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COA Awareness Week 2025 Speaker Series Presenter: Bruce D Perry, MD, PhD; Principal, Neurosequential Network & NACoA Board Member The development of a young child is profoundly influenced by experience. Experiences shape the organization of the brain, which, in turn, influences the emotional, social, cognitive and physiological activities. Insights into this process come from understanding brain development. When our experiences are predictable, moderate and controllable, our brains become stronger, more flexible and develop in ways that make them open for taking in new and novel information. However, if a child’s experiences are frequently uncontrollable, unpredictable, chronic or extreme, the very same neuroplasticity results in changes in the stress-response systems that make them more active, reactive and, over time, highly vulnerable. This session will provide an overview of key principles of neurodevelopment crucial for understanding the role of experience in defining functional and physical organization of the brain. This information will inform further discussion of the educational implications related to a neurodevelopmental approach to child maltreatment and suggest new directions for educational approaches. Dr. Perry, Principal of the Neurosequential Network is a Professor (Adjunct) at the School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia. Over the last 30 yrs, Dr. Perry has been an active teacher, clinician & researcher in children’s mental health & the neurosciences holding a variety of academic positions. His work on the impact of abuse, neglect & trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs & policy across the world. A world-renowned author, his most recent book, What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (2021), co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, reached #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list, & has been translated into 26 languages.