Background
Dr. Virginia Durnford is an expert in trauma-informed care and the provision of therapeutic services for children and adults with special needs, particularly within trauma-sensitive school environments. Her research focuses on the treatment of trauma, including PTSD, and how it affects learning, with a special interest in developing strategies to support educational teams working with students struggling with Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. Dr. Durnford holds an Ed.D. in Teacher Education and School Improvement from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, an M.S.W. in Social Work from Boston University, and an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Connecticut. Her professional experience includes counseling in high-needs schools, providing therapeutic services in both school settings and private practice, and using resiliency training to help youth and young adults manage stress and anxiety.