In this episode of Behaviour Bits, Jenn welcomes Ashley Smith, founder of NeuroBloom, to explore the journey from an unlikely start in dental care to becoming a trauma behavioural specialist. Ashley shares how her personal experiences and late diagnosis of autism and ADHD shaped her professional evolution into the fields of child protection, out-of-home care, and NDIS support. Through this discussion, listeners gain insight into the profound connection between trauma, behaviour, and mental health, along with the importance of relational care in professional practice.

The episode dives into how trauma-informed care has become a vital component of behavioural support and offers practical strategies for fostering connection and healing through community and neurobiology. Ashley’s insights are invaluable for professionals seeking to understand and apply trauma-informed frameworks in their work. By tuning in, listeners will walk away with practical knowledge to enhance their approach to care, improve client outcomes, and cultivate more compassionate, effective support strategies.

Additional notes and resources:
Cozolino, L. (2013). *The social neuroscience of education: Optimizing attachment and learning in the classroom.* W. W. Norton & Company.

• Could the Blackfoot Wisdom that inspired Maslow Guide Us Now?
• The Emergence of the Breath of Life Theory - Blackfoot Beliefs
• The Handbook of Trauma-Transformative Practice
• Dr Tracey Westerman - Indigenous Psychological Services
• Dr Daniel Huges - PACE and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
• Centre of Excellence in Therapeutic Care
• Australian Childhood Foundation - RESOURCES
• Brené Brown - The Anatomy of Trust
• Four F’s - Reflexive Practices
• Neurobloom - Instagram

Time Stamps
02:29 – Jenn asks Ashley to introduce herself and share her background
04:27 – How does one go from dentistry to trauma specialist?
09:39 – Managing quality and quantity in behavioural support
12:22 – Tell us more about NeuroBloom and its values
15:55 – The importance of community actualisation and connection
18:22 – What does trauma-informed practice look like?
23:53 – Defining neuroplasticity in trauma care
31:32 – How do you connect a care team effectively?
34:22 – Practical steps for fostering team collaboration and connection
40:31 – Professional burnout and staying aligned with core values
46:42 – Tips for applying trauma-informed practice in real-world settings
52:40 – Resources for enhancing trauma-informed practice knowledge