Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 @ 9:00am-2:30pm on Zoom!
We invite you to join us for an interactive conference presented by Denali Family Services Staff on De-escalation through Connection!
Session 1 (9:00am-10:30am) – The Art of Attunement: Building Connection Before Correction
Connection.
Presented by: Katrina Eggers, DFS Director of Training and Development
This 90-minute presentation focuses on the art of attunement and its role in building secure relationships, supporting emotional regulation, and reducing challenging behaviors before they escalate. Participants will explore how attunement serves as the foundation for effective parenting and caregiving, learn practical co-regulation strategies, and examine the impact of trauma on connection. The session will also address what happens when we miss the mark, including how to recognize mis-attunement, repair relationship ruptures, and strengthen trust.
Session 2 (10:45am-12:15pm) – From Escalation to Connection: Helping Youth Feel Safe, Regulated, & Heard
Presented by: Jessica Campbell, DFS Training Specialist
This 90-minute session equips participants with practical, relationship-centered strategies for understanding and responding to challenging behavior in youth. Participants will explore how behavior serves as a form of communication and learn to identify the underlying needs that behaviors may represent. The session will focus on recognizing early warning signs of escalation, responding with techniques that de-escalate rather than intensify conflict, and using connection-based approaches to maintain safety and trust during difficult moments.
Session 3 (1:00pm-2:30pm) – Homework Without the Battle: Practical Strategies for De-escalating Homework Conflict
Presented by: Julia Wishart, DFS Training Specialist
This interactive 90-minute session will walk through what’s really happening behind homework meltdowns: why homework can trigger stress responses in children who have experienced trauma or instability, and how to recognize the skill gaps and emotional needs that homework struggles often signal. Participants will explore practical, research-backed strategies to reduce tension before it escalates, as well as how to de-escalate calmly when it does.
