Joe Ristuccia
Lead Instructor/Mentor, Lesley University
Joel Ristuccia is the lead instructor/mentor for the Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensitivity (LIFTS). He has played a central role as instructor, mentor, and recruiter in LIFTS since its inception in 2010. At the same time, Joel has been a staff member of the Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, a key LIFTS partner. He is co-author of Helping Traumatized Children Learn; Creating and Advocating for Trauma Sensitive Schools (Volumes 1 and 2).
Joel has been an adjunct instructor at Lesley University’s Graduate School of Education, as well as at Babson College and Regis College. He has a private practice focused on program design and supports for students with challenging behavior and social/emotional disabilities. Joel has served as staff and/or consultant to a number of Massachusetts school districts, and has conducted trainings in many locations across the U.S.
