I am a neuroscience and play therapy nerd. I also love to share all that knowledge with others.
I train, teach, and speak about the brain, the powers of play and relationship, and the impact of trauma on development to helpers, healers, educators, and caregivers. I work hard to make these important and complex concepts not only understandable, but relatable and applicable.
We will learn, grow, and play together. Neuroscience has never been so fun!
Personalized
You (the audience) is what matters. Yes, the content is also important, but I value knowing to whom I’m speaking and what matters to you!
What are your values? What do you already know (or not know) about the subject? Do you even want to be here?
These are some of the important questions I ask when providing trainings. I want to make content relevant and applicable to you, so that you can continue doing the world-changing work you do.
Authentic & Dynamic
You’ve probably heard speakers who aren’t attuned to what’s happening in the room. You also know how hard it is to focus when the speaker just keeps going and going and going…
I bring my genuine love, energy, and excitement for the content into my trainings. Even if brain development doesn’t seem glamorous to you, I promise you’ll at least be engaged and more knowledgeable than when you started.
Brain-Based
I work from a neuroscience and researched-based perspective. My love of learning pushes me to continue reading more so that I can provide the latest information to you.
I incorporate all my favorites in the field (Dr. Dan Siegel, Dr. Stephen Porges, Dr. Bruce Perry, Lisa Dion, Dr. Garry Landreth, just to name a few) into my work. You’ll have a greater understanding of the brain-body connection and how it impacts us all.
Who Can Benefit?
Caregivers
Foster Parents
Educators
Mental Health Therapists
Support Professionals
...and many others!
What People Say
“Machen was so engaging with her tone and communication. And though this was a refresher for me, I really enjoyed hearing the information from her perspective.”
- Mental Health Therapist
“Great training Machen! You are very entertaining, engaging and dynamic as a speaker. Hope to see you do more trainings in the future. Really enjoyed the information on the brain too!”
- Mental Health Therapist
“Machen is one of the most dynamic and engaging speakers we’ve had. She’s energetic and makes the content relatable.”
- School principal
“This presentation was so nicely paced, so informative, fun, and interesting. Loved how Machen made complex concepts so understandable. Would like to see much more of her.”
- Mental Health Therapist
Popular Topics Include…
Training for Schools
Trauma 101: The weight of stress, worry, and trauma can have lasting impacts on both body and brain. This foundational training about how learning and behavior is impacted by stress is excellent for new educators or could be an engaging refresher for more experienced staff.
Focused Attention Practices: Everyone experiences stress - adults and children alike! Learn to interpret both staff and student behavior through a brain-based lens and discover tools to support regulation so that the whole class can access their learning brains.
Managing Ourselves First: A dysregulated adult can't regulate a dysregulated child. Learn quick tools for self-regulation to use throughout the day to reduce stress and increase regulation for both adults and students.
And more!
Training is available as a large group format, but content can also be tailored for small group settings. Topics are applicable not only to teachers, but to administration, support staff, front office staff, or any adult who interacts with students on a regular basis.
Training for Mental Health Professionals
ABC’s of Play Therapy (2 Day): In this hands-on and activity filled workshop, participants will learn the who, what, where, when, and why’s of utilizing Play Therapy in the counseling field. Participants will be presented with the history of play therapy, seminal theories of the field, current research and neuroscience that supports the use of play therapy, how to incorporate play therapy into clinical practice, and practice basic play therapy skills and techniques.
Navigating the Nervous System - Incorporating Nervous System Know How into Play Therapy: Ever wonder what’s happening inside of you and your clients as you play? Explore the primary role your nervous system takes in the play therapy room. Drawing from current research in interpersonal neurobiology, polyvagal theory, and relational neurosciences, this introduction to the nervous system will help you learn how to work with your body to provide a better regulated and connected presence for your clients.
The Heart of the Relationship: Child-Centered Play Therapy and the Powers of Play: This workshop will present the theory, principles and practices of play therapy by examining a client centered play therapy (CCPT) approach. Participants will explore the developmental, neurobiological and empirical rationale for CCPT and understand how this theoretical orientation benefits and meets the child’s therapeutic needs.
And more!
Hamilton City Schools 2022
Hamilton City Schools District Showcase 2022
Highland Elementary 2022
NCAPT 2021
NCAPT 2021
Ohio APT with Catalyst Counseling, LLC
Hamilton City Schools 2019
The Brain on Play Therapy with Catalyst Counseling, LLC
NewPath Child & Family Solutions 2021