Everything occurs within a social context

People can never be separated from culture. Culture can never be separated from people. Relationships (inward and outward) are our biology. The greatest benefit and influence for resilient brain development from 0-3 years is the presence of emotionally attuned adult caretakers. Neglect does more harm to brain development that overt abuse.

I am very interested in cultural and historical influences to our shaping and experience. In the U.S., some peoples have greater assess to safety, belonging and dignity. As Staci Haines argues, one or two people changing in small system (e.g. relationship, nuclear family) can have a big impact. However, for institutions and culture at large to change, there has to be buy-in from many, many, many people. I hope to contribute in working through and healing what gets in the way of our fundamental goodness. We have the agency to become more and more of what we deeply value.

Solomon, M., & Siegal, D. (Eds.). (2003). Healing Trauma: Attachment, mind, body and brain. W.W. Norton & Company.