WilmU Faculty and Alumni Co-Author Chapter on Trauma-Informed Family Science
Dr. Deb Berke, program chair for Wilmington University’s Family Science programs and a recognized advocate for trauma-informed education, has co-authored a chapter in the newly released book “Family Life Education: The Practice of Family Science.” She collaborated with four WilmU alumni — Nichol Killian, Ashley Herr-Perrin, Kelly DaCunha, and Kristen N. Wilson — whose professional expertise helped shape the chapter’s practical and research-based insights.
Their contribution is Chapter 29: “Trauma-Informed Family Life Education: Cultivating Resilience Through Strength-Based Teaching and Practice,” which examines how family life educators can create supportive environments that acknowledge the impact of trauma while empowering individuals and families to build resilience. The chapter outlines strategies rooted in compassion, safety and trust, emphasizing that trauma-informed approaches strengthen families and the communities in which they live.
Dr. Berke and colleagues from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences have long championed trauma-responsive frameworks in classroom instruction and community outreach. WilmU’s Family Science programs have increasingly integrated trauma-informed principles, preparing graduates to serve in counseling, education, nonprofit and human services roles with empathy and evidence-based practice.
— Eileen Smith Dallabrida
