Recently, at a child care center in Okinawa, the art therapy teacher asked, “What makes you qualified as a trauma expert?” Not the 1st time I’ve been asked that question. The question is really a surrogate for: “Why should we trust you?” Stated another way, “Are you authentic?” Very legitimate. I often answer 1st (sometimes only) w/ my academic bona fides: I’ve been an educator for 4 decades. I’ve studied, written and spoken about student success and how trauma impedes positive outcomes. I’ve developed trauma responsive programs. I’ve guided schools thru and after crises. I’m a certified psychological first aid provider.I’m in a trauma program at Rutgers Grad School of Social Work. I have a new book emerging titled: Gen Tt Goes to School. What I sometimes share and I suspect is better preparation: I was part of an effort to reopen a school post 9/11. I was president of a college w/ more than 1 traumatic moment, including suicide of the CFO. But there’s more. I’ve personally experienced trauma. I have an ACE score of 7. My mother abused me; I witnessed her abusing 1 of my brothers. My husband developed Alzheimer’s and was physically and psychologically threatening. Bottom line: personal experience, well processed, trumps academic learning any day. Can’t beat real life. …see more