SPEAKING FOR TEXAS SCHOOLS
Trauma-Informed Schools Speaker & Trainer for Texas Districts
Engaging keynotes and practical staff training that help educators understand how trauma impacts learning, behavior, and student well-being—and equip them with actionable strategies they can put into practice immediately. Research-informed, grounded in real-world experience, and shaped by years of working within Texas schools, these sessions bridge the gap between understanding trauma and making a meaningful difference in the classroom.
For districts, campuses, and education service centers
Dr. Duer’s career spans both mental health and education, with experience in community mental health, private practice, residential treatment, schools for adjudicated youth, and public education. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, certified school counselor, and certified trainer in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Psychological First Aid, TIER Interconnected Systems Framework, and Trauma-Sensitive Schools. She also co-authored Trauma-Informed Care in Education for the Eduhero online learning platform.
Her presentations are designed for the professionals who make a difference in students’ lives every day, including teachers, counselors, administrators, School Resource Officers (SROs), and support staff. In addition to speaking and training, Dr. Duer consults with school districts—particularly rural districts with limited resources—to develop sustainable, school-based mental health systems using a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework across Tiers 1, 2, and 3. Her work bridges research, practical application, and current Texas legislation to help schools build capacity, strengthen collaboration, and better meet students’ mental health needs.
Trauma-informed talks for schools
Increasing Our Impact: Trauma-Informed Strategies to Prevent School Violence
This presentation provides an overview of trauma, the pathway to violence, and how trauma-informed strategies can help prevent school violence. Designed for school safety teams and School Resource Officers (SROs), participants will explore practical approaches to recognizing warning signs, strengthening relationships, and creating safer school environments.
Teaching Through Trauma
This presentation explores the basics of trauma, how it affects the brain, and its impact on student learning, classroom behavior, and educator well-being. Educators will gain practical, trauma-informed strategies they can implement immediately to build supportive classrooms.
What's Strong With You? A Strengths-Based Approach to Supporting Youth Mental Health
What if we shifted the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What’s strong with you?” This presentation explores societal shifts in youth mental health and how a strengths-based approach can help build resilience, foster connection, and empower young people to thrive. Participants will explore practical ways to shift the focus toward what helps youth become resilient, confident, and mentally healthy.
Layers: The Intersection of ADHD, Autism, and Trauma
ADHD, autism, and trauma can present with overlapping symptoms that make it challenging to understand a student’s needs. This presentation explores how these experiences intersect, how educators can better recognize the differences, and practical strategies for responding more effectively with greater understanding.
Every talk can be delivered as a keynote, a breakout session, a half-day or full-day workshop, or staff training. Virtual sessions are available for shorter talks when travel isn't practical.
Where Dr. Duer has spoken in Texas education
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Region 6 Education Service Center: School Safety Conference (2024, 2026) and School Counselor Conference (2026)
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Region 12 Building Behavior Better Conference (2026)
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Region 14 Mental Health Conference, keynote (2025)
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Lone Star State School Counselor Conference (2024, 2025)
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Texas School Counselor Association Annual Growth Conference (2023)
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Association for Compensatory Educators of Texas Fall Conference (2023)
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TASRO Annual School Safety Conference, keynote (2023, 2024, 2026)
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Huntsville, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Splendora, Sealy, Navasota, Madisonville, Leon, Buffalo and Coldspring-Oakhurst ISDs
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Brazos School for Inquiry & Creativity
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Sam Houston State University and Lone Star College
What attendees say
“Such a unique perspective. It was good to hear from an educator and counselor perspective.”
— TASRO attendee, “Increasing Our Impact: Trauma-Informed Strategies to Prevent School Violence”
“Dr. Duer's presentation was my favorite. She had a lot of valuable information and it was immediately applicable.”
— Event attendee
“Dr. Duer is so knowledgeable and passionate. Her personal experiences make the content relatable.”
— Event attendee
Why Dr. Duer
She has worked inside the systems she speaks to, from residential treatment to public school counseling, so her strategies come from practice, not theory. Audiences describe her sessions as relatable, clear, and immediately applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this training for?
Teachers, counselors, administrators, school resource officers, paraprofessionals and support staff. Sessions work for a whole-district convocation or a single campus.
Do you offer staff development and workshops, not just keynotes?
Yes. Talks can be delivered as keynotes, breakouts, or half-day and full-day workshops, and Dr. Duer consults with schools on school-based mental health through MTSS.
Can participants earn CPE or professional development credit?
Yes. Dr. Duer can provide what your district needs for CPE or professional development credit, and she can also provide CEUs for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).
How much does it cost?
Keynote engagements begin at $1,500. Fees vary with the event, audience, travel, and scope; contact Dr. Duer to discuss your budget.
Bring trauma-informed training to your district
Tell Dr. Duer about your event, audience, and dates. Keynote engagements begin at $1,500; fees vary with the event, audience, travel, and scope, and she is happy to talk through budget options.