Public Speaking and Organization Education

public speaking, Tara Boer, Mental Health

In addition to teaching at Dordt University, I enjoy spending time in the community sharing knowledge, skills, and best practices about trauma, mental health issues, and family problems. Examples of past community and organization speaking as well as educational presentations can be found below.

Topics of interest include:

—Trauma Informed Care

—Neurobiology of Trauma and Brain Science

—Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault

—Joy, Shame, and Vulnerability

—Child Mental Health

—Evidenced Based Interventions for Case Workers,

Educational Staff, and Licensed Professionals

Testimonials

  • from your very first sentence, you had our attention. That continued through to the very last sentence. You spoke straight to the heart in talking about things we have not wanted to talk about and continue to suffer from on the inside. We personally relate all too well to that! You also clearly presented, from God's Word and real examples, the only true avenue of healing and freedom. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Audience Member, Dordt University Commencement Ceremony

  • I have never heard a commencement address like yours… Your words went straight to my heart. (I was the one crying in the third row.) Thank you for your compassionate understanding of those who are broken. Thank you for inspiring those of us who are broken and bleeding to share our stories and move toward vulnerability and for encouraging those around us to pray and hold up our weak arms.

    Audience Member, Dordt University Commencement Ceremony

  • Dr. Tara Boer has presented a session for Leadership Sioux Center group for a number of years. Dr. Boer shares her academic knowledge and first-hand expertise regarding mental health and other differences of individuals within our community. For the leaders, she is able to connect people’s personal situations to workplace issues that arise so leaders can better understand and respond. Dr. Boer exemplifies the qualities of a professional that is relatable and confident as she speaks.

    Dr. Erica Vonk

Accepting speaking requests for February-March 2024

Past Community and Agency Presentations

Boer, T. (December 2023). Trauma in the classroom. Sioux Center Preschool, Sioux Center, IA.

Boer, T. (April, 2023). The stories we’re living. Living Springs Church, Brandon, SD.

Boer, T. (March, 2023). The evidence of trauma and the journey to heal. Lynden, WA

Boer, T. (October, 2022). Anxiety in the classroom. Heartland Teachers Conference, Dordt University, IA.

Boer, T. (April, 2022). Diversity in the workplace. Leadership Sioux Center, Sioux Center, IA

Boer, T, (January, 2022). Grace in our broken stories. Western Christian Chapel, Hull Iowa.

Boer, T, (September, 2021) Mental health workshop for faith based workers. Iowa State Extension Office. Orange City, Iowa.

Boer, T. (June, 2021). Mental illness and your athletes: What you should know. Gamechanger Sports Summit. Dordt University.

Boer, T. (May, 2021). Mental illness, support and recovery. Katelyns Fund Ministry, Sioux Center, IA.

Boer, T. (February, 2021). Trauma and mental illness. Western Christian High School. Hull, IA.

Boer, T. (August, 2020). Why the ACE study matters: Implications for those serving those that have experienced trauma and adversity. Safe Church Ministry, Grand Rapids, MI.

Boer, T. (January, 2020). Trauma and mental illness. Western Christian High School. Hull, IA.

Boer, T. (January, 2020). The ACE study and self care. Sioux Center Christian School. Sioux Center, IA.

Boer, T. (October, 2019). ACE study and trauma. Heartland Teacher’s Conference. Sioux Center, IA.

Boer, T. (May 2019). Finding grace in our broken stories. Dordt College Commencement Speaker: Sioux Center, IA.  

Boer, T. (April 2019). Diversity in the workplace. Leadership Sioux Center: Sioux Center, IA.

Boer, T, (October 2018). Trauma informed care in the classroom: Working with students that have experienced adversity & trauma. Heartland Teacher Training, Dordt College: Sioux Center, IA.

Boer, T (August 2018) Trauma in the classroom. Southwest Minnesota Christian Teacher’s Education Association: Chandler, MN.

Boer, T. (April, 2018) Diversity in the workplace. Leadership Sioux Center: Sioux Center, IA,

Boer, T. (February, 2018) Child abuse & the church. Bethel CRC Council: Sioux Center, IA. 

Boer, T. (February, 2018). Child abuse & the church. Dordt College Day of Encouragement. Sioux Center, IA.

Boer, T (July 2017). Girls from hard places. GEMS 48th Annual Leadership Conference. Dordt College, Sioux Center IA.           

Boer, T (May 2017). Gratitude, service, & vulnerability. GEMS Banquet speaker. Sheldon, IA.

Boer, T, (February 2017). Vulnerable parenting. Day of Encouragement; Sioux Center, IA.

Boer, T, (February 2017). Parenting through the hard stuff. Single Mom’s Retreat: Inspiration Hills. Inwood, IA

Boer, T, (February 2017). Childhood anxiety. Hull Christian School. Hull, IA.

Boer, T, (November 2016). Parent-child interaction techniques and traumatized children. North American Associations of Christians in Social Work, Poster Presentation: Cincinnati, OH.

Boer, T. (April 2016). Messages. Defender Gold Club Banquet, Sioux Center, IA.

Boer, T. (February 2016). Diversity in the workplace. Leadership Sioux Center. Sioux Center, IA.

Boer, T. (June 2015). Supporting team member well-being, Pizza Ranch Headquarters, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Boer, T. (February 2015). Diversity in the workplace. Leadership Sioux Center, Sioux Center Iowa.

Boer, T. (January 2015). Trauma and children. Hull Christian School, Hull, IA.

Boer, T. (January 2014). Anxiety in children. Mothers of Preschoolers, Sioux Center, IA.  

Boer, T. (January 2014).  Parent child interaction therapy. Katelyn’s Fund Meeting, Sioux Center, IA.

 Boer, T. (September 2012). Comfort zones. Western Christian High School Homecoming Chapel, Hull IA.

Boer, T.  (October 17, 2011).  Child sexual abuse. Human Trafficking Conference, Sioux Center, IA.

Get in touch.

I take seriously the task of preparing for the talks and messages that you request. I also prioritize my calling as a wife and mother of four young children as well as my duties as a professor. As I prayerfully accept invitations to serve organizations and community events through teaching, speaking, and leading, I find it important to consider changes in scheduling for my students as well as the demands placed on my husband and family while I am gone. I consider that organizations may have a budget and will consider that in my acceptance. However, typical fees are as follows

Out of town conference keynote or 100+ attendees: $1500 +travel

Out of town conference/keynote up to 100 attendees: $300-$400 + Travel

Local conference/seminar/teaching: $150-$200