How Childhood Adversity and Trauma Shapes the Brain:

Insights from the ACEs Study

Kia ora and welcome to the Hand to Heart Project’s online course on Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Developed by Clinical Psychologist and Paediatric Neuropsychologist Megan Fowler, this course unpacks how early experiences shape brain development and long-term wellbeing.

How Early Experiences Shape Brain Development and Lifelong Wellbeing

Early adversity changes lives—so can you. Gain essential knowledge, backed by neuroscience, to better support children, families, and communities.

120-minute interactive course

Self-paced learning

Evidence-based insights

About Megan & The Hand to Heart Project

The Hand to Heart Project was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to help parents, educators, and professionals better understand the science behind childhood development—and apply it in ways that truly make a difference.

Led by Clinical Psychologist and Paediatric Neuropsychologist Megan Fowler, this project brings together the latest in neuroscience, psychology, and personal storytelling to provide practical insights into how childhood experiences shape the brain, emotions, and lifelong wellbeing.

What’s Included in This Course?

    • Introduction to module

    • Meet Megan

    • Course overview

    • Explore the foundational ACEs study, including

      • History

      • ACEs Categories

      • ACEs Questionnaire

    • Explore the key findings of the impact of ACEs on health and wellbeing, including:

      • Specific Health Conditions

      • Mortality

      • Gender

      • Age

    • Expansion of initial ACEs criteria

    • New Zealand based Research

    • Protective Factors

    • Toxic stress and the impact on the developing brain

    • Impact on the Nervous System/Stress Response

    • Impact on the Endocrine System (HPA Axis)

    • Impact on the Immune System

    • Impact of Epigenetics

    • Vulnerability and plasticity of the developing brain

    • Four Tools for Clinicians

    • Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) Research

“This is a really concise but illuminating introductory course on adverse childhood experiences. I learnt several things that had an immediate impact on how I approach patient care. I would recommend this course to any clinician whose aim is to provide trauma informed and compassionate care. It is relevant across all specialties and patient demographics. The course is evidence based, easy to navigate and directs you to other resources if you wish to further your learning.”

Caroline South
Clinical Nurse Specialist – General Surgery

Take the Next Step

Take the Next Step

Knowledge is power. Equip yourself with the latest neuroscience-backed insights and start making a difference today.

Lifetime Access

$150     

+GST

“There is increased interest in understanding, assessing and treating  adults and children who have experienced traumatic events. Those who have experienced trauma want to understand themselves. Megan Fowler has developed a visually powerful guide to understanding trauma based on the widely used ACEs model. Megan’s guide is easy to move through at the readers own pace. Her guide is full of useful information which provides a map to both understanding and intervention. It is a guide that can be used by professionals (psychologists, social workers, counsellors, teachers health care professionals) for their own development as well as by anyone interested in these issues. It is full of excellent resources and most helpfully Megan has included up to date New Zealand research. I strongly recommend this resource.”

Dr Sarah Calvert. PhD Distinguished Scholar, Waikato University.

“As an occupational therapist and concussion service clinical lead I am always interested in finding out what could potentially be a barrier to recovery for my clients.  I have been vaguely aware of ACES but was keen to learn more.  The Hand to Heart training module was exactly what I was looking for.  Really informative, and presented in an easy to follow interesting format. I loved how I could pause or go back if I missed something and there were links to further research so I could do a 'deep dive' too.  I feel like I have a really good understanding of ACEs now and it will change the way I do initial interviews/practice as it will provide me with a framework with which I can identify any potential barriers to recovery. As an extra bonus to gain our annual practising certificate, occupational therapists need to give evidence that we have done further study each year and this course ticks the box perfectly.  I would highly recommend to other health care professionals.”

Jo Falloon, Occupational Therapist and Concussion Service Clinical Lead, SRS.

FAQs

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for health professionals, educators, parents, and caregivers—anyone who wants to understand the impact of childhood adversity and gain practical strategies to support resilience and healing.

How long is the course?

The course takes approximately 120 minutes to complete. It is entirely self-paced, so you can learn at your own convenience.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept credit/debit cards via the online checkout. Bulk purchases (3+ licences) can be paid via bank transfer.

Is this course evidence-based?

Yes! This course is built on the latest neuroscience and psychological research, including studies from New Zealand and international sources. It was developed by Clinical Psychologist and Paediatric Neuropsychologist Megan Fowler, who has over 20 years of experience working with children, families, and professionals.

Can I purchase multiple licences for my organisation?

Yes! We offer bulk licensing options for schools, healthcare organisations, and professional bodies. If you are interested in purchasing multiple licences, please contact us for special pricing.

Can I revisit the course after completing it?

Yes! You’ll have ongoing access to the course materials, so you can revisit the content anytime.

How does the bulk licensing process work?

For bulk purchases of 3 or more licences, payment is processed via bank transfer. Once payment is received, we will provide access codes for your team to enrol. Get in touch for more details!

Is this course suitable for parents?

Absolutely! While designed for professionals, this course is also valuable for parents and caregivers who want to understand how childhood experiences shape development and long-term wellbeing.

Can I get a refund if the course isn’t right for me?

Due to the digital nature of this course, refunds are generally not available. However, if you experience any issues, please contact us, and we’ll do our best to assist you.

Lifetime Access

$150

+GST