old daughter, it feels like I’m at a loss. Despite my knowledge and experience, I’m still just a mom, and that means I’m not perfect—and that's okay. Parenting a teenager is not easy, even for those of us who work with children and families every day. Lately,

In today's educational landscape, fostering a safe and supportive environment for students is paramount. Recognizing the prevalence of trauma and its impact on learning and development, organizations like EmpowerEd & Thriving are spearheading a revolution in trauma-informed education. At the forefront of this movement is Dr. Abigail Rebeske, a distinguished expert with a wealth of experience in education and behavioral health. With a background in both education and law enfor

It has been some time since I last wrote a blog post. Not because I didn’t have words, but because life required all of my energy, presence, and strength. Sometimes survival takes priority over storytelling. And that’s okay. But a new year has begun, and with it comes a quiet invitation: it’s time to find balance again! I wear many roles in this life: I am Abi . I am a mom . I am a wife . I am Dr. Abi . And I love each of these identities deeply. But loving them doesn’t mean

I see you. The weight in your shoulders, the deep breath before you walk into the classroom, the practiced smile that hides the exhaustion underneath. I feel you... because I am you. There are days when you hold it all together with sheer willpower. When the caffeine and protein shakes are the only things that keep you upright. When you cry in your car, wipe your eyes, and then step into the room with a heart full of love and a mind full of chaos. And yet… you still show up.Y

As educators, we hold a significant position in our students' lives, often standing as their first line of defense against various...

When we talk about trauma-informed practice, the focus is often on resilience. Resilience is the ability to “bounce back” — to return to...

As parents and educators, we all want the same thing: for children to grow up safe, loved, and thriving. But what happens when “love”...

When we talk about helping students succeed, we often jump straight to curriculum, test scores, and lesson plans. But the foundation of...

When most people picture peace , they imagine quiet—stillness, calm, and silence. For many, this sounds restorative. But for those with a...

Resilience isn’t about bouncing back—it’s about standing strong. It’s the steady, quiet strength that carries us through adversity,...

When people hear the phrase “trauma-informed” , many assume it means being endlessly patient, lowering expectations, or letting behaviors...

As we prepare for a new school year, I wanted to share something powerful that came from a conversation with my 13-year-old daughter,...