Pre and Perinatal Psychology

Two Year Study Group

Co-facilitated by Janet Evergreen, MA, Tonya Ridings, LCSW, & Paola Lagos

This training is based on the pioneering work of Ray Castellino and Myrna Martin, and focuses on healing early imprints from preconception, conception, gestation, birth, and the first two years of life. These foundational experiences shape the nervous system, attachment patterns, and a person’s sense of safety and belonging in the world.

This somatic-based training is ideal for:

• • Therapists and somatic practitioners who want to deepen their work with trauma
  • Birth professionals, bodyworkers, and educators supporting early development
  • Anyone interested in understanding how earliest experiences shape human behavior

Curriculum

Two-year training covered in 12 Modules, supporting healthy attachment and repair.

• • Experiential learning in a small, supportive group
  • A deep dive into early neurodevelopmental and relational templates
  • Embodied facilitation skills for tracking and resolving early trauma
  • Practical applications for clinical and healing settings

Year One Modules 1-5: Explore attachment, preconception, birth imprinting, surgical and chemical imprinting, loss and double binds.
Year Two Modules 6-12: Explore couples work in attachment theory, pregnancy loss,  prematurity, treatments for newborns, adoption, and process workshops for adults.

Meets weekly during Fall and Spring semesters, with options for either in-person or Zoom attendance:

• • In-person Group meets Wednesdays 9am-12pm in Charlottesville, VA (Janet & Tonya facilitating)
  • International Zoom Group meets on Thursdays 6-8pm, with bilingual Spanish-English break out groups (Janet & Paola facilitating)

Winter and Summer vacations allow time for rest and integration. Each class includes discussion and exercise demonstrations with the full group and small break out groups for practicing the exercises together with a Class Assistant. Assistant to student ratio is approximately 1:2.

 PPN 2025-2027 Brochure  PPN Zoom 2026-2028 Brochure

Testimonials

Janet is a wonderful teacher and embraces the pre and perinatal field with depth, richness, and enthusiasm. PPN goes to the heart of being human. It provides an opportunity to work with our earliest strengths and wounding, with support that invites us to more fully embody and live life with joy. –Myrna Martin, MN, RCC, RCST

I feel very lucky to be a part of learning in this community. The support I have found in the various small groups has meant the world to me. Also I find the slowing down and emphasizing support has become a part of my facilitation practice, a huge enrichment. –PPN student 2021-2023

I have provided therapeutic attachment trauma services for children and families for the past 20 years. This program allowed me space and energy to pause with myself and my clients to notice what is happening in our bodies from past, present, and projected future painful experiences. Janet, Tonya, and facilitators have created a  safe, secure, loving, contained space to explore our most complex and painful human experiences. I highly recommend this class. It will change how you live in your world and how you show up for others. –Lindy Swimm, MAE, LCSW, Certified EMDR Consultant. Supervisor, Trainer, Therapist, Artist

Certifications

PPN Educator Certificate: upon completion of the 2-Year Study Group, participants who attended all classes receive a PPN Educator Certificate (Missed classes can be made up).

Participants have the option of certifying as a PPN Practitioner by doing additional independent learning.

PPN Practitioner Certificate requirements:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Participate in the 2-Year Study Group
               2. Watch Myrna Martin’s Healing Early Developmental Trauma 78hr Video Series
               3. Complete the Creative Home Projects
               4. Attend four Birthing Yourself Process workshops

Contact Janet for more information about PPN certification.

Class Materials

• • PPN Manual Welcome to the World,  $50 hardcopy (or $35 digital pdf to print on your own)
  • Recommended, basic cloth pelvis & fetal doll model, or deluxe pelvis & doll set (with placenta & perineal models)
  • Optional, Myrna Martin’s Healing Early Developmental Trauma 78hr Video Series (required for Practitioner certification)

Tuition & Registration

Full Tuition: $3,600*
$900—per semester
$1,800—two semesters
$3,600—four semesters
Payment plans available

*Sliding Scale for Central & South American Zoom participants

To Register:

1. 1. Complete the PPN Registration Form & Contract.
   2. Your payment and approved contract confirm your spot in the class.