New trauma-informed calming centers are being introduced at several Natchitoches schools through a collaborative effort involving local educators, mental health professionals and community leaders.
The initiative, led through the FINS program under the direction of Anita Dubois and overseen by Natchitoches City Court Judge Robert Owsley, focuses on creating TBRI-based calming spaces designed to help students regulate emotions and return to a sense of safety and connection during stressful moments.
TBRI, or Trust-Based Relational Intervention, is a trauma-informed approach centered on connection, empowerment and emotional regulation for children.
According to organizers, the calming spaces are not intended as punishment or isolation areas, but instead provide supportive environments where students can de-escalate, regulate emotions and reconnect with trusted adults before returning to class activities.
The calming centers include soft seating, sensory tools, breathing and feelings visuals, comfort items, quiet activities and hydration options. Adults remain nearby to co-regulate and support students through emotional or sensory overwhelm.
Officials said the goal is to reduce behavioral crises, build coping skills and create healthier emotional responses for students dealing with stress or trauma.
The project is supported by the Northwestern State University Social Work Department, L & J Counseling Services, LLC, Kirby Peddy, LCSW, LLC and Dr. Jerry Brunson.
Calming centers have been established at multiple campuses, including Natchitoches Junior High, LP Vaughn and Natchitoches Magnet School.
Community members involved in the project include District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington and his wife Donna Harrington, Judge Owlsey, Judge Desiree Dyess, Judge LaLa Sylvester, social worker Jasmine Dilworth, and school administrators Bobby Benjamin, Codie Goings and Antavious Roberson.
Organizers said the calming centers are intended to create safe, welcoming spaces where students can develop emotional regulation skills while strengthening connections with supportive adults and their school communities.
