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Trauma-Informed Leadership and Workplace Culture Insights
Tools, language, and implementation guidance for leaders building safer, more accountable workplaces.
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Start With These!
Start here if you are leading culture change, supporting staff well-being, or navigating conflict. These three posts teach the core tools we use in training and implementation.






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Promoting Authenticity and Fairness in People-First Organizational Cultures
Building authentic, people-first cultures creates a competitive business advantage. Embracing diverse perspectives and fair treatment of both staff and clients. This promotes creativity, effective problem-solving, and retention.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jun 17, 20255 min read


Genuine Collaboration: Every Voice Matters in People-First Culture
Learn how to build genuine collaboration in your workplace through trust, inclusive decision-making, and shared accountability for innovation and lasting success.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jun 10, 20259 min read


Safety and Respect: The Foundation of People-First Culture
No other element of a people-first culture can exist without safety, and safety can’t be achieved without respect for our differences.

Shenandoah Chefalo
May 28, 20256 min read


A Brief History of Trauma-Informed Core Principles: SAMHSA, Sanctuary, and Beyond
No single person or organization “owns” trauma-informed principles. Understanding the history of how these principles evolved empowers us to continue their development ourselves.

Shenandoah Chefalo
May 15, 20255 min read


Four Core Beliefs that Fuel Trauma-Informed vs Traditional Approaches
Trauma-informed practices cannot take root where beliefs do not support them. Here are 4 core beliefs that fuel trauma-informed approaches.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Apr 8, 20257 min read


Change is Modeled: Leader Accountability to Workplace Well-being
Leaders aren't solely accountable to workplace well-being, but their position & influence mean they have a unique and powerful role to play.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Mar 4, 20256 min read


What Does Safety at Work Really Mean?
Workplace safety goes beyond physical wellbeing and doesn't just mean feeling comfortable. Safety at work builds trust and resilience.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Feb 4, 20255 min read


Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and What It Means for Your Organization
Positive experiences protect individuals against the effects of trauma. This is applied to organizations using trauma-informed approaches.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jan 28, 20254 min read


What are Trauma-Informed Approaches?
What exactly does it mean to be "trauma-informed," and why is it so important?

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jan 14, 20255 min read


The Flip Side of Organizational Resilience: The Anatomy of a Non-Resilient Organization
Explore characteristics of non-resilient organizations to understand how trauma-informed approaches create organizational resiliency.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jan 7, 20256 min read


The Five Ss of Trauma-Informed Leadership
Trauma-informed leadership is essential to creating thriving workplaces. The Five Ss is a simple framework for embedding TI principles.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Dec 31, 20244 min read


The Role of Training in Effective Trauma-Informed Change Management
Training plays a crucial role in nearly every change management strategy, especially when implementing trauma-informed practices. This...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Nov 19, 20245 min read


Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn (Appease): Trauma Responses Explained
A clear trauma-informed guide to fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—workplace signs, what helps, what makes it worse, and how leaders can respond skillfully.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Sep 24, 20246 min read


Why People Resist Change at Work: The Neuroscience of What Keeps Us Stuck
Change triggers the brain’s threat response, especially in high-stress systems. Learn the neuroscience behind resistance and how trauma-informed leaders reduce fear, build buy-in, and create sustainable change.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Sep 17, 20244 min read


Beyond Awareness: Understanding the Interconnections of Foster Care and Societal Challenges
May is foster care awareness month, and this year, I'd like to increase awareness about the foster care system and how it ties into other...

Shenandoah Chefalo
May 14, 20244 min read


10 Ways to Be Mindful That Aren't Deep Breathing
When I introduce mindfulness to organizations, people usually think of deep breathing. While breathing and meditation are methods of...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Apr 23, 20245 min read


Discover the Power of Trauma-Informed Change: Transforming Lives & Organizations
Trauma-informed change is a revolutionary approach that acknowledges the far-reaching impact of trauma on individuals, communities,...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Feb 27, 20243 min read


7 Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship
Whether you’re considering your romantic, platonic, or professional relationships, knowing these 7 characteristics of a healthy...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Feb 6, 20244 min read


9 Phrases That Build Trust at Work (What to Say, Not Just What to Do)
Use these 9 ready-to-say phrases to build trust and psychological safety at work—plus when to use each one and what to avoid so it lands well.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jan 30, 20244 min read


Trauma Brain Explained: The Neuroscience of Trauma
We often discuss feelings, cultural practices, and relationships in trauma-informed systems change—but don’t let that fool you. Trauma is...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jan 9, 20245 min read
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