In this conversation, Dr. Lori Desautels and Megan Corcoran (Wagtail Institute) explore what it truly means to embody trauma-responsive practice. They discuss the difference between understanding the science and living it, why awareness alone isn’t enough, and how educators can build the capacity to regulate themselves before supporting others. Together, they unpack the role of multi-tiered systems of support, the importance of co-regulation, and why sustainable change happens when we care for the wellbeing of the adults alongside the young people they support.
This is a thoughtful and hopeful conversation about the future of education. Lori reminds us that trauma-responsive practice isn’t another initiative to implement, but a way of being that begins with our own nervous systems, relationships, and daily interactions. Whether you’re an educator, leader, parent, or practitioner, this episode offers practical wisdom for creating environments where both adults and young people can thrive.
About Dr. Lori Desautels
Dr Lori Desautels is an educator, author, and assistant professor whose work in applied educational neuroscience has influenced schools and educators around the world. Through decades of teaching, research, and professional learning, Lori has helped shift the conversation from managing behaviour to understanding the nervous system, relationships, and the conditions that allow both children and adults to flourish.
About Wag Tales
Wag Tales podcast is a series of conversations on all things trauma, healing, education and wellbeing.
Host of Wag Tales, Megan Corcoran is Director of Wagtail Institute, providing trauma-informed wellbeing consulting to schools and complex settings.
Megan believes in the power of storytelling and engaging in great conversations as a way to learn, grow, and take steps towards healing.
In each episode, Megan invites a guest to share their story or to engage in a topical conversation to share best practice, new insights, and ideas to support those impacted by trauma to heal.
Megan is joined by a variety of guests including school principals, therapists, athletes, authors, artists, and lived experience practitioners.
Resources
Beyond Survival Mode
Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute
Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing.
Website: https://wagtailinstitute.com
Music by Kabbilistic Village: https://kabbalisticvillage.com/