Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Practices in Schools

“As the leader of a national network of in-school providers working with students most impacted by trauma and systemic barriers, I find the TICR framework both affirming and actionable. Pickens bridges clinical insight and lived experience, offering tools that honor the humanity and resilience of our students while challenging schools to remove obstacles to their success. This book is not just theory—it’s a roadmap for building school cultures where every student is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.”

—Rey Saldaña, President and CEO, Communities In Schools


“A timely and practical resource that brings TICR practices to life for educators. What sets this book apart is its use of authentic stories that illuminate the real challenges and possibilities within schools, paired with active learning strategies that invite readers to reflect and practice along the way. Clear implementation checklists transform complex concepts into doable steps, making the content highly accessible for school leaders and classroom educators alike. This is a book that both inspires and equips schools to take meaningful action.”

—Stacy Overstreet, PhD, Department of Psychology, Tulane University; Senior Advisor, Coalition for Compassionate Schools


“Pickens has contributed greatly to our understanding of how to support the trauma-impacted students and families we serve, most of whom live in unsafe neighborhoods with the stress of chronic housing and food insecurity. This book gives schools a comprehensive system for supporting students suffering from trauma, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in the healing process. A ‘must read.’”

—Bill Milliken, Founder and Vice Chair, Communities In Schools


“Excavating trauma and culture in way that will help everyone working with youth of color, this book offers guidance that is easy to read, digest, understand, and implement. From a pedagogical standpoint, Pickens covers all the bases, providing definitions, vignettes, inquiry, and application. But he doesn't stop there—he asks us to interrogate ourselves, our practices, and our educational systems to ensure we can actually walk away from the book better. As a former elementary school educator and current therapist for adolescents, I highly recommend this book for all educators responsible for teaching (and learning from!) these amazing students every day.”

—Riana Elyse Anderson, PhD, School of Social Work, Columbia University