Description

Trauma and Sensory Processing

July 24, 2025

6:00 PM-7:30 PM EST

Via Zoom

Melanie Parsons, M.A.

1.5 credit hours

This 90-minute training helps foster parents understand how sensory processing and trauma intersect—and how this affects behaviors, meltdowns, and relationships. We’ll break down the 8 sensory systems in easy-to-understand ways, explore how trauma can heighten sensory sensitivities, and share practical strategies to support regulation and connection.

 

About the Trainer:

Lora is a licensed occupational therapist with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and an undergraduate degree in psychology. Prior to becoming an OT, she worked at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home supporting children in residential care, which led she and her husband to later becoming foster parents. As a traditional OT, her work focused on the pediatric population through early intervention, home health, and outpatient therapy.

Today, Lora’s focus is on parent education and consultations. Through her company Connected Littles Co., she consults with adoptive and foster families to help them better understand behaviors and build secure connections. She specializes in translating sensory and trauma-informed strategies into simple, relational parenting practices.

 

This training has been approved for ongoing, elective foster parent training credit. 1.5 hours is available for Kentucky’s foster parents. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the training and each attendee’s participation. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is required to participate. Note that this training will address sensitive subject matter. Please ensure that you are using techniques (such as headphones, a different room, or a lower volume level) to ensure privacy.

If you have any questions about this training, please email Melanie Parsons, Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Training Specialist, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.