COVID-19 has created a state of collective trauma and amplified the trauma of historically disadvantaged communities. How does this trauma impact our brains and our ability to do our best work? Sharing Positive Psychology research – the science of human thriving – presenters will demonstrate what the science of trauma, well-being, and personal resilience can teach us about working together in a global pandemic.
Researchers have long associated well-being with productivity in the workplace, but how can we foster happiness and well-being in the global workforce in this time of collective trauma? While we adjust to and design a new normal, our ability to remain productive at work and maintain positive relationships with our colleagues and clients depends on our adaptability and personal resilience.
Attendees will leave this session with a deeper understanding of what happens to their brains and work output during traumatic events or stress. Break-out rooms will allow attendees to practice evidence-based strategies for enhancing personal resilience and fostering thriving working relationships. The research presented will prove that thriving at work is possible even in the most challenging circumstances.
The workshop is done in partnership with New Mexico Thrives and the Kentucky Nonprofit Network.
Speaker Information
Randy Barker, M.S.Ed., LPC, is the interim director of Student Health and Counseling Services and the Pruitt Center for Mindfulness and Well-Being at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The Pruitt Center's mission is to promote and enhance the science of mindfulness and well-being to students, faculty, staff, and the greater community. Randy has previously worked as a college counselor, taught college courses on Positive Psychology and Emotional Intelligence, and has provided a vast array of training and workshops surrounding the diverse areas of mindfulness and well-being.
Rebecca Celis, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, leads the arts, community, and higher education studio in HGA’s Minneapolis office. As a project manager and skilled facilitator specializing in education facilities for the arts, sciences, and other learning environments, she leads integrated design teams that transform the multi-faceted and unique needs of each client into cohesive design solutions. Rebecca was awarded the AIA Minnesota Young Architects Award in 2015 in recognition for her leadership and contributions to the design industry.
Ariane Laxo, CID, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, EDAC, is the sustainability director at HGA, based in Minneapolis. Ariane leads with an evidence-based, collaborative approach to sustainable design that results in transformational impacts. With a background in interior design, Ariane blends human-centered design with sustainability so that client outcomes rely on reliable evidence to improve both the occupant experience and building performance. She holds a Certificate in Positive Psychology from the Wholebeing Institute.
Lori Tuominen, MS-POD, is the program manager for the Pruitt Center for Mindfulness and Well-Being at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She is a credentialed coach with the International Coach Federation, has taught college courses on Positive Psychology and Foundations of Positive Organization Development and Change, and is a qualified teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). She has also published a children's picture book called Ways to Be from A to Z, which is about positive ways of being.