What an unforgettable day we experienced at the 2025 TBRI Summit! From the very first session to the final goodbye, the atmosphere was buzzing with inspiration, connection, and—most of all—hope. This annual gathering of caregivers, educators, social workers, and advocates united by a shared passion for children and healing was nothing short of extraordinary.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the teaching from Cindy Lee, Executive Director of the HALO Project in Oklahoma City. Cindy brought a depth of wisdom, compassion, and practical insight that touched hearts and reignited purpose. Her powerful message reminded us all that hope is not just a feeling—it’s something we can actively cultivate in the lives of the children we serve. With grace and clarity, she painted a vision of what’s possible when we meet kids with connection and compassion.
The energy only continued to build as we moved into a wide array of breakout sessions, all led by TBRI Practitioners from our local area and across the state of Indiana. These sessions offered hands-on strategies, real-world applications, and honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of implementing Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) in schools, homes, and organizations. The collective experience and vulnerability shared in these sessions created an environment where everyone walked away with tools and encouragement to keep going.
We were also honored by the presence of special guests from the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, including Geoff Nelson, Troy McPeak, and Samantha Farris. Their presence underscored the strength of our connection to the larger TBRI community and reminded us that we’re part of a movement much bigger than ourselves. Their support is a gift to us all.
Throughout the day, one central theme emerged again and again: hope is powerful, and it’s contagious. Whether you’re a foster parent, a teacher, a therapist, or a case manager, the message was clear: you are not alone, and the work you do matters deeply. TBRI continues to be a beacon of light for so many navigating the complexities of childhood trauma.
We left the summit refreshed, equipped, and ready to keep pressing forward, knowing that healing is possible, connection is transformational, and hope is alive.
Here’s to the continued work of empowering children through trust, relationships, and intentional care. The best is yet to come!