Location: Ventura County Community Foundation (4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo)
Presented by Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE), Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) and CASA of Ventura County
Instructor: Maurissa Szilagi
This foundational training builds on trauma-informed care to help individuals respond with confidence and compassion when emotions run high. Developed and taught by two licensed clinical social workers, the course deepens your understanding of how trauma and adverse childhood experiences shape a child’s ability to feel safe, learn, remember, and grow—especially for youth in foster care during critical stages of development.
No matter your role in a child’s life—short-term or long-term—you can be a powerful source of healing. This curriculum guides participants to PAUSE (honor Presence, create Attunement, promote Understanding, provide Support, and foster Engagement) that opens the door to growth and connection.

Through practical tools, real-life strategies, and reflective learning, you will strengthen your ability to stay grounded, look beyond behaviors, and respond in ways that nurture resilience. Join us to learn how to meet challenging moments with intention—turning everyday interactions into meaningful opportunities for safety, trust, and healing.

This class assumes the following pre-requisites:

Working definition of trauma, ACES, ACE score, and/or prior attendance at basic trauma training. To fulfil this please refer to Module 01 - Defining Trauma, Types of Trauma, Six Principles of Trauma Informed Care.
We also recommend viewing ReMoved: Part 1; Trigger Warning: this video contains depictions of unstable housing, domestic violence, and family separation.
Your Instructor:
Maurissa Szilagi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a Masters of Education in Human Development and Psychology. Maurissa has her own private practice and specializes in foster and adoption and families who are undergoing huge attachment changes (separation and divorce). She is also the Clinical Supervisor for a non-profit that supports foster care and adoptive families. She utilizes decades of experience both professionally and personally to support families and individuals who deserve the chance to feel attached and connected to others. She is a mom to two young boys and is dedicated to raising them in a loving and connected home and healing from her own childhood.

CE Hours: 4.5