Trauma Healing and Community Wellness (M. Ed.)

New in Fall 2026

Come learn how to support youth who have experienced trauma with Thomas College’s new Master of Education in Trauma Healing and Community Wellness program.

One in five youth in Maine experience two or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) over the course of their childhood.

This interdisciplinary program is designed for current and future professionals who work in educational, social service or wellness fields seeking advanced knowledge in understanding and addressing the pervasive effects of trauma.

The curriculum examines trauma through developmental, systemic, and cultural lenses, covering topics such as intergenerational and historical trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and the impact of systemic injustice.

A core focus of the program is the application of integrative healing modalities, providing practical training in yoga, mindfulness, arts, and movement as tools for emotional regulation and somatic processing. Students also gain essential skills in restorative justice and secondary trauma/professional wellness to promote organizational change and personal sustainability.

This program prepares graduates to become leaders and change agents capable of designing and implementing trauma-responsive, resilience-focused practices in diverse educational, organizational, and community settings.

A Good Fit for:

Practicing educators and administration (PK-12)
Social service fields
After school programs
Community youth development programs
Daycare owners
Medical professionals who work with individuals who have experienced trauma

At a Glance:

36 credit hours
2-year program
Low residency, which includes only 2 Saturdays of in-person meetings during the whole program
Career-focused curriculum
Leadership development
Project-based practicum

Key Courses:

Childhood Trauma
Generational, Historical, and Ancestral Trauma in Interdisciplinary Contexts
Expressive Arts and Embodied Trauma Healing
The Science of Stillness
Trauma Informed Schools
Narratives of Resilience

“The work of a change agent is as demanding as it is rewarding. This M.Ed. is unique because it prioritizes the wellness of the practitioner just as much as the community. We provide the restorative justice and professional wellness skills necessary to lead this vital work without burning out, ensuring a career of sustained impact.”