The Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education
Guided by Mercy. Grounded in Heart. Focused on Systemic Change.
Mission
Grounded in Gwynedd Mercy University’s Mercy mission and commitment to core values of integrity, respect, service and social justice, the Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education promotes trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches that prioritize safety, trust, empowerment, collaboration, and cultural responsiveness.
The Center supports children, families, and communities impacted by trauma and domestic violence by advancing social change through education, professional development, interdisciplinary training, research, and community partnerships that prepare students and professionals to respond with compassion, competence, and resilience.
Vision
To become the leading regional center for trauma-informed education serving K–12 educators, law enforcement professionals, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
Key Pillars
Advancing Professional Learning
Designing and delivering high-quality, trauma-informed training for educators, school leaders, law enforcement professionals, healthcare professionals and other community professionals to build the knowledge and skills needed to support children impacted by trauma and domestic violence.
Expanding Research and Scholarship
Advancing knowledge through interdisciplinary research that informs best practices in trauma-informed and domestic violence-responsive education, while contributing to the broader academic and professional community.
Building Community and School Partnerships
Collaborating with schools, law enforcement agencies, health-care communities and community organizations to implement trauma-informed practices, strengthen support systems, and create safe, responsive environments for children and families.
Influencing Policy and Advocacy
Promoting policies and practices that prioritize the needs of children impacted by trauma and domestic violence, and advocating for systemic change at the local, state, and national levels.
Engaging the Campus Community
Engaging faculty, staff, and students across Gwynedd Mercy University in advancing trauma-informed and domestic violence-responsive practices through interdisciplinary collaboration, professional learning, and service. This pillar fosters a campus culture grounded in compassion, awareness, and an “Education of the Heart,” empowering all members of the university community to support children and families with knowledge, empathy, and purpose.
Meet the Director
Colleen Lelli, EdD
Dr. Colleen Lelli is the Director of the The Barbara and John Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education and Professor of Education at Gwynedd Mercy University. Dr. Lelli brings more than 30 years of experience in the education field. She began her career teaching preschool children and then taught students with various disabilities at the high school level. During her 20 plus years in higher education, Dr. Lelli has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses. Most recently, she was a Visiting Professor for Health and Wellness Education at Ursinus College and previously was a Professor of Education and Director of the Barbara and John Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education at Cabrini University for more than 20 years.
Initial Funding Support
Gwynedd Mercy University's Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education is made possible by Barbara and John Jordan, longtime advocates for domestic violence awareness.
In addition, The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s It's on Us Grant is part of a statewide initiative that supports schools in combating campus sexual violence and transforming campus culture to be safer and more supportive for all students. Building on the national It’s On Us movement, this program provides competitive funding for projects that improve awareness, prevention, reporting, and response systems related to sexual assault, remove barriers for survivors seeking help, and foster sustained leadership and community engagement in addressing gender-based violence on campus.
GMercyU is committed to continuously pursuing funding sources to advance the mission of the Center.
Photo (l to r): John Jordan, Dr. Colleen Lelli, and Barbara Jordan
Resources Hub
Coming soon! Toolkits for Educators, Trauma Informed & Responsive Teaching Resources, Publications, etc.
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Coming soon!