Who am I? I am Layers.
One of my writing assignments in my Creative Nonfiction class was to write a six-word memoir. The six-word memoir challenges the writer...
SARA AIRD
Storyteller & Educator
Empowering Survivors of Complex Trauma
Storytelling offers a powerful space to reclaim ourselves and discover our hero’s journey. Where we felt powerless and confused about our experiences, we can write our wisdom and power into existence. We write our transformation.
one wild life
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survivor shop
mini books and keepsake for trauma survivors
"One Wild Life" represents the wild and precious life I am building after trauma, reclaiming what is rightly mine -
compassion, joy, and hope.
SHARING MY RECOVERY JOURNEY ON INSTAGRAM
Instagram Account: @breakingdowncptsd
Being a part of a healing community is essential to my recovery journey. Sharing my story with other survivors and hearing their stories in return gives me hope that I can heal from the abuse and trauma I suffered. I am not alone. I share my story on Instagram to bring awareness, education, and resources to the issues complex trauma survivors are facing and to build a community of support, compassion, and hope.
Donate to the Breaking Down CPTSD community and support the growth of resources, offerings, and support of complex trauma survivors.
In addition to providing resources for complex trauma survivors, my account highlights my ability to write and design meaningful social media content for a targeted audience. If you are interested in collaborating on a project or would like to inquire about fees for custom content creation, please contact me.
publications
RECLAIMING VOICE: WRITING THROUGH SEXUAL TRAUMA WORKSHOP
Launched May 2020
This is a free online self-guided writing workshop on the power of story and reclaiming voice after sexual trauma. The workshop uses the elements of storytelling: timeline, sensory details, character development, and point of view as healing tools for rewriting trauma stories.
STORYTELLING AND IDENTITY: WRITING YOURSELF INTO EXISTENCE
Open English @ SLCC
This is a braided essay describing how the elements of storytelling and writing help build identity in those who have experienced trauma. Using my own experience and writing, I show how timeline, scene-setting, voice and point of view, and character development create meaning and integrate the self. Open English is an evolving digital publication created by SLCC's English Department to provide open educational resources used in a variety of teaching settings.
Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash
OFFICAL BIO
Sara Aird received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, a minor in Spanish, and a Secondary Education Certification from Utah State University. She is scheduled to complete the Writing Certificate of Completion from Salt Lake Community College in Fall 2020.
Sara has over five years of experience working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector with organizations dedicated to the prevention and healing of sexual abuse and other trauma. Personal research and lived experience give Sara a valuable perspective on the psychological and neurobiological impact of trauma which makes her a valuable advocate for sexual trauma recovery.
One way Sara advocates complex trauma recovery is through storytelling. She has published multiple pieces, including "Storytelling and Identity: Writing Yourself Into Existence" and "#MeToo and #NowWhat: A Conversation with Karen Brown". She also works as a Muay Thai Instructor helping survivors connect with their power, strength, and confidence.
Sara lives in Utah with her husband and three kids. She enjoys puzzles, traveling with her family to national parks, podcasts, and Dr. Pepper.
