About Caring Essentials
Welcome to Caring Essentials Collaborative, where we are dedicated to transforming the experience of newborn intensive care through Trauma-Informed Developmental Care. Founded by Mary Coughlin, a pioneering force in the field, our mission is to empower clinicians, support families, and nurture the tiniest humans in the NICU.
Our Mission
At Caring Essentials Collaborative, our mission is to transform healthcare through education, compassion, and innovation. We are dedicated to empowering clinicians with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to implement trauma-informed developmental care. By fostering a deep understanding of trauma's impact on human development, we strive to empower professionals to create safe, stable and nurturing environments for the most vulnerable populations—our tiniest humans and their families.
Through our comprehensive training programs, reflective practices, and the B.U.F.F.E.R. framework, we aim to reawaken the shared humanity in healthcare, promoting love, trust, and authentic connections. Our commitment is to elevate the standard of care, ensuring every baby and family receives compassionate, trauma-sensitive support, ultimately transforming lives and building a more empathetic, resilient, and sustainable healthcare community.
Our Core Values
Diversity: We embrace the richness of diverse perspectives and experiences, recognizing that inclusivity strengthens our ability to provide compassionate, personalized care. By honoring each individual’s unique background, we create an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
Ecology/Environment: We are committed to creating a healing environment that respects and nurtures the natural world. Our focus is to support not only the immediate needs of our patients and families but also the broader ecological systems that sustain life.
Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct. Our commitment to integrity ensures that every interaction is grounded in trust, fostering a culture of accountability and respect.
Meaningful Work: We believe that meaningful work is the cornerstone of a fulfilling professional life. By engaging in practices that are purpose-driven and impactful, we help clinicians find joy and satisfaction in their roles, leading to better outcomes for patients and families.
Spirituality: We recognize the importance of spirituality in the healing process. Our holistic approach respects the spiritual dimensions of health, supporting clinicians, families, and patients in finding peace, strength, and connection in their care journey.
Our Community
At Caring Essentials, we believe in the power of community to drive change and elevate care. Our community is a vibrant, global network of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in trauma-informed developmental care. From neonatal nurses and neonatologists to social workers and developmental therapists, our members come from diverse fields and corners of the world, united by a shared passion for compassionate, trauma-informed and responsive care.
A cornerstone of our community is represented by the incredible humans who have graduated from the Trauma-Informed Professional Certificate Program! This international and interdisciplinary community brings together a wealth of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences, fostering innovative solutions to complex challenges in trauma-informed care. With over 200 graduates to date representing over close to a dozen countries, each graduate is a beacon of hope and healing. Their journeys reflect a deep dedication to understanding and responding to the lived experience of trauma in the NICU and beyond. These valiant and humble human beings foster lovingly compassionate environments where hope (and maybe miracles) can thrive and flourish.
Our Founder
Mary Coughlin, the heart and soul of our organization, brings over 35 years of clinical expertise and an unwavering passion for nurturing vulnerable populations. As a former Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Mary witnessed firsthand the trauma that is inherent in the NICU setting and also recognized the transformative power of compassionate, trauma-informed care for all who inhabit the NICU space. Her journey led her to develop the Trauma-Informed Professional Certificate Program and the B.U.F.F.E.R. framework, a holistic model emphasizing Belonging, Understanding, Forgiveness, Frameworks, Equity, and Respect.
Mary’s dedication to elevating the standard of care is reflected in every aspect of Caring Essentials Collaborative. A sought-after speaker, author, and educator, Mary has touched the lives of countless healthcare professionals, guiding them towards a more empathetic and fulfilling practice.
Her work is a testament to the profound impact that love, trust, and human connection can have in the healthcare environment.
Our Approach
Our innovative approach integrates reflective questioning and inner wisdom to inform actions that maintain relationships built on trust and compassion. Through workshops, webinars, and our Trauma-Informed Professional Certificate Program, we provide clinicians with the tools and knowledge to deliver exceptional care that honors the delicate balance of science and soul.
Why Choose Caring Essentials?
Expertise and Experience: With decades of clinical experience and a pioneering spirit, we lead the way in Trauma-Informed Developmental Care.
Holistic Framework: Our B.U.F.F.E.R. framework offers a comprehensive approach to care that addresses both systemic and personal support needs.
Empowerment and Compassion: We empower clinicians to elevate their practice, transforming lives and fostering a culture of empathy and mutual support.
Community and Connection: Join a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to making a difference in neonatal care.
