Dr. Audrey Hager, visiting assistant professor of psychology, was recently interviewed and filmed for a documentary that will illustrate how traditional, therapeutic and contemporary arts can facilitate the prevention and healing of child trauma, abuse and neglect. 

 

Hager provides her expertise in neuroscience to describe to viewers how trauma affects the brain and how neuroplasticity can promote and underlie the healing process. 

 

The documentary, titled "Tradition, Trauma & Tenderness," also features Native American tradition-bearer William “Bill” Crouse of the Seneca Nation and health psychologist and American Indian Dr. Darryl Tonemah. 

 

Filming will continue throughout 2022 and culminate in a final shoot from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, featuring a Native American Social Dance Circle with community members at Memorial Park in Dunkirk, New York. "Community members are encouraged to attend and be part of this fantastic project," said Hager.

 

The director and lead artist of the project is Valerie Walawender. More information about the documentary can be found at: https://create-project.com/

In the photo: Dr. Audrey Hager, holding a model of a brain, is filmed by videographer Alex Simmon.