Connie Honsinger

Dr. Connie Honsinger is an educator and advocate for professionals and others who want to transform their approach to supporting individuals who have experienced stress, adversity and trauma.  After working in education for over 35 years as a teacher, school counselor, adjunct professor and trauma education specialist she understands that implementing a trauma-responsive approach based in neuroscience is essential for increasing both staff and student well-being and performance.  Dr. Honsinger holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision with a specialization in crisis and trauma and is a certified Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) interface trainer.  She has worked as a counselor in residence providing trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy for children who have experienced abuse and facilitated court-ordered parenting groups for adults who have been charged with abuse.  Dr. Honsinger has worked with educators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, administrators, support personnel, health care professionals and the community to increase empathy, understanding and acquire the tools necessary to build safe and supportive environments where everyone can thrive.

Dr. Honsinger's mission statement closely aligns with that of EMU with a focus on academic success, holistic wellbeing and social accountability.  In each course she seeks to develop a trauma-responsive and inclusive learning environment where diverse viewpoints are welcome and encouraged through respectful and robust discussions, practical and applicable assignments, supportive resources and instructive feedback.

Thirty Years of Service to Chesterfield County Public Schools

Certified Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Interface Trainer, trained with Dr. Robert Anda

National Board Certification, School Counseling K-12, achieved 2013.

Virginia Elementary School Counselor of the Year Award, VSCA, 2011

American School Counselor Association, School Counselor of the Year semi-finalist, Recognition Ceremony Washington, DC. 2011

Qualified as an Expert Witness in court:  Impact of Trauma on Children 

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, Certified Trainer, trained school teams in Chesterfield 

     County, Henrico County, Virginia Beach, & Winchester 

Awarded $13,000 grant from Bully Free Virginia Project to implement the Olweus Bullying

     Prevention Program at Alberta Smith Elementary School, Chesterfield, VA

Awarded $4,000 grant to cover cost of participation in the Olweus Training of Trainers

Appeared on PBS, Virginia Currents Program to discuss support for children in grief

EDDA 571:  Trauma, Restoration, and Resilience in Educational Environments

EDDA 631:  Research in Risk and Resilience 

EDDA 541:  Self-Care and Resilience for Educators

EDDA 561:  Neuro-Education:  Brain Research, Trauma, and Learning