Expanding Our Impact: TBRI® Training and Community Outreach
- Haley Bagnaschi
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
At Kindred Hearts, we believe that healing begins with connection—and few approaches align with that belief more than Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®). That’s why we’re thrilled to share that our Wraparound Program Manager, Mike Bettes, has officially completed his TBRI® Practitioner Training through TCU’s Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development. He now joins me as a trained TBRI® Practitioner, expanding our organization’s capacity to deliver trauma-informed care to families, professionals, and systems throughout our community.
TBRI® is a highly respected, evidence-based approach designed specifically for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, and/or significant relational disruptions. It offers practical tools rooted in attachment, neuroscience, and development—and it transforms the way adults connect with children who’ve experienced hardship.
Why TBRI® Matters—Especially Here in Shasta County
While Kindred Hearts specializes in supporting adoptive families, the principles of TBRI® benefit all children and caregivers—especially in communities with high rates of trauma. According to the most recent ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) data, Shasta County consistently reports ACE scores above the state average, meaning a significant portion of our children have faced trauma early in life. These experiences can affect everything from emotional regulation and learning to long-term health outcomes.
This is why trauma-informed care is not optional—it’s essential. By equipping professionals, educators, and caregivers with the tools to respond to trauma with empathy and connection, we are creating a more compassionate and responsive community.
New Partnerships for Community Impact
We’ve already begun putting this training into action. In January, we partnered with the Shasta County Office of Education to provide a TBRI® Trauma-Informed Classroom training for local educators and administrators. In March, we expanded this work by offering the TBRI® Caregiver Training Series for Clinicians, with a special focus on school counselors.
As the impact of these trainings has grown, agencies in Tehama County have reached out to us as well, seeking support in bringing TBRI® principles to their own communities. We are currently working to collaborate with neighboring counties and find ways to deliver trauma-informed training beyond Shasta County, ensuring even more children and families benefit from this powerful approach.
These opportunities confirm something we already knew: our region is ready for deeper connection, stronger tools, and a unified approach to trauma-informed care.
What This Means for the Future
Having two certified TBRI® Practitioners on staff means Kindred Hearts can offer more trainings, more outreach, and more hope. We’re committed to continuing this work—training not only caregivers and adoptive families, but also teachers, therapists, and community members who walk alongside children every day.
Because when we understand trauma, we respond with compassion. And when we lead with connection, we create lasting change.
If you're interested in learning more about TBRI® or bringing this training to your agency, reach out to us—we’d love to share how we can support your team or organization.
Together, we can build a trauma-informed community where every child feels seen, safe, and supported.
Haley Bagnaschi
Executive Director
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