Dr. David Cross, Co-Creator of Trust Based Relational Intervention® Rees-Jones Director of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development
“Dr. Karyn Purvis’ oft-stated dream was to “Bring hope and healing to vulnerable children everywhere,” and these words actively guide those of us who work at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD) at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Knowing that we cannot realize Dr. Purvis’ dream on our own, KPICD staff are actively constructing a dynamic network of professionals and organizations who can help make that dream a reality. Amy Abell is one of those partners who is actively and creatively making Dr. Purvis’ dream come true. Amy draws upon her training and experience as a school psychologist, her own personal gifts, and her training as a TBRI® Practitioner, to transform organizations serving vulnerable children and youth. What she is accomplishing in the State of Indiana is truly amazing, given that she is doing it virtually single-handedly. Amy is a change agent par excellence, and we at the KPICD are proud to team with her as together we make Dr. Purvis’s dream a reality.”
Dr. Jack Parker, Superintendent, Mount Vernon Community School Corporation
“All educators need the information and tools that Amy Abell provides through TBRI training. She is an excellent presenter and has been an exceptional provider of ongoing support during our journey to help all students succeed. I, as well as many others, have been forever changed because of what we learned through Amy and the TBRI framework.”
“The training has given our employees the support and confidence they need to work together with our community to create an environment where all students feel valued and heard.”
Teresa Brown, Superintendent, Jennings County School Corporation
“This isn’t just a career for Amy. This work is her calling. Her passion and kindness are a part of every training. Amy has positively impacted our school district and community by providing us with tools to use to reshape how we connect with one another and our students. I know when we release staff to work with Amy, it will be time well spent and will positively impact our ability to better serve our students.”
Alli Chance, Director of Special Education, Center Grove Schools
“I cannot speak highly enough of Amy and her professionalism when presenting to groups of teachers. She has a remarkable ability to connect with the individuals in her trainings and to share her passion for TBRI. Amy is real and vulnerable, which further drives this connection. I am forever grateful for Amy and for the knowledge, compassion, and hope she has spread throughout our district.”
Katie Brennan, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Jennings County School Corporation
“Amy’s work in Jennings County School Corporation has been life changing for staff and students. Teachers left the first day of training saying it was the most relevant professional development that they had ever attended. Through our partnership with Amy and the implementation of TBRI strategies across the district we are confident that student outcomes will be greatly impacted in a positive way. This work has helped us create an environment filled with compassion and hope for the future. We look forward to each session with Amy as she always offers practical strategies that can be implemented immediately.
We had the honor of having Amy serve as our keynote speaker for the back to school kick-off this year and it was inspirational. We all left feeling ready to take on the new school year with open hearts and minds. Amy certainly has a gift for speaking and inspiring those around her. Each time Amy visits our district we are learning and growing! She has become a member of the JCSC family and we are so grateful to continue on this journey with her by our side! “
“ I am confident that with our staff working alongside Amy, we can better implement trauma informed care and social emotional support for every student.”
“I am very excited to see the long lasting impact Trust Based Relational Intervention® will have for our entire community. HopeAlight is an amazing partner in this very important work!”
Lori Meyers, Juvenile Director, Johnson County Community Corrections
“Over the past 30 years, I have had the opportunity to attend many local, state and national conferences and trainings. Amy Abell is among the best of the best as a presenter and educator. I was introduced to Amy in November of 2017 while planning to bring TBRI to the Johnson County Juvenile Justice system. Amy has taken great care to understand the inner workings of our organization and the needs of the youth and families we serve. Between October 2018 and June 2020, Amy will bring TBRI to all juvenile probation, detention and corrections staff, as well as the Department of Child Services. Amy brings a relatable approach to her trainings and brilliantly models TBRI strategies at each step of her interactions.
One of the training components I have come to most respect is the follow-up consultation opportunities Amy provides. The scheduling of these sessions has allowed us, as individuals and agencies, to ask questions and create implementation plans to assure that the strategies of TBRI are followed with integrity. Amy’s approach along with TBRI strategies has unlocked the tools we had been missing in our work with delinquent youth. Even more powerful is her ability to help providers identify their own approach to working with children from hard places.
Amy’s passion for this work is contagious, and I am honored to continue working alongside her as she brings her expert knowledge and personal life story to this community. I have the highest regard for Amy and TBRI and recommend it to any and all persons working with youth who have experienced early childhood trauma of any type.”
“The TBRI Mindset is an effective way to establish and strengthen trusting relationships between teacher and student. TBRI training allowed my staff and me to expand our understanding of trauma and to lead with empathy.”
“Amy not only provides the neuroscience behind TBRI, she also provides strategies for teachers to utilize in the classroom to assist in building positive relationships, empowering students, and using positive techniques for correcting behavior.”