Biography
Joel Ristuccia is the lead instructor/mentor for the Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensitivity (LIFTS). He has played a central role as instructor, mentor, and recruiter in LIFTS since its inception in 2010. At the same time, Joel has been a staff member of the Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, a key LIFTS partner. He is co-author of Helping Traumatized Children Learn; Creating and Advocating for Trauma Sensitive Schools (Volumes 1 and 2).
Joel has been an adjunct instructor at Lesley University’s Graduate School of Education, as well as at Babson College and Regis College. He has a private practice focused on program design and supports for students with challenging behavior and social/emotional disabilities. Joel has served as staff and/or consultant to a number of Massachusetts school districts, and has conducted trainings in many locations across the U.S.
Education
BA in Psychology, Yale University
M.Ed. from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education
School Psychologist Certification