Radical Sabbatical Launches Trauma-Informed Leadership Program for Senior Living Professionals

Jean Hartnett, Principal of Radical Sabbatical, introduces first-in-the-nation training initiative for senior living care workforce to improve personal well-being and senior care delivery.

Omaha, NE, June 23, 2025 – Radical Sabbatical, in partnership with Creative Care Communities, a senior living management company in Kingman, AZ, and the Arizona Health Care Association, announces the launch of its groundbreaking leadership development initiative: “From the Research to the Me-search: Understanding Trauma for Personal and Professional Growth.”

Radical Sabbatical recently held its in-person kickoff training with 30 senior leaders with Creative Care Communities to embed trauma-informed practices into every layer of care, leadership and culture to benefit their long-term care workforce and the residents they serve.

This kickoff session was followed by a five-part webinar series designed to help senior living leaders understand the lifelong impact of trauma, both in themselves and those they serve.

“I’m truly delighted to begin this groundbreaking training series with Creative Care Communities,” says Jean Hartnett, Founder and Principal of Radical Sabbatical. “Radical Sabbatical’s methodology is all about working to help the long-term careforce make sense of their trauma, reduce distress and promote healing and recovery in their lives. It’s this training that offers a space for reflection, learning and healing – so care employees and leaders can better support themselves, their teams and their residents.”

This immersive training – the first of its kind in the nation – supports long-term care professionals in building trauma-informed cultures that promote healing, resilience, and workforce wellness. Through interactive webinars, participants explore their own Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), gain tools to reduce stress and learn practical strategies to apply trauma-informed care (TIC) principles across their organizations.

According to a recent study conducted by KARE, a digital platform that connects caregivers with senior living communities, 73% of the long-term care workforce has experienced at least one type of ACE, such as abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. This is nine percentage points higher than the general population. Similarly, 34% have experienced four or more types of ACES – double that of the general population.

“At Creative Care, we believe that transformative care starts with transformative leadership,” says Kristen Ott, Chief Executive Officer with Creative Care Communities. “This trauma-informed leadership program by Radical Sabbatical and Jean Hartnett is not just a professional development opportunity – it’s a personal journey toward healing and understanding. By investing in our team’s well-being, we’re ultimately elevating the quality of life for the residents we serve every day. We’re grateful to have Jean with us in this journey.”

Radical Sabbatical’s curriculum training highlights include:

·       Understanding trauma via neuroscience, epigenetics, ACEs research and resilience science

·       Applying trauma-informed care principles to organizational leadership and resident care

·       Building personal resilience through proven stress-reduction and coping strategies

·       Enhancing workplace wellness to prevent burnout and secondary trauma

With completion of this curriculum, participants develop competencies, including increased self-awareness and self-management skills; strengthened internal circuitry to manage past and current adversity; increased mastery of “self as source”; and the capability to apply the lens of trauma informed care to residents, families and team members.

“With Radical Sabbatical, this initiative marks a critical step forward in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of our long-term care workforce," says Jeff Barrett, Director of Workforce Development with the Arizona Health Care Association. "By equipping leaders with trauma-informed tools and insights, we’re not only strengthening organizational culture – we're creating safer, more compassionate environments for both caregivers and residents at Creative Care Communities.”

As part of the training, each participant receives “The Road to Resiliency: A Pathway to the Life You Want to Live,” a practical workbook for continued growth and reflection. This program blends science, self-awareness and leadership strategy, empowering participants to lead from a place of empathy, clarity and renewed purpose.

About Radical Sabbatical:

Radical Sabbatical is an education and consulting firm, based in Omaha, NE, dedicated to helping individuals and organizations turn adversity into advocacy by inspiring personal growth and self-discovery through meaningful dialogue around Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma informed care. We design leadership experiences that integrate healing, resilience, and growth – transforming how professionals in care-based industries lead and live. Learn more: www.radicalsabbaticalcare.com 

Media Contact:

Ken Berlack

Radical Sabbatical

kberlack@gmail.com