Show Notes
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Stan Sonu, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine and Medical Director for Child Advocacy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Dr. Sonu shares his insights on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), relational health, and trauma-informed care, focusing on how clinicians and schools can support resilience and wellbeing in children and families.
We dive into Dr. Sonu’s paradigm of “what’s strong with you” instead of “what’s wrong with you?”, and explore the fascinating concept of systemic empathy—how organizations and systems can create environments that nurture and protect children’s relational health.
Dr. Sonu also highlights innovative programs like Strong 4 Life at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Health-Law Partnership (HeLP), a collaborative addressing health-harming legal issues for low-income families.
He references valuable resources for clinicians, educators, and families, including the work of Dan Siegel, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and community support services at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Listeners will gain actionable ideas for integrating trauma-informed principles into their own practice, classrooms, or organizations, and be inspired to shift from focusing on deficits to recognizing and building on strengths in children and families.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: https://www.strong4life.com/en/our-experts/stan-sonu Grady Memorial Hospital Dan Siegel Books & Resources Interpersonal Neurobiology Resources Health-Law Partnership (HeLP)
More from Regulated & Relational
In this episode of Regulated & Relational, Ginger and Julie explore key concepts from 7½ Lessons About the Brain by neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett. Drawing from Barrett's research, they examine how many of her findings align with attachment-focused and trauma-informed principles, particularly in understanding how the brain manages energy, uses past experiences to predict future outcomes, develops through relationships, and continually adapts to its environment. While some of Barrett's conclusions challenge traditional views of brain development, emotion, and regulation, her work offers thought-provoking perspectives that invite listeners to reconsider how the brain truly functions. “Nobel medicine prize goes to 3 scientists for shining light on brain activity” - AP Newshttps://tinyurl.com/54bayecc 7½ Lessons About the Brain:
When you hear the word calm, what comes to mind? Sitting still? Being quiet? Not reacting?
In this episode of Regulated & Relational, Julie Beem and Ginger Healy explore anxiety through an attachment-focused and trauma-informed lens. Together, they discuss how worry, avoidance, emotional numbness, and perfectionism often develop as protective coping strategies, while also examining how these strategies can unintentionally keep us disconnected from ourselves and others.
In this episode of Regulated & Relational, Ginger Healy and Tracy Leonard welcome nationally recognized special education advocate, speaker, author, and trainer Karen Mayer Cunningham, also known as The Special Education Boss®. With over 30 years of experience supporting students with disabilities, families, educators, advocates, and school systems, Karen brings a unique blend of expertise, humor, and compassion to the conversation. As a USA Today National Bestselling Author of The Epic IEP™, Karen has become a leading voice in helping families and professionals navigate special education services and achieve meaningful outcomes for students. Our hosts explore with Karen the importance of collaboration, advocacy, communication, and student-centered supports within the special education process along with practical insights for families and educators who sit at the IEP and 504 table for creating stronger relationships and better educational outcomes for children. Karen's mission is simple but powerful: when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone. Quotes:“All kids are RA - Ridiculously Amazing” KMC “The hardest people to teach are adult learners” KMC Official Website Special Education Academy Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham Apple Podcasts: Special Education Boss® Podcast on Apple Podcasts
In this episode of Regulated & Relational, hosts Tracy Leonard and Lorraine Schneider welcome Dr. Roberts Anda, co-founder and principal investigator of the groundbreaking Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. For more than two decades, Dr. Anda's work has transformed our understanding of how early adversity impacts physical health, mental health, education, relationships, and lifespan outcomes. As one of the architects of the original ACE Study, he helped shine a light on the profound connection between childhood experiences and adult well-being, sparking a global movement toward trauma-informed practices. Today, Dr. Anda reflects on the origins of the ACE Study, the unexpected reach of its findings, and the evolution of trauma-informed approaches across healthcare, education, social services, and communities. He also shares insights into where the field is headed next and his continued vision for creating a trauma-informed nation. ACE Interface: https://www.aceinterface.com