Supporting Students' Executive Function Skills in the Trauma-Sensitive Classroom

Jen Alexander believes we can make a positive difference in the lives of students, one relationship at a time. That's why she's a passionate leader in the movement to build trauma-sensitive schools. Known by children and adults alike as "Ms. Jen," she loves helping kids-and giving others the tools and strategies they need to help kids, too.

As a former special education teacher and current school counselor in Iowa, Ms. Jen has more than 15 years of experience providing support to young people and the educators who serve them. As a popular teacher trainer, trauma expert, and author, Ms. Jen shows fellow educators what works and why when it comes to building trauma-sensitive schools. With a unique ability to connect with students, educators, other helpers, and parents, Jen is devoted to facilitating school-wide trauma-sensitive transformation through effective professional development paired with school consultation. Within minutes of working with her, educators know they are learning from someone who understands the real struggles of every day teaching and learning-and believe that change benefiting educators, students, and entire school communities is possible.

Ms. Jen holds degrees in psychology and special education teaching as well as a master's degree in professional school counseling from the University of Northern Iowa. She is also a nationally certified counselor and registered school-based play therapist.

Jennifer Dickey is a licensed teacher and holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Special Education with an emphasis in Gifted and Talented Education. Her passion and expertise is in designing academic and social-emotional supports for children who think and learn differently.She has held a variety of roles in the education field such as a Classroom Teacher, Gifted and Talented Specialist, and Academic Language Therapist providing specialized instruction to dyslexic learners. Coaching children with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences that are marked by working memory deficits are at the center of her mission.

She is the founder and executive function coach at Lotus Cognitive Solutions Group where their intention is never to "fix" a child, but to provide practical solutions to help him or her achieve meaningful goals. They provide coaching sessions that are firmly grounded in a child's strengths and work to cultivate motivation.