Join us for a full day training on May 16th where interdisciplinary experts will provide practical tools for navigating trauma, crisis, and overwhelm. From de-escalation techniques for compassionate client care, to strategies for sustaining ourselves and each other in the face of trauma and secondary trauma, this interactive session aims to equip participants with skills to improve outcomes for clients while fostering resilience in survivor-centered advocacy.
This free hybrid training is available to all attorneys and legal aid staff who work primarily with survivors of crime (including gender based violence) on issues related to their victimization. This includes family law, protection orders, immigration, and other legal issues.
On May 17th, the Family Law Taskforce will convene their annual in-person meeting at the same venue. For inquiries regarding attendance at the taskforce meeting, please reach out to maryw@nwjustice.org.
Details
This is a hybrid conference. Unfortunately, registration is closed at this time.
Agenda
8:30-8:55
Check In
Coffee & Pastries
9:00 –9:15
Welcome
Pete Talevich, K&L Gates
The State of VOCA
Annalise Martucci, OCLA
9:15-12:30
Transforming Trauma – How to do this work and sustain
Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky
This training and discussion will offer practical tools to help us sustain, individually and collectively, in the face of trauma, secondary trauma and overwhelm. Whether this is related to our work, our personal lives, the pandemic, democracies dissolving, systematic oppression and structural supremacy surfacing in exceedingly painful ways, or the unfolding of the climate crisis, we will discuss what the consequences are as well as strategies for sustaining ourselves and each other. This will be interactive so please come with questions or topics you’d like to cover.
12:30-1:30
Lunch
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free options available
On Safari Foods
1:30-4:45
Verbal De-Escalation
Rebecca Sauls
De-escalation techniques for Mental Health is designed to equip individuals with the skills to effectively de-escalate challenging situations and provide compassionate care to individuals experiencing heightened emotional states due to mental health challenges, loss, trauma, and crisis.
4:45-5:00
Closing
Representative Jamila Taylor
5:15
Networking Reception
The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel
1007 1st Ave, Seattle
Remarks from Bridgette Maryman
Chief Deputy of the Gender Based Violence and Prevention Division,
King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Speakers
Laura van Dernoot Lipsky
Laura van Dernoot Lipsky is the founder and director of The Trauma Stewardship Institute and author of Trauma Stewardship and The Age of Overwhelm. She is the host of the podcast Future Tripping, which is dedicated to conversations about overwhelm. Widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of trauma exposure, she has worked nationally and internationally for more than three decades. Much of her work is being invited to assist in the aftermath of community catastrophes – whether they are fatal storms or mass shootings. Simultaneously, she has long been active in community organizing and movements for social and environmental justice and has taught on issues surrounding systematic oppression, structural supremacy, and liberation theory. Laura is on the advisory board of ZGiRLS, an organization that supports young girls in sports. She is a founding member of the International Transformational Resilience Network, which supports the development of capacity to address climate change. Laura also served as an associate producer of the award-winning film A Lot Like You, and was given a Yo! Mama award in recognition of her work as a community-activist mother.
Trauma Stewardship Institute Map
Rebecca Sauls, MSW
Driven by her own lived experiences, Rebecca is deeply passionate about empowering professionals and individuals alike to navigate the complexities of mental health with respect, empathy and a sprinkle of courage. As a seasoned trainer, she offers invaluable trainings, workshops and consulting on topics such as compassion fatigue, verbal de-escalation, mental health first aid, and suicide intervention.
Armed with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Rebecca Sauls brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world expertise to her work. A compassionate advocate for mental health and crisis intervention. With a wealth of experience and a heart dedicated to serving others.
At the core of her philosophy lies the belief that empathy, while essential, must be accompanied by healthy boundaries to prevent burnout and ensure sustainable support for both caregivers and those in crisis. Her favorite quote, “Empathy without boundaries is self-destruction,” encapsulates this guiding principle.
Representative Jamila Taylor
30th Legislative District
Jamila (“jah-mee-lah”) is an attorney, youth advocate and small business owner with a passion for community service and a commitment to serving the public good. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University and a law degree from the University of Oregon. The daughter of a retired history professor and a retired Girl Scout office administrator, she was raised to value education and service — values that continue to shape her work today.
After moving to King County in 2007, Jamila worked as the central area network coordinator for the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, where she oversaw community interventions and supported young people facing family, peer or gang conflict; court involvement; school suspension or expulsion; homelessness or other risk factors for youth violence.
Jamila launched a legal practice and nonprofit consulting business in 2014, before later joining Northwest Justice Project in 2017. As NJP’s statewide advocacy counsel, she managed a network of attorneys representing domestic violence survivors and other crime victims. She currently works for Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA – formerly known as the Public Defender Association) providing civil legal aid to individuals emerging from homelessness
A Federal Way resident, Jamila was elected to the Legislature in 2020. She serves as Chair of the Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee and serves on the Housing Committee and the Human Services, Youth & Early Learning Committee. She chairs the Developmental Advocacy Caucus and is the First Vice Chair of the Members of Color Caucus. Jamila is also the immediate past chair of the Legislative Black Caucus.
Bridgette Maryman
Chief Deputy, Gender-Based Violence and Prevention Division
She is a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the King County Prosecutor’s Office, where she currently serves as the Chief of the Gender-Based Violence and Prevention Division. Bridgette has spent most of the last decade prosecuting Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault cases or supervising prosecutors in those units. She is motivated by the opportunity to work with survivors of these crimes as they make their way through the criminal justice system. Outside of work, Bridgette serves on the Board of Trustees for the Greater Northwest Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and is active in other local community groups. She spends much of her free time on the bleachers of local baseball fields, cheering on her son.
Reception
Join us for a post-conference gathering!
Where: The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel (1007 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104), situated at the corner of First Ave and Spring Street, just two blocks southwest of the Fourth and Madison building.
We’re delighted to have Bridgette Maryman, Chief Deputy of the Gender-Based Violence and Prevention Division at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, joining us to share a few remarks during the event.
Expect light appetizers and a cash bar for refreshments. See you there!
CLE
This event is approved for 6 CLE credits. Link to CLE surveys will be available on the day of the event.
Travel
Parking
For your convenience, there are several parking options available near the event venue:
1. Fourth and Madison Parking Garage
- Location: Enter on Madison Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues
- Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Rates: $31-33 for 8-12 hours
2. Safeco Plaza, 1001 Fourth Avenue Plaza Parking Garage
- Location: Enter on Madison Street, between Fourth and Third Avenues
- Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Rates: $30-33 for 8-12 hours
3. Seattle Library Parking
- Location: Enter on Spring Street, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues
- Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Rates: $32.00 for 5-24 hours
Light Rail
University Station, 6 minutes walking
Pioneer Square Station, 6 minutes walking
Travel Assistance
For participants traveling to the conference from outside the South Puget Sound area, travel reimbursements may be available. For information please email: sean.hendrickson@ocla.wa.gov
Questions?
Email Annalise.martucci@ocla.wa.gov