Join us on April 10, 2026
About Us
The purpose of the Family & Trauma Institute is to increase knowledge regarding aspects of wellness and trauma across the lifespan to enhance the skills of professionals as well as laypersons in the community. Family & Trauma Institute provides training for professionals and community members, as well as creating a common and collaborative focus, involving those through the county, state, public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to work together to improve interagency communication, sharing of resources, evidence-based approaches, trauma-informed care and identification of barriers to service, as well as service gaps.
Jennifer Gomez, Ph.D.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Jennifer M. Gómez earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from University of Oregon in 2017. At Boston University, she is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work and Faculty Affiliate at the African American & Black Diaspora Studies and the Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health. Additionally, she serves on the Boards of the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation, Center for Institutional Courage, and End Rape On Campus. She is a co-editor of the upcoming special issue of Journal of Trauma & Dissociation on intersectional oppression and dissociation. Dr. Gómez’ research centers around cultural betrayal trauma theory (CBTT), which she created as a Black feminist theoretical framework for examining the impact of violence within the context of inequality on Black and other marginalized populations. Her research has been published in over 100 peer-reviewed journals, books, newsletters, regional and national media outlets, and the Open Science Framework. Her transdisciplinary book, “The Cultural Betrayal of Black Women & Girls: A Black Feminist Approach to Healing from Sexual Abuse”, published by the American Psychological Association, won the 2024 Frank W Putnam Outstanding Book Award from the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation. In “The Cultural Betrayal of Black Women & Girls”, Dr. Gómez centers Black women and girls through incorporating basic research on racism, intersectional oppression, and cultural betrayal trauma theory, as well as application in the form of culturally competent trauma therapy, radical healing in the Black community, and institutional courage to promote societal transformation. Her book is relevant for diverse audiences: trauma clinicians, trauma researchers, race scholars, Black feminists/womanists, changemakers, advocates, and activists, Black women survivors, and anyone who wants to better understand and support Black women and girl survivors. https://jmgomez.org
Michelle Lieberman, Ph.D.
Plenary Speaker
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Dr. Michelle Lieberman is the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator at Harford Community College, where she teaches courses in criminal justice and sociology. She co-chairs the Safe Zones Project, an initiative to learn about gender and sexuality, and examine prejudice, assumptions, and privilege on campus. Prior to her career in academia, Dr. Lieberman served as a police officer for ten years, an experience that continues to inform her applied, prevention-focused approach to education and training. She is a certified Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) instructor and teaches women personal self-defense skills and situational awareness by integrating evidence-based personal safety strategies. She is also a certified True Colors trainer, helping people to build skills in personality awareness and communication styles. Her work blends research, lived experience, and interactive learning to support safer, more inclusive environments. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Lieberman leads study abroad programs for students and through her company, BadAsses Unite, she leads adults on tours abroad that emphasize experiential learning and personal growth. She can also be found in the DJ booth at music festivals and events, where she enjoys using music as a creative outlet and a tool for community connection. She enjoys spending time with her two children, riding her motorcycle, and planning the next adventure.