Is This For Me?

The When Bearing Witness® certification program is designed for people who know that stories shape change and want to share them in a way that fosters safety and reduces harm.

It’s for you if:

• You work in communications, marketing, fundraising, research, grant writing, or leadership at a nonprofit or movement-building organization.

• You’re a consultant, podcaster, videographer, or creative who partners with nonprofits and wants to ensure your work reflects dignity and agency.

• You know that while storytelling can move missions forward, without care it can also cause real harm — including emotional and mental health distress for storytellers, audiences, and yourself.

• You want confidence that your approach to storytelling is grounded in trauma-informed practices.

• You’re committed to equity and justice, building trust with communities you serve, and sustaining your own well-being in this work.

This Program May Not Be For You If:

• You’re looking for a program that teaches basic storytelling or copywriting techniques. This program assumes you already know how to tell stories and focuses instead on how to tell them with care.

• You're looking for quick “hacks” or checklists. This program is about building long-term, trust-based practices.

• You don’t have the capacity to explore the deeper questions, nuances, and complexities of trauma-informed storytelling. When the time is right, we’ll be here!

What Past Participants Have To Say

I can't remember a time I have felt so excited to work on homework, and so cared for in the process of learning to care for others. Maria's style is kind, compassionate, and deliberate as she addresses each topic and gives us time to think and work through case studies on our own. She also carefully listens and gives room to process in the group calls. This has been a key part of my own journey to learn more ethical and intentional practices for storytelling, and I can't wait to implement what I've learned. The intentional focus on caring for our own nervous systems and trauma responses is really key, and I am so happy to be reminded to create a plan for that as well. Thank you Maria, for providing this kind and intentional space!
- Katy, Alegria Ventures LLC

This training is clear and compelling in its call for a structured process to trauma-informed storytelling. It is direct, educational, and engaging to prepare people to quickly understand the concepts and be empowered to make their own plans for ethical storytelling.
- Michael, RAINN

Maria's Trauma-Informed Storytelling Program could not have come at a better time for me personally and professionally to unlearn certain practices and learn more ethical and trauma-informed practices. Her facilitation approach is authentic, welcoming, and accessible, no matter where you are on your learning journey. Most importantly, it is human-centered. I highly recommend and encourage this training.

- Melissa, The Nature Conservancy

The Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification courses were just what I needed to enhance my knowledge, determine upon which I could improve, and put into place some immediate practices. In the nonprofit space, we are all storytellers, and the people whose stories we are sharing deserve to have power over their story, how we tell it and how much is shared. Their stories have can have a profound impact on spreading awareness, raising funds and helping others... but we must center the storyteller in the process so they are empowered, protected, respected and have agency. This trauma-informed storytelling course provides perspective, tools, resources, and examples of how we can empower and protect the storyteller.
- Stacy, Stacy Nunnally Consulting

I thoroughly enjoyed Maria's Trauma-Informed Storytelling course. It helped me further understand how impactful storytelling can be, and how to do it the right way.
- Lauren, Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children

Trauma-informed storytelling is on the cutting edge for nonprofit communicators, marketers, and fundraisers looking to align their day-to-day operations with their values and ethics. Degrees in journalism, communications, marketing, and development can only teach us so much. When applying our craft in the nonprofit field, a certification in trauma-informed storytelling ensures that we intentionally conduct our work in ways that put people and relationships first. 
- Carrie, StreamLine Storytelling

This was amazing! I learned so much and I am excited to speak with HR and Directors about implementing an SOP that covers topics in the modules and worksheets/resources.
- Kayla, Shelter, Inc.

Maria's course taught me valuable new skills in how to work sensitively with clients dealing with a life-changing diagnosis or childhood trauma. Maria's exceptional knowledge, sensitivity, and empathy make her course a must-take for anyone working in the trauma-informed storytelling field. 
- Sarah, Midori Communications 

This program deepened my understanding of trauma and how to offer more safety and compassion when working with people with lived experiences of traumatic situations. I've been working with non-profits, telling individual's stories for nearly twenty years and was thrilled to learn new approaches and tactics for creating safety.
- Alexson, Small Adventures Communications

Maria's Trauma-Informed Storytelling workshop was incredibly insightful for me and applicable to my work. The self-paced process meant that I could go through the modules on my own time, when I was in the right frame of mind to learn, and the virtual sessions were well-timed and inspiring. Maria's passion for the topic shone through, and her genuine and caring nature made me comfortable with participating in the discussions. Thanks Maria!
- Summer, Hillhouse Creative

The Trauma-Informed Storytelling Training enhanced my approach to collaborating with survivors of sexual violence to tell their sensitive stories with care. I'll be referring to the notes and resources I obtained from this program for years to come!
- Anne, RAINN

I am transitioning from Dir. of Learning and Development to Trauma Informed Manager. This course provided so much definition and insight into the work I am now spearheading, and I have a better understanding and of the importance of protecting the stories of those with lived experience and those receiving their stories.
- Terri, Cincinnati Works