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About Us

Breaking the Cycle of Trauma, Together.

Trauma Free World is a non-profit organization equipping adults with trauma-informed skills to transform lives, workplaces, and communities. When people understand trauma and how to care for themselves and others, they create healthier families, stronger teams, and more resilient communities worldwide.

A trauma-informed perspective changes everything.

Trauma-informed resources for everyone, everywhere.

Our goal is to collectively share the latest research on trauma, recovery, and wellness with people worldwide.

Together, we envision a world where communities break the cycle of trauma—where we understand how to avoid triggering one another, de-escalate aggression, prevent violence, and navigate big emotions with empathy and care. This is the future we are building, together.

Meet the Team

Brian Bertke

Vice President, Business Development

Julie Cooper

Julie Cooper, PhD

President

Teresa Garcia Espinosa

Teresa Garcia Espinosa

Director of Un Mundo Libre de Trauma

Diane Hersberger

Diane Hersberger

Vice President, Operations

John Horning

John Horning

Chief Financial Officer

Ene Oklo

Ene Oklo

West Africa Regional Manager

Veronica Ruelas

Verónica Elizabeth Ruelas Niňo

Assistant to the Director of Un Mundo Libre de Trauma

Ann Smith

Ann Smith

Vice President, Affiliate Training

Maddie Wentworth

Maddie Wentworth

Training and Impact Coordinator

Board of Directors

Brian Furnish – Assistant Vice President and CAO at Miami University Brian’s Linkedin Profile
Julie Cooper, PhD – President of Trauma Free World Julie’s Linkedin Profile
Todd Guckenberger – Co-Executive Director Back2Back Ministries Todd’s Linkedin Profile
Rob Hall, EdD – President of Global Trauma Alliance Rob’s Linkedin Profile
Will Housh – Founder & CEO of Contractor Commerce and Founder & CEO of Same Day Supply – Treasurer Will’s Linkedin Profile

Global Reach

Affiliate Trainers Share Training Around the World

A Trauma Free World Affiliate Trainer embraces trauma-competent care principles and is approved to teach the Advanced Trauma Competent Care course within their organization. Joining a global community of trauma-informed professionals means becoming part of a network dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations in creating safe, healing environments. It offers opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, and the collective effort to address and heal the impact of trauma worldwide.

As of December 2024, Trauma Free World has 436 Affiliate Trainers worldwide, with 216 more in training to become certified by the end of 2025—totaling 652 Affiliate Trainers globally. In 2024, these trainers conducted 111 trainings across 22 countries, engaging 4,687 participants and impacting 131,953 individuals through collaborations with over 50 organizations around the world.

Get to know us

History

Training built on over 20 years in the field of caring for vulnerable populations around the world.

2014

Mazatlán, Mexico

The first Advanced Trauma Competent Care training was delivered to Back2Back Ministries staff, setting the foundation for a global movement.

2015

Formation of the Team

Jayne and David Schooler joined Back2Back Ministries, bringing their passion and expertise. The Trauma Competent Care training team was officially formed, beginning its global mission.

2015-2019

Global Expansion

The Trauma Competent Care training team traveled worldwide, equipping caregivers, educators, and leaders with life-changing tools to support trauma-impacted individuals.

2019

Birth of Trauma Free World

A pivotal year as Trauma Free World was established, empowering a vision to provide trauma-informed care training for everyone, everywhere.

2021

Affiliate Trainer Program

An extensive network of trainers was created to multiply the impact. This program has grown into a global community of trauma-informed leaders.

2022-2023

Breaking New Ground

The East Africa Collective was launched, bringing together over 50 Affiliate Trainers to create a sustainable, localized impact.

Un Mundo Libre de Trauma was launched, introducing Trauma Free World’s resources to Latin America.

2024

Expanding Access

Trauma Free World made its on-demand courses accessible for free on traumafreeworld.org, broadening access to trauma-informed care education.

The Advanced Trauma Competent Care curriculum is offered in 13 languages, with four additional translations underway, broadening its reach across the globe.

2025

New Frontiers

The West Africa Collective is launched, continuing the expansion into underserved regions.

In the next 3–5 years, Trauma Free World will grow into a globally recognized leader in trauma-informed training and implementation. By expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and deepening impact, we will move closer to a world where trauma-informed care is not just an initiative—it’s the foundation of how we support healing and resilience in individuals, organizations, and communities.

Our Roots

Rooted in a Trauma-Informed Culture that Embraces the Whole Person

Trauma Free World was founded by Back2Back Ministries, an international non-profit that has provided care to orphaned and vulnerable children around the world for over 25 years.

The Back2Back team realized that in order for children to truly heal, they needed more advanced trauma training.

Back2Back built a solid understanding of the academic research on trauma care by working with leaders in the field, like Jayne and Dr. David Schooler, experts in working with adoptive and foster families. The Schoolers, along with Ruby and Lynn Johnston from LAMb International and others,  created training materials that were a perfect fit for Back2Back’s staff and partners.

Back2Back Ministries
“The Trauma Competent Care course provides practical, life-changing content. Learning about trauma competent care could be the turning point for you and/or your organization in improving child care quality, increasing competency, building confidence for you and/or your team, and bringing more clarity to the practice of caring for others well.”

– Care Impact in Canada

Global Goals

It Started with Training for 300 people in 6 countries

Our Mission is to equip everyone, everywhere with trauma-informed knowledge, support, and resources. Our Vision is a future where trauma-informed knowledge transforms communities, fosters healing, and empowers individuals everywhere to live with resilience and hope.

Approximately 8000 people have accessed our on-demand courses over 13,000 times since 2019. We’ve trained over 10,000 people in more than 95 countries, impacting more than 500,000 children, and we hear inspiring stories of transformation daily.

Excellence in Giving Certified Transparent 2025
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