PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR THIRD ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

Brain-Body Balance: From Neuroscience to Practice

Two World Class Leaders. One Integrated Experience.

Program Begins:
5:45pm

Admission:
Free of Charge

Location:
University of Bridgeport, Mertens Theater
84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604

Keynote Speakers:
Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.
World-Renowned Trauma Expert and Author

Cathy Malchiodi, Ph.D., LPCC, LPAT, REAT
Psychotherapist and Expressive Arts Therapist

Panel of Experts:
Coming Soon

In Partnership With Yale New Haven Health

April 30, 2026

Join us for a free, CEU-eligible symposium that bridges neuroscience, practice, and creativity to advance trauma-responsive approaches across roles and communities. Grounded in the truth that regulation comes first, we will explore how regulation supports clear thinking, problem-solving, and connection across homes, schools, healthcare settings, workplaces, and communities.

This year features Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., world-renowned trauma expert and author, as keynote speaker, alongside Cathy Malchiodi, Ph.D., LPCC, LPAT, REAT, psychotherapist and expressive arts therapist.

Following, a dynamic panel of experts will offer valuable insights and collaborative solutions to inspire action, with time for audience engagement. Advance registration is required due to expected high interest.
Register

Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., Keynote Speaker

Dr. Bruce D. Perry is an internationally respected neuroscientist and child psychiatrist whose work has changed how the world understands trauma and healing. For more than 30 years, his research has helped illuminate how adversity shapes the developing brain and how healing is possible through connection, safety, and care. As the founder of the Neurosequential Model® and the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of What Happened to You? with Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Perry brings complex neuroscience to life in ways that are deeply human and hopeful. His work reminds us that before we can learn, connect, or grow, we must first feel safe and regulated.

In this live virtual keynote, Dr. Perry will offer insight into how trauma affects the brain and how regulation-first, relationship-based approaches can support healing and resilience in families, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Event Sponsors

Consider Sponsorship.

Sponsorship turns commitment into action by expanding access to this learning experience and helping children and families facing financial barriers receive critical behavioral health and trauma-informed care. As LifeBridge’s largest annual fundraiser, the symposium provides essential funding to serve hundreds of clients each year in our clinics and throughout the community, strengthening care, education, and resilience for the future.
SPONSORSHIP TIERS

Take the Next Step.

Ready to turn values into impact? Make a sponsorship donation online or connect with Lori Goertz, Senior Director of Marketing and Development, to discuss partnership opportunities and identify the sponsorship level that’s right for you. Your partnership helps make this vital community resource possible and ensures access to care for those who need it most.
CONTACT LORI
Presenting Sponsor

Yale New Haven Health

We are deeply grateful to continue our partnership with Yale New Haven Health as our Presenting Sponsor for this year’s symposium. Their unwavering support helps us bring together leaders across sectors to foster meaningful conversations and advance trauma-informed care.

Read More
Keynote Speaker

Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.

World-Renowned Trauma-Expert and Author

Dr. Bruce Perry is one of the world’s most influential trauma neuroscientists. Dr. Perry reframes trauma not as a behavioral issue, but as a disruption in neurodevelopment, demonstrating that healing occurs through safe, patterned, relational experiences that help reorganize the brain.

In his live virtual keynote, Dr. Perry will:

  • Explain how trauma alters brain development and stress-response systems
  • Describe why regulation-first, bottom-up approaches are essential for healing
  • Show how safe, patterned, relational experiences help reorganize the brain
  • Keynote presentations and the panel discussion will include time for audience Q&A.
Read More
Co-Keynote Speaker

Cathy Malchiodi, Ph.D., LPCC, LPAT, REAT

Psychotherapist and Expressive Arts Therapist

A nationally renowned leader in trauma-informed art therapy and expressive arts, Dr. Malchiodi brings the neuroscience to life—demonstrating how creative and sensory modalities operationalize regulation, integration, and whole-person healing.

Following Dr. Perry’s keynote, Dr. Malchiodi will:

  • Translate neuroscience into practical, embodied approaches
  • Demonstrate how art, imagination, and expression operationalize regulation
  • Highlight applications across clinical, educational, and community settings
  • Keynote presentations and the panel discussion will include time for audience Q&A.
Read More

Our 2025 Community Symposium

Want to see the impact of last year’s symposium? Discover highlights from The Courage to Understand: Nurturing a Trauma-Informed Community 2025 and see how we united leaders to inspire lasting change. Check it out and get excited for what’s next!