Fight, flight, freeze or fawn? The nervous system is often thought of as the body’s control system. It’s responsible for processing information received about the world, triggering responses and regulating bodily functions. Understanding how it functions and the impacts that trauma has on the nervous system can help us select the appropriate tools and strategies for dysregulated moments. Lived Expert facilitator, Wendy, provided an overview of the nervous system in simple terms (and some science-y ones) as well as shared some of their personal tools for managing dysregulation for self and as a Kin Caregiver/Human.

We all have a “toolbox” of strategies that help us navigate difficult times. Wendy, a Lived Expert shares some of the tools in their toolbox for inspiration.

How can Humans build trust, support their Lived Experts to feel safe, and strengthen their relationships? This panel featured Lived Experts and was moderated by Lived Expert Coordinator Charlene April, to hear directly from Living Experts on what kinds of relationship building approaches would be helpful on permanency journeys.

The words we use send value-based messages and inform the way we feel and think about the world. Lived Expert facilitator Wendy, who has worked in Communications for over 10 years, explored the subjectivity of language, identity-based language, and why Never Too Late (NTL) uses unique language such as the term "Human".

Making Space for Lived Experts brought together a panel of professionals with lived expertise in foster care, adoption, or kinship care. It focused on how to enhance the contributions of those with lived expertise to enhance their involvement in advancing organizational missions, extending beyond traditional keynote speaking roles to more integral, impactful positions.

At 32, I used my mom’s relapse as an opportunity to take my power back.