RED SPRINGS – Leslie Lowery, a counselor at Red Springs Middle School, has been selected to join the inaugural cohort of the Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB) Crisis Recovery Support Network.
This Network, launched in response to natural disasters and crises, will train counselors to provide critical psychological support to schools and communities in crisis. The Network will also provide support for all 16 SREB states if and when a crisis occurs that requires additional support. Leslie’s participation underscores her commitment to strengthening her ability to assist students, staff, and community members in the wake of traumatic events.
“I am honored to be selected as part of this important initiative,” Lowery said. “I am a lifelong learner, and I look forward to gaining new skills and insights that will allow me to better support the students, staff, and community partners at Red Springs Middle and beyond in times of crisis. I believe this training will be invaluable not only for me but for all the communities we serve.”
The first training session for the North Carolina cohort will be held on January 22-23, 2025, at the Burroughs Wellcome Fund in Durham, NC. Over two days, counselors from across the state will receive specialized training using the nationally recognized PREPaRE curriculum. PREPaRE stands for Prevent/Prepare for psychological trauma; Reaffirm physical health, security, and safety; Evaluate psychological trauma; Provide interventions and respond to psychological needs; and Examine the effectiveness of prevention and intervention efforts. The program is designed to equip counselors with the tools needed to provide psychological first aid and long-term recovery support.
SREB, in partnership with the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA), Participate Learning, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, is providing funding for travel and lodging for all participants. The organization chose North Carolina as the starting point for the Network, given the widespread effects of Hurricane Helene and the urgent need for trauma-informed support in the region.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Ms. Lowery to gain the tools necessary to provide enhanced support for those dealing with crisis. Our students and community members have faced significant trauma due to the impact of hurricanes, and we fully recognize the importance of this work. We are grateful for this opportunity afforded to Ms. Lowery and commend her for her commitment to strengthening her ability to assist those in need during such challenging times,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
Supporting Communities After Crisis
The SREB Crisis Recovery Support Network was created to provide targeted support for counselors who are often on the front lines of recovery after a disaster or traumatic event. In many cases, local counselors are tasked with helping their communities heal while coping with their own emotional strain. The Network’s focus on specialized training aims to alleviate this burden, ensuring that counselors are better equipped to manage their own well-being while offering comprehensive care to those affected by crises.
“We recognize that counselors in rural areas, particularly, need additional resources and training to effectively support students and staff in the aftermath of crises,” said Dr. Stephen L. Pruitt, President of SREB. “Leslie’s selection for this cohort is a testament to her dedication and passion for ensuring the emotional well-being of her school community. We are excited to work with counselors like her to build a stronger, more resilient educational environment across the region.”
The PREPaRE curriculum will provide Leslie with the skills to prevent, evaluate, and respond to trauma in educational settings. By focusing on long-term psychological resilience, the training will complement existing crisis management efforts, helping schools and colleges provide ongoing support to students and staff.
About SREB
The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) is an education nonprofit that works with 16 U.S. states to improve the quality of education, focusing on research-based practices and policies that support student success. SREB’s Crisis Recovery Support Network is one of its many initiatives aimed at fostering resilience in schools and communities, especially in times of crisis.