Doors open at 6:30pm; event starts at 7:00pm

Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Practices in Schools: Building a Climate of Compassion

Fireside Chat featuring Dr. Isaiah B. Pickens, BA '05, Author and GW Alumnus

In conversation with Interim Dean Lionel C. Howard, GW Graduate School of Education and Human Development

The fireside chat will be followed by a reception and book signing in Room 310.

You are invited to a fireside chat with Dr. Isaiah Pickens to celebrate the official launch of his new book, Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Practices in Schools. In conversation with GSEHD Interim Dean Lionel Howard, Dr. Pickens will reflect on how trauma and polarization have reshaped relationships between families, students, educators, and schools. Drawing from stories of immigrant students, school crises, and educator well-being, they will explore pathways to healing, preparedness, and renewed trust through community partnership.

About Dr. Isaiah B. Pickens:

Dr. Isaiah B. Pickens, BA '05 and former Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholar, is the founder and CEO of iOpening Enterprises, a professional development company that helps schools and educational organizations build trauma-informed and culturally responsive environments to support student success and educator well-being.

His unique expertise as a clinical psychologist and organizational development specialist is grounded in a career dedicated to strengthening people and systems. As former Assistant Director at the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress and a former clinical assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine, Dr. Pickens has built a reputation as a national trauma expert and a highly sought-after specialist in creating emotionally intelligent school cultures. As a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leader and Fellow, Dr. Pickens collaborates with cross-sector scholars and practitioners to promote equitable, student-centered learning environments. He is also certified by Stanford University as a Compassion Specialist, using his expertise in building compassionate systems to help schools foster safe, supportive, and high-performing learning communities. Learn more→