“In times of great need, look for the helpers.” Mr. Rogers’ words have never been truer than in Season Two of TraumaTies, where we spoke with some of the preeminent helpers navigating vicarious trauma in their fields.In the Season Two finale of TraumaTies, host and Executive Director of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), Bridgette Stumpf, and co-host, Lindsey Silverberg, Deputy Director at NVRDC, reflect on the impactful conversations with unsung heroes in trauma support. If we are born as ice blocks, helpers are the torches smoothing and shaping us. This season included fascinating discussions with helpers in their respective fields on the importance of empathy and caretaking. Bridgette and Lindsey got to explore the often unexpected intersection between trauma and areas such as medicine, politics, nutrition, and veterinary and mortuary sciences. Overall, Season Two has highlighted the importance of searching for meaning and purpose in each of our lives. TraumaTies looks forward to continuing these conversations in Season Three!Connect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ NVRDC | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube Brought to you by Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, NVRDC seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.NVRDC also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, case management, and legal services to victims of all crime types in Washington, DC. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed...

“Food in and of itself can be a source of trauma or adversity. It can also be used as a response to this adversity and trauma.”In this episode of TraumaTies, host and Executive Director of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), Bridgette Stumpf, and co-host, Lindsey Silverberg, Deputy Director at NVRDC, speak with Kristi Mollner, a registered dietitian nutritionist and clinical trauma specialist. They explore the intricate connection between trauma and nutrition, emphasizing the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on food choices and behaviors. Kristi integrates trauma-informed approaches into nutrition and health services and spreads awareness in community settings. Food can be a source of trauma and a coping mechanism, both of which may lead to disordered eating patterns. Kristi sheds light on the societal complexities around diet culture to help reduce the shame and blame associated with food choices.Connect and Learn More☑️ Kristi Mollner | LinkedIn | Website☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ NVRDC | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube Brought to you by Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, NVRDC seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.NVRDC also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, case management, and legal services to victims of all crime types in Washington,

The funeral services industry is one of the places where unsung heroes intersect with families, sometimes in the deepest and hardest moments of their lives.In this episode of TraumaTies, host and Executive Director of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), Bridgette Stumpf, and co-host, Lindsey Silverberg, Deputy Director at NVRDC, are joined by Janet McGee, a licensed mortician, adjunct instructor, and advocate for furniture tip-over prevention whose 22-month-old son died tragically from a furniture tip-over incident. She is the author of the children’s book, Visiting Ted in Heaven.Tune in to hear Janet share her deeply personal story and learn about the parent coalition she formed called Parents Against Tip-overs (PAT). Janet also provides her insights on mental health in the mortuary profession and discusses compassion fatigue and burnout.  Connect and Learn More☑️ Janet McGee | LinkedIn☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ NVRDC | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube Brought to you by Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, NVRDC seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.NVRDC also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, case management, and legal services to victims of all crime types in Washington, DC.

Journalists, especially those covering difficult topics such as war and conflict, violence, corruption, the death penalty, and other human rights issues, are exposed to vicarious trauma through their work. In this episode of TraumaTies, host and Executive Director of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), Bridgette Stumpf, and co-host, Lindsey Silverberg, Deputy Director at NVRDC, welcome guests, Alex Hannaford and Jeremy Young, both journalists and fellows at the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma at Columbia University. Alex is also the writer and director of The Last 40 Miles, an award-winning animated short film about the death penalty. In 2015, he won the Media Award from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. Jeremy Young is a senior producer with Al Jazeera based in Washington, D.C. where he helped launch Fault Lines in 2009, the channel's award-winning strand that covers U.S. foreign policy issues. He has also produced several groundbreaking documentaries on jails, prisons, and the lives of inmates. Tune in to hear Alex and Jeremy discuss their roles as ethical storytellers, the impact of covering trauma on journalists, and the need for journalists to be trauma-responsive when interviewing people who have been through trauma themselves. Their discussion also explores the topics of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma, as well as building resilience, compartmentalization, and the value of human connection. Connect and Learn More☑️ Alex Hannaford | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram ☑️ Jeremy Young | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram ☑️ Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ NVRDC | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook☑️ Subscribe

A veterinarian’s job includes more than examining animals and performing surgeries. It also includes having difficult conversations with pet owners as well as advocating for the best interests of the animal. From dealing with emergencies to domestic violence situations, the various sensitive and emotional aspects that go along with the profession can have a substantial impact on the mental health of veterinary professionals. In fact, veterinarians have an incredibly high rate and risk of suicide because of these sorts of complexities and the resulting trauma they invariably hold.In this episode of TraumaTies, host and Executive Director of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), Bridgette Stumpf, and co-host, Lindsey Silverberg, Deputy Director at NVRDC, shine the light on unsung heroes in the world of veterinary medicine and welcome guest, Dr. Erin Kirkpatrick, a general practice veterinarian, to the show. Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Dr. Kirkpatrick now works at and owns Berry Hill Animal Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, where she specializes in surgery, nutrition, palliative care, and client education.Tune in to hear Dr. Kirkpatrick discuss things such as forming relationships with pet owners, how she works through challenging conversations about end-of-life care, creating trauma-informed spaces, and providing the psychological safety of privacy for those who have to put down a beloved pet or are grieving a loss, as well as the importance of a compassionate approach, empathy, and having trusted mentors.Connect and Learn More☑️ Dr. Erin Kirkpatrick | LinkedIn☑️ Berry Hill Animal Hospital | Facebook | Instagram ☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ NVRDC | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts |

Congressional staffers may not be the first group to come to mind when thinking about unsung heroes of trauma. However, Congressional staffers work on the front lines - talking with constituents, listening to their stories, hearing about their needs, and responding to their concerns. In this episode of TraumaTies, host Bridgette Stumpf, and co-host, Lindsey Silverberg, the Executive Director and Deputy Director, respectively, of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), welcome guest Eduardo Lerma, as they continue to shine a spotlight on unsung heroes. A native of El Paso, Texas, Eduardo was raised along the U.S.-Mexico border. Since 2019, he has been working in his hometown as Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s Chief of Staff. Eduardo has nearly 15 years of invaluable experience in Congress, having navigated complex national and local issues, from natural disasters to the nation’s growing gun violence epidemic. Join us today as we explore Eduardo’s valuable insight on vicarious trauma and tune in for a conversation that unveils the extraordinary work and challenges faced by unsung heroes.Connect and Learn More☑️ Eduardo Lerma | LinkedIn | Twitter/X |☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ NVRDC | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube Brought to you by Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, NVRDC seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.NVRDC also provides free, holistic,...

The causes and manifestations of trauma vary widely and every individual’s experience with trauma is unique. As a result, certain areas of trauma are often overlooked. In this episode of TraumaTies, host and Executive Director of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), Bridgette Stumpf, and co-host, Lindsey Silverberg, Deputy Director at NVRDC, kick off season two by welcoming guest, Jen Hamilton. Jen is a labor and delivery nurse, wife, mother, and social media content creator, whose unfiltered authenticity and humorous tales have attracted a vast following on TikTok, particularly with her series called Will it Swaddle? This season spotlights the unsung heroes who navigate the hidden places of trauma in our society. Tune in to hear Jen's remarkable journey and her unique insights on vicarious trauma. Jen also talks about birth trauma and shares how she first learned about the racist beginnings of gynecological and obstetrical care, and how this has affected her interactions with her patients.Connect and Learn More☑️ Jen Hamilton | TikTok | Instagram ☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ NVRDC | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube Brought to you by Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, NVRDC seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.NVRDC also provides free,...

Trauma is defined by the person, not by the event. But that doesn’t mean that victims of trauma have to suffer alone. Shining a light on a diversity of perspectives can help thread the human connection around the universal experience of trauma.In this episode of TraumaTies, host and Executive Director of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), Bridgette Stumpf, and co-host, Lindsey Silverberg, Deputy Director at NVRDC, an organization providing free and holistic advocacy, case management, and legal services to DC crime victims, reflect upon the first season of their podcast and provide teasers for next season. Tune in to hear Bridgette and Lindsey recap the inaugural episodes of the podcast where they spoke to people in different spaces about how trauma shows up, and how it impacts every aspect of a person's life. They also discuss how examining the intersection with individuals who have experienced trauma provided the inspiration for the second season of the podcast, the goal of which is to identify the unsung heroes who navigate the hidden places of trauma in our society. Finally, Bridgette and Lindsey highlight some of the exciting guests that will be on the podcast next season.Connect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ NVRDC | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube Brought to you by Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, NVRDC seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.NVRDC also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, case management, and legal services to victims of all crime types in Washington, DC.

If there’s one lesson we take from the natural world about trauma and resiliency, let it be from the trees and the sea otters.Humans used to think that trees competed with one another for light and resources to survive. But below our feet, they’re actually communicating with each other through a network that shares information about drought and disease. And the sea otters? They hold hands so they don’t drift apart — even while they’re asleep.Of course, humans are a bit more complicated. We can’t always show up for each other, especially if we haven’t processed our own traumas. But for those of us who have experienced trauma in the past, we know that the best thing someone can do for us in a time of need is to just show up. In this episode of TraumaTies, Lindsey and NVRCD Executive Director Bridgette Stumpf give some advice on how to do that for the survivors in your life, from friends to work colleagues.  Meet the HostsName: Bridgette StumpfConnect: LinkedIn  Name: Lindsey SilverbergConnect: LinkedIn  Episode Highlights [00:50] Reflections: We’ve made it to the end of our first season of TraumaTies! Bridgette and Lindsey reflect on what the process has been like, their favorite moments from past episodes, and their hopes for the future of the podcast.[06:43] Trauma is a human experience: Throughout the podcast, Bridgette and Lindsey have talked at length about the different places trauma can show up in our lives. [11:08] Sympathy vs empathy: How can we show up for each other in difficult moments without re-traumatizing or causing more harm? Lindsey and Bridgette share some wisdom from Brené Brown.[14:55] An understanding environment: Creating a trauma-informed workplace allows employees “to show up in their full selves,” says Bridgette. [22:39] Reshaping expectations: How can we better make space for survivors who might not express or process their trauma in ways we expect?[27:04] Show up for yourself: You can’t always make space for someone else if you haven’t done so for yourself. [31:47] Trauma builds resiliency: Lindsey discusses resiliency built through traumatic experiences, and the lessons from Kerry Kletter’s East Coast Girls about “the depth of intimacy it fosters with other people.” [35:07] Narrowing the distance: Next season, we’ll focus on narrowing the distance between society’s understanding of trauma and the reality of trauma as a human experience. [37:04] Celebrating unsung heroes: They’re the strangers comforting us in a time of need, the veterinarians taking care of our pets, the people uplifting survivor voices. [40:37] Keep in touch: If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions for the podcast...

As a proud Somali-American Muslim woman, Lul Mohamud, MPH is dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence in the African Immigrant and Refugee communities. Through The Person Center, she is leading change to better the lives of the community she calls her own.On this week’s episode of TraumaTies, hosts Bridgette Stumpf, Executive Director at NVRDC, and Lindsey Silverberg, Head of Services at NVRDC, discuss trauma in communities with Lul, who is the Executive Director at The Person Center. Lul says that the invisible wound of trauma can only be healed if we start at the root cause. The same goes for trauma. Whether the trauma began five years ago or 500 years ago, you have to go to the source and begin healing from there. Trauma is an invisible wound that builds on top of itself. This episode investigates trauma responses, how trauma differs between communities, and the steps we can take to begin healing. Featured GuestName: Lul Mohamud, MPHWhat she does: Lul is the Executive Director at The Person Center. She focuses her global health work on trauma response and prevention through restorative and reformative justice for survivors of interpersonal, structural, and generational violence both domestically and abroad. She received her Master of Public Health in Global Health and Community Health Development with a certificate in Mental Health from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. Lul is on a mission to lead systemic and cultural change to better the lives of her community.   Company: The Person CenterEpisode Highlights[4:19] Mental health in communities of color: Starting from the roots of colonialism, black and brown individuals with mental health issues were labeled as “hysterical” and “unfit” and were locked away, further stigmatizing unseen trauma and silencing individuals.[10:51] How trauma and trauma response differs between communities: Compared to white communities, communities of color have different external stressors that impact trauma and trauma response. [20:10] Believing in others: Lul discusses the impact that one person can make by believing in others. [25:25] Why we shouldn’t be ashamed to cry: People are afraid of the uncomfortable. Oftentimes, we’re quick to tell people “it’s OK” and resolve the situation at once. [31:29] The trauma response: Lul uses the metaphor of a horror movie to describe the trauma response: “the scariest part of the horror movie is not actually the jump scare. It’s waiting for it, realizing what’s happening, and figuring out the plot.” [39:39] The cost of distancing ourselves from trauma: As a society, we continue to create walls and ignore the fact that communities are deeply connected. [45:07] Resolving trauma: There’s no easy solution to trauma. Lul talks about how if we really want to begin healing, we have to get to the root of the trauma.Connect with the Network for Victim Recovery of DC☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook,

Throughout her career, Seema Gajwani has been working to improve criminal and juvenile justice systems across the country, running the Criminal Justice Program at the Public Welfare Foundation in Washington, D.C. before entering her current role at the D.C. Office of the Attorney General. On this week’s episode of TraumaTies, hosts Bridgette Stumpf, Executive Director at NVRDC, and Lindsey Silverberg, Head of Services at NVRDC, talk about restorative justice with Seema, who serves as Special Counsel for Juvenile Justice Reform and Chief of the Restorative Justice Program Section at the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia D.C.  This episode digs deep into the practices and principles of restorative justice, the flaws of the current justice system, and how restorative justice is leading to positive, lasting change.  Featured GuestName: Seema GajwaniWhat she does: Seema is Special Counsel for Juvenile Justice Reform and Chief of the Restorative Justice Program Section at the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia D.C. She oversees juvenile justice reform initiatives, focusing on diversion, restorative justice, and improved data collection and analysis. Prior to this, Seema ran the Criminal Justice Program at the Public Welfare Foundation in D.C., funding efforts to improve criminal and juvenile justice systems across the country. Company: D.C. Office of the Attorney GeneralEpisode Highlights[4:00] The roots of restorative justice: Restorative justice has a deep and ancient heritage, with principles originating from native indigenous cultures in the Americas, Western Africa, and New Zealand. [15:19] Restorative justice for all ages: Studies have shown that restorative justice is not just beneficial for younger demographics, but also for adults. [20:25] Guilt vs. shame: Brené Brown’s research explains that shame aligns with the thought “I am a bad person.” But guilt is productive because it aligns with the thought “I did a bad thing. I’m not a bad person.” However, the core of the justice system is often rooted in shame, criminalization, and isolation — which can lead to more violence. [24:34] Balancing accountability and empathy: Danielle Sered’s book, Until We Reckon, explains that true accountability is actually taking responsibility for your behavior — which doesn't often happen in our justice system. [32:14] The juvenile justice system: According to Seema, we’ve lost sight of what we’re trying to accomplish through the system — to help kids learn from their mistakes. [34:07] Restorative justice is a step toward real transformation: Seema shares a story about how communication between those in a conflict eventually led to a successful restorative justice conference.   Connect with the Network for Victim Recovery of DC☑️ Follow us on

The courtroom can be a traumatizing place for survivors, who can experience retraumatization by having to relive and retell experiences. In addition, the outcome of the courtroom process is often not what they hoped or expected from the criminal justice system.Don’t miss this episode of TraumaTies as hosts Bridgette Stumpf and Lindsey Silverberg dive deep into trauma-informed justice with Kristin. They talk about what it’s like to represent survivors in court; the best trauma-informed practices that can make courtrooms more accessible and welcoming to survivors; and emerging trends in alternative justice and harm reduction like restorative justice practices.  Featured GuestName: Kristin EliasonWhat she does: Kristin is the Legal Director at NVRDC, where she oversees a legal staff of 13. She has over a decade of experience representing survivors of various types of violence in protective order matters and higher education campus proceedings under Title IX and the Clery Act. She also worked representing victims of a variety of crime types in the assertion of their crime victims’ rights in criminal cases.Company: Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC)Connect: LinkedIn  Episode Highlights [03:14] Strong motivations: Today’s guest, Kristin Eliason, explains how her personal lived experiences influenced her interest in law and victims’ rights issues.[06:39] Learning from experience: Kristin shares some of the biggest lessons she learned both as a law school student and as a lawyer, and how her own experience as a survivor informed how she navigated the field.[12:31] How attorneys can help survivors: Victim advocacy is different from victim representation. [19:03] Giving survivors a voice: Kristin and hosts Lindsey and Bridgette discuss how victims’ rights lawyers, as actors with power within the legal system, can help uplift survivors' voices.[25:42] The system does not incentivize accountability: Restorative or transformative justice can be effective ways of repairing harm caused by crime. [28:58] Societal shifts: Kristin discusses the injustices within the carceral system that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light. [31:23] Managing expectations: How can you have trauma-informed conversations about alternative justice options with survivors who may be coming in with misconceptions about the legal system?[37:50] The right approach: Kristin discusses why a justice system based on punishment is not trauma-informed and can amplify harm caused to all involved. [45:01] Our legal system is not accessible: Before we can even get to a trauma-responsive system, we must allow people into that system by addressing accessibility issues.[49:26] The trauma-informed courtroom: While we want to change the system, we still have to operate within the one we have now. Kristin weighs in on what judges can do differently to make that system better. Connect with the Network for Victim Recovery of DC☑️ Follow us on Twitter,

Dr. Mona Mittal sees her interest in trauma and human suffering as the result of  her upbringing.Having grown up in India, Dr. Mittal admits that despite its immense beauty, suffering was never far out of sight. While pursuing her master’s in social work, she interned at a special unit within the police department that worked with women and children. It was both the hardships and human resilience she witnessed that led Dr. Mittal to pursue further study and get her PhD. On this week’s episode of TraumaTies, brought to life by the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC) and hosted by Bridgette Stumpf and Lindsey Silverberg, Dr. Mittal discusses her journey to clinical research and teaching at University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, as well as the incredible work she does now with individuals and couples experiencing interpersonal violence.Featured GuestName: Dr. Mona MittalWhat she does: Dr. Mittal is a clinical researcher and associate professor of Family Science at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. Her research focuses on individuals and couples who have experienced interpersonal violence, using a trauma informed lens to look at the mental, sexual, and reproductive health of survivors. As a professor, she teaches classes on trauma, addictions, family crises, and more. Company: University of Maryland’s School of Public HealthWords of wisdom: “People are so strong, and with a little bit of help, they can really rebound and grow tremendously.”Connect: LinkedIn Episode Highlights [07:16] Trauma-informed classrooms: Dr. Mittal discusses how, historically, K-12 classrooms get more focus on trauma-informed understanding, but this should extend to collegiate students, of whom more than half report having experienced a trauma in their lives, impacting alcohol and drug use, mental health, and academic performance.  [13:02] Academic issues: A continuation of her call for trauma-informed higher education classrooms, Dr. Mittal addresses the traumatizing reality of academia itself. [23:24] Creating the right space: In creating a trauma-informed higher education classroom, Dr. Mittal believes it needs to start with the faculty, staff, and university systems talking about the prevalence of trauma and adapting SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach.[28:49] The power of one: Studies show that it takes just one person reaching out and expressing care and concern for another person to have a great impact. People shouldn’t minimize their own power in making a difference. [30:00] Free materials: Dr. Mittal offers some other resources for professionals to use when trying to implement more trauma-informed understanding in their work: International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) and National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Connect with the Network for Victim Recovery of DC☑️ Follow us on Twitter,

With multiple degrees and residency experience from some of the nation’s top schools and hospitals, such as Stanford Medical School, Georgetown, and Johns Hopkins, Dr. Erin C. Hall has no shortage of experience and expertise under her belt, which is why she is employed at one of the top trauma centers in the country. On this week’s episode of Trauma Ties, brought to life by the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC) and hosted by Bridgette Stumpf and Lindsey Silverberg, Dr. Hall discusses her work as a trauma surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and the Medical Director for both the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and the Community Violence Intervention Program (CVIP).  During this episode, the three women delve into the lasting realities of physical trauma and the ways in which Dr. Hall, through her work with CVIP, hopes to bridge the gap between acute and immediate medical care and the lasting physical and emotional effects of trauma.Featured GuestName: Dr. Erin C. Hall, MD MPH FACSWhat she does: Dr. Hall is a trauma surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where she serves as Medical Director for the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and the Medical Director of the hospital’s Community Violence Intervention Program.Company: MedStar Washington Hospital CenterEpisode Highlights [05:15] Striving for change: Dr. Hall discusses the sequelae of the patients she sees in the trauma operation room. In other words, the effects of the patient’s trauma aside from just the physical injuries, such as the mental, emotional, and social changes that are also a result of their pain. [11:10] The seen and unseen: Host Bridgette Stumpf conveys the differences between physical and psychological trauma, which ultimately comes down to the one being visible (physical) and the other being invisible (psychological). [16:04] Human rights: Dr. Hall believes, unequivocally, that health is a human right. One of the aspects she loves so much about being a trauma surgeon is the lack of judgment in the OR. When a patient comes in, there is no time for wondering who they are outside of a person in need of immediate help. [20:07] CVIP: As the Medical Director of MedStar Health Community Violence Intervention Program, Dr. Hall talks about bridging the gap between inpatient medical treatment and post-treatment care for the six months following patient discharge. [29:11] The value of understanding: Bridgette details her own personal trauma and experiences with medical professionals when it felt as though they did not care about or understand her worries and concerns. [47:13] Trauma-informed care: Working at one of the nation’s top centers for trauma care, Dr. Hall talks about seeing a shift in care and language. She says there is a real shift toward all encompassing trauma-informed care. Connect with the Network for Victim Recovery of DC☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram &

Reesie Sims was still a college student when she began working with trauma victims at the Ohio State organization It’s Abuse. She decided to make it her life’s work by moving to Washington D.C. to work at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network and becoming a licensed therapist before starting her current role at Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC).On this week’s episode of TraumaTies, host Bridgette Stumpf, Executive Director at NVRDC, discusses trauma and recovery with Reesie, who serves as the Therapeutic Services Manager at NVRDC. Reesie is responsible for leading support groups for trauma survivors and works individually with crisis and short-term clients.  This episode explores the power of therapy, the importance of differentiating between stress and trauma, and the need for more compassion. Featured GuestName: Reesie SimsWhat she does: As the Therapeutic Services Manager at NVRDC, Reesie is in charge of daily operations and activities for the Therapeutic Services Program. Reesie manages a caseload of crisis and short-term therapy clients, runs support groups for survivors, and gives clients the tools they need to make the best decisions for their own mental health. Company: Network for Victim Recovery of DCEpisode Highlights[07:14] Individual realities: Reesie explains that two people might respond to an event very differently because everyone’s ability to manage emotional responses is unique, just like any other aspect of their personality. [13:10] Brain function: Traumatic experiences can change the brain, overwhelming its ability to process information, which can cause the traumatic memory to get “stuck” at the forefront of the brain, says Reesie.[18:24] Long-term implications: Reesie affirms that the lasting effects of traumatic experiences can present themselves both psychologically and physically.[22:03] Knowing the signs: Being compassionate with everyone in our daily lives is essential, especially if the person is a trauma survivor. To gauge whether someone is experiencing a past or perceived trauma in the moment, Reesie says to pay attention to body language and focus on “listening to hear and not listening to respond.” [23:34] Stress v. trauma: According to Reesie, stress is more of an immediate response, while the long-term stress of responding to a disturbing event can mutate into trauma. [33:50] Empowerment: Reesie strives to help the survivors she works with feel as empowered as possible. This is partially achieved by creating a safe space to share about their experience if and when they want. [38:34] Book recs: Reesie recommends a few books — “The Body Bears the Burden,” “The Body Keeps Score,” and “True Refuge” — for people wishing to become more informed about their own trauma or that of a loved one. Connect with the Network for Victim Recovery of DC☑️ Follow us on

What is trauma? Defining trauma as a concept is challenging — there isn’t a black and white definition. Trauma is not defined by an event, but rather it’s defined by the person who experienced the event. TraumaTies was brought to life by the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC) to create a space that is open for everyone to address trauma after a crime. Our hosts, Bridgette Stumpf, Executive Director at NVRDC, and Lindsey Silverberg, Head of Services with NVRDC, share what to expect as you join them on this journey. Together they unpack the shared language of trauma and the ways in which trauma is a thread connecting us all in the human experience. This episode introduces you to the initial concepts and definitions surrounding trauma and explores our hosts’ backgrounds in supporting, understanding, and working with individuals who have experienced trauma.“It's so beautiful to see how resilient folks are, and getting the privilege of seeing somebody from that acute moment,” Lindsay says. “And what happens after, how they're able to build resiliency and lead these lives…while it changes them, it really is fascinating to be part of that journey with them.” Meet the HostsName: Lindsey SilverbergCompany: Network for Victim Recovery of DCConnect: LinkedIn  Name: Bridgette Stumpf Company: Network for Victim Recovery of DCConnect: LinkedIn  Episode Highlights [02:53] What defines trauma: Bridgette explains that trauma is not defined by an event, but rather by the person who experiences the event. [04:46] Shared community trauma: Lindsay shares examples of what would be considered a shared community trauma including 9/11, the DC sniper, and the current war in Ukraine.  [07:56] Trauma changes how we view the world: Bridgette talks about the research being done to understand the nuances of how trauma changes us. [10:18] Supporting people through acute trauma moments: Lindsay shares her experience working with people who have experienced trauma and how she sees them through the initial acute moment and the long-term aftermath. [17:59] Leaning into trauma education: Bridgette recounts how it was through a training course for law enforcement that she really discovered her interest in trauma education. [20:13] Distancing ourselves from trauma: Bridgette explains why we’re conditioned to create distance between ourselves and trauma, and discusses the far-reaching consequences this can have for people. [25:25] The paradox of trauma: Bridgette references Brené Brown’s book Atlas of the Heart and how creating a language portal is a paradox when it comes to talking about trauma. Connect with the Network for Victim Recovery of DC☑️ Follow us on

It may be invisible to some and ever-present to others--but trauma entangles us all.Brought to you by Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.We want this podcast to be an experience--one where you leave understanding how you can be a mitigator of trauma and minimize the deeply painful and costly consequences, no matter who you are.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, NVRDC seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime. We call this Survivor-Defined Justice and it’s our highest principle.This podcast is just one of our many resources we are developing as we seek to create empowering experiences for all survivors of trauma across the nation via our trauma-informed education training, culture shifting, and systems transformation work. NVRDC also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, case management and legal services to victims of all crime types in Washington, DC. Please follow @NVRDC & @NetworkforVictimRecoveryDC on social media and/or visit our website at NVRDC.org to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.Coming soon to podcast players everywhere.