Our Mess Isn’t Just the Dishes
Understanding Secondary Trauma in the Home
When children have experienced trauma, those living with them can experience something called secondary trauma. Secondary trauma may happen when an individual is exposed to people who have been traumatized themselves. Join our panelists to discuss what secondary can look like in the home, what to do if you recognize secondary trauma, and ways to prevent it.
Resources and Links from the Presentation
Please Note: The Idaho Parent Network has not reviewed these links for content or consistency of message. The views expressed are solely those of the individual authors and/or agencies. They are presented solely for informational purposes.
Session Presenters
Michelle Batten, MS
Family Engagement Coordinator, Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Michelle’s life experiences of growing up in a home with foster siblings and an adopted sister motivated her to learn more about the impact of early abuse and neglect. Her studies in human development and Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and her experience as a parenting coach, provide her with the foundation of her understanding of mental health needs in youth and the support families need in their journey. During her off time you can find her on a river paddleboard in summer or downhill skiing in winter.
Amy Marie
Parent, Secretary, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health
Amy, a mom of 8 and a native Oregonian, considers beautiful Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho her home. That is where she spent most of her adult life and married her sweetheart. They became foster parents, and added 5 children to their family through adoption. Along with childhood trauma, collectively her children have a variety of severe emotional disturbances, developmental, and neurological disorders. This has brought a lifetime opportunity for learning and growth, and has strengthened her compassion and empathy that fuels her passion to serve others. After relocating four years ago, and working to rebuild a new support system for her family, she became involved with the Idaho Parent Network, Region 7’s Behavioral Health Board and CMH Subcommittee, serving on various prevention workgroups. She reviews documentation for YES, provides parent voice and feedback to the State, has been a resource for the DHW and Optum for presentations, interviews, and training videos, and now is a part of the IGT-Family Engagement Committee. Amy serves as Chair of the Citizen Review Panel, which reviews open CPS cases in Eastern Idaho and participates on the statewide leadership team. She enjoys being a part of the Community Suicide Prevention Board and is the Executive Board Secretary of Community Youth in Action. Amy loves babies, singing, musical theater, reading, traveling, watching movies, and cuddling.
Laura Wallis, P.E.
Parent, Co-Director, Idaho Parent Network for Children’s Mental Health
Laura is a Professional Civil Engineer, Advocate for Children’s Mental Health, Member of the Region 7 Children’s Mental Health Subcommittee, a Professional Meeting Sitter-Inner, and Champion Dessert Sampler. Laura loves speaking at events where she can share a bit of her journey as a parent of a special needs child in the hopes that her (sometimes hilarious) stories will help families feel less alone and the professionals who work with families like hers feel more confident and able to impact positive change. Laura is grateful to have been a part of the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) implementation process and looks forward to the day when every child has access to the mental health supports they need.